forum Project “30” (Mature / Closed but Stalkers are Welcome)

Started November 30, 2020 by @CasiCasino group

tune

Jasper couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion reading this first task. "An easy one….", he sighed, "Suspiciously too easy." Really, he had no idea what this first one was going to be. It's relatively clear these won't be as easy and lighthearted like this one. No matter what, he has to do this. He has to do all of them even the ones that are going to be difficult. Now it is hard to imagine all the other potential commands he has to follow with. Is it just one per day? How is Aki going to know he's completed them?

Without saying anything to Darcy, he got up and closed the laptop. His feet dragged as he went over to put on his coat. The black mask he uses is sitting on the small end table where he left it the night before. The cat maneuvered himself around, rubbing against his owner's leg. Jasper chuckled lightly as he reached down to gently pat Darcy. "I'll see you in a bit, you hairy baby.", he cooed.

Everything was so different as he went outside. Life kept moving along while he preferred to be stuck inside. Despite having his apartment close to downtown, it was completely quiet inside. Warm too. The bleakness in the air made his cheeks turn a bright red as he lifted up the mask over. For a quick second he thought back to the command. He shook his head then began to walk down the sidewalk.

Street vendors are everywhere. The closer you got to the big marketplace, the more you'd find. Some sold food while others sold things like clothes or crafts. He really wished he hadn't eaten breakfast already, if only he knew that something such as buying from a vendor would be the first thing.

Ambling around the block, he kept turning his head looking for a street vendor. He wasn't really sure what he is exactly wanting to buy. Jasper stopped in his tracks when he noticed something in his peripherals. A middle-aged woman stood there with a small stand selling home-made gloves for eight a pair. Not a bad price in his opinion. "May I buy two pairs?", he asked.

The woman jumped being a little bit startled. She nodded with a joyful expression on her face. Jasper smiled a bit as he took his wallet pulling out the exact amount. He exchanged the money then was given a small paper bag with a pair of black gloves and also a pair of blue ones. Perfect. "Thank you.", Jasper beamed as he closed the bag looking up. The vendor gave him a small wave as he walked off.

As soon as Jasper had done as the first email had asked, his phone gave a ding as a notification of an email would appear.

”Well done. Now. Towards the market there should be some beggars down the road. Find one who’s blind and put some dollars in. I won’t tell you the amount. Put as you please. Make sure to give him a smile, one he couldn’t see,” the email had said.

This was a weirder request for sure, but it was easy enough. It was as if the man across the screen, Aki, was watching every move Jasper was doing.

The ding sound from his phone made a chill go down his spine. He knew exactly what it was too. Stopping right in the middle of the sidewalk, he started looking around wondering if this Aki was nearby. They have to be, there is no other way around it. Jasper yawned as he pulled out his phone checking the new email. Again, a more brighter task. Honestly he isn't complaining about it. Luckily, he still has money in his wallet, a good amount to give to a beggar; if only he had more to make a big difference for whoever this beggar is.

Facing in the direction to the market again, he went back down. On his way he gave a wave to the woman who sold him the gloves. Jasper put on the black pair a moment ago, they kept his hands perfectly warm. He still held the bag holding the other blue pair. Something about this project felt off to him. These first two commands are too good, better than what his mind was already imagining. Yet again, he still is not complaining about this, very early to be doing so.

Carefully he weaved through the people traffic doing his best to not crash into anybody. Jasper kept glancing around trying to find this blind person, hoping they weren't too far away. A couple of times he went up and down the same path looking relentlessly. He stopped nearby a bench deciding to take a seat. Once again he took a peak at the email. Something inside him said he should look to the right. Putting the phone away, his dark eyes gradually trailed over.

At another bench in front of a shop, there sat a beggar. They had a walking stick laying against their leg. Must be them! Springing up out of the seat, Jasper pulled down his mask under his chin. He swiftly made his way over then sat down beside the beggar. Tilting his head to the side, he cleared his throat then started to smile. The opening between his lips shut at the realization of the other pair of gloves. Even if it wasn't part of the command, it'd still be nice to give them. One is enough for him.

"Excuse me?", he called as he lightly tapped the person the shoulder, "I'm Jasper, would it be weird if I asked for your hands?" A soft beam took in place of the small grin. As he waited, it grew brighter as he stared at them.

The beggar turned to face him. At first they gave him a confused look before giving a simple yes. Jasper took out the other gloves then gently put them on the beggar's hand. Next he took out his wallet trying to find the bill with the most amount. Originally he had about forty, but after buying the gloves he has twenty four. He slipped fourteen into the bag then handed it to the beggar. "There's fourteen dollars in there. Do as you please with it.", he smiled, "Bye."

As time rolled around to around ten in the morning, another email came.

”Well done. You like taking orders huh?
Anyways, go pass and head to the department store down the road. There should only be one. Head up to the third floor and find the fire extinguisher, there should be a black suitcase there. Find it and sit down on the bench area across from a Korean BBQ shop. Do NOT open the suitcase until you are said to do so, not that you can open it anyways,” that was all the email had said. It was starting to feel like this ‘Aki’ person was putting Jasper through a treasure hunt or whatever the right word was to describe such an ominous activity…

People were starting to flood into that specific department store as well so it was going to be quite difficult to get the suitcase without someone seeing.

Trying to find this case without looking like some sort of criminal sounds awfully a lot like a game to him. A suitcase he cannot open till being told otherwise even though he actually cannot open it. Only an hour into the project and he still lost as before. So far he's gotten more questions floating around his head rather than any answers to calm him. That first line too… You like taking orders huh? What is he going to become a henchman for this guy? "It's not that I like doing them, they're all I have been doing my whole life, Aki", he sighed. Since Aki can see him somehow, he can probably can hear him too; it wouldn't be too surprising.

Jasper followed the instructions going down the street. So many people were out now that it was ten and all the major stores or buildings are opening. Not many of them are like this department store he has to go to. The place is small on the outside, but it is the one of the only buildings with three plus floors. Even at a distance, he can see practically all the people flocking in. With that many people there can only mean two things, security cameras and guards everywhere. And he will be walking around holding a case looking like an associate for a mob boss. Great.

Closed spaces are not his most favorite thing in the whole world. Just being around several others made his shoulders tense up as he hesitantly walked in. No one was looking at him as he approached the elevator. On the contrary, the hairs on the back of his neck stood. Right after entering, he pressed the button for the third floor then crept into a corner. The doors closed in front of him as he took out his phone. Jasper kept rereading the email till he heard the elevator stop.

Third floor is almost the exact same layout as the main level except this was a different section. Across from his was the fire extinguisher with the black suitcase. How everyone has ignored it is beyond his knowledge. Someone had to come in then put it there after all. Would be easy to just walk up and get if it weren't for a guard plainly leaning against the wall. For the next fives minutes, Jasper ambled around the third floor randomly looking at clothes while seeing if the guard from before has moved from his spot. Five minutes suddenly turned into fifteen in a flash. Patience is a virtue, but no way is he going to wait around any longer.

Casually he made his way over to the fire extinguisher. The guard was in the same darn spot not really paying any attention to anything. Jasper slowed down his step as he passed by carefully taking the suitcase handle into his hand. Odd enough, he felt his heart beating fast when he bolted back into the elevator. A thud noise came after Jasper accidentally tripped while getting in. "Damn it" Thankfully the doors closed once again right as the sound caught the guard's attention.

Still, there is one more thing to do; find a BBQ place with a bench across from it. All he knew was that there was a Korean BBQ place called "Misaeng" around the corner. Never been there, but he's heard about it. Swiftly he made his way over then crossed the street. He leaned back into the bench with the suitcase sitting on his lap.

The suitcase was a four-digit suitcase, similar to those used in illegal criminal activities. When Jasper has sat down at the bench, the next email didn’t come for until another ten minutes or so. This time, it was a bit… unsettling.

’Look inside the restaurant.
Do you see the girl in white sitting by the window?
Do you see the pain in her eyes, sitting with the parents she never wished to be born to?
Do you see how sad she is to be there?
…
First digit of the suitcase; how many times have you considered leaving your family entirely?’

Instantly as he heard the ding, he picked up his phone to look at the new email. Oh how things quickly turned darker for the worst. All those more brighter tasks were only going to last so long. And still, Jasper could feel his heart sink while reading this new one. He kept his eyes straight down at the case first, trying to gather up whatever courage he had to look across. A few minutes went by when he finally did.

The parents looked so happy as if they were in a movie. So vibrant and full of life. Yet their daughter is sitting there lonely. Her mood heavily contrasted with the bright white clothes she was wearing. It was as if both of her parents sucked the life out of her. Poor thing. How does Aki know about this? About this girl?

Perfect, just perfect. Jasper couldn't help but let a frantic chuckle leave his lips. How many times have I considered leaving my family? He'd rather not think about it really. Family is a topic he always avoids when having discussions with others. Ever since he managed to get out of home, he set up an imaginary wall keeping all the memories from the past behind so they would never randomly escape. Time and time again, they create a bigger crack in the wall. Reading this email and seeing this girl only made the crack bigger.

A single tear fell onto the suitcase. Jasper averted his eyes away from staring straight ahead at the girl anymore. His right hand trembled as it touched the first digit. Click….Click….Click….Click…. One down three more to go. Glimpsing over at his phone, he waited for the screen to light up again.

(Okay, wow… you have just made this a lot more interesting because of how deep Jasper’s background could be…)

When the input on the first digit had been made, the next email came.

”As for most things in life, you don’t really have a choice. Family is just one of the many things you have no control over. No matter how much you deny it, your blood is just the same as those adults you wish to forget.

It is around half past ten. I will give you a break, one of three hours. By half past one, find a florists. Any florists. Go inside the shop, and buy the cheapest bouquet of roses. I will tell you what to do by then,”

The email had said. If it was similar to this ‘girl dilemma’, perhaps this was going to touch on sensitive subjects again. Whatever that subject may be.

Jasper shook his head in disagreement. Blood is something you cannot change, that is for sure. Whether or not he changes his last name, he's still tied to them. Although it is more bearable to be away from them as far as possible. To him, family is something you can change and make yourself; if you're lucky enough to. His case, not so much. All this time he has been living a tragically dull life. It'd be a wonderful mystery if this project changes it for the actual better, doesn't seem like that is the way it will be going.

Another tear rolled down. Snorting, he used the sleeve of his coat to wipe it off. He steadily stood up from the cold bench. Naturally he went back to staring at the front window of the Korean BBQ place. Feels like he is basically watching a remake of his memories. A shame to see how others are cursed with having the same ones too. Forever replaying in their unconscious. "Hang in there and fight it.", he whispered gazing back at the girl, "Don't end up like me."

By one-thirty, that is when the break is over. Not bad. How is this ever going to play out when he's at work? Heavens help him if Aki orders a task while he is in the middle of a meeting or something. The sun hung high in the sky as he went back to his apartment. Darcy sat on the sofa playing with a toy. Seeing his owner come back with a strange case, the cat tried to reach for it using a paw. Jasper lifted the case up putting it away somewhere safe.

Majority of the break flew out the window. He spent a decent portion of it behind the laptop screen again. This time he was staring at a blank word document. He always wanted to write some sort of dark crime book. When he was younger, he would spend so much time reading those scary internet stories or watching psychological thrillers. For Jasper it was the perfect escapism. The atmosphere of these always shut out the rest of the world and his worries. Words struggled to make it on the page before he would hit the backspace multiple times.

The time on the clock was twelve-thirty by the time he left the apartment again. Having the case back in his hand again, Jasper went off to the florist. Closet one to his place was a few blocks away. People in the city loved flowers so it wasn't much of a surprise there would be a handful everywhere. He could only guess what the bouquet of roses will lead him too. Another man walked out with a bouquet of red ones just as he came in. Much to his surprise, the florist only had white ones left. They were all they had, plus they were cheap for being white roses too. Jasper walked out of the store holding them wondering what's next for him.

The man who had walked out with the last bouquet of red roses didn’t go far at all. He had smiled brightly as he made his way to one of the nearby benches where the ‘love of his life’ was sitting. He had chatted with her for a brief moment before handing her the flowers and getting on his knee, asking her the classic question with the ring box in his hand and a bright smile decorating his lips.

What should’ve been a romantic and amazing time for the supposed-to-be fiancé had turned to a disaster when the girl completely broke and declined his question, answering firmly with just a ‘no’ to which the man was in complete shock. Frozen, as if he’d felt his heart shatter. Crippled, in a thousand different ways. He only had the energy left to watch her leave, throwing the bouquet of flowers on the ground as if it had meant nothing to her.

An email came.

”Love is but the same as roses, no?

It is beautiful and fresh from afar, only hurting when you grasp it the wrong way.

Its thorns giving you more pain than its delicate colors and soon enough, through time and time again, even the freshest of colors turn to a blank slate of white lies and black despairs.

Leaving nothing behind but holes and scars on your skin, one you could’ve lived with without playing with such a fragile chance of success.

Such a shame.

…

The second digit… how many times have you failed at love?”

He was half-way through reading the email till he thought he heard something. Glancing up, it appeared to be the man from the florist. The guy was standing still trembling as a woman walked away. Those red roses he had bought were now lying on the ground. Some of the petals flew away with the wind disappearing from the sight just as the woman left.

Jasper shook his head in disappointment. Never would he ever think that he might be that good enough to ever have the chance to propose to someone. He cannot imagine all the courage needed to take in order to get down on one knee. That man must have went through a lot; his heart was full of joy, ready to take the next step of a wonderful journey with his girlfriend.

What the hell is this Aki doing? Does he know about all of this? All of these things, places, and everything about Jasper… "Damn me", he sniveled squeezing the bouquet tightly, "Damn me…"

Love is so fragile that it needs to be handled delicately. The petals can instantly fall off and fade away without care. Its thorns can prick you when you least expect it. The sight of love is so mesmerizing. Ideally, it appears to be the most amazing thing ever. For Jasper, love was something he always wanted to have and to reciprocate. Not once did he ever think that the person with the same rose would impale him using ever single thorn in the garden.

Those ebony abyss eyes that can pull anyone in. That lively laughter. The charming yet relaxing personality. Just the feeling of being in their arms. Jasper could not believe that he fell for someone who was too good to be true. Someone that was so perfect, they ended up being maniacal leading him to realize that he completely fell for it and failing at what he thought to be the best romance he'd experience. Broken, that's how it left him. Too scared to set out for anyone else, ending up not being successful at any other partner he wished to pursue.

Click…..Click…..Click…..Click…..Click…..

When Jasper had put in his next digit, his phone gave off another ding.

”Five times huh? Lucky.
The flowers you bought. It’d be a shame if they had gone to waste.
Walk down the street, take a right, and down towards the parking lot where you visited last week. You know which one. The one your friend died in after a drunk fight with some local bikers. What a pathetic way to go… Do you remember where he died inside the parking lot?
Place the flowers there.
His motorbike should still be there.”

No other context was given.

It had been true. The death of that student became the first face in every local newspaper, mainly because of how ridiculous the news sounded and how it had happened because of alcohol. He wasn’t a close friend of Jasper, and it was possible that Jasper didn’t consider him a friend at all. However, the man did know Jasper, and it was likely that Jasper did know the man too. Even if it was only his name.

Along the path to the parking lot were a bunch of bikers, probably the same ones as the ones who had killed your friend out of pure spite. There wasn’t a single hint of empathy shared in the biker gang. Not a sign of mercy for those who dared try to mess with them.

Bryon Hughes, twenty-two years old. Jasper did not know much about him really except for a few things. His friend was a senior at the university downtown majoring in marketing. They both entered the internship program at the same time, so it was natural they became work friends. Always eating together at lunch or getting out late and having a couple drinks at the bar close to work. A couple weeks before Hughes died a rumor went around about him sleeping with his supervisor which was not true at all. Hughes gradually disappeared, figuratively. Coming from a long line of alcoholics, he started drinking a lot. The lack of luster in his smiles were miserable.

He followed the directions that Aki had given. Oh he wished that he was not forced to go back to that damn parking lot again. Him and Bryon were not even that close, but he still felt terrible about it. Terrible that he couldn't do anything more. Absolutely in loss to find some sort of sign to show that he did all he could to bring a bit of closure. None of that mattered now, or was that Aki's intention? To dig up every piece of his life that he wanted to bury then completely forget about.

While walking over to the parking lot, there were a group of bikers. If he was right, they look like the same ones who killed Bryon that night. If they weren't, it is likely that they know that group. In the corner of his eyes, he looked at them while passing by. Jasper did not want to cause any trouble. Ten bikers against one guy. Not ideal whatsoever. Some of them were murmuring things to each other and chuckling as he walked.

The motorbike. Odd how it's still there even though it has been a couple of weeks. Last week when he came by, he thought they'd take it away. He could've sworn he put in a call. No one ever bothered to pick this up and return it to Bryon's family? Jasper bit the bottom of his lip as he hesitantly got closer to the vehicle. His eyes were lowered as he briefly reminisced for a few moments. Using his index finger, it dragged against the bike's handle.

"You should do something about them.", he heard a voice whisper. The bouquet of roses fell out of his grasp on the motorbike. Jasper took a look around to see who it was. All those bikers weren't even in the parking lot. They all sat or leaned on their bikes talking to each other. He was alone. No one else was on site besides him. Frantically, he began to walk away from the motorbike. His eyes fell onto the exact place where Bryon died. Standing on top of it was this alternate version of him wearing an evil grin. The other looked more disheveled, yet happy and free. Only this imaginary him would be wearing a long black suit shirt with matching pants and dress shoes. He looked awfully more pale.

He rubbed his eyes the opened them to see the other disappear. Chills shot down his spine as the other reappeared again. Jasper shook his head backing away as the other started to come closer. "No", he stated firmly, "I'm not going to do anything to them. No harming, no killing, nothing. No." That is the worst thing to do to anyone. Repay their actions with the ones they committed? Beating them to death is only going to make him a murderer as much as those bikers. It's stupid. What even does Aki want from him? To do the same thing as this imaginary version of him is suggesting too?

The other kept steadily walking forward till stopping with his feet together. An eyebrow raised in disbelief. "No? Come on, Jasper. You called the police, you gave them everything they needed, and what did they do? Make a complete fool out of Bryon; that's what they did.", his imaginary self smirked, "Do it. Try to kill them. It's not like anyone is going to care about these losers too."

Again, he shook his head. "Never…" Frowning, Jasper clutched the handle of the case tighter. He pulled his phone out of the coat pocket waiting to hear it ding again. "Please please please please….", he begged silently, "Make me go to a graveyard or a park. Anywhere but here."

An email did come.

”You seem scared.
At least that’s what I can only assume you’re feeling.
Let’s go somewhere calmer.
You haven’t eaten anything yet since brunch.
You must be hungry.
There’s a small restaurant down the road.
Not a lot of people eat there but the food is fine.
Steaks are fine there, but the mashed potatoes there are something else.
Head there and eat something.
The old owner would really appreciate you buying things from them. Trust me.”

That was all the email had said.

Down the same road as the parking lot was an unnamed restaurant owned by a small family of three. They were struggling since the pandemic had started and even worse, the old lady who was the owner of the restaurant was falling ill. As if that wasn’t enough, no one really eats there.

‘Aki’ made it sound as if he knew the place and he had eaten there, as given by his short review at least. Who was he… really?

Scared is one way to describe it. Confused, lost, over the top anxious. Anybody can find a whole thesaurus to describe what he is feeling right now at this moment. Strangely though, he felt thankful that another email did come. It was weird the relief that had overcome him. His intrusive thoughts slowed faded away along with the dark imaginary version of him. He was alone again.

Jasper looked down at the case. Four….Five… Two more digits to go. Will this next place lead him to another digit? It doesn't seem like it. The way Aki describes this place is very personal. Very different from the little girl in the white, although that is also intriguing too. Does he know the people who run the restaurant? Are they family to him? Aki did mention that the place is owned by a family of three. Could be that he might be the owners' son… Jasper shook his head, the thought of it does make a hundred percent sense. No way would he be and still run this project. Really all he can guess is that Aki is someone who lives in this city since he's able to watch him wherever he goes. Hell, this unknown guy even knows what he is feeling.

Taking one more look at the motorbike, he sighed. "I'm sorry.", he mumbled. Making his grip around the case handle, he set off to this restaurant. He kept dragging his feet along the way. Part of him was still back at that stupid parking lot. It is just so hard to shake off of him. Aki was right about the fact he hasn't eaten since breakfast. He's fine. Jasper can make it a couple more hours if he wanted to. Not like he necessarily has a choice for the next thirty days.

Following along the street, he found the place he was told to go. From the outside, it appeared that no one was there. A little bell rang as he opened the door walking in. The door shut behind him. Jasper kept turning his head glancing around the place. Inside it's very humble and quaint. Home away from home sort of. Interesting how a lot of people don't come here.

An old woman came out from the kitchen; there was a door to the left behind the cash register. A small smile appeared on her as she said hello. Jasper couldn't help but beam in response. Remembering the email from before, he ordered a steak and some potatoes. He paid for the food then went to a table in the corner then sat down.

Another email came as the lady came out with the food.

”Take your time.
I know you are tired with a lot that’s going on right now. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have agreed to this project.
Anyways, your third mission isn’t here.
Enjoy your rest.”

That was all. Except for the fact that the email had an image file attached to it. The image file, named ‘unnamedletter.jpg’, was an image of a handwritten letter by a girl named ‘Jasmine’. The letter reads…

“I’ve had enough.
All these voices, in and outside of my mind, keep telling me how I’m never enough.
How I’ll never be enough for anyone.
…
Telling to quit.
Quit.
Quit.
And quit again.
…
I’ll quit alright. If it means going down with the rest of you, I fucking will.

Much hate, Jasmine”

The letter looked burnt, as if it was recovered from a burning building or something.

The phone dinged right as the food was set in front of him. Jasper stopped not sure whether to thank the woman first or pick up his phone. Frowning at the lit up screen, he glanced up at the lady with a big beam on his face. "Thank you.", he smiled before turning to his food. He began to eat his food trying to get his mind off of the email. All he saw the notification and nothing else, yet he can only guess what it is going to say. Something that is going to make the hairs on the back of his neck stand.

Randomly, the screen lit up again. Never has it done that before. Exhaling through his nose, he shook his head then decided now was the time to read the email. His eyes speed-read the thing then laid on the file. Without much thought, he clicked on the image right away. A letter. Incredible how given the quality of the letter, it was readable at least to him. Any paper with a single crease would be thrown out by his supervisor. Parts of the paper were much easier to read then others. Both top and bottom were more burnt then the rest of it. Jasper set the utensil down to turn up the phone's brightness.

Who is this Jasmine? Questions, questions, questions…. Appears that the curiosity is going to pile up with no reassurance. An endless dark abyss. There has to be a reason why he is reading this or at least a reason why Aki has this. A connection to all of this, the project, and himself. He never recalls hearing about a Jasmine or a fire where they found such a grim heavy letter at all.

Leaning forward, he looked out the door seeing if anyone was there. No one. Even with the lady at the register, he was alone. Jasper sat back in the chair continuing to eat and look at the letter. If this restaurant has nothing to do with the next task, this letter has to be or that is what he is assuming.

Following with the first line, he took his time with the food. He did not really take into account how good the food was while looking at the email and its image file. This restaurant really does make great food; he'll have to stop by another day, if he can. The phone sat on the other side of the table away from him. When he did set it over, he could of sworn he had hear a faint whisper. Jasper really did not want to continue staring at that letter.

By the time he finished, it was two fifteen in the afternoon. The sun began on its way to set. Jasper took care of the utensils and threw out the plates. Slipping his phone into a coat pocket, he headed over to the door. On his way out he gave the owner a wave then left.

As soon as Jasper left the restaurant, his phone gave a ding. Another message—email—came.

”Jasmine Crowley, age 22
An arsonist who burnt down her entire family with her. She was the only daughter in a family of four; her only beam of hope being her elder brother and her grandfather of an oriental background. She was a victim of social bullying, physical abuse, and rape at a relatively young age. She burnt to crisp the last remains of the Crowley household and had deleted everything.

The scene of arson is not too far away. There’s something waiting for you there. Take the city round bus and get down at the third stop from here. We’ll talk then.”

That was all the email had said.
Perhaps it was the only choice left.
To follow Aki’s words.