The Unknown can no longer remember any details behind this fact anymore, only bearing the very core of it all that Dongsik had died. Either recently or a long time ago, how he was gone, even these delicate, prominent details are forgotten— meaningless to xem. Xe has not seen Dongsik's soul since, and xe wonders often if the afterlife had already him without letting them have their final farewell. Nevertheless, xe remains in Manyang, hoping to find him as more than a dream, a memory, or, worst, a hallucination. Even as some parts of the village fall, few rebuilt, the rest rises; over the time, the glitch still stays in Manyang, wanders all over it, again and again and again, always hoping to find Dongsik and appreciate the creation of flowers again.
One night, xe sees him standing at a park, his back facing towards xem. Him. Dongsik. "Nae kkoch." The Unknown does not realize xe had said xyr most used endearment out loud until xe sees Dongsik's body slowly turning over to xem. Heart now heavy, breath held back, xe takes a few steps closer. "Dongsik...?" Xe shakily exhales, xyr eyes burning from the tears. Xe wants to believe that xe is seeing someone who is unreal— a thing that is only part of xyr imagination, not wanting to meet agony in the end, though, desperation builds within xem to think xe is looking at a genuine piece of reality, just like every other times. Yet, when the Unknown's fingers brush against Dongsik's, many white small sparks appear and fade between their palms; a telling that something strange is invading a presence of paranormal.
He is perfectly real. ( @sisterless. )
"Dongsik, n- na- nae kkoch!" A choked laugher tears xyr throat apart as xe steps back before the urge to embrace and kiss him can take over, afraid at the intrusive thought that xyr glitched existence engulfing Dongsik whole will only lead his soul to second death, all gone in the universe. "I - I - I..." Xe covers xyr mouth, trembling violently, biting into the skin of xyr index finger as an attempt to keep xemself from sobbing— breaking apart. The Unknown sits on the grassy surface, knees held up to chest. Not once does xe look away from Dongsik's spirit with tears rolling over; xe does not not think xe has blinked since stumbling upon him. Though, while xe dreads his existence will only become an illusion if xyr gaze leaves him, xe watches him and allows everything around xem to blur, eyes devoured.
How long xe has been stuck in this position, xe can not tell, yet with Dongsik's presence near, comforting xem, xe soon sinks into serenity. Xe sighs deeply. "Wh- when... When I said I would al- I would always be here with and for you, I tru- I truly did mean always." Another laughter falls, yet this one now, it is more softer, most loving, and the stars above them flicker in adoration just for Dongsik. Standing up, xe tries to smile at him, it coming across as weak, yet holding a beautiful reminder to Dongsik that he is seen, that he is loved. "I - I - I missed you. So fucking much." Part of xem still does not believe he is real, but xe tries to kill it, still desperate to have something good for once since the arrival of his death.
The Unknown does not ask how is he still in the village that has become so much more better to live in by his founded existence, faint, still present. Or why in that matter, when he could have passed over from the world. Instead, in a whisper: "Are you pla- plan- planning to become Manyang's greatest ghost?" Gradual giddiness form within xem at the thought as xe giggles, xyr usual self returned in newer starlight, shining and shining and forever more. because of Dongsik himself. "Because if you are, I want - I want to be one too, by your si- side." Slowly, carefully, xe holds his hand and more tears fall at the realization that xe can touch him still. Xe is truly with Dongsik, at home again. "Al- al- always, Dongsik, nae kkoch, always.”
