The man next door || Hyunlix

Stay safe

— Chapter eighteen —

"Alright, you two." He motions Felix and Jisung over to where he is standing.

The two comply, carefully making there way over to Chan. When they reach him, Chan puts a hand on their shoulders. "We are expected on the stage in a couple minutes." He says. "Remember what we practiced. We aren't trying to scare them, just warn them to stay safe, alright?"

They both nod, feeling a bit more nervous than they intended too yesterday. They have absolutely no plan whatsoever on what to do or say, or how to even act.

Despite that, they spend the rest of their time trying to get a bit warmer, considering it is the cold winter weather where they live. The worst part of this whole announcement, besides the fact it's about murder of course, is that it is Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to all, I guess.

"And now we welcome the Department of Local Investigations on the stage, to announce something of their concern." The mayor says, stepping aside a bit for the three men to enter the camera shot.

Chan steps up to the microphone first. "Hello everyone, Merry Christmas. I am Bang Chan, the head detective, and these are my two men Felix and Jisung. We are here today just to announce a concern we have." He says gently, trying to maintain a calm feeling.

"Boys, will you continue for me?" He looks to Felix, motioning him foreword.

He smiles softly, and takes a few smalls steps to the little microphone they have. "Hello everyone, I am Felix. I'm just going to rip off the bandaid, since I understand everyone is a bit worried."

He looks aside to Chan for permission, and turns back to the cameras after getting a little thumbs up. He takes a deep breath in. "So last week, there was breaking news of a murder."

A few noises are heard from the small crown gathered, as reporters jot down notes in their small books. Cameras flash, and Felix can already see all the articles and headlines. He has to word this in the most gentle way possible.

"And as that was very frightening, I am afraid there is more we need to share. There have been a total of three more murders that have occurred in our city, I unfortunately have to admit." He says.

"Have you been hiding this from us?" A women suddenly yells.

He takes a shaky breath in. "We haven't necessarily been hiding them from the public eye, we have just been keeping things a little private while we try to figure everything out. Nothing this big has happened in many years, so I must admit we are a bit shaken up."

"Shaken up?" The reporter repeats. "Does that mean you guys have no clue what to do? Are you guys not reliable? Are we unsafe?"

Well if you would shut up and let me talk more.

"That is certainly not what this means. We are doing everything in our power to solve these murders, and I believe we are getting closer to more answers day by day." He lies right off his teeth. "As of now, we have a few leads but those will stay private. We want to keep everything secluded, it is our wish."

"Why do you wish that?" Another reposter asks.

"I think that is all the information we can give." Jisung steps in. "But I can assure you, we are working day and night to solve this. Everyone remember to stay safe and healthy, keep your loved ones close and we will be back soon with any information we have." He smiles.