#asraxfile

“What is wrong with you?” “What is wrong with you?” Karina immediately spoke back the next day in a harsh tone. Shocked at her sudden change of personality just one night ago, you didn’t know what to say to her. “Crying and doing this much about dead people is a waste of time,” she started applying her lip gloss, looking at them in the small mirror she always carries. “It won’t bring them back.” your lips parted as she finished her sentence. 

What has happened to Karina? 

A tear slipped from one of your eyes, you were terrified. “Karina-...” and also, you were petrified at the view. Your best friend, not even standing but knelt on her feet and fists on the floor. Red, bloody, stains all over the same familiar clothes she was in before both of you even got to the bar. She sounded like an animal. And so she crawled up to your fridge, opened it and dove in to eat the raw chicken you had in. 

You spent the whole night crying while cleaning the floor upon which she threw up some black liquid. 

That’s how far you’d go for her. 

Though, ever since then, strange things started happening. 

As the days passed, teenage boys had been disappearing ever since the incident. There must be a reason for it—but what is it? or perhaps…who is the reason? 

You found out when she appeared in your bed one night. 

From a tiring day, you finally laid in your comfortable bed. You yawned for one last time and closed your eyes. That’s when someone spoke from the other side of your bed. “Heyyy.” immediately, you jumped and turned the light on again. You saw Karina getting up to sit on your bed. “GET OUT” you screamed at her. Usually, you wouldn’t do this, but she had been making your mind go crazy these days. “Yo chillax, It’s just me Y/nnn.” she whined your name as she patted the place in front of her on the bed. Signaling for you to sit down. 

“Why are you here, Karina?” you sat down, leaving an unusual distance between you and her. Karina had an amused look on her face and tilted her head. “I wanted to stay for tonight,” she said. Suddenly, Karina took your hair in her hands and started roaming your scalp. Enjoying the way it slid right through her fingers. As you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, your lips slightly parted. “C’mon Y/n, let me stay for the night,” Karina begged. “We could play boyfriend and girlfriend like we used to.” Now she stopped playing with your hair and looked deep into your eyes. 

You were, honestly, very very confused at all this. Firstly, Karina gets kidnapped by the band on the night of the fire. Second, she barged in your house acting so gnarly. Third, she acts like nothing happened and now this? 

“Okay so you have to tell me what the actual hell is happening these days because I’m getting really worried.” you explained, swiftly moving your hands, expressing the non-verbal language. Karina just chuckled at your command. “Okay ma’am,” and so she started.

She explained how when the band took her with them they had these satanic and occult stuff inside their van.

Moreover, they were calmly arguing among each other whether Karina is a virgin or not. 

When Karina said she was a virgin, they sacrificed her to Satan. Well, they tried.

Until she woke up right after they left. Right after the lead singer she had her eyes on pierced her with an axe through her chest.

“I remember walking alone through the street and I realized I was near your house,” she said. “And I was soooo hungry.” Karina exaggerated while looking at her nails, fidgeting them. While you carefully listened. “Well, do you know why you awoke? I mean this all seems supernatural.” you stated, looking at her natural face. She could be thinking anything, knowing Karina. 

“I really don’t know what happened.” Now, Karina ascended her gaze up to you again. “All I know is that…when I get hungry I wanna eat a boy.” she leaned backwards on her hands, slightly shaking her head up and down with a proud pout. While you copied the expression, but just a worried version rather than proud. 

“But Karina, you're killing people.” you tried to start, until Karina slightly rolled her eyes. “Noooo I’m killing boys,” she lowered her tone in the sentence, whispering the last word. “Boys are just place holders, they come and they go.” She sat up again. 

The silence fell salty on the wound. 

 Were you actually crazy or did she just get closer after saying that? 

The quiet sound was louder than the feeling of confusion and flushness you felt at the moment. Karina moved her figure closer to yours and looked up at you with those hypnotizing eyes. “You’re wearing my shirt…” You spoke as your eyes relaxed—as you instinctively started leaning in. Karina didn’t pull away, in fact, she started leaning in too. “You always let me…” Karina replied

Until your both lips met each other. The softness of them felt natural on this cold night. Her lips were so warm and it was definitely not the gloss that made them stand out. That’s when you slightly moved away, having your eyes closed. Until she kissed you again. This time, her hands started to snake around your waist. You slightly groaned in the kiss and laid Karina on the bed gently, you being on top. Karina held your hair so it didn’t interfere with the small moment you had. 

But it definitely wasn’t small for you. 

You couldn’t say no to Karina, especially to this. 

Your hands found themselves on Karina’s right cheek and left side of her jaw. She was so warm, but your hands were so cold. You mumbled in the kiss again, feeling Karina's lips turn in a small proud smile. She started gripping your body tight. It felt as if you could feel the beat of her heart and she could hear the beat of yours. 

As the tension was at its peak, Karina slid her arms beneath your shirt. Feeling the softness of your skin. You felt her hands on your lower back and it sent chills down your spine. Karina was going upwards and downwards across your back. 

Until, 

she started lowering her hands to your stomach to the hem of your pants. That’s when you furrowed your whole face and broke the kiss. You looked down at her face and just stared at her. “Okay Karina but what the actual fu—” your sentence was cut off with Karina smashing her lips back on yours. She moved up forward to you and held the collar of your shirt to grip you closer again. But you didn’t even hesitate to pull away. 

That’s when you started to feel the real warmth and need of her actions. Karina was never the words of affirmation type—if she was interested or amused by you, she’d show it. 

You felt her tongue intertwine with yours, inviting you in. That’s when you changed positions. Karina on top of you and you under her on your own bed. Groaning and almost moaning you gripped Karina’s waist. She started biting your lips. 

Opening your eyes slightly, they fell on Karina. 

She had her eyes opened, clearly, not recently opened. 

A red glow in them. 

It took you a moment to process it. 

She started biting your lips roughly. The pain made you realize your lower lip was already bleeding. “Ah!” you loudly reacted to the pain and tried backing away. But her strong hands were still gripping you tightly. 

She moved her lips along your jaw, down to your neck and licked the skin of it. Whispering softly, “You always help me, Y/n.” She sharply breathed upon you. And when you made another groan at her kissing your neck—she bit it. With her fangs and other teeth. 

That’s when you tried to scream for real now. You tried to breathe, but her mouth was so big it bit the big part of your neck. Karina enjoyed the scent of your skin—mostly, the taste of your blood. 

Your muffled and choked attempts to say something made Karina even more aroused. She moved away for a second and started biting your right shoulder. Ripping the fresh flesh of your body and savouring each bite of it. Also enjoying your screaming. 

“Hahh, but you sure don’t mind this, do you?” you couldn’t even hear her words anymore. Ringing in your head filled your ears. Karina’s lips brushed your neck one last time before she drew back, her breath boiling against your skin. You could feel your pulse fluttering for an escape. 

Your whole bed is now covered in your blood and so is Karina’s mouth.

“Shhh,” she whispered. “You always make things harder than they have to be.”

Her eyes glowed faintly again — not red anymore, but something out of this world.

Your vision began to blur at the edges. The room seemed to fold in on itself, the light dimming as though the air had thickened. 

Karina’s voice was the only thing you could still but barely hear. 

You tried to reach for her, but your arm fell heavy beside you. The warmth of her touch was fading, replaced by a coldness you never thought you’d experience. Karina tilted her head, watching the last flicker of life leave your eyes. “Hahh…let me listen to your last heartbeats, my Y/n.” she leaned over your heart.

She didn’t eat your heart on purpose, just so she could hear its beats fade away. 

She saw the whiteness of your collarbone and the crimson part of your eaten out right chest, Karina admired you. “Look at you…” 

Her ears listened carefully. And so, she awaited the last exhale of your breath.

Karina leaned back, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as if she’d erased a small inconvenience. She looked down at you — not in remorse, not in love, but in quiet curiosity.

For a long moment, she simply studied you, her former best friend, her last tie to what she once was. Then she smiled, faintly.

She stood up and walked to the window, pushing it open to let the night air in. The moonlight traced the outline of her face — Karina turned once more toward the lifeless shape on the bed. There was no trace of sorrow in her eyes. 

Only an already, again, stirring hunger.

“Hello everyone, I am Nanno. Pleasure to meet you.” Nanno’s silky black hair fell on her face while bowing. The students carefully analyzed her figure— she was tall, wore their standard uniform and had a pleasant smile on her face. She radiated with mysterious energy even if her face seemed so sweet. 

Kamlai — the class rep, a female student that’s loved by everyone,  already feels a sense of wrath within. Her head was full of, ‘She’s pretty.’ sentences or ‘Why don't I look like that?’ Even if she was loved by everyone, she had a little secret nobody knew about just yet. 

"Please students, be nice to Nanno and let’s show her that we are ready to welcome her in our class.” The teacher spoke loudly so everyone could hear. Nanno gripped her bag tighter as the teacher called her name. “Nanno, you can sit next to our class rep,” she shows the way with her hand. Nanno looked around for the said class rep, soon after, Kamlai raised her hand. 

Nanno just kindly smiled and walked over the desk to finally start the lesson. “Hi” she whispered while sitting next to Kamlai who was already eyeing her back. “Hiii.” Kamlai responds. 

The teacher started the lesson and that’s when Nanno started taking her books out. As well as her pencil case that wasn’t just a regular pencil case— it was white with fake fur. With the hello kitty face on the front side. 

Kamlai, while observing, immediately noticed the pencil case and had to say something about it. “Oh my god!!” She whispered loudly, enough to catch Nanno’s eyes. “Is this the new trendy pencil case?” Kamlai took Nanno’s pencil case in her hands without even asking her. Nanno immediately smirked at that, but hid that with a friendly glow in her eyes. 

“Yes, it is. It was sooo expensive” she put a slight accent to her words, carefully observing Kamlai who was already looking through the case. She wanted it— and Nanno felt that. 

Nanno carefully looked. She noticed the specific glow in Kamlai’s eyes. Something she had seen countless times in people on her missions everyday. Nanno almost looked too much into it, before being interrupted by someone who was sitting next to Kamlai as well. 

“Kamiii, you didn’t even ask the new girl if you could take her stuff, it’s not polite.” The calmness in your voice made Nanno’s thoughts shutter. You know something she doesn’t— realized Nanno. 

Kamlai’s excited grin gets completely furrowed from the words she heard as she turned right to you. She eyed your figure. You rested your chin on your palm while looking at the mess Kamlai made. It was true— Kamlai just ripped Nanno’s pencil case out of her hands without even asking if she could look into it. 

“Well,” Kamlai started, harshly giving the pencil case back. It’s not like you mind it, do you Nanno?” She leaned over to the black haired girl, hiding her greed behind a loving smile. At that Nanno realized it was an act of greed and envy. 

She smiled back, “Of course I don’t.” while taking her pencil back to her side of the table. As for you, who is sitting in the 3rd row closer to Kamlai’s desk, you watched Nanno with careful eyes. Something was off with her— and soon you’ll find out what. 

The oddness and awkwardness in the silence filled the three girls, Nanno knew it was her time to step in. “As for you,” she leaned over her table to face you. “Kamlai  can make decisions for herself, can’t she?” Nanno spoke with a playful tone, smirking almost childishly at Kamlai who was tied between the two girls. The tension you felt at her words made your mind crumble. 

Making you realize Nanno’s like a dog let off the chain, trying to sniff through the purpose of people’s actions. But you weren’t quite exactly like that. There was a gap between you two—but Nanno and you had the same blood flowing through your veins. You’re like a cat laying on the nearest branch, hissing and exposing one’s actions to their true morality. 

“Certainly! Even though,” Nanno slowly widened her eyes and listened to you, her smile falling off her face as a smile grew on yours. “I wasn’t even telling her what to do, I just stated it wasn't quite polite.” Now the two sat there looking at each other, trying to understand what was so weird in each other. Kamlai felt uncomfortable, sitting between two people who didn’t have their attention on her. It was as if they were fighting but they…weren’t?

The difference between the dog and a cat was quite simple. It’s always the dog that steps in first, while the cat just observes. 

“I really like you two,” Nanno’s big eyes switched to yours and Kamlai’s. “We could be friends!” she exclaims. Kamlai just looked at you, hoping you’d agree with her. 

“That’s a great idea since you’re new, what do you say, Y/n?” you took a moment. Before nodding your head, your eyes now switch back to Nanno. 

“I agree, I hope we’ll be great great friends, Nanno” You spoke with an accent, just like Nanno did a few minutes ago— at that she just smirked in amusement. 

But nobody ever said dogs and cats cannot work together, moreover— they’re made better off separate from the fact that if they do partner up, they’d be an unbearable match.  

Later at lunch Kamlai and you decided to show Nanno around the school before sitting somewhere to eat. The school was huge and the uniforms were quite more formal than the ones Nanno wore before. “Nanno, are you from the other school nearby or?” Kamlai asked with curiosity in both her tone and eyes. While walking they stumble across the bench with a table—Kamlai’s usual lunch spot. 

But someone else was sitting on it, peacefully eating and resting between classes. The wind blew across the open space, and Kamlai’s hairstrands flew alongside it. As if you and Nanno could already feel the anger fill her bucket. Nanno started to speak, but got interrupted by Kamlai not even listening—rather, she rushed to repel the poor girl off her spot. 

Nanno looked at her with a mischievous expression. “You’ve changed your face,” you softly pointed out, holding your hands behind your back. Your eyes were still glued to the cruelty you were witnessing. 

At that, Nanno grows a small smile, crossing her arms and facing your calm demeanor. “Does something bother you?” you asked, finally looking away from the sight of Kamlai’s harsh words attacking the poor girl in less than 3 meters distance. 

The two girls then switched back to look at Kamlai yelling at the girl. “What did I tell you Ravee? Didn’t you learn your lesson?” she pours the girl’s water down her face. 

“What will you do after witnessing this?” Nanno spoke, not facing you, but deeply interested in your thoughts. She knew she could speak to you like this. Like you’re both on a mission— cause you actually were. 

Deeply exhaling you took a moment. “Kamlai is very interesting, don’t you think?” she continued, a smile growing back. 

“I won’t do anything,”  Nanno was even more interested in your reply and let you continue. “But she will. When I tell her what she’d done.” Keeping her hands crossed but Nanno’s head shifted to look at you. Clenching her jaw when she saw you look back at her. 

“C’mon Y/n, Nanno,” Kamlai called out from the bench, a proud smile splattered all over her face while showing with her hands for them to come along. “Let’s sit!!” she felt proud of everyone's eyes watching her. 

Finally, you flashed a proud smile at Nanno and took her hand to pull her towards the bench. Nanno was surprised—for the first time ever. 

“Godd, Kamlai don’t you feel bad for Ravee? She wasn’t even doing anything.” as you let go of Nanno’s wrist, all 3 of you sit on the bench. 

The trio placed their lunches on the table as Kamlai had already started to eat. She would always bring so much sweets for lunch it was starting to get questionable. 

“I think Kamlai is right.” Nanno speaks. The silence spoke louder with its awkwardness. 

“If this is Kamlai’s usual spot, why would she take it away from her?” Now it was you who was surprised. Kamlai stopped her chewing to face Nanno then you. 

Your eyes observed Kamlai’s. 

Guilt splattered in her eyes. 

You were waiting to see what she’d say next. 

As if she felt guilty Nanno agreed with her, if she didn’t, Kamlai wouldn’t even feel guilty. 

That’s when the guilty light in her eyes switched to something darker, as if she thought ‘There’s nothing to do anymore, it already happened.’ 

Or as if she got an idea how to fuel the fire with her little secret. 

It was an act where you will find out if you need to be harsher on her or not with her actions. She was tied between Nanno’s agreement and her guilt. 

“I’m sure she won’t come here anymore,” she took a bite of her lunch. Your eyes staying on her face. 

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t” Kamlai’s tone was rather serious, with a tingle of salt on the wound. 

As if she had a plan to make sure she never crosses her path ever again— it made Nanno even more interested, but it made you realize what she will do next. 

The mysterious black haired girl’s eyes smiled without a curve on her lips and so she crossed her arms once again. 

The next day in school everyone was looking weirdly at Ravee, the scaredy girl Kamlai chased away from the benches just yesterday. Ravee had a worried expression, as if she would start crying any second. 

She passed by the trio, rushing into the school. Her eyes as if they were avoiding Kamlai’s gaze. What could’ve happened over one night? 

“What’s up with Ravee?” Nanno asked, holding the wrist of her right hand behind her back. Slowly leaning forward, following Ravee's figure before disappearing into the schoolroom. Kamlai seemed unbothered. As if she didn't know what was happening, but had her eyes staring up just a second before.

“Apparently the famous gossip but anonymous profile posted this just last night.” You took out your phone, taking a few moments to find something before showing it to Nanno over Kamlai’s sitting figure. Nanno was sitting on the right side of the bench, then Kamlai and then you right next. Nanno carefully held your phone, observing and reading the not even 24hour old post by an anonymous user.

It blew out since it was talking nasty about Ravee, someone not so popular in their school. 

‘Ravee isn’t even all that to begin with. Did you guys hear what she tried to do? She tried having s*x with the gym professor after classes. I mean it would explain why she always stays after class.. What a whore.’ 

Nanno’s eyes looked at Kamlai , then at you who just couldn’t not to watch Nanno’s next reaction. “What do you think of this, hm? Kamlai?” Her eyes wandered off yours to face the brown haired meanie. 

That’s when your tongue brushed through the inside of your mouth with your lips slightly parted. It kinda irritated you how Nanno always happened to ask for Kamlai’s opinion before speaking. 

“Don’t you think it’s weird how someone attacked her here the same day you did?”  

But you knew what she was doing with it. 

As if she was caught, Kamlai turned to face the silky, black haired girl. Her eyes were playful as she continued to look Kamlai in the eye. But Kamlai kept her cool, though the light in her eyes was different from the one she had just seconds ago. 

“Me? Well, Y/n just showed me that before we met up with you.” Kamlai started. “I think it’s a coincidence.” Her words were cold. 

To a normal person it would seem like the truth. 

“Ahh really?” Nanno asked, her tone the polar opposite of Kamlai’s. 

But to beings like Nanno and you it was the easiest lie ever spoken. 

“Then,” Nanno switched her gaze away for a second, “tell me why were you the first one to view it last night?” She looked innocently at the heartless girl, sipping the chocolate milk she brought before classes. Kamlai was speechless, her mouth slightly parted from Nanno’s questions. 

“You think I didn’t see that last night? I just read it again when Y/n showed me.” 

Kamlai didn’t know what to think, rather, she looked at you as if you had something to do with this. In response you just tilted your head at her distress. “Well,” she tried to form a sentence, an escape. “what is it to you anyway?”

But Kamlai just fell deeper into the moment.

The silence was rather louder than Kamlai’s response. 

“Nanno was just asking, Kamlai.” The softness in your voice made Kamlai even more irritated. But to Nanno, it seemed like you knew something much more than she knew at the moment. 

The reason why you always just reminded Kamlai of her actions was mainly because you are her guilt.

Kamlai watched your face with her eyebrows furrowed. She still didn’t answer Nanno's question directly. 

It was your main mission, to let her do what she wants but to keep her reminded of what she does. It’s up to her to repress the guilt or to do something virtuous after sinning. 

“W-well why did she attack me?” 

Kamlai was like a cracked glass of water, with cracks sealed with weak tape. 

“She didn’t, Kami, why are you so nervous?” your voice stayed calm. With the two eyes of Nanno and you, Kamlai felt as if this was something she needed to run from. 

And water began to slowly leak out of it at the slightest touch.

Kamlai noticed other students looking at her weirdly. She desperately looked around and everyone's eyes were on her. She wanted to scream, escape and run. But this was just the beginning. 

“It’s okay Kamlai,” suddenly, Nanno patted her shoulder with a slight grip, like a warning, at  which Kamlai slightly flinched. “Class is starting soon. You can answer me later, okay?” Nanno laughed it off and stood up, waiting for Kamlai to follow her steps. But Kamlai just nervously smiled and walked to the class with Nanno. 

-     -    -    -     -    -

Kamlai felt unsure of Nanno. As if Nanno had an idea that the anonymous profile is exactly Kamlai. 

Step by step, Kamlai wasn’t sure if she wanted to be friends with nanno anymore, she was starting to be afraid after just 2-3 days. 

And she thought Nanno’s kindness was kinda—fake? as if she was mocking her through the whole day just to have Kamlai’s words and opinions about the sudden post.

Not only that but Kamlai was running out of victims to post fake gossip about on that facebook anonymous profile. 

In truth, when she’s deeply envious and jealous of others, she ruins their school life with just a few clicks and words on facebook. 

Ravee wasn’t in school after a few more posts Kamlai posted during the night. 

‘Such an ugly girl.’ ‘I hope she disappears’ ‘She doesn’t deserve anything’ ‘Have you guys heard she did it again? So desperate’ 

It was such an easy thing to do. Being anonymous felt as if you’re in control when everyone believed your gossip about people in your school. No one could possibly guess that it was Kamlai. 

But the more Kamlai posted of Ravee, the more guilty she felt, the more she listened to you brag non stop in her head how what she’s doing is really wrong. And she did feel guilty, but she didn’t wanna stop any of her mistakes—rather she wanted you to stop reminding her. 

First it was you, then Nanno who was getting even more weird. And also, someone also anonymous commenting weird comments under her posts. ‘Don’t act so innocent, I know who you are.’  or ‘Are you really talking about her, or deep down you know you want to be her?’

Kamlai bit her lip laying in her bed while reading the comment. She wanted to put her mind to ease, got up and walked to the bathroom. Cold water rushed down the sink as she took it in her hands and washed her face. It wasn’t even hot in the bathroom, but the mirror glass was foggy. Without thinking much of it Kamlai took soft wipes and started to clean the mirror.

As Kamlai wiped the mirror glass more and more, with a final sweep, you appeared in the mirror in her place. 

“You’re anonymous, why are you worried? Are you doubting yourself? Or you just know you can’t hide anymore?” 

Kamlai screamed and fell to the floor, her eyes widened in shock and terror. Breathing deeply she asked herself ‘Why are you in my reflection?’ 

Taking a moment to process everything, carefully, she stood up and saw herself in the reflection once again. Your words struck like lightning through her mind, but she wasn’t willing to stop her actions. She was willing to stop both you and Nanno from exposing her to the whole school.

You guessed people only regret their actions when they’re cornered, even by people they see as friends. 

And so, Kamlai took her phone. Unlocked the phone with a face scanner. Rushed to open her well known app. Typed not even 3 sentences. 

‘To say that Y/n is one of the sweetest people in class is such a hoax. Before she moved here she was kicked out for bullying and pushing a student off stairs.’

And posted it before dozing off to sleep. Not knowing this was the decision she will regret for the rest of her life. 

“Have you seen the new post? I’m kinda confused…” 

“Who’s Y/n? Is she in your class?” 

“I don’t think I know anyone named Y/n in our school, what’s the purpose of that post?” 

As Kamlai walked through the school she felt uneasy. Everyone was whispering among themselves and the school as if it lost color. Kamlai tightened her grip on her bag and walked into her class. Everyone's eyes fell on her as she walked closer to her seating place. 

Looking around, she turned to her right and you were not sitting in your usual place, in fact, you weren’t in school at all. Furrowing her eyebrows, Kamlai started taking out her books and stationery. She noticed that a trio of girls were talking with Nanno. Kamlai just couldn't not to eavesdrop on their conversation since Nanno sits next to her. 

“Hey Nanno, do you maybe have any idea who Y/n is?” the first girl asked. “Yeah we’re kinda unsure of what the gossiper meant by it.” The second girl explains the first girl’s question in detail. Nanno takes a moment to think, leaning the side of her upper head on the back of the pencil she was holding. “Hmm…I don’t think I saw anyone like Y/n.” Nanno speaks loud enough for Kamlai to hear. 

Kamlai’s blood started to rush with each passing second, what do they mean they don’t know who Y/n is? You were in school just yesterday. The rain tapped harshly on the school’s windows and a couple of thunders were heard in the distance. 

It perfectly matched Kamlai’s head right now. 

“Do you think the anonymous gossiper went for another school or?” the third girl jumped in and Nanno’s eyes traced hers. With a small pout, Nanno spoke again. “I don’t think so,” the trio as well as Kamlai listened carefully to Nanno’s words. “I’m sure the gossiper is, well,...” she looked down for a second. 

“running out of victims.”  the trio looked among themselves “And only one left to expose soon is the gossiper itself.” Nanno’s words left an effect on Kamlai. She could feel her muscles tense up, hear her heartbeat go faster. 

“What about you, Kamlai?” Nanno turned her head behind and the trio of girls watched the scene. “Do you have any idea who Y/n is? I’m sure you know you’re the class rep.” A smile splattered over Nanno’s cheeks. The one that could be almost as mockery as her actions were. Kamlai flinched at the question while facing the 4 girls. Looking them one by one in the eyes. The trio was curious and serious, while Nanno was acting as if she knew. 

“I…I don’t think so too.” The trio of girls exchanged glances, sensing Kamlai’s unease. Kamlai felt her nerves tighten, every word on the edge, but she kept her eyes on Nanno. Kamlai refused to let her see how rattled she truly was.

Nanno tapped the pencil against her desk lightly, almost thoughtfully. “Well… if you say so,” the trio spoke instead of Nanno before walking away. 

The awkward silence fell upon the two acquaintances. Both of them had nothing to say but also wanted to speak so much. Until Nanno broke the silence. 

Nanno leaned closer to Kamlai. Her eyes were slightly widened while staring at Nanno. “Did you lie so nobody suspects you or do you actually don’t know who Y/n is?” Tilting her head, Nanno waited for Kamlai’s response. A lump of nervousness slowly formed in Kamlai’s throat. “You sound like her now,” Kamlai pointed out to Nanno. “Is that bad for me or for you?” Nanno barged back with the same silly tone. 

“...Well, you lied about not knowing her too–.” almost immediately Kamlai split the blame on Nanno too. Trying to escape from the unsureness. “I didn't,” Nanno interrupted. Kamlai’s mouth slightly opened in shock and in pure confusion. Just yesterday it was all normal. “You tell me,” the mysterious silky, black haired girl continued. “Who is Y/n really to you?” 

Kamlai wanted to answer but class had already started and it was time to focus on something else. Well, at least she wanted to focus on something else. She glanced at your seat once again and felt nauseous of the fact— everyone was as if you never even existed.

At lunch Kamlai didn’t even dare to go outside and eat with Nanno. 

Moreover, she hid herself in the bathroom all alone. It was all so confusing, irritating! She didn’t know what to do anymore. Not only did everyone just forget you but also Nanno? What is really going on here? Even her gossip profile—the one thing she had thought she had control over—had now sparked controversy among the pupils. And Kamlai had no clue how to stop all this.

She walked to the sink. Her once confident walk was lost, replaced with insecurity and hesitation. Of course she didn’t want to close the profile and delete its existence, she wanted you and Nanno to stop messing with her head. 

Breathing heavily, Kamlai could feel her rage after remembering Nanno’s innocent words. “Who is Y/n really to you?” She let the water run as cold as possible down the sink. Who does she even think she is? Gripping the side of the sink before diving her hands, letting the water freeze her palms. Kamlai leaned over and washed her face—exactly like that one night. 

Will you scare her again? or will she see herself in the mirror? 

Closing her eyes she left her hands leaned on the sink and before she opened them, Kamlai took a deep breath. ‘Here it goes’ she thought and slowly opened her eyes to nobody in the bathroom except herself. 

In a sigh of relief she tilted her head down, brushing a hand through her hair before looking up again. 

Her blood ran thicker and colder than water going through her skin. 

This time, you were in the mirror, standing right behind her. Without your usual glim in your eyes and with a deathly serious straight shape of your mouth. You stood there as petrified as Kamlai was. 

When Kamlai processed your presence and gasped in surprise, she flinched at your sudden grip on her shoulders. 

She was scared to look anywhere but the mirror, right into your eyes who were widened in anger. Kamlai whimpered at your harsh grip, your nails digging deep into the skin of her shoulders. Her heart skipped a beat and she was frozen before you spoke the same tone just like that one night.

“You can hide, but you can’t run forever.” 

“What do you want from me?” she whispered, voice trembling. Expressing her anger at such circumstances, but fear when facing the people she wants to destroy. Water dripped from her chin to her neck. 

The bare silence was killing Kamlai’s nerves. Her eyes were wide open and cold sweat started to form on her forehead. While you stood there, not letting her move a muscle and just stared at her in the mirror. 

“You want to stop this.” with a tingle of warning you spoke, “You have a chance to think for yourself,” almost whispering to her ear. Kamlai started to hardly breathe, exhaling quickly and inhaling slowly. “If not…” your eyes changed its calm demeanor, it was a real warning. 

“Get ready for the worst imaginable.” and that's when you let her go. Kamlai fell to her knees, not too harsh but hard enough to let out a defeated heave. She was startled, too afraid to even turn around and check if you were really there. 

When she got ready to get up, someone else confirmed her question for her. 

“Is Y/n also in here?” The familiar cunning voice echoed through the bathroom, dashing Kamlai out of her thoughts. Somehow calming her down a bit. Nanno stood in front of the closed bathroom door, her eyes darted at Kamlai while she looked around herself. 

You were nowhere in sight. 

But Kamlai still felt her skin return to its normal flat surface after your nails dug deep into her shoulders. She still felt the cold water, the fear, and the lurking of your words at the back of her head. 

Nanno walked closer to Kamlai, “Or is she just in your head?” Kamlai trembled her breath at Nanno’s another thoughtful but mockery question. She couldn’t bear it anymore—were you actually in her head or did you really walk the same hallways right before everything went downhill? 

Kamlai’s chest felt tight, her pulse thumping in her ears. She couldn’t take the weight of Nanno’s gaze or the question of your existence any longer. Why is all this happening to her? — she thought. Without a word, she quickly got up from the floor, nearly slipping on the tiles, and sprinted past Nanno.

Away from the problems she couldn’t face.

Nanno’s both head and gaze followed Kamlai’s running figure. After Kamlai disappeared in the distance, the familiar smile Nanno always had up her sleeves came to bloom on her face. Especially when she heard the bathroom stall door open after a few seconds of the eager silence.

With a sharp creak heard, Nanno turned to the way it echoed and saw no other than you—standing still, like always, holding your wrist tightly with your other hand behind your back. And also you had a small grin on your face, as if you enjoyed seeing Kamlai so devastated.  

“So you do exist after all.” Nanno crossed her arms, facing your figure by turning towards you. Before taking slow steps forward you let out an ironic ridicule. 

As always, Nanno could taunt anyone till the end of eternity and could never get enough of it. 

As you walked towards her direction, Nanno asked “Don’t you think you scared her a little too much?” You watched as Nanno sat on the sink counter facing you. Exhaling you shrugged your shoulders. 

“What is she scared of exactly?” you exhaled “I’m just a reminder you know.” Your gaze falling onto Nanno’s dark, almost pitch black irises. The two stayed quiet in the cold school bathroom. 

The game of a cat and mouse had been going on ever since Nanno became a new student just days ago.

The grin on Nanno’s beautiful face had become larger after hearing your words. Tilting her head, she lowered her voice. “You haven’t changed your words,” As if she was speaking to an old friend. “at all.” she didn’t mean to either taunt or to insult you— Nanno wanted to speak with you in a more forward way of words. 

You softly blinked, smiling with your eyes. 

“You would know.” Now Nanno was proud she made your serious but calm face throw a small smile. 

It all felt like a dream— speaking to the person you were hoping to see one day. 

Soon, Nanno hopped off the gray counter with a soft thud, her black shoes echoing lightly on the bathroom tiles. The two beings kept their smiles on their faces. Nanno didn’t rush towards you, in fact, she made her way to you, slowly, step by step. 

“You were waiting for me,” she starts to circle around you, her eyes never leaving your eyes. 

Whenever she circled around her victims it all felt like she was a predator circling around her prey. But with you. 

“didn’t you?” With one sudden move she looked back into your eyes over your left shoulder. As if the devils were on the left side of everyone's shoulder. 

“I don’t blame you, really.” While circling again, she added an accent on the 3rd word of her sentence. The sound of Nanno’s shoes pacing around your figure, the sink water dripping and your calmness entertaining Nanno’s brain. It all felt so familiar, but so unpredictable. 

“But did you really think I wouldn’t notice you right away?” Another sudden move from Nanno, this time she leaned closer to your face from your right side. “You’ve been watching her, as her hallucination of her inner guilt.” She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at you. 

“You really sound like me now.” your words took Nanno by slight surprise— exactly what Kamlai said to Nanno today. 

Both beings chuckled at one's words. Putting their hands in their starting positions— yours, behind your back, holding on tightly. Nanno’s, arms crossing in front tightly. 

“You really are a part of her…” Nanno came to the conclusion. You didn’t respond immediately. Instead, your gaze lingered on Nanno, carefully steady.

Her words hung in the air, as if spoken to confirm a truth both of you already knew. “Watching her was enough…” started you. “Until now, I guess you can say some people never listen—even to themselves.” 

For a second your head was lowered down a bit, swiftly moving your right leg to the side of your left. Nanno tilted her head to the side, obviously interested in your suggestion. Before she spoke she moved her head to its natural position and let go of her crossed arms. “Oh Y/n,” she said, almost too hypnotizing. 

Nanno took a step back and half sat on the sink’s counter. Her arms moved to her sides to hold on the edge of the counter. “there isn’t a human that would change the chaos they create,” she takes a few seconds before continuing. “unless it impacts their own existence.”

After Nanno speaks out the words, your eyes shoot open. With a swift move you walked up closer to the black haired girl. It was almost like a rush but it felt so slow to both beings. The tips of your shoes were touching the tip of Nanno’s shoes and your hands positioning themselves next to Nanno’s—holding your mere figure that's inches away from Nanno’s. 

She could feel the small wind of your hot breath against her face, but she kept eye contact with you—though, she struggled. 

You tilted your chin, an inch or two, higher and tilted your head halfway to the left. Nanno and your noses were now the closest distance apart. 

Your gaze held Nanno in a chokehold. She couldn't believe she was going to let herself fall this low—but as they say, those who fly high, fall low. You had the same expression on your face as Nanno 90% of the time— like you wanted her cornered.

When the strange tension between the two beings was at its peak, your eyes stopped wandering Nanno’s face and became focused on Nanno’s eyes. The way your eyes gleamed with a certain longing, craving and need—as if you missed the final piece in your final puzzle piece. Nanno swallowed tightly, feeling something she never thought she would in such a long span of time. 

As your head got closer to hers, Nanno’s head lightly moved back with raised shoulders. But she stood leaned on the edge of the sink counter. Though, you noticed that you stopped blinking—while Nanno didn’t. A playful smile splattering on your cheeks before speaking. 

“That’s why I know we should do it together.” Your eyes locked on hers while you lowered your head down now. The two beings didn’t speak, just looked. Nanno’s heart suddenly started beating fast and it all felt so warm with you this close. What was it?  she thought while laying her eyes on all of your features. The echoing of your voice repeated in Nanno’s head. “I’ll help you and you’ll help me,” 

Suddenly, you sounded so salty—but so sweet. 

“Let me hear what you have in mind,” Nanno smirked at your words, until. 

Suddenly, the air shifted into something much more intimate. 

At the same time and with the same flash— both beings locked eyes. 

As your lips slowly parted into realization of how close you were to her, your eyes fell to her soft, plump pink lips just for a brief second. Like already said, the moment itself felt so familiar as if it… belongs? 

Nanno knew you couldn’t do this mission without her and you knew Nanno couldn’t resist getting to know you better. And maybe, just maybe, she knew you thought about her in your mind and not the plan you had for Kamlai. 

When your hand lightly touched Nanno’s it felt like a sudden electric shock. Tiny chills wrapping around Nanno’s arms. As for you, you leaned closer, narrowing your chin higher to stretch your neck towards the karma herself. But Nanno didn’t feel any guilt for wanting this. 

In fact, she started leaning in as well. She didn’t know if it was your or her heart she was hearing beating so loudly. And just when she almost closed her eyes to feel the softness of your lips, hoping it would be at least a peck—female students barge in the bathroom. 

Their chitter chat startled Nanno as she looked in their way towards the opened door. One of the girls was the one who was asking her about the anonymous gossiper and their newest post just later today. To them, it seemed as if Nanno was alone in the bathroom.

“Yo, Nanno, were you alone here the whole lunch?” That girl asks while walking towards the sink to look in the mirror. The sound of other girls walking to the bathroom stalls before classes started filled the room and suddenly—everything didn’t seem so quiet. 

Did she let herself be distracted? Nanno thought, standing up from the sink before turning around to search for one person only she could see clearly in the sea of mortals.  Until she furrowed her eyebrows in disappointment. 

Even a being like Nanno could forget that you’re just Kamlai’s hallucination of her guilt—but you were a being like Nanno. Which was why she could see you. 

You crawl so deep in every one of your victims minds to make them go crazy after constantly being reminded of what a chaos they’re doing to everyone and also—to themselves. It was all you had to do during your missions—while Nanno took action in both of her sleeves. 

And in that moment, Nanno knew both of you could get an end to Kamlai’s silly envious game. 

The next day Nanno walked to school with hoaxed confusion on her face. She knew why everyone was looking at her from the sides. Every step she took was measured and tracked by the eyes of everyone. But she didn’t mind it, but she knew who did. 

Everyone repeating the fresh new gossip the anonymous profile made to try and ruin yet another optimistic soul. ‘Nanno was such a whore in her old school. I mean that’s the main reason they’re not saying from which school she transferred.’  But really, Kamlai was just reflecting things she wanted through her so-called insults. 

Nanno slowed her pace as she stopped right in front of the bench where Kamlai was sitting, alone. Letting the whispers wash over her like a tide. Every glance, every pointed finger, only sharpened the grin tugging at her lips. She knew what was being said, and she knew exactly who had planted the seed. 

“Good morning, Kamlai!” Nanno excitedly yelled out so Kamlai would flinch at the greeting. She looked up with an almost angry but confused expression. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she acted as if she didn’t know Nanno at all. But still, she greeted her back. “Morning…” she mumbled out. At first, Nanno’s mouth was formed in a small circle, once again hoaxed playfulness, until she gripped her bag tightly and smirked. 

“You’re sitting all by yourself today,” Nanno said, looking away at the sun shining and at the cloudy sky. Knowing Kamlai looked up at her to look at her in tired disbelief. “Strange, isn’t it?” Nanno looked down again. 

She noticed Kamlai was gripping her phone so tightly, as if it's going to run away. That’s when Nanno sat next to Kamlai for a little longer. When she did, Kamlai immediately hid her phone in her bag, eyeing if Nanno saw anything peculiar. But Nanno just let out a sigh. Kamlai knew she had to make Nanno think that the anonymous gossiper isn’t herself so—she lied about caring for her feelings.

“Hey uh…” Nanno felt a light tap on her right shoulder. When she faced Kamlai, she was met by an expected lie that could fool any human. “I saw what the profile said about you, are you…alright? I’m concerned.” Kamlai’s eyes wandered to the crowd of pupils from time to time on the right side of her gaze— the 1st sign of lying was always looking at the right side. 

Nanno slightly tilted her head to the left and also lightly smirked once again. “I’m okay, don't you worry about me,” Nanno says. “But what are you afraid of exactly?” she popped a question right when Kamlai wasn’t even looking at her, but it made her switch her eyes to Nanno. 

With a furrowed eyebrow, “I’m sorry, what?” she asked. 

“Are you afraid for me or are you afraid for yourself?” Nanno kept her face and patiently waited for Kamlai to answer. In a brief response, Kamlai opened her mouth to speak and tried to form words—but nothing came out. “When my reputation is ruined that would ruin yours too, right?” The words clung to Kamlai’s chest like a weight. For a moment she just sat there, stiff. She wanted to snap back, to deny it—but her throat tightened.

Nanno’s grin widened. “Mm… thought so.” She looked away, brushing imaginary dust from her skirt, as though the conversation were nothing more than small talk.

But to Kamlai, it was everything.

Because the moment Nanno turned away, Y/n’s voice was there again—low, taunting, circling her head like a vulture.

“She sees through you… just like I do. Did you think you could hide it?”

Kamlai flinched, pressing her palm against her cheek. She hadn’t slept. Not a wink. Every time her eyes shut, Y/n was waiting, whispering, repeating her every lie back at her until it sounded hollow. Her bag felt heavier. Her phone, tucked inside. Every word she had typed as the anonymous profile pulsed back into her skull like a migraine.

“Hmm…” Nanno tapped her finger against her lip, pretending to think. “Your eyes. They look… tired. Like someone’s been bugging you in your head all night.”

Kamlai’s grip on her phone tightened, a faint irritation betraying her calm demeanor this morning.

Nanno leaned closer, her voice soft, almost sweet, yet unnervingly curious. “Kamlai… did you sleep well? You know class rep shouldn’t be this irresponsible.”

That’s when Kamlai had enough. Before standing up and rushing away into the school, she narrowed her expression towards Nanno. Clearly becoming more cautious and angry at the sudden questions. When she did, Nanno just leaned back on the bench in relaxation, resting both of her arms on the back of the bench. 

It was all going according to plan. 

Right after Kamlai changed her shoes in the wide school hall, filled with student’s personal lockers, she knew she had to write something on her anonymous profile. 

She rushed to her classroom a little earlier than other students in her class. Taking a seat at her usual spot— a desk in the middle section, 2nd row by the left side from the professor’s spot. In a sigh of relief, Kamlai rushedly placed her school bag on the back of her chair. She tightly held anything under her fingertips. 

Anxiously looking around herself, making sure not a soul is watching what she’s about to do, Kamlai took the phone out of her skirt pocket. The sweat off her palm made her almost slide her fingers across the back of the phone, almost dropping her phone. 

She’d never done this in public— never thought she would. 

In a fast pace, typed Kamlai across the plastic phone screen, the buzzing in her ears went off louder and louder the longer she typed. ‘Also, did you guys hear about…’

‘Think, Kamlai, think’ she thought before dropping her phone to her table right in the middle of the place where she rested the tip of her elbows. Brushing through her hair, she looked up and watched a couple of pupils pass by her. Analyzing their smiling faces before they faded away. 

That’s when her head moved down to the phone she had dropped so instantly. Kamlai blinked two times, also analyzing what she had typed. Furrowing her expression, it wasn’t like she had written it—at all. 

‘Also, did you guys ever ask yourself who I am?’ 

The shock, terror and unbelief splatters on Kamlai’s face. ‘I didn’t write this.’ She backed away to lean on her chair in thought. Right when she processed what just happened, the written sentence posted itself without Kamlai pressing the button post. 

Kamlai gasped in fear, loudly. “No-!” She took the phone in her hands and watched as likes and views started gaining with each passing second. Everyone saw it— she finally thought for herself. Kamlai didn’t think much of it at the moment but it was the first moment she felt guilty and said the words in her mind by herself— finally without your help or reminders. 

As she watched her own screen literally explode with notifications, she pressed the exit button so many times she lost count. The rush of adrenaline through her veins, the worry and the immaculate fear she felt at the back of her head. ‘Why is this happening to only her?’  she thought while widening her eyes more and more. 

That’s when she managed to turn off her phone and completely restart it. It was so quiet but so loud in her head. As she watched her phone restart, she waited for a couple of seconds for it to turn on again. Seconds turned into a minute or two. She couldn’t wait—she had to delete that post somehow. But her hands were trembling, her nose started to run and cold sweat cried on her whole face. 

Time was killing her once again and so did the quiet. She didn’t know if it was worse to not hear anything or to hear you babbling in her head about her actions. 

When Kamlai’s phone finally came to life, her rashness tried to unlock the phone with her fingerprints but it needed a password. Making Kamlai click her tongue, she barely unlocked it with her hands so trembly. Her heart pounded so hard it made her ribs ache when she saw the post was still there. She hadn’t posted that. She knew she hadn’t. 

Yet the words as if they were hers. It was like the account was speaking her thoughts out loud before she even realized she had them.

Ding!

Another post appeared.

“What if the gossiper was closer than you think? Watching you right now?”  and this one got more attention from the pupils than the 1st one. 

Kamlai’s breath hitched. Her eyes darted around her room. No one. Just her. But the buzzing in her ears was louder now. She knew what it meant—she knew who was going to speak now. 

“Don’t know where the end of all this is?” Your voice sent a couple of chills down Kamlai’s arms, your voice right behind her. She turned in desperation to face you, but there was no one—but her. “But do you know when the beginning was?”  you speak out once again. The anger in Kamlai made her blood boil, but it slowly turned into something else. “Show yourself Y/n! Everything was so much better if only you hadn’t walked in my life! Show yourself, now!” Kamlai screamed in the classroom, turning around so many times without getting dizzy. 

It was so quiet once again, even after every scream Kamlai threw to make you show up. But you didn’t. For a second she wondered where all the pupils disappeared and why isn’t everyone going to their classrooms. 

Until she heard footsteps. 

They echoed heavily against the floor—the shoes the person is wearing were hard and left an impact on the sound. Kamlai firstly heard one step, then two, three, walking to the door of the classroom where she was standing. She wasted her time and ran towards the door and opened it harshly. 

When she did, she saw Nanno leaned on the wall right beside the door. 

The black haired girl, her hair silky and shiny, was smiling with her eyes with a small taunt beneath. Crossing her arms she had her left hand twirl around her charcoal hair, looking down on the person she was expecting to see. Kamlai’s blood boiled. 

She took Nanno by the shoulders and pinned her against the wall, yelling and screaming. “WHERE IS Y/N? YOU BITCH, I KNOW YOU KNOW WHERE SHE’S HIDING.” She shook her shoulders hard and cheekily, her eyes wider than a halved apple. Kamla's face was synonymous with anger because finally something was not going her way. 

Regardless of Kamla's aggression towards Nanno, Nanno remained calm until one moment. Until the moment that caused Kamlai to slightly move away from Nanno. The moment Nanno let out that laugh. 

That mocking, psychopathic, unusual and loud laugh that Nanno always kept for the downfall of every victim that she encountered. She laughed for less than 5 seconds, and Kamlai was so scared that she hid back in her shell. 

It seems that the statement 'Who shouts the loudest, is the easiest to scare' is more than true. 

Kamlai backed away from Nanno until she was the one pinned to the wall. But the irony was, Nanno didn’t even touch her nor did she say anything yet. 

When Nanno stopped laughing, she slowly walked up to Kamlai. Taking her face into her hands Nanno could feel her skin muscles tremble beneath her bare fingertips. It made Nanno grin even harder. 

Kamlai tightly pressed her palms against the white wall as Nanno got her gaze closer to Kamlai’s. She really seemed like a psycho now. When Nanno’s eyes got to 5 inches away from Kamlai’s eyes, she finally spoke as her smile fell off her face in a serious but playful expression. 

“How should I know…” she spoke until a smile splattered back on her cheeks, ready to finish her question. “where your feelings are?” her eyes widened in mockery while Kamlai’s widened in fear. 

It all made sense even more with this question. 

Kamlai’s head started spinning at the question—as if she was being hypnotized. Or was it the fact she was getting flashbacks all the way from the start. They played at the same time in her head. 

Kamlai never felt guilt for doing all this to the people she felt envious of— meaning: she never truly faced Y/n’s presence in her conscience. Yet now Nanno’s question forced the hollow guilt she’d buried to surface all at once.

She ripped away from Nanno’s grip as she slowly walked backwards. Watching Nanno’s head follow her figure. Kamlai started to run as her breath hitched in her throat. As always—she wanted to run from all the chaos she caused, but she wanted it to stop. But even if it did, she wouldn’t stop doing what she was doing. That’s why neither did the school pupils stop to let her get out of the school. 

Kamlai ran outside to the main entrance of the school until she was suddenly punched in the nose by someone. Kamlai stumbled back and fell on her back. Feeling the warm liquid flow down her nose slowly. Her vision blurred as she tried to focus on the crowd surging around her, faces twisted with anger and judgment. “She’s here!” someone shouted, and the voice felt like a blade slicing through her heart.

Kamlai couldn't even get up before everyone attacked her. She couldn't see the way out. Her head shot towards the upper part of the school where there was a fence and a small school balcony. There she stood, Nanno with her sly laugh. And lo and behold, another person right next to her— you stood there with a small sneer, matching Nanno. 

The crowd closed in around her. All Kamlai could hear was the sound of every student, whose life she ruined with just a few movements, clicks and likes, getting back their voice of justice. All Kamlai could feel was the violence every student experienced on her. In all that pain, punching and bleeding, Kamlai for a second, just for a brief second thought— ‘What have I done?’ 

There was no one to stop the final climax of the view Nanno and you were witnessing. Both of you were proud of the job you’ve done. One more mission done. Nanno watched everyone probably unalive Kamlai as she leaned on the dark green railing. While you walked right next to her, putting your palms on the railing with your gaze down on the scene. 

That’s when you opened your mouth to speak. “Hey Nanno,” you said, none of the beings faced each other on one's call. Both irises focused on the violence beneath. 

“Do you believe in forgiveness?” your question hung in the air in the small distance between Nanno and you. They struck a piercing arrow through Nanno’s mind—but she always had an answer. “Hmmm…” the charcoal hair girl looked up in the sky as your gaze shifted to her face. She was thinking hard. “Forgiveness is only explainable when the person changes,” now, her eyes pierced through yours. “You know, you can’t forgive if you see the same pattern all over when it happens.” 

As the wind passed through both being’s hair, you hummed with a small smile. Making Nanno look at you in curiosity. “Do you not agree?” Nanno teased. That’s when you leaned down on the railings the same way Nanno did and looked at her. “Of course I agree with you but…” you start before looking down. “I know she’s probably not going to change.” Nanno’s lips curved into a thin, knowing smile. 

“Ah… Kamlai,” she said. Her gaze followed the chaos below, where the girl’s world had collapsed under her own arrogance. “She thought she was untouchable.” You tightened your grip on the railing, your gaze never leaving Kamlai’s trembling form below. “And yet, she’s here. It was she who didn’t listen. Do we let her stay that way, or…?”

Nanno turned her eyes back to you, sharp as knives. “Let her? No. Someone like her doesn’t get mercy. She either faces the truth… or she repeats her mistakes.” When silence fell between, they watched the crowd clear up, but they were still present. They backed away from Kamlai who laid there on the floor. 

“I never thought we’d actually meet, Nanno.” your head moved towards her. “I’ve watched what you do…”  “And now… standing here with you—it’s overwhelming. I never thought this moment would happen.” You swallowed tightly, the weight of the nervous feeling pressed against your chest—in true admiration towards Nanno, maybe even love. 

A thin, dangerous smirk curled Nanno’s lips. “Overwhelming, huh? That’s one way to put it. But aren’t you supposed to enjoy my company?” confusion filled Nanno. You were too interesting to her. That’s when your face went blank, a small pout formed on your lips as you straightened your back to stand up. “I’m enjoying it so much I’m overwhelmed.” when you said your honest words, Nanno bursted into a small chuckle. She held her stomach and stood up just like you. 

“You really are something, Y/n.” She leaned just a little closer, enough for the air between you to tighten. “Finally seeing you like this… it’s worth it.” the sensual tone of her voice made your mind rush.

You blinked, heart thumping, “S-seeing me like what?” unsure if it was the thrill of the successful mission or her words making your chest ache. Nanno smirked at your stuttering question and spoke. “Like this,” she took you by the collar of the shirt, pinned you against the railing and kissed you. Your hands, after holding tightly the railings, found Nanno’s waist as you melted into the sudden kiss. 

The world shifted. The chaos below didn’t matter anymore, the fading screams, the scattered bodies—all of it disappeared, leaving only Nanno and the heat of the moment. Your chest pressed against hers, hands gripping her like you were afraid she might vanish if you let go. Your heads moved in synth and the sound of your lips kissing was all you two heard.

Her lips moved with precision. Your mind screamed, but your body obeyed, leaning closer, wrapping around her. The wind whipped past you both. 

When you finally broke apart, gasping for breath, her smirk returned with her eyes half closed.  Like she knew exactly what she’d done to you. “Not bad,” she murmured, letting her fingers trace the line of your jaw. “I wondered how long it’d take for you to… really meet me.” 

“Oh shush,” both of you laughed. Until what caught your eyes was the crowd of pupils starting to walk inside the school. “C’mon,” you took Nanno’s hand and led her towards the school. “We shouldn’t let them see us like this,” Nanno’s fingers tightened around yours, the mischievous glint never leaving her eyes. “Ah… so you’re taking charge now?” she teased, letting herself be pulled along. “Ah so you got distracted again?” at your cheesy response she laughed again, letting herself be led down the hall—but the tension between you didn’t fade.

If anything, it grew, a silent promise that this partnership and much more it had become— was just the beginning.

Slowly walking with your slippers, ankles naked and exposed, you slowly picked the glass up so nobody steps on it. Until, you hear a footstep. 

Where? How?— turning around, Moonie was still sitting in the same position, licking her paws and cleaning the back of her ears. It was then realization hit you—someone was walking in the attic, right over your head. 

Slowly, with your heart scaredly thumping in your ribs, you looked up at the small door that had to be pulled on the outside to have an entrance in the ceiling. On the outside meant it had to be pulled by you or anyone in the said hallway. Holding the risky sharp glass in your left hand and the lantern in your right you couldn’t speak, think or breathe for a second. 

But curiosity won’t just kill a cat. 

You rushed to the trash can and threw the glass away. On your way back you took a long stick with a twisted sharp hook on the end. It was time to delve deeper into the mystery of this house. 

Pictured paintings falling on a random pale day or your stuff being in different places than where you’ve put them. Or even your cat as if having inner demons stared at the places where nothing was—it wasn’t just a coincidence. 

Inhaling a brave breath, you lifted the hooked stick up and pulled the stairs for the attic down. So sudden but so twisted. A draft screamed through the halls from the wind blowing through the opened windows as your hair breezed away from your face. Nodding to yourself you took the first step of the stairs, then two, three, and so on. 

Placing the lantern on the attic floor to gain some balance you quietly groaned while making your way up. Peaking your head through, you were met by dust flying everywhere and something that made your blood run cold through your veins. A rope, tightly tied to the attic wooden ceiling right in front of the window. Your breath hitches, but it will also be taken away when somebody’s starts to speak, someone that isn’t you. 

“Took you long enough to come up here.” a soft spoken voice pierced through your ears as you flinched. Turning around you were also met by a female figure, she was leaning to your head in the entrance of the attic. Her face was as if made of porcelain and quartz and her eyes—as if they lived through death. 

Your eyes were wide open and you were speechless. The female figure was grinning at you gently as she moved out of the way to let you in. 

“Who are you?” you quietly ask, holding the lantern once again when you finally took a step on the wooden cold floor of the last floor. “me? oh sorry, I’m not much of an ‘effective intro’ person,” she started, brushing her brown short bangs out of her eyes. “Kim Minjeong, nice to meet you.” she held her hand out to shake it with you. 

Kim Minjeong—the girl who died in these very walls, you remembered. 

Your lips parted as your mouth started to dry. “but you…” you swiftly pointed your index finger at her. She playfully rolled her eyes as she wickedly eyed you. “Sorry if I bothered you these past days, I’m just…fascinated by you.” She said with honesty in her tone. Still a little confused, you scan her whole figure. 

She wore a white cotton long sleeved shirt with rolled up sleeves and worn out low waist jeans. Her hair was a darker shade of brown, short to her shoulders with bangs covering most of her forehead. You would think she wasn’t this talkative but she somehow was. 

Turning around, scanning the area, lighting through with your familiar lantern you felt twisted once again. Something was wrong but so far away to define it. 

“So you’re…” you start, wanting to face Minjeong again but she was nowhere in your sight. Eyebrows furrowing and head tilting you look around until she appears upside down, floating before your eyes. "A ghost? Let’s say I am." her hair whipped through the moving as she tilted her head. Flying downstairs to the hallway, leaving you speechless. “Hey!” you called out to her, stumbling across your way back down. 

“Hi Moonie, I finally met you for real.” she talked with your cat as you watched, confused and speechless. “Wait, so, if you’re a ghost, then it was you who has been messing with my head recently!” you knelt next to Moonie with Minjeong who was petting your cat insanely. 

“Sorry, I’m what they would’ve called a poltergeist.” she stated, smiling gently. Though there was something off about her aura and the way she moved. It was so…welcoming but something was telling you she was a stop sign. 

“How come I can see you?” you tried to touch her but only to be met by your finger going through her shoulder. Minjeong chuckled as she looked at you. “Well, I am only visible to those who believe in ghosts. That old man was surely over my head. God I’m glad he’s out of my house.” she confessed. 

Smiling gently back at her, in response you say as you shrug your shoulders. “Well, he told me not to go up there alone and at night, maybe he knew there is a ghost here.” 

Minjeong’s face relaxed, you two clicked together so fastly it was too much for both of your plates. “I figured by the fact he sold the house for such a cheap price.” she joked as you both laughed. 

Taking a breath to contain each other you pet Moonie who was laying on her back, showing her tummy to you. “I’m actually very surprised you can see me. nobody has ever…believed in me.” 

Minjeong’s tone shifted so suddenly it made you shiver, as if she was venting. “Well, It’s the kind of person I am.” nervously chuckling, you notice Moonie giving you a certain eye. 

“I’m glad you are.” Minjeong answers, looking at Moonie. 

As if she was uncomfortable, she grasped Minjeong's hand off when she petted her. As if the ghost girl was the start of a bad chapter of your life—or perhaps the last chapter. 

What are you telling me, Moonie? You asked yourself, talking to her through thoughts as she curled up in your lap. 

Yawning, you remind yourself of the time, “Oh, Minjeong, could you look at the clock and tell me what time it is?” your head peered at the clock above the desk, eyes struggling to define what time it is. Minjeong obeyed without a single word and flew towards the clock. She tilted her head while doing so before landing on her feet. “Quarter to 4Am”

Widening your eyes you brush your fingers through your hair. “I should sleep, promise me you wont break any more vases?” you pick up Moonie in your embrace, letting her claw her claws in the back of your shoulder as you slowly walk to the bed. “Yes ma’am” Minjeong said, straightening her palm as if getting a command. 

With one last chuckle you and Moonie curl up together on the bed. “Thank you and…good night.” 

Minjeong nodes as she flies away back into the attic, through the ceiling. 

2PM

For the next 2 or 3 months you and Minjeong grew closer together. 

She’d still mess with you but only to get your attention. As if she was getting to like you and know you more. And so did you. 

Something about Minjeong made your timbers shiver, your blood rushing and reflexes being more active due to some coldness. On the other hand, you felt a gentle presence with her, she was as gentle as honey but as sour as candy. 

Though your cat Moonie was getting even more suspicious. The more time you spent with Minjeong the more she started getting more aggressive when the ghost girl was around. 

Today she even hissed at Minjeong. Her gray fur ruffled in an instant when Minjeong tried to pet her. Of course she couldn’t scratch, but she could speak. “What’s up Moonie, hm?” You gently asked. 

While Minjeong stayed silent, still and listened to what you’re saying to the cat. 

The awkward silence fell between the 3 beings as you gently put the cat down off your lap, letting her drink her daily dose of milk. 

It was a weird morning for all of you, but for a second thought, you needed them as quiet as this. 

“I don’t know what’s up, do you think…I did something wrong?” Minjeong’s eyes held an unspoken secret she couldn’t tell just like that. Her presence and aura became twisted. Either being a mystery or a secret. “Maybe she's still just getting used to you since you’re…dead.”

She tilted her head, looking at your freshly made breakfast. Keeping a serious poker face while sitting on the chair on the right from you. 

She welcomed you in her original house so gently and she was so nice it made you feel a certain nostalgia from her. Though you knew she’s a living dead girl–moreover a ghost. 

But you couldn’t not develop small feelings for her. It bothered you that you couldn’t touch her, hug her—kiss her? 

It all wrapped in your head in a single thought.

You weren’t sure if she felt the same, but you were glad she was keeping you company for at least a little while. However, you have to admit—Minjeong said some disturbing things from time to time.

“You know…animals can sense things whether alive or not.” Minjeong mumbled while staring at you, who was taking a bite of your lunch. Right after you stopped in your trances and looked at her confusedly.

“Said what?” you waited through the chews. “Nothing,” she refused to say. “just saying she doesn’t quite like me.” your gaze fell on your lunch before looking back again. “Don’t say that, she’ll grow to like you I’m sure.” 

Minjeong chuckled nervously as she let you eat in silence—knowing that wasn’t gonna happen any soon.

If only you knew you should’ve thought more about what signs Moonie was giving to you. 

5.40PM

When evening fell upon the small town,a dazzling sight of sunfall colored the sky in pink colors and shades. With clouds making a peaceful delight. You stared outside the window while Minjeong slowly curled up next to you on your bed—watching the sunset together. 

“Say Minjeong,” you start, leaning your head closer to her trying not to make it fall through. “When did you become a ghost?” 

The question lingered through the air as well as your soft breathing. Minjeong peeked her head up from your shoulder as she stared at the sky—remembering. 

“I think it was right when they buried me,” she stated, grasping the memory. “In the cemetery nearby, you probably saw it already.”, you nodded in understanding. The cemetery wasn't far from here so you knew where it was just like she said. 

“And well I don't know how but ghosts lure the place where they died,” she fidgeted her fingers. “I hung myself in the attic.” 

“Why did you?” Curiosity filled your tone but with a pinch of empathy. Minjeong took a second to rethink and recall her emotions until she was ready to answer you. 

“Because my life was…horrible” she looked up at you—hatred filled her eyes, not sadness, hatred. “I hated them all, humans.” you felt your eyebrows twitch in reaction. “I wished them all suffering.” 

Though your eyes didn't widen, they were surprised but stayed calm. 

“I-I mean…” as if being caught she tried to explain, to get as much of your understanding. Her eyes looked away from yours for a brief second. “I was used to being…lonely even when I was alive. My parents would beat me up if I did something wrong and lock me in the attic.” her voice cracked.

“Just here, in this house, lonely. And they acted so innocent by…disappearing.” Minjeong looked down as you tapped her shoulder. She still felt the reassurance even if your hand could easily slip through her. “Disappearing?” you couldn’t help but to ask what she meant by her parents disappearing. 

“Pretty sure they killed themselves too when I attempted…” Harsh words fell so easily off her lips, her expression was sad but she spoke so well— as if reciting. “It's so ironic because they were the ones who brought me pain and they took advantage of it.” 

Both took a moment of silence to gather their thoughts. A draft breezed through the halls of the house. The sun was already down. It was just a question of time when the darkness of the night would fall onto the town too. 

“I’m really sorry you had to live like that.” you comforted, seeing the sun almost being fully down. “But, is it better being a ghost?” 

Your eyes reassured Minjeong’s state as you waited for an answer— letting your comforting aura swallow her despair.  

“It might be for some. But even though I have more freedom, I still wish I lived a little longer.” Minjeong confessed before continuing. 

“Maybe, if I lived longer I would’ve met…you, in person.” her eyes searched for yours as she finally got a reaction out of you. Your inner face muscles tensed up as your heart started to beat with a rhythm. 

You swore you saw Minjeong’s eyes stare at you with the same feeling you felt at the moment. Slowly, she was starting to get closer and closer to you. Your breath hitched at her cold presence right in front of your face. Until, you swallow and let her do what she wants. 

Minjeong kissed you—passionately and gently. Heartfelt, as if you're the only one for her no matter dead or alive. Her left hand intertwined with your right as her other hand cupped your cheek. Sliding her hand across the back of your head. 

You melted into her touch. It was surreal you weren't able to touch her back. But the kiss was the only thing you felt with her. 

Maybe it was the only thing you wanted to feel, but right now you wanted to enjoy it. Minjeong was getting even closer to you, making you fall on your bed. While laying on your back, Minjeong pulled you into a heated kiss once again, your body heating up as well. For a ghost, she was an excellent kisser. 

Her presence was as cold as ice but it was like the kiss of death. As both of you gasped for air, Minjeong slightly smirked upon your figure while you just eyed her. 

You chuckled against each other as Minjeong rested her forehead against yours, scrunching your nose against hers. Until your laughter was interrupted by your cat, Moonie. 

Flinching at the sudden meow you exhale a relieving breath. You called out to Moonie. “Hiya Moonie, what's uppp?” with a cutest smile ever. Moonie just stood in front of the room entrance, carefully eyeing Minjeong. Her head perked up as Minjeong sat up on the bed. 

As if the two were talking to each other through telepathy. Though you caught the glimpse of a constipated sharp look on Minjeong’s face. Her eyes were clearly focused on Moonie, losing its spark after kissing you. You swallowed thickly. Something about Minjeong felt… off. Like she was waiting for something— testing the waters.

Her eyebrows furrowed as you notice her tongue scrolling across her inner teeth and cheeks. It all felt so foggy. The change in the aura, it made you think, what was between these two?

“Minji?” The nickname fell easily off your lips. Minjeong’s head peered gently towards you, a small smile growing on her face. “Is everything alright?” sitting up you reassure her by the shoulder. 

Minjeong’s gaze smiles at you with a hideous smile. “Of course!” She started, until glaring back at Moonie again. “Moonie just…interrupted us.” her words lingered in the air as if on a tight string. You grasp out of her embrace and stand up from bed, 

“I'll go get her some milk,” you look back at her with a chill expression, not thinking much of their silent propaganda. 

“Imma be right back” Though as soon as you stepped into the cold hallway, an eager silence swallowed the air. Minjeong tried to grip your wrist back but you left already, leaving her alone.

The soft distant noise of your voice calling Moonie’s name, trying to get her to come downstairs filled the silence of the house

Moonie, still rooted in place, didn’t move or didn’t even look at you. Her figure remained sitting still in front of your room, her big green eyes staring right back at Minjeong—intensely. 

And Minjeong stared right back. As if Moonie knew what was on the ghost’s mind. Their gaze held something hidden and it wasn't such a good day to be just a cat. Until then, Moonie decided to walk away and hurry to drink her milk you prepared for her. 

Alone in the poorly lit room, the ghost girl tilted her head, her grin slowly fading into something else—something she didn't plan on showing you just yet. Her eyebrows twitched and she exhaled sharply, her jaw tightening with every thought.

“oh Moonie…” she whispered to herself, her voice barely untreatable. 

Then, with a sudden shift, her lips curved again—but this time, it wasn’t a smile. It was something strategic and darker.

“You’re in our way.”

The next day everything went very well. You woke up on the right leg and you were in a good mood. The sunlight wakes you up with a smile this time. But you needed to get out of the house to go to your college lessons. While packing your laptop and notebooks or anything you needed for today's lessons, you felt a pair of 2 ghost eyes on you right behind you. 

“Do you have to go?” Minjeong playfully grumbled across the room. Flying closer to you, upside down she crossed her arms. Chuckling you take your wallet, holding a pair of coins in your hand before sliding it in. “Don’t worry Minji,” you poke her nose. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Minjeong pouted while following you to the front door. Before leaving, you notice Moonie laying still on the couch and so you went to pet her. Moonie purrs against your touch, melting into your gentle grazes against her gray fur. Minjeong just eyed your every move, crossed arms while resting on the wall right next to the door. 

When it is finally time to leave, you kiss Minjeong goodbye and close the door behind you, locking it and hiding the key in the boots on the terrace 

If only you knew leaving for college would be your biggest regret for today’s day. 

6.30PM

Lessons were pretty boring as usual and your professor was just babbling and yapping. Your head rested on the edge of your palm, looking at the blackboard and the chalk written notes on it. 

When they were finally over all of your lectures, you looked at the watch on your wrist. You walked down the quartz staircase and headed home. The fresh evening breeze washed over your hair, your muscles relaxed at the February coldness but tense up again right after you bumped into a familiar man. 

The old rusty man who sold you the house. “Oh! I’m sorry mister, are you alright?” you worried with a nice tone as he rubbed the top of his head with a chuckle. “Don’t worry I’m fine. Are you getting comfortable in your house?” he looks up at you with a curious look. 

With a tense smile you reply back, “Ah yes, I certainly am.” with the last said word, the old man becomes quietly furious. “I don’t believe you.” he started. Taking you by the wrist to whisper a secret in your ear. You tried to grasp away but you couldn’t shake the feeling of curiosity that fueled inside after he mentioned your beloved ghost girl—Minjeong. 

“I know you’re experiencing paranormal activities there.” how did he know?—you thought. 

“I forgot to mention you something, and that is that they girl who committed suicide didn’t just end herself–she also killed her parents.” 

The sour feeling at the back of your head formed when he told you those words. Your mouth began to dry out of realization as your eyes stayed still. Muscles tensing up as you looked at the old man’s serious expression—he was telling anything but lies. 

“But she isn’t doing much just…moving stuff… around.” you state while fishing for the words, the man gently pulled away from your wrist. “I’m telling you to be careful so she doesn’t do something…out of nature.”

The old man’s words repeated in your head as you walked home, each step feeling heavier than the last. The thought of Minjeong killing her parents compared with the soft-spoken, interesting girl you had grown so close to. Could she really have done something so horrifying? 

Or even better question to ask yourself—who was lying between the two, her or him?

Your house formed ahead, its windows glowing faintly in the dark. You swallowed the lump in your throat, pushing the doubt aside. No, you told yourself. She wouldn’t hurt me.

Unlocking the door, you stepped inside, greeted by the familiar chill in the air. “I’m home,” you called, slipping off your shoes. Silence. That was odd—Minjeong always greeted you, either by floating in front of you dramatically or making some sarcastic comment about how long you took.

Then, you noticed it.

The house felt odd—different. The air was heavier, almost suffocating. A strange silence fell upon the house. Your eyebrows furrowed as you stopped in your trances. “Minji?” you called out the mysterious ghost girl while looking around. Your eyes searched for your russian blue gray cat, maybe on the sofa sleeping or eating in the kitchen.

But Moonie was nowhere to be seen, especially not from her usual spot. 

It was hanging so weirdly off your mind that you tilted your head in confusion. Until you heard a familiar draft—an intro to Minjeong’s presence. The coldness surrounded the room as you looked up. Minjeong walked softly towards you and gave you a hug. “You’re back.” she exclaimed with a smile and kissed you on the cheek. A smile creeped on your cheeks as you melted into her touch, but like the salty feeling on a fresh wound you couldn’t shake off the feeling something was off. 

“Hi, Minji.” you replied back, walking to the kitchen. Before you could ask immediately, Minjeong bombarded you with unusual questions that weren’t as much in her nature. “How was college? I never asked you which one you are going to? Do you go everyday cause this is the first time you went?—”  Your lips parted at her expression. Minjeong was leaning on the kitchen counter with a smile on her face and eyes widened with curiosity—as if she wanted to keep you distracted. 

“O-oh well, I’ll answer everything but I have a question for you.” Minjeong straightened her back, tilting her head. “You didn’t happen to see where Moonie left? she’s not here how I see.” 

Distracted from what? 

“Oh…” Minjeong mumbled, looking at the direction you were darting your eyes at, Moonie’s small bed next to the couch. “Well…” she tries to form a sentence as you wait. “Did she go outside or?” a possible answer creeped through your words. “Yes! I think I saw her going outside, she didn’t come back yet though.”

Distracted from the fact you won’t be seeing Moonie ever again.

“Oh, I see.” you look down at your bag with your laptop and stuff you brought to today’s college lectures. “Well I hope she comes back till dinner, I brought her a little snack.” you take out Moonie’s favorite fish food she usually ate for dinner. In response Minjeong fakes a smile, “I’m sure she will.” 

9PM

As the evening stretched on, you couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in your stomach. Moonie never stayed outside for this long—she hated the cold. Even refusing to go outside this late even if she was with you. A pit formed in your stomach as you moved toward the front door, slipping on your jacket.

“I’m going to look for her, I’ll be right ba—” you said, reaching for the handle.

Minjeong, who had been lingering unusually close, tensed. “I don’t think that’s a smart idea,” she murmured, her voice soft yet firm.

You paused, turning to face her. “Why not?”

She hesitated for just a second, tightening the grip on her crossed arms. “It’s late. You’re tired. You don’t have to—”

But you were already stepping outside, the crisp air hitting your face as you fast walked to the porch. Your heart pounded heavily as your eyes scanned the yard, searching for any sign of your green eyed cat. Then, something caught your attention near the side of the small garden. Since it was dark you turned on the backyard light.  

The harsh wind breezed, owls howling and brief silence of the night. Slowly walking through the garden something caught your eye. A group of flies, beetle ants and other corpse eating bugs gathered around a certain spot in the dirt. 

A long gray but thin bulge that looked like a cat's tail, surrounded by insects that were curiously digging deeper into the earth to eat as much rot as possible.

Your breath hitched, your hands crashing to your mouth. 

“Moonie?” Your voice cracked, barely a whisper. “Oh no, no—”

Rushing forward, you collapsed on your knees in front of her. Moonie’s body lifelessly laid in the sour dirt. Her fur is much darker from dirt and her once-bright green eyes were dull and empty. You tried to reach out with trembling hands, but you couldn’t. A choked tear escaped your throat and slipped off your eyes.

Behind you, Minjeong sighed. “I told you not to go look.”

Your head snapped up. The cold that had been lingering in the air thickened, suffocating. The same one like earlier after coming home.

Minjeong stood right behind you, looking down, her hands brushing over your hair, tangling small circles through. Her expression— unreadable. The usual warmth in her eyes had faded into something distant— something she expected. 

“You knew she was here?” Your voice cracked between sorrow and anger. Kneeling down in front of the scene. “I did,” Minjeong admits, her voice managing to be soft spoken even through a moment like this. You stood up, finding comfort in her embrace. “But I knew how much she meant to you,” she gripped your shoulders as you cried silently. 

“I didn't want to trouble you.” The thought of your cat, who has been by your side ever since you started living alone—your familiar, dead in front of you. All for what?, you weren’t sure how it happened. You clenched your fists. “Still, why didn’t you tell me?” you whispered, your voice calming down even under the grief.

Minjeong sighed, resting her chin on your head. “Because you would’ve looked at me differently.”

Your figure stiffened at those words. With a slow move, you pull away just enough to look at her face. “What do you mean?” eyes furrowed and eyebrows tightened. 

She gazed at you, a quiet disturbance in her eyes as they looked at yours. As if there was a thunderstorm forming in her eyes, meeting the sun. 

“You already suspect me, don’t you?”

Her words sent a cold chill down your spine and through your veins. It’s true—You had been doubting her ever since you met her, and the old man’s warnings just fueled the burning feeling in your heart

You wondered if she was truly who she claimed to be. But you never wanted to believe or admit it— you couldn’t.

Minjeong’s hands cupped your cheeks, forcing you to look at her. Her touch was freezing, but her eyes were warm, pleading. “You love me, don’t you?”

Your eyes fell down. “I… I do.”

“Then believe me.” Her thumbs brushed away your tears, her voice soft, hypnotic. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

“But Moonie—”

“She didn’t like me,” Minjeong interrupted gently, tilting her head. “She’s just a cat,” harsh words fell off her lips so easily. “She didn’t like us.”

Her voice wavered, breaking at the last word. You watched her, torn between the horror of her confession and the pain in her expression.

It was so easy to get lost in her—her presence, her voice, the way she made you feel like you were the only thing that mattered. But then again, the feeling only  you mattered terrified you more than anything.

“Minjeong I…” you slowly walked with her to the entrance of your house. “I don’t know what’s happening at the moment. Ever since I met you things have been really…out of nature.” your saddened gaze locking with Minjeong’s who was dead serious. 

After getting inside, silence occurred between the two of you. Your mind washed over the fact you have to bury your cat—since she deserved it the most without doubt.

Until, Minjeong asks you, 

“Is that what he said?” 

Your mind went blank, stopping in your walk to the upstairs as you swiftly moved to face her again. “The old man I mean, did he tell you that?” her presence was now—unwelcoming. 

It felt as unwelcoming as the times she was messing with the stuff in the house, acting like a real poltergeist. Your eyes, wide open, scanned her figure that was just waiting for your answer right down. 

You tried to form at least a yes or no answer, but stutters just left your mouth. 

“After all we’ve been through,” she takes a step closer to you on the stairs. “After all the things I’ve told you about myself,” another step. 

“You still doubted my love.” now she had you completely—hopeless. “I-I’m just not sure who to believe, not like I can do anything about it—”  you tried to explain, taking a step back, but Minjeong just stepped forward. Crushing your mind and soul. 

You’d lie if you said you didn’t grow to love the ghost girl—you really did, but right now,

“If you really love me, you’d believe…” 

you were feeling pretty sick. 

“me.” 

Minjeong was dangerous in ways that you desired, a desire for change and something eternal. “You love me, don’t you?” she whispered.

You whispered, “I do” with your breath hitching. 

She shushed you softly, her thumbs brushing away your tears. Her forehead against yours. “I love you, too,” she murmured, her voice hypnotic, intoxicating you, “But we can’t be together if you choose someone else.” A shiver crawled up your spine. “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

“Minjeong you’re not alone, you have me—” “But you’ll leave, just like everyone else.”

You swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words settle into your chest. “W-what are you saying, I would never—”

“Oh but you eventually will, dear.” 

she cut you off, her grip tightening just slightly. Her eyes dug into yours, deep and unreadable. “You’ll grow older,” she continued, "your life will change, and I’ll still be here. Alone, watching you slip away from me, just like everyone else.”

Her words wrapped around you and your feelings. Like a snake wrapping its body tightly to suffocate its prey to death. “Minjeong…” Your voice whispered.

She smiled, but this time it was gentle, almost reassuring. “You don’t have to go through that. We don’t have to go through that.”

The lights flickered, shadows creeping at the edges of your vision. The air felt too thick, pressing against your skin.

“We can be together forever,” she whispered, guiding your hands into a hug, her fingers ghosting over your figure. Hugging you while her fingers draped over your waist and upper back. “Just you and me.”

Her grip was ice cold, but the warmth in her voice made you weak to your knees. “You’d never have to wake up in a world where I don’t exist.”

Your heart pounded. “I really love you, Minji. I do.” you grip her cheeks. “But promise me…” starting your eyes held hesitation. “Anything, I’ll do anything for you to stay.” her eyes sparked a sense of glow and hope at your words. 

“Promise me Moonie is in good hands now.” Your words still full of tears at the change of events, Minjeong tenderized her expression—softening. “I’m sure if you’re happy, she’s happy too.” 

A smile formed on your face as you worriedly looked at her eyes, with tears of joy. “There we go.” she whispered, chuckling back as she moved a strand of hair from your face. “Now…do you trust me? be honest, love.” though before you could answer she gently took your hand and led you towards the familiar hallway—to the attic. 

As if hypnotized, your eyes followed her all the way. “I do, please believe me.” you begged, your words convincing Minjeong. Minjeong just smiled at you, offering her hand to climb on the attic. 

“I knew you’re the one.” Minjeong whispered as you gently grasped for her hands, going to the attic, the door unnoticeably closing with each step taken. 

“I’ll finally be able to hug you for real.” she mumbled, leading you to something she also had done, years years ago. “Or kiss for real,” you teased, chuckling at your words. 

Before the last action, Minjeong’s taller figure takes you in for a last kiss. 

A kiss of death. 

Feeling something rusty but clothed wrap around your neck, you gasped for air. “It might hurt, love, I apologize in advance.” Minjeong exclaimed as she pulled the rope tighter, lifting you higher as your reactions muffled your attempts for breathing the air. 

“But I know you can take it, my love, stay still.” she reassured as she watched your body losing its spark and just hung. 

Hanging from the same place Minjeong hung off when she committed.

Suddenly, after a minute or 2 of silence, Minjeong saw your soul fall to the ground. With an evil chuckle she lets go of the rope and walks over to you who was leaning on your arms. 

Your hands were— see-through, the same as Minjeong’s hands. You were no longer you.

Your body was now transparent and fragile as glass. The world before you had faded into a haze of muted colors and distant voices, none of them your own. 

Minjeong stood before you, her eyes gleaming like stars—sharp and cold. The cruel smile she wore was not the same one she had shown when she first touched you, when you were alive. No, this one was different. It was the smile of a victory— a lover who had won in the self twisted way.

"You thought you could escape," she whispered, her voice now a soft, haunting lullaby in the silence of the attic. "But you are mine now. I’ll take good care of you." Minjeong grasped over your cheeks as she kissed you, feeling the smoothness of your lips. Realizing what her plan was you didn’t know if you were impressed or perhaps, disappointed. There was no escape now, no light and no solutions. 

Your existence was completely committed to her, only her. “You wanted this moment to happen too, didn't you?” Her breath ghosted against your ear.

Your lips parted, the word forming, the final choice lingering between your heartbeat and the silence.

“I feel I did.” you nervously smiled,

Minjeong also smiled back, and the last thing you felt was her arms pulling you into a final, eternal embrace.

Eternal love with no escapes, no light and no solutions. 

A wicked love streamed by haunting—a wicked haunting.

High school was always so boring for Ningning. Many say girls like her were always immersed into boys because of her attractive appearance, but that was just a saying. The full truth was that Ningning never had many friends and boys just couldn’t do it well. Ningning just tends to get bored.

At times she thought something was wrong with her—Why doesn’t she like any boys like other girls do? Was it their appearance, lack of maturity or perhaps just non attraction? 

It was the question in her mind, until you showed up and cleared Ningning’s path.  

When you showed up the first thing Ningning noticed about you was your boyfriend who, in her opinion, looked so unnatural next to you. You don’t look good together at all.  

Ningning always came into hardcore whenever she thought about someone longer than a day. She was excited to go to school because of you. Hoping you would approach her, even if she was the one who felt the attraction. For school, Ningning never let herself look chopped or ugly, meaning she wore makeup and always did her hair in one way. But for you, she tended to get ready even more. Spraying her perfume a few times more than usual, especially on days she knew you’d pass by her. 

Rumor has it, since people caught the little things, that Ningning wants your boyfriend—which was far from true. 

Even at the present moment, her eyes lingered on your figure, wanting her hands wrapped around your body not his. 

You, clueless as ever, believed the rumors. But something made you feel weird about the popular girlie. You noticed how she, whenever you weren’t with your boyfriend, never walked up to him or even looked at him. In fact, she looked even more impassive whenever she saw him. You didn’t think of it too much, but you noticed her eyes on you once again. 

She was distantly not so far away from you both. Ningning was watching you dance along to the hyper music. You were having fun but with her eyes on your whole figure didn’t make you uncomfortable. 

At times you thought something was out of ordinary for you, just like Ningning thought for herself. To fill in the loneliness you felt for such a long time, you agreed to go out with your present boyfriend a month ago. He was really sweet but you never really felt it how you expected it to be. And so, you just suck it up and enjoyed it while it lasted. 

You couldn’t keep avoiding her gaze, her dark eyes, shiny lips and silky hair were the only thing in your head. 

‘No, I have a boyfriend, why would I approach her?’ a bitter thought occurs in your mind. You didn’t even know Ningning, you can’t just ask her for a dance. “Imma go get some fresh air, can you get us more drinks while so?” you loudly spoke into your boyfriend’s ear due to the loud music. In response he nodded as you both went separate ways. 

As you opened the large balcony door, the nice view of the city met your eyes. A harsh cold breeze hits your body, making you more away the second it hits. Taking a deep breath, you emptied your mind. Enjoying the silence, the sound of cars distantly driving and the sight of the city lights. It all felt comforting up until you turned around to go back inside and got met by a figure you were afraid to approach the whole night. 

Her eyes looked at yours, you felt starstruck and you felt your breath hitch within seconds. “Sorry, I needed some air too.” Ningning excused herself and took a step back with a friendly smile. You nodded as you stepped back as well, leaning on the balcony railings and you eyes her. “Yeah, it’s crazy hot in there.” you chuckled forcefully to lighten the mood. God, you were sweating. 

A small smile formed on Ningning’s face as she leaned on the railing, half a meter away from you. She looked down and around the view of the city. “I always forget how pretty it looks from up here,” she murmured. Her voice was quieter now, softer  “It’s always so peaceful.”

You glanced at her, stealing the moment to admire her profile—the way the city lights lit the skin on her face, how the breeze teased strands of her hair across her face.

“Yeah,” you replied, taking a listen to a familiar song, muffled from behind the door. She looked at you, her head turning slowly. Looking at you as if you’re someone she ‘d ever known.

“I thought you weren’t gonna come tonight,” she said, tone still casual, but her eyes said something else. Curiosity in her eyes as she waited for your reply. 

“I wasn’t sure either,” you admitted, holding your gaze down. “But... my boyfriend wanted to, so I changed my mind.”

A pause occurred as Ningning let out a soft hum in understandment. “Right. Your boyfriend.”

The three words hung between your emotions like crazy. The empathise on the word ‘boyfriend’ made you feel nauseous. You didn’t know why—why it felt like you were disappointing her just by confirming he existed.

You tried to break the silence, swallowing past the dryness of your throat. “People always assume you like him.” Ningning turned toward you once again, the same impassive face lingering as she asked. “Do you?” 

You blinked. “What?”

“Do you like him?”

The question repeated in your head like a clock, do you like him? You weren’t sure if it was love or just a stitch to fill the void. You opened your mouth to speak, answer the tough question, but Ningning talked once again. 

“‘Cause from what I’ve heard he isn’t enjoying your presence much...” The absolute no emotion behind her voice made you drawn to her even more. You were shocked, but also confused—was it really true?

“What?” you asked, turning towards her too as you watched her nodd. Slightly exhaling while looking away, Ningning tilted her head to her left. Compulsively admiring your reactions. “Why are you telling me this?” 

“Call me crazy but,” Ningning started, taking a second to form the right words. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “He’s not good for you.” 

Your brows furrowed further, your heart stumbling over the meaning of her words. “You don’t even know me,” you whispered, the words escaping before you could second-guess them. Ningning’s lips parted, then curled slightly—not into a smirk this time, but something softer. “I’ll make time for you.” her soft spoken words were the ones making you feel warmer on this cold wind. 

What’s happening with you? Why are you feeling butterflies at her words and not his? 

“I shouldn’t be here,” you whispered, blinking fast. Looking anywhere but at her. “I have a boyfriend.”

“Then where is he?” she asked, a serious tone filling the color of her voice. “If you’re out here feeling like this, why isn’t he the one noticing?”

The silence filled the balcony once again and the weight of the words held down both of you to make a move. Ningning didn’t say it but you could feel it. You couldn’t answer cause you knew she was telling the truth.

Millions of thoughts rushed through your mind—but one thing stayed true in this silence.

In your opinion, she was much more interesting than him anyway. She was so hard to read but it was so obvious when you find out what’s really on her mind. That’s when you got closer to her, words not forming in your head—your eyes only lingered on her face. 

As she looked up at you, you noticed her slightly biting her lower lip. Your eyes constantly running around her eyes and lips, couldn’t choose where to aim. Then you realize she’s right there, without anyone watching, just the two of you. He was obviously not here, but she was. 

That’s when you pulled in, not being sure if she agreed. Inches, almost breaking between you. “Go on,”she whispered, her hand accidentally touching yours. And that was a sign for you to pull in even closer and finally kiss her. At first it was short with no touches. 

As you fastly pulled away, you were met by her cold hands wrapping round your shoulders. No words were shared, it was just her who was leading you into this bittersweet chaos. One look at your face and Ningning wanted to know how you taste.

Your lips met hers again—soft and hesitant. Her lips were warm, slow, and patient, moving with a tenderness that made your stomach flip. She didn’t rush. She didn’t push. She just kissed you like she meant it. The world blurred for a moment—no music, no boyfriend, no rumors. Just the cold air curling around your bodies and the heat between your mouths. 

Taking a step forward you cornered Ningning to the railings, making her lean onto them as you were in front of her. Not caring if you were breathless, Ningning pulled you by the collar of your shirt and kissed you again. 

Her lipstick smudged all over your lips as you groaned into the kiss. “Ningning…” you managed to stammer out. 

The sound of kissing filled the air as Ningning slightly moaned into it. Immersed and intoxicated booths heads moved in sync. 

With your hand on her cheek and waist, Ningning perfectly knew she finally stole your heart from your boyfriend. 

“Kkura,” you called gently, “your fingers are gonna fall off.”

“They will not,” she replied immediately, not even looking at you. “I’m almost done.”

You walked closer, peeking over her shoulder. The sweater in her hands was almost really done. Your name was stitched small near the hem. Your chest felt warm in a way the heater couldn’t explain.

“For you,” she said suddenly, lifting it up proudly. “And—” she reached beside her and grabbed another one, “—matching.”

Your eyes widened. “You made two?” your voice raising as you took your sweater. Noticing your favourite quote written on the center of the sweater.

She nodded, cheeks dusted pink. “I wanted them to look like… couple sweaters. But not obvious. Just us knowing.”

You laughed softly, sitting beside her. “You’re insane.”

“Only a little,” she smiled, handing you yours. “try it on!"

A few minutes later, you stood in front of her, arms slightly out like a mannequin. “Well?”

Sakura gasped dramatically. “Wait—” she jumped, ran to the bedroom, and came back wearing hers. It fit her perfectly, sleeves a little long, making her look even smaller.

You both stared at each other for a second before laughing.

“We look cute,” you said.

“We look domestic,” she corrected, grabbing your hand.

Later that night, blankets were piled on the couch, mugs of hot chocolate placed dangerously close to the controllers. After taking a few pictures to cherish deep as a holly jolly memory, the room was quiet. Except for the soft winter wind outside and the familiar Animal Crossing music filling the space.

Sakura’s character waved on the screen. “Come to my island, I decorated it for Christmas.”

You scooted closer, shoulders brushing. “You decorated mine without asking last time.”

“That was improvement,” she replied confidently.

As you wandered through her island, Christmas trees twinkled, snowmen stood proudly, and tiny presents were placed everywhere. It was peaceful—too peaceful.

“This is nice,” you said quietly.

Sakura hummed in agreement, leaning her head against your shoulder. “I like nights like this.”

You glanced down at her sweater, noticing a small mistake near the cuff. It made it even more perfect.

Outside, the clock crept closer to midnight. Inside, Sakura yawned, still refusing to put the controller down.

You smiled, letting her stay just a little longer. Christmas could wait. Tonight was already enough.

The kiss became rough and heavy. The tension getting hotter with each touch shared with only her. Her soft dark red lips danced with yours like a forbidden dance. A forbidden dance under the moonlight, in your room, every night, only you two knew how to dance. Aeri really knew how to get you in your feelings and you loved it. 

You pulled her closer, wrapping your arms around her neck as she slid her hand under your shirt. Feeling her cold hands from walking outside in the deep night fog made you feel chills slide down your spine. Your hands tangled in her hair, tugging gently as the kiss deepened, her lips pressing harder against yours. 

The soft moan that escaped you only fueled the fire burning between you and Aeri. Pushing the moment further as her hand slid higher, her fingertips brushing just under the band of your bra. The little moment of intimacy swallowed you both whole, like a secret shared only between your bodies, no words needed, just the sound of soft gasps and the rhythm of hearts racing together.

Aeri’s fingers paused, teasing at the edge of your skin, a question in her touch that made your breath hitch. You answered her with another kiss, your lips moving against hers with all the want and need you felt in that moment. 

Suddenly, she breaks the kiss to gasp for air as she holds an icy eye contact with you. Her eyes, serious and solemn, looking at your desperate and pleading eyes. Aeri smirked at your state as she backed away from you, still sitting on your bed. 

How could she play with you like this, without even saying a word? Sick and tired, you wanted to say something, but you loved her so much. 

“Aeri I…” Eyeing her presence, you found it hard to speak. Her gaze pierced through your heart, she tilted her head in confusion. “What exactly are…we?” The question finally popped off your lips, patiently waiting for her to answer. Aeri looks away for a moment, her expression unreadable. What did you actually mean by that question?

"Does it really matter?" she finally answers, her voice soft but annoyed with meaning. Her answer made you widen your eyes at her. “I thought you knew I’m not…” She quiets her words, looking away then looking back at you again. Awkward silence drained you impatiently. “You’re not what??” Asking her, you furrow your eyebrows. 

“I mean like, I thought you knew I’m not into…you know…commitment stuff?” Her words hung in the air like a weight between you. The sting of her coldness cut deeper than you'd expected, but it wasn't new. Aeri had always been like that, elusive, hard to pin down, always playing games with anyone. Yet hearing it so meaningless hurt in a way that made your chest tighten.

You swallowed hard, trying to make sense of the emotions you were feeling inside your brain and heart. "Don't overthink this." she said, her voice more comforting now. "You know how I feel and I know how you feel. It doesn't have to be complicated." Her hand reached out, brushing a lock of hair behind your ear, but her words felt cold, detached.

Your heart cried at her words. "Doesn't have to be complicated?" you echoed, frustration working up inside you. "But it is complicated, Aeri. I can't just... keep doing this like it’s nothing. Hiding. Pretending like it doesn't affect me."

She sighed, pulling back as if the conversation was becoming an inconvenience. "Why are you making it a big deal?" she raises her voice slowly, standing up from your bed, running a hand through her hair. "I thought we were just having fun."

"Aeri, it's more than that for me," you said, your voice shaking. "You sneak into my room in the middle of the night, you kiss me like... like you need me, but then you act like it doesn't mean anything. You can’t just keep stringing me along."

Her face furrowed completely, the playful, teasing expression gone. “Please tell me, do you want us to be a thing or not?” your voice broke out the sadness and confusion you were feeling. Looking at her in the eyes,

"I'm not stringing you along," she said, her tone firm. "I told you from the start—I don't do commitment. I never promised you anything and never will." What bothered you the most is her avoiding the question.

The lump in your throat grew as the reality of her words hit you. She never lied about what she wanted—or didn’t want. But you had hoped, maybe even convinced yourself, that things could change. That she might want more with you.

Aeri's gaze softened just a little, but it wasn't enough. "I do care about you, deeply" she said quietly, her voice losing some of its edge. "But I can't be what you want me to be." She patted your shoulder. 

"I don’t think I can keep doing this." you said, your voice barely above a whisper, holding in your tears like a dam.

Aeri's eyes flickered with something, something she didn’t feel with anyone like this before—regret, maybe?—but she didn’t stop you as you pulled away, standing up and making a distance between the two of you. She stood there in your room, the familiar scent of her still lingering in the air, but the warmth between you felt like it had faded into a cold atmosphere.

She didn’t say anything as you moved toward the window, your heart aching as you opened it for her one last time.

With one final look, Aeri climbed out, disappearing into the night, leaving you alone in the cold silence of your room. Of course she regretted what she said, but she was doing it all for you, for herself and for the sake of both of you.

She was almost halfway to her home when she broke out a tear, a tear that showed how she actually loved you like you loved her. 

But even she knew, she could never let you in though.