C | Epilogue Part 1 | Restart | Crack in the end

“……after you left, it was quite a shock. I came to my senses and found myself munching on three boxes of pizza spread across the car hood. It was just Tim and me… That night, the stars were especially plentiful.”

After nearly a month, Leo Sebastian seemed to have harbored some regrets. But Ian had his excuses for being busy as well.
The secret cam hidden inside the music box had almost no evidence left. What the police could restore was a mashed-up video and a few voices mixed with noise, barely audible. Still, it was enough for the judge to consider it sufficient evidence that Lloyd Gillen had confessed to the crime.

With the evidence from the music box, the murder case of Marcus Winchell from five years ago was reopened. Lloyd Gillen, indicted based on the investigation results, received a life sentence without parole in the first trial for one count of conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of first-degree murder.

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As the dark secrets of the respected judge Marcus Winchell came to light during the trial, not only this small town but the entire United States was in turmoil for a while. Ian hid away in a CIA safe house to avoid the surge of public interest. Still, he couldn’t help but know that excited reporters were churning out epic tales of tragedy at Winchell House every day. Eventually, he unplugged the TV, counting the days until he could leave for Hevaulis, hoping for some peace sooner rather than later.

Amidst everything, the restart of the FBI investigation was a fortunate development. This time, the FBI targeted pedophiles hiding in the deep web, and although it inadvertently exposed other victims’ identities, including Ian’s, the local police’s active cooperation led to the arrest of hundreds of pedophiles across nearby counties.

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The revelation of the ordinary-looking pedophiles hiding among them threw the small town into panic. They were horrified and saddened to learn that their friendly neighbors were actually abusing children, taking photos, and sharing them with others.

Amidst the sorrow and turmoil, the police returned his mother’s body to the family. Ian and Revenant held the funeral alone.

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Unable to bury his mother in the family tomb at Winchell House, Ian had her cremated. Her last remains were placed in an ornate urn, more elaborate than any music box, ordered by Revenant at a jeweler’s. Ian wanted to ask if all those sparkling jewels were real but he didn’t.

After Lloyd Gillen’s trial, Ian settled his last attachment to this place. He was eager to leave. Revenant mixed concern with his warnings that Hevaulis was akin to a den of beasts, but to Ian, this place felt much closer to a land of beasts. Everything that happened here was okay to forget.

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“It doesn’t sound too bad when you say it like that. Maybe in a few years, it could even become a good memory to look back on.”

The only thing Ian regretted was Leo Sebastian. Although they kept in touch while Ian stayed at the CIA safe house, seeing him in person was much more fulfilling.

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“What? Tim and I creating memories? It’s not even with you, Ian.”

Leo scolded. Ian made a sorry face for a moment before fiddling with his still-warm mug.

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“But Tim is a pretty decent guy.”

“What’s decent about him? Absolutely not.”

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“He drove us that day, too. It was a potentially dangerous situation, but he offered to help. I didn’t expect him to go that far.”

Leo guzzled down his chocolate drink with three more marshmallows added, then wiped his lips.

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“Are you an idiot, Ian Winchell? Do you think Tim acts like a decent guy to just anyone? It’s because it’s you. I told you, even if he pretends not to, he’s smitten with you.”

“That’s not true.”

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“What do you mean it’s not? You can tell by his face.”

Leo licked the chocolate from the rim of his cup while grumbling.

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“I feel bad. You’re mine. Or, I mean, you’re supposed to be my friend. Why does Tim have to stick around?”

“That’s a weird thing to say.”

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“What’s weird about it?”

Leo genuinely seemed puzzled.

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“People usually don’t say things like that to a friend.”

“Well, I will. I hate that you make friends with other people. I wish you’d only be friends with me.”

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Ian chuckled.

“I don’t know who’s the fool here. What are you going to do if a friend gets that obsessive?”

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“Can’t a friend be possessive? Why not? You’d let a lover be.”

That made sense in a way that was hard to argue.

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“Well… Usually, friends don’t do that.”

“Maybe a friend can want to be possessive. Give me one good reason why not.”

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“Um… I really don’t know.”

“See? It’s okay then.”

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Leo scooped out the half-melted marshmallows left in the cup and popped them into his mouth before licking the chocolate off his fingers.

“So don’t contact Tim anymore. Well, you probably won’t need to. You won’t have to ask him for a job or anything.”

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Ian had actually heard such suggestions that morning when leaving the hotel, from Revenant and Georg.

-Don’t meet him.
-Try to avoid Mr. Sebastian if possible.

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Ian sighed inwardly.

What am I supposed to do, everyone?

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Growing tired of hearing the same advice, Ian changed the topic.

“You seemed pretty tired from the police investigation too. Are you okay now? I heard the charges got complicated.”

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“Yeah, it turned out that way. It’s under FBI jurisdiction, so the charges were filed here, but the trial has to go to federal court. And that federal prosecutor is really persistent. I said I wouldn’t testify, and he followed me home to bother me. I’ve been so busy avoiding him that I haven’t even had time to check out the new Department of Defense patch.”

Leo offered Ian his empty chocolate cup.

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“Can’t you pour some of yours here? If you’re not going to drink it.”

“No way. Go buy another one.”

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“That’s stingy.”

“I’ll buy it for you.”

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Ian pulled out a black card given by Revenant from his pocket and handed it to Leo, who took it with a cautious touch, fiddling with the diamond embedded on the front and chuckling.

“Have you bought anything with this?”

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“Not really, though I did buy a hat and sunglasses recently. It seemed like someone was following me.”

Leo initially wanted to say something about buying something significant that only this card could afford, but he reacted first to the mention of someone tailing Ian.

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“What? Who followed you? So, what did you do?”

“Leo handled it. They said it was quite a famous blogger who needed a story.”

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“Blogger?”

Leo gritted his teeth, holding the card tightly. Ian, innocently nodding, didn’t know that the bloggers who posted about the local pedophilia community incident that night would end up having their accounts hacked, resulting in their blogs being reset.

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“Anyway, it’s resolved. It was a noisy solution, but a solution nonetheless.”

As always, Revenant had managed to solve the problem without breaking any bones. His bodyguards kept a safe distance of about ten steps, circling around and merely observing. It was a sight they were used to, feeling indifferent as the event unfolded. During this, Georg had neatly handled the medical expenses in cash, prompting Ian to think something was odd.

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“Have you ever thought it strange?”

Ian, having returned with new chocolate, suddenly asked Leo.

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“What?”

“Leo’s bodyguards.”

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“What about them?”

“They’re bodyguards but they don’t do anything. Just drive and stuff. I found it strange.”

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The chocolate Leo had just sipped was hot, causing him to roll his tongue in response.

“Ah, now that you mention it? They did that at your house too. They lined up outside, and he was the only one who came inside. Did you ask why?”

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“Yeah.”

It still seemed ludicrous when he thought about it. Ian chuckled and nodded.

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“Why did they do that?”

“They’re not bodyguards.”

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“…Huh? Then what are they?”

“Lawyers, drivers, chefs, gardeners. And housekeepers.”

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Cough. Leo spit out a bit of chocolate.

“That’s weird.”

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“Yeah, it’s really weird.”

“Why are they all wearing black suits and looking so grim? Wait, drivers and lawyers, okay, but why would you bring chefs and gardeners with you every day?”

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Ian asked Georg the same question. Georg answered very seriously that Hevaulis is a small country with a severe shortage of manpower, and usually, people have more than two jobs. When Josef Yosef travels abroad, they serve as staff and diplomatic aides.

Even after hearing the same from Ian, Leo still found it odd.

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“Are they really chefs and lawyers? Then what about their bulky bodies?”

“Over half the population of Hevaulis are soldiers, so they all receive basic training. They can do bodyguard work if needed.”

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“Why don’t they then?”

“Because Leo doesn’t really need bodyguards.”

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“…….”

Leo finally spoke after the chocolate had cooled.

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“That’s really… weird.”

“Yeah. Weird.”

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Georg said that due to the nature of Hevaulis, it can’t be helped. It’s a situation born from prioritizing efficiency in a country with limited manpower.

Having heard this explanation, Leo now seemed too tired to point out more oddities, showing a hint of curiosity instead.

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“That country sounds really funny. It must be interesting to live there. I’d like to visit sometime.”

“You can only enter with a royal invitation. If you really want to go, I’ll ask

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on behalf of Leo.”

Leo frowned.

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“What kind of country is that?”

“You just said it sounded fun.”

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“Fun is one thing, but it’s another to not be able to see you when I really want to.”

“There’s always a way for me to come.”

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“But still.”

Leo pouted his chocolate-stained lips.

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“Having your only friend in a country you can’t just go to is too sad. Damn.”

His warm, kind brown eyes were brimming with tears. He had claimed to be crying during their chats over the past month, and it seemed he really had been. Ian patted Leo’s shoulder.

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“I’ll always keep the chat window open.”

“That’s a given!”

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“So stop being so obsessed with the Department of Defense. If you really get dragged to jail and can’t chat, that would be disappointing.”

“Ugh… alright. I’ll try. It’s horrible to think I won’t be able to chat.”

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“Exactly.”

Ian and Leo exchanged a look of affection and sadness. When Leo had finished his fourth and Ian his third cup of chocolate, it was time to part.

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“Guess I should go now. Revenant is picking me up at three.”

“You’re leaving already? That’s too soon.”

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“Can’t help it. I have a flight tonight.”

“Then you should have arranged to meet earlier. You’ve been here a month longer than you said you would.”

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Ian smiled apologetically.

“I couldn’t help it. I was too scared to go out. It felt like everyone recognized me.”

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“Ah…”

“All those idiots who kept bothering me actually knew who I was. I didn’t. Thinking about it sometimes made it hard to breathe. I was afraid I might develop agoraphobia, so I didn’t go out at all. If I did, I was always with someone else. It feels like it’s been both a short and a long month. I still want to leave quickly. You’re the only reason I have to stay here now.”

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“Sniff, Ian…”

Leo teared up and grabbed Ian’s hand.

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“Alright. I won’t be childish. Go, Ian. Live happily. Don’t be scared anymore. I’m… I’m okay. Really, truly. …Sniff.”

“Thanks.”

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Beyond the café’s glass wall, a long black car turned the corner and headed their way. It was Revenant’s car.

“I have to go. Leo’s here.”

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“Sniff… Okay.”

Standing up, Ian left the café, with Leo following behind.

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As the car pulled up beside the curb, Georg stepped out first to open the door for Ian. The spacious back seat looked big enough to fit ten people, with Revenant casually sitting alone, reading a newspaper. He didn’t even bother to look up and greet Leo Sebastian, who had greeted him every morning with a kiss. It seemed that Revenant was still upset over having to meet Leo today.

Before boarding the car, Ian turned and hugged Leo.

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“Take care, Leo.”

Until now, Leo had managed to say goodbye quite decently, but thinking this might be the last time, he couldn’t help but hug Ian back fiercely.

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“Ian, don’t go. It’s too much. I don’t have any friends here now. Well, even if I did have other friends, I wouldn’t need them. It’s not you. Don’t go, Ian.”

Ian made a face full of difficulty and awkwardness.

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“…You know I can’t do that. Let me go.”

“I don’t want to separate. At least go to a country that’s easy to visit. There are plenty without extradition treaties.”

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“Leo…”

Ian held Leo without pushing him away or letting go until Revenant looked up from his newspaper. It looked like he might get out of the car, prompting Georg to quickly intervene.

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“It’s not too hard to come to Hevaulis. Just an invitation is needed. And maybe it’s time to stop hugging.”

Ian patted Leo’s shoulder, taking the hint.

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“You heard? It’s not hard. Come if you miss me.”

Leo nodded tearfully while Georg spoke again.

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“Yes. So there’s no need for such a noisy farewell. Please let go of Mr. Winchell first…”

That’s when it happened.

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Thump!

Revenant put the newspaper down. Georg flinched, and Ian and Leo looked shocked, not knowing a newspaper could make such a loud noise.

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“One more minute and you might get a parking ticket. And dealing with that would be your problem too. Let’s go.”

“…Yes. Understood.”

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With a sigh, Ian finally let go of Leo.

“Goodbye, Leo.”

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“Sniff… Goodbye, Ian. No, don’t go.”

“Take care. See you.”

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Ian boarded the car, and Georg closed the door. Leo stood on the sidewalk, crying like a child.

As Ian twisted around to look at Leo left behind, his expression seemed on the verge of tears as well. Revenant raised his hand to shield Ian’s eyes.

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“Don’t look at other guys with that expression.”

By now, Ian wasn’t surprised by such remarks anymore. He had realized over the past month that Revenant could be quite narrow-minded in some ways.

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Ian ducked to avoid Revenant’s hand.

“Today of all days, you could have left it alone. We might not see each other again.”

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“He kept touching you. That guy has a history of molesting you.”

“He’s a friend now.”

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“So that makes it okay to touch?”

“It’s not like Leo has any other intentions.”

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“Hmm. How do you know?”

“Because it’s a lot different from when you touch.”

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“How’s it different?”

As Revenant asked, his lips slightly curled. Ian had learned the hard way that one must be cautious whenever Revenant’s expression changed.

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“I’d rather not answer.”

“…You’ve gotten weaker. Or maybe you’ve just grown up.”

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“It’s not that. I’ve just gotten used to you.”

Ian subtly shifted, putting some distance between them. It wasn’t like they were about to have sex in the car right then, although Revenant might have been upset about the time Ian spent with Leo. Even minor contact with Revenant had to be handled with care, as he was exceptionally skilled at leaving marks on Ian’s body without him noticing.

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“Will there be a lot of people at the airport?”

People wouldn’t necessarily be staring at his face, but Ian was concerned about any traces of sex being visible in front of others.

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Revenant leaned back in the seat, loosening his posture as he exhaled a subtly warm breath.

“…Well, I’ll let it go this time. You’ll be busy enough before the flight.”

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“Why will I be busy?”

“You have a lot to do.”

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“I do? Like what?”

“You need to pack. Places to stop by.”

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As far as Ian knew, he had nothing to do.

His few belongings had already been packed. His luggage was just the clothes Revenant had bought him, a laptop, and his mother’s urn. The laptop, which Tim Hogan had said was beyond repair, was something Leo had decided to keep as a souvenir, so his luggage had actually decreased. Now that he had said goodbye to Leo, there was no one left to farewell.

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“Where do I need to go? Have I missed something?”

“It’s nothing big. You’ll find out soon.”

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Soon, Ian discovered that their car was entering a department store known for being the most expensive and glamorous in the city, hosting only the top brands.