"Kouran, I... I've tried to forgive him, and for the most part I have, but..."
"...But he still betrayed you."
He did not answer, but that was answer enough.
She shifted position so that she was now sitting beside him, and she placed her hand on his. "We've all suffered from this, Houjun. He regretted what he did the moment he did it. He let his jealousy and passion get the better of him, and I did not stop him. And I regret that. Neither of us meant to hurt you, Houjun. Hikou knew that he had lost his most cherished possessions in the world when he kissed me - your trust and friendship. As much as you hated him for what he did, he hated himself. Maybe you shouldn't forgive him, but promise me something. Think about how we all used to be, the three of us, before it happened. The love, the happiness. Ask yourself how long you could have lasted, had you been in his position. Even if you can't forgive him, try to understand what he tried so long to endure... if you believe he deserves to suffer his betrayal without forgiveness, then that is your decision to make."
He did not respond. She allowed him to think in silence. She looked around the room he occupied - bare but for the bed and the few exposed belongings there were. On the floor beside the bed lay a rosary; a frayed strip of reddish cloth had been tied on to it. She recognized the cloth and knew from where it had come, but said nothing. Finally reaching a resolution, Houjun began conversation anew.
"So... what is it like, after you... you..."
"...Die?"
"...Yes."
A small laugh escaped her, sad but golden.
"Oh, Houjun... even if I was allowed to tell you, you aren't ready to hear."
"...Have you seen Hikou?"
"I have."
A silent moment passed between them.
"...He misses you, Houjun."
"Does he," he remarked with a hint of doubt and remorse.
"Yes, he does."
He paused for a moment, allowing her to gently cradle his head in her arms. He inhaled deeply; she still smelled of Kouran, even though she was a ghost.
"And do you miss me Kouran-chan?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then perhaps... I'll join you both..."
She instantly became serious, and he could feel her tense.
"No, Houjun," she said sternly, shaking her head. "Don't even think like that. You have too much left for you to do. You must complete what is required of you in this life before you go to the next one. That is the main reason why I'm here."
"...How do you mean?"
"Houjun," she said, sighing as she looked at him almost regretfully. "You need to put your past behind you - you must. Myself, Hikou, everything - put it behind you. You have a great many things that you must accomplish, and to do them, you can't be dwelling on past faults and mishaps. Houjun, I came here tonight... to say goodbye..."