"Hey, Sarina, what are you seeing on your laptop?"
Spider-Man asks as he marks that it has officially been a week since he met Sarina and Gorou in the hospital, where he saw her deeply focused on whatever was on the screen of her laptop.
From what he heard from Gorou, Sarina's father gave her the laptop so that she wouldn't feel bored after a few weeks in the hospital. He also heard that the day she was first admitted here, he never saw or even heard of her parents coming to visit her.
That kind of information greatly confused and upset Spider-Man quite a bit. How could her own parents not visit their own daughter while she is here, doing her best to ignore her illness? Acting like everything was alright.
What was even more upsetting was that when he asked about them, she replied to him that they are always busy and would truly one day visit her. "Right now, today, or any day just wasn't possible for a visit." He could even sense the tiniest of doubt in her words. That really didn't make a good impression on them in Spider-Man's mind.
But he couldn't care less, because within that week, he found himself enjoying the company of Sarina, whenever he found the time to visit her, which was every day in the week. As if he found a new friend to hang out with, as the now announced Spider-Man.
Sarina looks from the screen to Spider-Man as she gives him an exciting smile.
"I'm watching Ai Hoshino's performance! You can see the efforts she puts in each performance!"
Spider-Man walked next to her bed as he saw what Sarina meant. Ai Hoshino is truly captivating. Anyone who sees her smile, moves, and sings. A true idol that surpasses many others before her. He can see why Sarina is a fan of hers. Perhaps he should view her performances online as Sekinin Parker during his free time.
"I can see what you mean. Those other idols are also great alongside her."
"Oh, the other idols… Well, compared to Ai, neither of the six can be as great as her!"
Spider-Man sweat drops at the favoritism Sarina showed, as if she disregarded the other idols that, in her view, weren't as important as Ai Hoshino. Honestly, it was something he kept hearing in school, mainly that almost no one (all boys) spoke about the other idols other than the very idol that caught all their hearts, attention, and affection.
It was quite sad to hear now that he truly thought about it. Six other girls, doing their best to attract their own fans and such, and most of those fans will always look at the starry-eyed girl.
"Well… You can never know if those other six will shine just as Ai Hoshino."
Sarina just continued to listen to the music that spread throughout the room. Spider-Man sighs as he looks at his phone for any recent reports or anything related to a crime. A whole month has passed, and he hasn't found any traces or clues about Hikaru Kamiki.
Even when he captured and turned in the criminals that were causing problems, even when he began to integrate them halfway through the month, it was just anything about him. But all he got were confused and even gaping looks on each face he webbed up. As if the whole reason they were beaten up and tied up was all because of the search of one person.
Even with the looks he got from the criminals, it showed that none of them knew anything about him. And it was starting to irritate him a bit, a guy who killed someone, hiding away from the public eye.
As much as Spider-Man didn't want to admit it, maybe it could be that he has already decided to leave Tokyo within the month and is somewhere in Japan. Heck, maybe even manage to leave the country just to hide away from his crimes.
It was something he didn't want to accept; he just knew, for some reason, he just knew he would still be here, still hiding, wandering, and would plan to do anything with the idols that were still alive.
Speaking of the idols, Spider-Man looked at the seven idols on the screen, one of whom, including Ai Hoshino, could be his next target. And he could still be plotting to kill the idol that he didn't kill on that day. But how could he? She was under witness protection. How could even he possibly try again to kill the same idol?
Hmm… Perhaps… Maybe he could get a chance to speak with Lass Sakura, in case she knows anything else about Hikaru Kamiki. Maybe information that she did know but couldn't answer because of what happened. But there is a chance that he can get more information.
But, because she is under witness protection, he would need to speak with the officer who put her in that protection, Yuri Briar. He could simply go ahead and just speak with the police, but would he even be willing to talk to the vigilante? Like most officers, many of them didn't like him or how he just basically stole their jobs and such.
But there are a few who did like him and his role in helping them out. But that number was sadly small; Sekinin doesn't know if Yuri would be willing to trust Spider-Man.
But perhaps he can speak with him as Sekinin Parker. Looking back, when he first met him, he realized Yuri had a connection between his aunt and uncle, perhaps even knew his parents, depending on whether it was something he just came up with. It was a long shot, but perhaps he could get some information about the idol.
Plus, his aunt told him that he'll be having guests over for dinner today, and it wasn't the Ijichis. In fact, Aunt May even told him it was people that he didn't get to see as often when he was little. So he had a guess it might be Yuri and someone else, if not, well, he could only hope he would be able to talk to Yuri tomorrow.
Hmm… Speaking of dinner. The time was also dinner time, so his normal self should already be home finishing up homework with Nijika.
"Hey, Spider-Man, I don't think I've said this when you showed up, but your new suit looks really amazing."
Sarina notices the significant difference between Spider-Man's old suit and his new one. It didn't look like it was used for sports; it looked tight as it showed his muscles. She wonders if he used fabric for the red and blue design, as the spider logo looks like it was made rather than being drawn with a Sharpie.
Spider-Man now truly looks like he came out of a manga with the way the suit looks. Sarina was amazed by how cool he looked. Spider-Man, meanwhile, blushed a bit when he heard this. Sure, sure, he heard compliments on his new suit while swinging, but hearing Sarina say her own compliment just makes it more meaningful.
"Thanks, Sarina. Honestly, it was tricky and difficult to make a suit like this, especially if you're inexperienced in sewing."
"Sewing? I guess that explains those stitches on your old suit."
"Haha, yeah."
Just remembering how the stitches that were on the homemade suit when he was damaged by bullets or cuts from blades just shows how much fighting he went through.
"Hmm… Hey, Spider-Man."
"Yes?"
Spider-Man looks at Sarina as he notices that she is growing while looking at the screen. He waited for her to respond, as she finally did.
"Are you also looking for the mastermind behind all of those idol murders? That blond guy who is said to be a suspect?"
Spider-Man was a bit stunned that Sarina asked him about what he was just thinking about. Could it be…
"Yeah, I am. That man… That scum needs to be brought to justice. Needs to be put away for good, as it was clear, mainly to anyone who heard the news a month ago that he was the suspect of the murders of the idols in those two years. I have little information as to who knows where he could be, or who I could speak to in case they somehow were involved with him before he vanished."
"Maybe you can try to speak with Ai Hoshino."
Spider-Man looks at Sarina with confusion as she quickly explains.
"There was this interview that was posted online, I managed to download it before it got taken down, so suddenly, after the news about Hikaru Kamiki came out. It was about a conversation between Ai and that guy. The two were interviewed after being involved in a company called Lala Lai Theatrical Company."
Spider-Man's eyes widened as he recalled hearing about that company, which was the very company that had the scum while he was an actor before he graduated. From what he heard, he was still involved with the company, but he had already long abandoned it after that day. But to also think that Ai Hoshino was also involved with the company as well.
"Did the interview say anything about him, anything at all? Or perhaps why he was with Ai Hoshino in the first place?"
"Here, you can check it out for yourself."
She offers Spider-Man to see her laptop as he checks it, as it was an interview about their recent appearance as actors in a play that was used to gain popularity for both actors, but to gain recognition for their respective careers. For Ai Hoshino, it was more of letting Japan be aware of her and see her as an idol.
But for Hikaru Kamiki, it seems it was mainly about gaining popularity. Both are willing to be known as the play they acted in seems like a big hit. But Spider-Man would have already guessed by now, or before, that it would face criticism for having a murder suspect play as an actor. Which can also be linked back to the company.
Perhaps he could try the company for more information regarding the scum, but he doubts it would be effective. Still, he nodded with the information presented to him by his friend. He now has another person to ask, but getting in contact with her would be a challenge.
Still, he thanked Sarina for helping as he handed back her laptop.
"Sounds like you're my girl in… Actually finishing that sentence wouldn't make sense."
He was about to comment about her ability to help, only to stop at the last second.
Saying "The guy in the chair," just wouldn't make much sense as Sarina isn't in the chair, but on a bed, and he also doubted that she could do much considering her illness. Not that he blamed her for it, she was one of the unfortunate people who had that very illness.
"Hehe… You're welcome, Spidey. But if you're thinking of getting a contract with Ai Hoshino, then it's easier said than done. You would need to get a ticket to not only see her concert but also to get the chance to speak with her. From the way I've seen online posts, there is a long, long line just to get at least a moment with her."
"So the chances of even meeting up face-to-face are that low?"
Sarina shook her head, confirming this. She figured that Spider-Man, being Spider-Man, wouldn't have time to go see an idol concert. Which was very understandable in her eyes, as from what social media and the newspaper said, he stops a lot of crime. So much that would make anyone wonder how he got that much free time on his hands to stop a criminal at a time.
"But you could get a VIP pass, which increases your chances of seeing her up close and talking to her a lot. But you would need to join her fan club as they would have lotteries for getting a VIP pass. Or you could buy the pass online, but they can be very expensive as everyone wishes to shake their hands. But I recommend you don't use resale markets, as you can get scammed by getting a pass, as there are lots of people who would do anything for a ticket or pass."
"Noted."
"You can at least try to get a ticket to get a chance, even if the chances of you talking to her are slim. You can get to their company website, Strawberry Productions. Let me see… Oh…"
Spider-Man looks at the screen, understanding why she looks dejected. All the tickets, even the VIP passes, were sold out, bold and red. Now that he thought about it, earlier today the production announced B-Komachi's next concert. Those fans really didn't waste their time.
Guess his other real option was to join her fan club, but he doesn't know who operates it or where they would normally gather. Perhaps next time.
"Hmm… I could wait for the next available concert, but I have another way to possibly find out more about him."
Sarina looked at him with confusion. Before she could say anything, a voice from Spider-Man's phone spoke out.
"All units, a disturbance is occurring at Tokyo Tower! Any available officers, please head there immediately!"
"Guess we have to cut our meeting short. I'll see you tomorrow, Sarina."
"I understand Spidey. Oh! Before you go, here."
Sarina pulled an envelope from her pillow as she handed it to Spider-Man.
"If you happen to get a chance to meet up with Ai Hoshino, could you please give her this letter?"
Spider-Man nodded as he took the envelope and put it inside his bag before saying his goodbyes and swinging away.
"Bye, Spidey."
Without the two realizing it, they were watched by a crow that was watching them the moment Spider-Man arrived here for the seventh time.
—
"Sekinin, could you please put the food on the table?"
"Yes, Uncle Ben!"
Sekinin began holding two plates of curry in the dining room as he set them down. Now he needs to get the remaining three plates of curry to the table. So he repeated this two more times before sitting down with his aunt and uncle.
Before anyone could say anything, the doorbell rang. Aunt May smiled as she stood up and walked towards the front door.
"That must be them."
Sekinin waited patiently as he secretly hoped it was who he thought was coming over this evening. His uncle noticed this and smiled.
"It must be exciting to see them after all these years, huh?"
"Uncle Ben, who are our guests?"
His uncle chuckles as he glances at the front door, as he can hear excitement from May and two voices, Sekinin can recognize one of them even from where he is.
"Two important people that your mother met in the past. You met them after you and your parents moved to Tokyo. There could have been more chances for you to talk with them. Something personal happened for both of them, which would have gotten them to move away from Tokyo for a few years, until last year they came back to Tokyo. They also had to deal with… Your mother's passing."
"I see…"
The voices soon became clearer as Sekinin saw his aunt coming back with the guests.
"I'm sure Sekinin will be able to remember you both when he sees you both. And I'm very sure you both will be surprised by how much he has grown."
Two people entered Sekinin's point of view, and he was in a mix of surprise and shock. A sudden memory decided to overflow his mind as he remembered seeing these two particular people. How his mother introduced them both to him, saying the two were like a son and daughter to her.
A young and little Sekinin asked who they were, and they introduced themselves, saying how his mother was the reason they were able to get the help and education they needed. It turned out that their parents were killed because of a war that happened a few years back. They spend half the year surviving on their own before their mother finds them.
Despite her just turning 18 at the time, she manages to take care of the two of them despite the lack of experience. She practically raised them, and in return, viewed them as their new mother. If it wasn't for her, then who knows what could have happened to both of them, so the two are indebted to Mary Parker.
And when she gave birth to Sekinin, and then moved to Tokyo four years later, the two were so happy that they made the time to visit not only her, but also to visit him while he was a child. The day they met him, it was something that really made his mother happy.
Back then, during that time, he just thought he had more siblings, and after meeting them, he didn't see them as much as he wished he could have. Slowly fading from memory, until he remembered. Yuri and Yor Briar.
Sekinin was surprised that he was able to remember that much even as a child. But here he is now, remembering and seeing the two people he hadn't seen in years, even after his parents passed away.
Or maybe he could have seen them during the funeral, but he wasn't aware of who was attending back then. Mainly because he only saw himself on that day.
"Sekinin? Wow, look how much you have grown!"
Sekinin was a bit put off by the sudden hug that she gave him when she saw him, but he embraced it as he too hugged her. Yor he remembers her as the cool big sister.
Yor is a very beautiful, and fairly tall woman, as Sekinin assumes, who is in her twenties, with a slender, curvaceous frame. She has long, straight, black hair reaching her mid-back with short bangs framing her forehead and upturned red eyes.
Yor generally wear a semi-backless red off-shoulder sweater dress with black tights and brown-heeled ankle boots.
Once she let go, Yuri gave him a handshake as he asked him how he was doing. A simple yet warming greeting, given the fact that he had met him a month ago. Sekinin said he is alright but felt a bit awkward, their first meeting after years felt like it was not what he expected.
Yuri's appearance looked similar yet more mature than when he last saw him. A handsome man. Fairly tall, light-skinned in his early twenties, that is what Sekinin assumed him to be, with a slender, straight frame. He has medium-length, messy black hair in a bob cut with uneven bangs. Similar to Yor's.
He wears a black long-sleeved shirt with a gray pocket, blue jeans, and brown shoes.
"Yor, Yuri… I didn't think I could still remember you both."
Yuri chuckles at Sekinin's words as he turns to look at his sister. As if he was expecting that.
"See Yor, I told you he still remembers us."
Sekinin watches as Yor sighs in relief. If he was honest, he didn't remember them in that second. But he wasn't going to admit that.
"Thank goodness, I guess I was worried for nothing. Still… You really look like Richard."
"A spitting image of him, but he has Mom's eyes."
Yor nodded, her eyes were watery a bit as if she saw her mother figure within Sekinin's eyes.
"May-san, Ben-san, thank you for inviting us to dinner."
Uncle Ben just smiled as he guided Yor and Yuri to their seats as the two did so.
"Besides, I think a family reunion might be what you two need after coming back here. A new job for Yor and a promotion for Yuri."
The two of them blushed at this as they smiled, nevertheless.
"Plus, I think it's about time that we all catch up. I'm wondering how you both have been able to enjoy your time in Miyazaki Prefecture."
Throughout dinner, it was all about asking questions about Miyazaki Prefecture. And Sekinin was happy that he was able to see two more people he considered family.