The automatic doors to the police station slammed shut behind you with an almost deliberate finality, like even the building itself was declaring you to go home and think about your actions. Both you and Liam stood in defeated silence, listening to the distant hum of the morning traffic as life continued as it always had.

"Well," Liam started, shoving his hands into his pockets and flashing you a reluctant, ghostly smile "we tried. At least they know now. They'll be putting it all into their system at this very moment. And maybe they will start interviewing your neighbours and asking around for any CCTV footage of the event."

There was a strain to his words, like he was trying to convince both himself and you of what he was saying. He followed it with a hollow chuckle, but it lacked any humour.

"Anyways, it's over and done with now. No more scary cop stuff - I hope. And no more scary masked killer stuff..." He didn't dare add 'I hope' over that last sentence. The last thing he wanted to do was put you on edge more than you already were.

Your jaw tightened, eyes fixed on the pavement in front of you like were expecting it to do change and do something. The words and empty promises from inside the station echoed relentlessly in your mind.

The report lasted two painfully long hours and most of it was taken up by waiting and filling in documents, detailing the extensive trauma of your run-in with the masked killer. At least in the waiting room, Liam was there to crack jokes and provide you with entertaining anecdotes about his friends' run-ins with the police. Then when he ran out of personal things to talk about, he started walking around the room, interacting with and examining each and every object and magazine with childlike intrigue and providing humorous commentary as he did so. He even began reading the children's books at one point, pretending to take each whimsical and meaningless plot point with total seriousness.

The interview itself was, by far, the worst part of the visit. Two officers sat you down in a small, pale blue room with a single table and a few chairs. They stared at you intently, listening to your story and nodding slowly but you could tell by their bored expressions that they weren't convinced - that, or they simply didn't care. Every time you finished explaining the full, detailed account of your misadventure with the masked killer, they'd make you repeat bits of seemingly useless information and asked you to repeat the story to yet another detective, over and over. Then they'd leave you alone in the room so they could "discuss" matters privately, leaving you there for half an hour straight with nothing to do.

After filling in countless documents and being forced to define vague details about the killer's appearance and where you were that fateful night, you were met with the disappointing yet expected reaction: a long sigh, followed by a tired, "Thanks for letting us know. We'll look into it." You had been so certain that this was information the cops were dying to hear, yet they had the same bored-eyed concern as they would if an old lady came by to report her missing cat.

"They didn't even write anything down..." you muttered in disbelief. "They just nodded and gave us a pamphlet on 'how to stay safe.' I really thought they'd..."

You stopped talking, ducking your heard as you felt your eyes become glassy with tears. It wasn't fair. You had just experienced on of the most traumatising moments of your life at the hands of a supposed masked killer yet even the kindly receptionist was indifferent to your report. Perhaps Kitty was right. You felt foolish for walking in to the police station and expecting empathy and concern. Liam noticed your reaction.

He shook his head disapprovingly. "Yeah, at this rate, I'd feel safer if they gave a brochure on self-defence." He scoffed, kicking a loose pebble on the sidewalk. "Honestly, they put more effort into helping my friend try and recover his lost bike."

You felt so humiliated and helpless, taunted by the sting of being dismissed by the very people who were supposed to serve and protect you. The officer's words remained fresh in your mind: "You've got a decent description guy but without evidence, there's not much we can do at this moment."

No evidence. No suspect. No action.

"Do you think they even care?" you asked, narrowing your eyes back at the police station windows. You could make out the faint outline of the desk officer inside, leaning back on his chair with his feet up.

Liam hesitated, juggling between the honest truth and sugar-coated reassurance. He sighed. "Probably not as much as they want us to believe. Those guys are probably more worried about catching jaywalkers than risking their lives with that psycho."

He reached out and patted your shoulder.

"Don't worry though, as useless as they seem, I think it's good we got it on record. And who knows? Maybe they are taking it seriously behind the scenes. Either way, you mustn't forget that the killer basically spared you. Maybe the guy's got some morals. Don't let it eat you up. If you're still anxious about it all, I don't mind walking you home whenever you need me."

"Thank you. You're very kind."

You continued walking through the quiet, police station car park, unsure of what else there was to say. Was this it? You had got up earlier than usual just to file in the report. There was a whole day ahead of you both. Were you supposed to say goodbye now and go your separate ways? As you awkwardly pondered this question, Liam paused to take a phone call from his friends, waving you down apologetically. "Cool. No no, I was just helping [Y/n] with something... It's private stuff... No, not like that! Anyways, what's up?" You stood idly by as Liam spoke into the phone, wondering if you were supposed to wait for the call to finish or leave him be. "Wait really? Hmm... yeah sure, I'll ask them!"

He lowered the phone and smiled at you.

"My friends are gonna go hang out at some karaoke place. They wanted me to ask you if you wanted to come. No pressure if you're not into that but they're very nice people. And I'd... I'd enjoy spending time with you too." "Well..." You looked at him sheepishly. "I-I don't know. I'm not really a people person. Karaoke and socialising aren't really things I'm great at. It's a bit too much for someone like me I guess." "That's okay! I totally get that. But, we've never really hung out together outside of class before. And I would like to get to know you sometime - even if it's not today." Liam blushed and began fidgeting with his hands. It was rare to see him so nervous. "I-If you want we could, like, hang out by ourselves. Just us two. If that makes things easier? You won't hurt my feelings if you say no. I just think it could be nice, right?"

✧──────✧ 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘪𝘢𝘮? ✮ Yes [Go to Chapter 26.5] ✮ No [Continue Reading] ✧──────✧

"Maybe one day would be nice, but I'm still on edge about everything. I probably wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy things properly. Once I feel a bit braver, I'll let you know. I'm really sorry."

You weren't lying. It was hard enough mentally preparing yourself to go to the police station with him. Hanging out with him afterward would just be another layer to your anxiety. You already had the masked killer to stress about. The last thing you needed was your social anxiety kicking you in the ass too. After answering, you shut your eyes for a second, scared to see his reaction. You liked Liam as a friend, and you didn't want to hurt his feelings or seem like you were pushing him away.

"Yeah, I understand." He said warmly. There was a hint of disappointment in his eyes but he didn't appear too hurt by the declined invitation. Your wellbeing and mental health was his priority after all. He gave you a reassuring smile. "You're going through a lot right now. I'd hate for you to push yourself into doing things you're not comfortable with for my sake. Just take it easy, 'kay?"

"Thank you. I will."

He returned his attention back to his friends over the call who had been waiting somewhat impatiently for his answer. They were sad you didn't want to hang out with them but they figured you were the introverted type. After wrapping things up on the phone, he turned to you.

"Um, could I walk you home? I doubt that guy will come out again - especially in broad daylight - but it might be safer if there's two of us."

"Yes. Yes, I'd appreciate that. Thank you."

[If you chose this option, please ignore chapter 26.5]