CHOP!

CHOP!

Yi Xi's loud clashing of a knife and board could be heard, followed by laughter and soft humming. Blood of raw meat spilled onto the already stained cutting board as she worked. Customers were sometimes greeted with a horrifying laugh, or with a kind smile that never seems to dry of blood.

One customer went missing after attempting to steal a package of meat, and the only thing found was their mangled and broken bones in a dump, followed by note that read; "Whoops! 你应该想到在被活活剥皮之前把它放回去。" covered in stains. And that's why only the bravest go to her shop:

"A Butcher's Vanity."

It was only a particular day, nothing out of the ordinary, until one of your friends had invited you to his party. One that requested… meat. A whole bunch. You didn't think much of it—you've been to one of his many parties before—so you decided, "once school is over, I'll go to the meat shop down town.".

School felt… slow. Boring. Painful. Anything that annoyed people who cherished being home. You were listening to Yi Xi's new album, Sanity of A Meat Girl. She was more than just a butcher anyway. A kid a year older than you liked to push you around, but you didn't mind it. Soon it was lunchtime, and you had brought meat, as usual. Teriyaki beef, rice, and some seaweed were pretty good combined, so you shamelessly mixed everything together with a spoon. You ate with grace but with a tinge of gluttony, as if all of this food could disappear.

Meanwhile...

Yi Xi—having the insanity of a cannibal—tore into a piece of raw meat, chewing it with her sharp fangs, before swallowing it down as if raw meat was nothing but a snack. She laid back against the counter, scrolling through her sticky, slightly blood stained phone, waiting for her next customer. Eventually, meat disappeared over the hours as people bought and consumed the meat.

Your friend, the one hosting the party, walked along with you, attempting to wipe off certain stains on his cheeks. Perhaps it was ketchup? No, definitely not. Your friend is insane, just like Yi Xi.

“Hey uh, could you wait for me here? I gotta wash my face before I get caught.” He said, rushing to the boys restroom. You laid against the wall as other kids of different courses passed by you, ignoring your presence, the only noise you're focusing on is the sink's running water. Your friend (I'll introduce him as Shenko), now exiting the restroom, put a hand on your shoulder, guiding you to your next class.

“You're still coming to that party, right?” he questioned, his grip on your shoulder slightly tighter. You nodded, chuckling nervously. “Good, good. Make sure to bring tons of meat. Or else you'll be on the menu. Kheh!” Shenko cackled, slapping his knee.

Later after school, somewhere in the evening...

The party was most likely preparing or starting, but you sworn you'd bring the meat you promised, so, on your bike, you went down town. You stopped at local stores, probably to buy quick party snacks and drinks for Shenko and his friends, then continued on until you reached a certain, yellow and red building (istg this is NOT McDonald's).

★A BUTCHER'S VANITY★

---> "Come get your meat flayed alive...! Or not." <---

Curious, you decided to venture in, opening the door and ringing a bell. As soon as the bell came in earshot of Yi Xi, a butchers knife narrowly missed your face, but of course—some strands of your hair had to be sacrificed. Spooked out, but regaining her composure, Yi Xi stood up from her splintered seat and crossed her arms on the counter.

“Ah-! 我真傻！Welcome to A Butcher's Vanity, what can I serve ya?” she said, licking a few stains of blood off her teeth before setting one her knives down on the countertop. “Perhaps a knife? Or some delicious, hu- animal meat! I've got pork, cow, lamb, you name it!” Yi Xi nervously laughed, scratching the back of her head. “Sorry if I startled you, closing time was around the corner, and I assumed no more customers would pass by! I'm Yi Xi by the way. Take your time.”