I zoned out for a moment.Should I cooperate with the police? Would they even believe me if I said I could see Aysel's soul?
What nonsense.
Even though I have this ability, Aysel lost her memories.
Aysel looked at me with a sad expression.
"I'm sorry. If I hadn't lost my memories, it would be easier for you to find that person."
"It's not your fault. No matter what it costs, I swear I'll find them. So don't feel guilty."
"I'll do my best to remember that night. We can do this!"
I didn't say anything. I just smiled at her.
I'll keep my word. I'll find that person and avenge you. Just give me some time.
We visited the last place we went that day. I observed our surroundings while Aysel tried to recall what happened that night.
There were several stores nearby—the bakery, the jewelry store, and the bookstore. The closest one was the bakery. We found out that the owner had installed a CCTV system years ago. When I checked the camera angle, it was pointed directly at the location where everything happened.
We decided to go inside and ask the staff.
I asked if they still kept recordings from three months ago. At first, she was hesitant. But somehow, I managed to persuade her to check. She said it would take at least an hour to find the recording.
I didn't care how long it took. As long as I got it.
While we were waiting, a customer walked in. A middle-aged man wearing a brown coat. He asked the staff if they still had matcha-flavored cake. She told him it was limited and already sold out.
His face showed disappointment.
Before leaving, he gave me a strange smile.
Creepy.
An hour passed. The staff finally found the recording. But before handing it over, she asked if I was working with the police. She said she couldn't give it to me unless I was officially involved in the case.
What a waste of time.
In the end, we walked out empty-handed.
"Seriously? We waited for an hour, and she still wouldn't give it to us!"
"…"
"Ugh, I hate that woman."
"Well… it's not her fault."
"But—!"
"…"
Suddenly, someone called out to me from behind. It was the middle-aged man from earlier, now sitting on a bench.
"Are you Ms. Estelle?"
"Yes? Who are you?"
"First, how about we grab some coffee? It's on me."
"…"
"Don't worry. I won't harm you. I'm not a creep."
At first, I was cautious. Following a stranger was risky. But this man seemed to know something.
Aysel warned me not to let my guard down.
Still, we followed him to the nearest coffee shop.
At the coffee shop.
"So, who are you?"
"My apologies for the late introduction. I'm William."
"William? Where have I heard that name before?"
"We met three months ago."
I tried to recall what happened after that night.
The next day, a detective came to question me.
That detective… was Mr. William.
"You. What do you want from me?"
"Relax. I just want to ask you a few questions. So please cooperate."
"…"
"Ms. Estelle, why were you asking about the recording from three months ago?"
"…"
"I'll get straight to the point. Stay out of this case. It's dangerous for a teenager like you."
"And?"
"It's been three months. Even the police haven't solved it. And you—a teenager—are trying to solve it on your own?"
"If you don't have anything useful to say, I'll take my leave. You're wasting my time."
"Perhaps you know something we don't. Am I right, Ms. Estelle?"
Detective William looked at me suspiciously. I knew he could read my body language. He knew I was hiding something.
I forced myself to stay calm.
"What would I get if I told you?"
"I knew you wouldn't cooperate so easily. What do you want?"
"Exchange information with me."
"That's… confidential. I can't leak information to civilians."
"Then I'll leave."
"Wait. I'll consider it. Depending on the information you give me."
"…"
"I always keep my word. You can trust me."
"Tell me something first. Do you believe in ghosts?"
"Ghosts? Of course not. What nonsense."
"I see. Then I'm wasting my time. Let's meet again, Detective William."
"What—?"
I left without looking back.
It's useless. No one would believe me.
I don't need their help.
As long as I have this ability, I can do this on my own.