Chapter two
Her first two lectures have ended and Krystal walks to the cafeteria, where she meets her new friend. She got some food that was served.
Krystal brings a tray with her food and sits without saying much. While her friends were chatting excitedly about the topic of hot men on campus she didn't want to hear.
A heavy sigh left her mouth as she just turned her fried noodles lazily. She has no appetite at all, but skipping meals isn't good either. This didn't escape the attention of her two friends. Everyone at the table looked at each other.
"Krystal, is something wrong?" Kanae asked.
The girl almost dropped her fork in response, not anticipating it to overcome her reluctance to eat.
"I just ..." Another long sigh. "Just tired, I don't know," She answered bitterly.
"Are you sick?" Hikaru asked later, rubbing her hands on the table in a soothing way.
She grimaced when touched, still unsure whether to explain it even though there was a sweet tone that asked.
"Not a fever, but your face is pale. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." The ombre-haired woman didn't want to be considered crazy by them, especially when she had just made a new friend here.
But apart from that, feelings of loneliness, fear, and anxiety cling to her mind that has been sick, making her stomach spin uncomfortable.
"Do you know house in the middle of the abandoned forest?" Began almost in a whisper, leaning her elbows forward so that only those on the table could hear the conversation.
Hearing that place be called, Kanae looked at her with anxious eyes.
"Yes, then what's up with this sudden conversation? Did something really happen?" She asked as she glanced around the cafeteria to make sure there was nothing strange during the conversation, of course she was afraid that the spirit of the person being discussed was present here.
As for Hikaru, the black-eyed girl doesn't understand the purpose of their conversation.
She then decided to ask, "Huh? So what's with the house?" Kanae glared in disbelief. "You didn't know?" She yelled dramatically. "I bet almost the people in this city know the dark history that the haunted place has."
"What?" Hikaru's face turned pale to hear a ghost. She hates having to deal with scary things like this the most.
Krystal restrains herself from rolling her eyes. "Yes, yes, the point is ... I lived there not too long ago. I really saw it, and—and I'm not lying," She said and all eyes were on her.
Kanae frowned, her shoulders looked tense when she saw the uneasy expression Krystal had just seen this time.
"What? What exactly happened to you? Why did you move into such a fucking scary house?"
And all Hikaru could do was stay still and listen carefully.
"I really don't understand why my parents bought the house. I don't know what really happened before in this house. Do you think that the spirit of the landlord really lives there?"
For a moment she paused to inhale slowly, and the next second before she answered. "I suppose so, even though I've never seen them with my own eyes. Have there been any events outside of reason that you experienced?"
"That's ... well," She muttered and sighed. "I'm stressed. I can't stand being in that house. The spirit who knows who has been bothering me since I came. The first time I lived I had a scary dream that I couldn't remember strangely. From starting small things to experiencing something unpleasant. I didn't know who can help me."
Kanae looked at her both concerned and surprised. She had never experienced such horror herself.
"Can your parents get you out of there?"
Krystal rests with a tired moan. She could barely sleep at all, worrying too much when whatever was bothering her took the opportunity to hurt her when she was unconscious.
"Even though sometimes they can get too over, in this case mom won't let me rent an apartment. She doesn't believe in ghosts and ignores the rumors that many people tell."
Hikaru watched the blond-haired girl who looked frustrated, massaged her temples slowly, and several sighs of breath were heard from her.
That is enough to prove that Krystal is telling the truth.
"I really don't understand why you're parents bought a house in the middle of the nowhere. I think a simple apartment is better, than a strange and ... old house? Like that."
Kanae then took out a coffee candy from her pocket. She gave it to Krystal, which was welcomed by her friend.
After that, silence enveloped the two. There was only unclear chatter and the clink of cutlery around them.
And at that moment, Hikaru and Kanae also stole a little glance at Krystal who was sitting in front of them, leaving behind a lot of food.
"Do you think something bad happened before?" Hikaru asked quietly, trying to break the silence between them.
Kanae crossed her arms on the table. "Said the real homeowner was experiencing misfortune."
"That's enough for this talk. Can we talk about something else?" Krystal exclaimed exasperated.
Hikaru opened her mouth, looking unsure what to say before the woman next to her overtook her.
"There's a friend of my sister who works for a paranormal research company. Maybe they can come and help you. I'll ask her to call you for an appointment."
Unable to bear her own home, Krystal decides to take a short walk after returning from college the next day. Luckily she only had two subjects in the morning so she could relax her tense nerve muscles.
Sitting on a fairly quiet park bench, Krystal reaches into her skirt pocket to look at a small piece of paper containing the company name and telephone number on it handwritten.
Shibuya Psychic Research or SPR.
Kanae did say that her sister's friend would call her soon. But since yesterday she didn't get a call. Maybe because they were finishing a case on the same day or Kanae hadn't had the chance to tell them.
For a few moments she pondered calling first. Especially after the apparition she saw. The hair on her body stands when thinking about it.
With a sigh, she put her other hand in her bag and pulled out her cellphone. Her fingers decorated with olive-colored paint pressed the numbers.
The dial tone rang when the girl held the phone in her ear. Slowly, she took a deep breath.
After the second ring, Krystal starts to get nervous.
What if they don't take it? Will I try again? God, what if they don't believe me? What will I say first? The phone clicked.
"Thank you for calling Shibuya Psychic Research. Taniyama Mai speaking, can I help you?"
Krystal exhales for the umpteenth time before explaining. "I'm Watanabe Krystal, friend recommended by Michiru's sister. If I guess correctly, you're her friend, right?"
"Ah, yes that's right. My apologies, we're doing cases in another city so we don't have the chance to contact you. Well, what can we do for you?"
Damn. With all the supernatural happens at the mansion 5he can't say everything over the phone.
They have to talk directly so that it's easy to convey it. But Krystal doubts that the spirits at home will be happy if she stays out too long.
"I ... can I explain it be after the case is over, you guys come here and help me? I can't tell you in detail now. But the point is, this something always bothers me after I move to a new home. This hut is actually in the middle of nowhere."
She swallowed hard spit. "I'm new to this city. Classic story, right?" Her voice came out hesitantly.
Mai across there heard a breath of surprise. "Eh? Hut in the middle of nowhere?"
Spontaneous Krystal kept her cellphone away from her ear when she heard an unpleasant scream.
She breathed in through her nose, dampening the urge to curse overly excited women. "Yes. Therefore, I beg of your help. If necessary, as soon as possible."
After the last exchange, Krystal decides to stop by the place to eat for a while and order mashed potatoes, lasagna, and coffee. She really needs coffee, especially she needs to stay up for hours to defend herself from attacks that God knows what.
Mai informs that they will arrive at her house the day after tomorrow. Krystal agrees even though she will really appreciate it if it's faster.
Meanwhile on the other side of the place.
It's late evening, but she hasn't returned yet. Staring at the wooden door, his eyes lit with excitement. Anticipating his lover in his arms that waited a long time, the smile that stuck to his lips slowly faded.
The last time he checked her campus schedule, today only had 2 lessons in the morning. That is why Krystal hasn't come home at six o'clock in the afternoon like this so confuses him.
The sound of clock ticking surrounded the quiet house. Every time Krystal left him, somehow something inside him died—even though he was literally dead.
The eyes still hope to see the presence of a female deer with ears longing for her voice. He would do anything just to hear the girl call out his name when she overflowed with every love.
The eyelids drooped, standing still on the cold wooden floor.
"Soon I will hug you — and will never let you go."
After the blonde girl entered the house, the door immediately slammed behind her, but it was unlocked. She thought the spirit was just screwing it up, wanting to see if she would escape from this scary house.
Surely she had no idea whether it possessed such physical properties, but she imagined that whatever form this creature was, it was not friendly.
Even if she had once seen a part of it leg she didn't help but imagine that it could appear as a monster in horror films or something from the imagination of children in nightmares. Like things under the bed or objects hiding in the closet.
Stepping on the stairs to the room while imagining all of that only makes her spine goose bumps. She really hoped that this problem would be resolved quickly so that her life could return to normal and the important thing was safe.
The idea of bathing wasn't wise at all. Especially with creatures that might observe it at any time. But again, thinking about being dirty after doing outside activities will be uncomfortable.
With these things in mind, Krystal determined that taking a bath would be fine while she was doing it fast.
She stepped into the bathroom that was attached to the bedroom and locked it. Even though it didn't seem like she did much, it could help calm her mind.
Rey had examined his lover as usual when she was in his field of vision. The man was glad she finally returned home and didn't leave him.
Because if so, he will look for the girl until he finds her no matter how.
Another sigh floated past her lips, and she stared at the thin laptop, snapping her fingers at the table thinking.
Whatever was disturbing in this house was clearly unhappy since her arrival, but that certainly didn't stop her parents from letting Krystal stay here while their home in Osaka was being repaired.
Sometimes they will be stubborn.
Krystal slides a small towel around her neck so that it dries the water drops from her hair. With a heavy sigh, her grim look moved to her cellphone.
Half hoped that a teenager named Mai gave the news that the SPR visit would be accelerated, if necessary now.
Krystal snorts with amusement. That's impossible—She thought skeptically.
A sudden gust of cold air from the thin air behind her, froze the turquoise-eyed girl. Usually if it's suddenly cold like this then there is another presence around it, and it seems very close.
"Don't go!"
And it isn't good.
Naru came out of his personal room while carrying a book and sitting on the sofa. Mai, who had just finished writing something on paper, stood up.
"Naru!" She exclaimed, sounding more enthusiastic than usual. "Do you want a cup of tea?"
Naru usually has to ask for tea first, Mai rarely offers it unless she's in a good mood or there's something she wants. So this is unusual for the girl.
"Yes."
"On it." Mai cried, still with a cheerful smile. Then go to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. "Naru, here's your tea." The brown haired girl put tea in front of him.
"You took a long time," He said without emotion.
Mai grunts. "At least it's hard to say thank you?" she sneered softly, not wanting her boss to hear it. Then she remembered something important. "Right. I have something to tell you. We have a client."
"Are you?"
Mai nodded. "She called yesterday afternoon and I didn't have the chance to tell you because Lin-san said you were 'busy' plus she didn't have time to tell me the complete situation." She added, emphasizing the tone along the 'busy'.
Naru wrinkled his nose in disapproval. "Why do you carelessly accept cases without the right information like that?"
Mai rubbed the back of her head nervously, an awkward smile stuck to her lips when she caught the intonation of the director's rude voice.
"I mean it. It sounds like a complicated case, so I made a schedule for her. From what I know, it doesn't seem dangerous but ... the information given to me is quite interesting."
"Complicated case? What did she say to you?" asked that boy curiously.
"Oh, Michiru's sister told me before but I forgot to call her because at that time we were still doing cases."
Naru sighed. "Get on with it," he ordered coldly.
The brown haired girl immediately hid the wrinkles unhappy. "She lives in a house that it owner has abandoned for many years. What's more it seems like she is in the middle of a forest. Do you have any ideas?" Mai put her tray on the coffee table while sitting in front of Naru.
"I guess that sounds classic. And then?"
"Yes, she said she had been bothered since living in the house."
Naru pondered this. He felt something was left there, but he didn't know what it was.
Seeing the director's silence making Mai confused. "Krysta just moved here, so she doesn't know much about this."
"Krysta?" Naru murmured, hardening his eyes. "Yes, I mean the name is Watanabe Kri ... Kristaru. Even I wrote it down so I won't forget it," Mai answered firmly as she waved a piece of paper.
Naru fell silent, his eyes closed with his arms folded on his chest. It seems like he was a little deep in thought about the case she was telling, plus Mai had a bad feeling about this case. But she couldn't bear to refuse when the girl practically begged her for help in despair.
"I will accept this case," her boss said after a moment of silence.
"Cool," Mai exclaimed excitedly. "Then it will be taken care of."
"Mai, tea!" Naru called out, when he returned to his office.
He collapsed in his chair and immediately lost himself ... but it wasn't just Kystal's name that he thought of—which honestly sounded like a stranger and he made a mental note to ask if she had mixed blood. Even America or England.
Krystal tried to act as if nothing had happened all day, she didn't want to risk the creature knowing she was asking for SPR's help to get rid of it. So as usual she goes to campus and does other activities.
Krystal glances at the clock above the front door frame. 1:45. She looked around the house to see if there was anything to do, but there wasn't a speck of dust anywhere. The house is clean.
They said they would be here around the afternoon or night. I haven't had lunch because Kurosawa makes my work quite troublesome, I guess I can also make them dinner later—she thought.
Initially, he intended to watch her closely, hence the reason he created it as if she was sleep walking and the smell of fire. He wanted the girl to think that if she left him once, Rey would make a home or even herself messed up.
But now, it seems like giving her space for a while might be the best choice. He wouldn't let her escape, but she might be more comfortable at home if Rey didn't do something 24/7. But if she tried to run away, then he would have to return to close surveillance.
With a frozen pizza that still emits steam, Krystal eats quickly. As long as this house is haunted she is lucky to still wake up alive.
Strangely after the sudden cold day that nothing happened again. Krystal has never felt afraid like that before. And she doesn't like this drastic change.
Honestly, she feels messy. She was not weak at all, but she needed to sort out everything that happened and analize the situation.
Hour after hour passed. Waiting is boring. So the girl decided to go to the backyard she had never visited.
Sitting on a wooden bench opposite the willow tree and rocky footpath, the blonde girl let out a small breath, feeling a little calm despite the disturbing presence of the creature.
Terrace was quite wide, filled with red roses that were half dead and withered. That is quite reasonable considering this large building was abandoned for years. And Krystal is too lazy to garden.
Outside it was a little dark except for the flickering garden lights, throwing shadows dancing to the grass below. It was very quiet, the fact that she was alone at home.
A cold wind blows as if to push her to the edge of the door, but Krystal is too absorbed in her own thoughts.
Suddenly the tail of her eye caught something. Her attention was immediately drawn to the faint shadow that stood at the edge of the fountain. Krystal can hear her heart pounding in her chest, while her eyes are fixed on the creature.
It had steam like black smoke surrounding it. She couldn't clearly confirm that gender, the shape was tall and like an adult. Krystal guessed it was the same creature that appeared to her that night. Without looking away, she slowly stood up.
Nothing happened after that, so she hurried into the house.
The SPR van stopped in front of a very large house. Everyone who had been there before, looked at in surprise. Not only because of its size, but the house itself stands in the middle of a forest view that has many tall trees that make it easy for someone to get lost.
In addition, Mai felt negative energy strengthen from there.
"Mai ... does Watanabe-san live here alone?" Naru asked.
"I'm not sure about that. She hasn't told me many things," Mai answered honestly.
Takigawa who helped them grinned at Naru. "I'm impressed you're even accepting cases like this. I think your ego is too high to help with cases that aren't clear."
Unfortunately Naru was not affected at all by the Monk's ridicule. "Bou-san, Lin, start unloading the equipment!" Naru ordered. "Mai, because you know the client, come with me!"
Before Krystal can reach the veranda, there is a knock on the door. Mentally she jumped happily. That must be SPR.
When she got closer to the door, Rey stared between the wooden object and his lover. A series of curse words left his lips as he panicked. He didn't expect someone to come to his house, their home.
The man could easily see a glimmer of hope in hee eyes. There's a good chance that it's someone she knows. Someone who she thought could help her.
After all, he didn't know what to do. He could carry out the plan now, but such an action would invite more people here. Therefore, he would leave it alone, just for now so as not to make outsiders suspicious.
Mai knocked and the door opened a few moments later, by a young woman as tall as Naru. The stranger doesn't even need to raise her head to look at Naru if they stand facing each other.
Teenager was astonished to see a woman who had such a tall body. Plus hee unusual look looks amazing. Pale blonde hair with turquoise green ombre—matching the color of her eye-catching eyes—in some parts with one side of a small braid and the other side clamped, letting a little of her bangs fall over her eyelids to the right length.
Even though her eyes had a sparkle of confidence in them, Mai caught a glimpse of anxiety. Maybe with what happened recently.
"Watanabe-san?" asked the brown-eyed girl unsure.
Who was called tried to smile, but as a result she looked like a grimace. "Please, just Krystal. Come in!"
"There are still two people outside who will enter, they are carrying equipment," Mai said.
Homeowner just nodded and left the front door open to make it easier for them to get in and out. "I assume you are Taniyama-san?"
Somehow she felt she had seen this girl before. But she can't put a finger on it.
"Yes, I received your call before. Mai is fine." Mai smiled.
"Thank you very much for coming, I really appreciate it."
Mai walks into the living room with Krystal. "Don't worry about that." She looks at Naru when Krystal turns around to meet him too.
Naru bowed his head politely in response before taking a step to the door. They think it's best to wait until everyone is there to make an introduction, so they don't have to repeat themselves. So, they are shown to base first.
It was originally a TV room that was quite spacious, it could even be used to sleep more than 5 people. Next to it is Krystal's bedroom and the room in front of the solarium which has walls and a glass roof, usually used to relax accompanied by natural sunlight.
After all the monitor equipment was placed there, everyone gathered in the large living room. Krystal then starts to make an introduction. She sat on the single couch on the far right, making it easier for SPR members to see.
"Thank you in advance for bothering to come," She bowed her head slightly in respect. "I'm Watanabe Krystal, the owner of this house."
Mai felt she had the task of introducing her coworker. "This is the company's director, Shibuya Kazuya. I am his assistant and the one next to him is another assistant, Lin Koujo."
Naru said nothing, he was even looking around the room with renewed interest, while Lin only slightly bowed his head.
"And I'm Takigawa Hoshou. I'm a Monk, but you can call me Bou-san," the Monk interrupted before Mai could say his name.
Krystal smiles sideways. Realizing that Japanese people usually call Rin, not Lin.
"Lin? That's an unfamiliar name, it looks like you're not Japanese?"
A tall man was somewhat surprised when his name was mentioned very well by her. "Yes. I'm from Hong Kong," He answered stiffly.
Naru narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "And it looks like your name is also unusual. Tell me, you're not Japanese?"
"Naru!" Mai protested, feeling uneasy asking such a thing from a client. But that man ignored her.
Blonde girl scratching her cheek, didn't look bothered at all. "I'm glad you asked. Indeed, I'm not entirely Japanese. My mom is from England and my dad half of Japanese and Chinese. Grandma is from Beijing." She smiled rather embarrassed. "Sounds a bit complicated, I know."
Well, no wonder she has a tall body and physical mix of Asia and Europe.
"Really ..." Naru then looked at the tall man standing next to him who had one eyebrow raised when Krystal said that she was part of the Chinese.
"Nice to meet you." Unexpectedly Naru reaches out his hand to Krystal. Mai and Monk don't believe. Even Lin also shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you ... too," She said when she finished welcoming their hands. "It's an honor for you to come here."
"Thank you for the welcome," Kazuya said with a slight smile.
Even more astonishing when the narcissistic boss can smile casually at a new person. Whereas before he seemed doesn't care.
"What language are you fluent in?" asked Lin. Send shock attacks to the other members.
Krystal counts. "English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Why?"
Lin, who is famous for his aura of mystery and closed personality, even exchanges words with her in Chinese. As if they don't want anyone to understand what they are talking about.
At the same time Mai felt knocked out by the presence of strangers, even though she was only a client.
It is true. Krystal is only a client, nothing more. After this case is finished we will not see her again.
Even though it was a very superficial thought, she couldn't help but feel jealous of her. By her natural beauty, height, despite wearing a loose shirt, she looks good. And again she felt her friendly personality was not genuine.
What else do Mai expect?
Krystal needs their help, so it makes sense if she takes away her short temper. Moreover, she didn't want to give the impression of a bad first meeting to a new person.
Unnoticed by them actually Krystal managed to catch the signs of Mai's jealousy towards her even though she was desperately being polite—whether she was too good to someone she didn't like or it was just acting. And besides, the adult girl could see Mai occasionally glancing at the director from behind.
So, she concluded that Mai had special feelings for him. But it is still uncertain whether as a family or others. She hopes it's the first.
Finally Lin began to prepare the computer for typing cases.
"Watanabe-san—"
"Just Krystal. Sounds like you called my dad."
Naru cleared his throat. "My assistant says you claim that you are being disturbed by spirits in this house?"
Lin starts typing right away and Krystal answers with a nod. "I understand this sounds stereotype, but I just got word from my mom that this is Kurama's legacy. Do you have any ideas?"
"KURAMA MANSION?" Monk shouted. "Are you serious? I heard it has a pretty dark past." He lowered his voice when he saw the sharp gaze Naru gave him.
Mai tried to hold back the laughter behind the back of her hand.
Krystal's expression turned gloomy, her head bowed so that part of her hair fell in front of her face. "Yes. My parents bought this house, mom insisted that I stay here until our house in Osaka has been repaired."
Mai joined in. "I heard that landlord Rey-san is a food company owner who is quite well-known among the people. Apart from being rich and charismatic, he has a model girlfriend so he often talks." Mai covered her mouth and looked down, suddenly feeling sad. "They lived together at Kurama-san's house and one night while they were sleeping, a group of bandits broke into security and killed both of them. This story was finally reported by word of mouth and became a conversation for several years. Even maybe, until now."
No wonder—Krystal thought wryly.
Naru looked rather surprised even though his reaction was subtle.
The older boy thought for a moment, putting his fingers under his chin. "Did the news comes from an accurate informant?" Naru asked skeptically.
Unfortunately, this really makes Mai upset, especially she was in the middle of a serious and sad conversation. "Of course," She snapped.
"Do you live alone?" Monk asked curiously.
Krystal nods reluctantly. "They are doing business abroad. So far, only I have occupied this house. There was a suicide incident at my old school so my parents moved me." She added softly, more like talking to herself. "Even though I don't understand why it has to be in Shibuya."
There was a gasp from several people. "But aren't you worried about the rumors people say?" Now Mai is asking, amazing sounds caring.
"I never believed rumors." Lies, Krystal exhales heavily. She glanced at every corner of the room, worried that the creature would make these people leave. And that instinct told her something was wrong.
"What have you experienced?" The director's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Ah, that ..." Blinking eyes like a woman who woke up from a dream, Krystal looked at him straight. "It starts with small things. You might not believe it."
"Like what?" Naru asked monotonously, strangely sounding patient—unusual.
That girl's gaze hardened for a moment. "On the first day I came here I had a dream, but I don't remember what it was. All I felt after waking up was fear, darkness, and isolated," She said between her breaths, fiddling with her clothes.
She then turned to Kazuya and found his eyes lingering on hee fingers. She jokingly thought he was interested in her new nail polish, which was a black and red ombre.
"Cooped up?" murmured Lin confused.
Her turquoise eyes turned to him. "Yes. It started when the song on my cellphone suddenly turned off and turned on on its own, then it tuned in to piano instruments that I had never heard of before. There was a groan of a man in the middle of the music." Hee voice was hoarse, she wiped hee trousers. "I immediately realized something was wrong with this house. One time the door slammed behind me."
Mai gasped, imagining all that.
"Don't you think it's just the wind?"
Krystal's eyes narrowed in dislike, looking rather offended. This is why she didn't want to mention that she moved while sleeping, because they would only think she had sleep walking.
"No way. Besides, I could smell smoke in the TV room, but then it disappeared suddenly."
Naru's shoulders tensed for a moment, turning relaxed so that no one paid attention except Krystal who didn't distract her from him.
"Every time I feel like I'm being watched. And with attention, I mean as if someone was with me, staring intently." Krystal fiddled with the tips of her hair, hiding her nervousness as a hole formed behind her head.
"Is that all?" Naru asked.
The twenty-year-old girl shakes her head angrily. "It started to develop. The climax, when I was trying to sleep suddenly there was a pair of pale feet above my face."
"That's horrible," a loud cry rang out from Mai's throat, making several people stare at her.
"Has that ever hurt you?" Naru isn't affected at all.
"No. At least, it just screwed me up."
"I assume the disturbing spirit is Kurama Rey," Lin said suddenly, surprising Mai and Monk.
"But why is he the only one still trapped in this house?" Monk murmured curiously.
Naru considered rumors about the curse in the house which could endanger the client. Why does something never go away even though it's been more than ten years? So many questions swirled in his mind.
"Lin," called Naru while standing and approaching him. Say something in a low voice so that no one can catch the discussion.
Realization hits Mai when she faces Krystal. "I just remembered. John, Masako and Ayako will come tomorrow."
Krystal's jaw drops to the ground instantly. "Masako? Like Hara Masako?" Mai nodded, slightly amused by the reaction of the older girl.
"No wonder she's an artist, so you must know her."
"At least if something happens I can handle it." Takigawa rubbed his front hair with confidence.
"Well, while John isn't around," Mai hissed mockingly. Monk held his chin in his palm, issuing a series of curse words.