Oh my! It's been a month since the last update? I'm sorry. ;;

Been busy with work lately, and sif. Whoops. I'm totally ready for warmachine Umi, come at me bro! I think it's gonna be Maki for the next event. ZURUI YO MAGNETIC TODAY WILL BE PART OF TOKENS IN A FEW MONTHS (in JP)! HYPE!

Oh yeah, just reposting, references and whatnot.

Nico in College - p u u dot s h/gNNop/2049b604fc dot j p g

Ghost Nico - p u u dot s h/gNNpd/80d824dbcc dot j p g

Because I can't really put the actual link in here, copy those, remove the spaces and change the dot into actual dots. → "." this dot. It should work.

E-erm, anyway...here is chapter 4. Again, hope the length makes up for this lateness.

Enjoy!


The Science of Spectral Magnetism

Chapter Four

"I'm home…" I listlessly announced to my empty apartment. The ghost Nico was nowhere to be found, and maybe I prefer that for a little bit longer. I had just learned of her past and was even able to talk to her family. People who I actually interacted with before, but could only vaguely remember. It's to be expected though, after helping so many patients all these years, I don't even expect to remember anyone at all.

The Yazawa family was, to put it simply, a solemn family. With Nico as my only basis, I'd have pegged them for a loud and rowdy bunch, but it couldn't be farther from the truth. On top of that, everyone looked just like her that it felt a bit eerie. Two of the girls acted too mature for their age, and the boy still acted as if he was a toddler. The mother had dark circles under her eyes and looked worryingly exhausted. It felt as if their gaiety was taken away from them somehow, and I can't really blame them.

All of them spoke so fondly of Nico, so much that I wondered if they were really talking about the same girl I know. Then again, I have only known her for 5 months, and we antagonized each other 90% of the time. I still can't believe she's two years older than me, all this time I thought she was a middle schooler. To think that she was actually such a responsible older sister, and has been through a lot made me feel bad about how I acted towards her. She might not remember any of it, but the fact that I was disrespectful made me feel a lot worse that I treated her the way I did.

"Oh, you're here Maki. Welcome back." Speak of the devil. I felt conscious. I wasn't prepared to face her yet, but here she was, welcoming me back like usual.

"Y-yeah. Hi. Thanks." I answered awkwardly, avoiding looking at her as I took off my sneakers as slowly as I can.

"Not to sound nosy or anything, but you came home pretty late today. Don't tire yourself out too much."

I momentarily froze as I heard this. She doesn't know I've been looking up her past without her. She usually insisted on coming, but we generally never get anything done because she gets so distracted and drags me along with her. I pondered about how I should be telling her, but somehow I don't think I'd like to tell her just yet. Which was weird because I imagined myself wanting to get this over with and get her out of my apartment as soon as I possibly can. I mean, that's the entire point of my trip today, wasn't it?

"I-it's none of your business what I do…" I instinctively replied, regretting it the moment it got out. I should really work on this part of me.

A wounded look briefly flashed on her face before it was replaced by a neutral expression. "Is that so."

It might be just me, but she seems a bit different today. When I answer her in this manner, she normally reacts with an explosive reaction or retort. It was a bit disconcerting. "W-what have you been up to all day?"

Annoyed ruby eyes glared at me.

"What's it to you? It's none of your business either."

Despite me starting it, I felt irritated. I didn't know how to deal with her today. After finding out what I needed to know about her, it felt as if she was harder to talk to. Or rather, I didn't want to talk to her at all right now—but at the same time I do. Am I tired like she said?

"...sorry. I just don't feel well right now." I finally said, not facing her.

"What happened?" Her voice softened as she asked, she flew next to me with a worried look on her face.

I flinched at the display of concern. After all this time, I'm still not used to her showing any sort of sentiment to me other than her usual nonsensical jabs.

"N-nothing. Class was just tiring." I lied, hoping to escape her scrutiny.

"...okay?" She said, giving a face of disappointment. "Even though you don't have a class today."

My eyes widened, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. I've probably used up all my luck in lying and getting my way for the day. Something in her look made me feel ashamed that I lied in the first place. I had no class today, it was usually a day I spent studying and doing extra work, but since she arrived and because she wouldn't leave, I've spent most of the day out and away from her.

Usually.

I didn't think she'd pay attention to my class schedule.

"Listen—

"I get it," She turned around. "I won't bother you anymore. Go rest."

Something about how she said it gave an air of finality. I didn't like the the sound of it. But before I could reply, she was gone. I gritted my teeth in vexation.

"Fine with me!" I stomped towards my room and slammed the door shut. Feeling incredibly livid, I threw myself onto the queen sized bed, burying my face on a pillow. After a while, I hit my head repeatedly on the soft cushion as I cursed myself for my blunder. My temper and dishonesty got the best of me, and I had Nico experience the brunt of it.

She wasn't even annoying me. I just didn't want to see or talk to her right now.

But why? If anything, this was my chance to finally be rid of her. All I need to do is tell her about the things I learned today. It should be so easy, yet—I couldn't do it. I flipped my position over and lied on my back, staring at the ceiling. Glow in the dark star stickers adorned it, like my very own set of constellations. Stargazing has been a long time hobby of mine, it helped me calm down and think, a relaxing and phenomenal way to pass the time.

"She took pictures of stars..." My thoughts automatically drifted back to the events from earlier.


I looked over her death records. She arrived dead on the hospital, left a will that her heart should be used for her sick brother. Died on a Thursday of April, 11:25 in the morning. Cause of death is internal bleeding and eventual blood loss from the wounds she had. Reading the report felt a bit nauseating somehow, dying at 20 was way too early. We'd be the same age by next year, but she'll stay like that only as far as history has recorded her. On one hand, it felt great to finally be somewhere with the investigation, on the other, it felt completely horrible to read something like this of someone I've spent a fair amount of time with.

"Were you especially looking for Yazawa-san's records?" Nagayama-san asked. I completely forgot she was there with me.

"Uh, w-well, no...but you mentioned her earlier, right? And I just happened to see her…" I explained lamely. She seemed to be buying though, which was a relief.

"Well I'll be heading back to my station now young miss. Just tell me if you need anything, okay?" Nagayama-san said, helpful and gentle as ever.

I nodded. "Thank you so much."

As she went back to the nurse station, I redirected my attention back on the accident report and examined it a few more times before I placed the document down to think. I'm at this point, I've tracked down the necessary information I need to get this case closed. All I need to do now is bring Nico to her family and I should be free of her. Instead of feeling happy, hollowness beset me.

Is it really going to be that easy?

"Is that you, Maki-chan?" An unfamiliar voice called out to me. I looked up to see another person who looked scarily similar to Nico, but this time, an older version of her.

"Y-Yazawa-san?" I answered awkwardly, I at least had to pretend to remember them if I had to go by the story Nagayama-san told me.

"My, look how you've grown. Much more beautiful than I remembered!" She gushed while putting one palm to her cheek.

The compliment completely caught me off guard. "Th-that's...! Th-thank you..."

"But you're still the same shy girl I knew, how cute."

It felt weird hearing flattery from someone I barely remember, let alone someone strikingly similar to the very person who I would never hear this from.

"H-how have you been? I saw your children earlier and I heard K-Koutarou-kun would be discharged soon?" Lying was one thing, but pretending to be familiar was a completely different monster on its own. I felt Santa frowning at me for being such a bad kid.

The look on the woman's face turned into a mix of melancholy and relief. She smiled wryly. "That's right...I just got back from work and was gonna check up on them before I headed home to—well, let my daughter know."

She was conveniently brought up, which lit the curiosity in me. I know I'm pushing my luck here, but I took the chance since I got this far already, I might as well learn more about them, and Nico. It's the least I could do—maybe along the way, I would be able to remember my time with them. "Your daughter? You mean eldest one? You...and the k-kids mentioned her a lot, but I don't think I've ever m-met her." I really have to get rid of all this stuttering though.

Ruby eyes briefly glistened with grief and guilt, before a pained smile shielded any evidence of it.

"Of course...that kid was always busy running around the place...she hardly stopped to take a break."

I was at a loss of words. Unable to imagine how it could be for a mother to lose her child. Internally cursing myself for bringing up something so difficult just so I could get the information I wanted.

"Is...is something wrong?" I managed to voice out, trying my hardest not to give away what I really know.

"See, she...oh, her name is Nico," Yazawa-san began, she held her right arm tightly. "She died. Just recently. It was so sudden, I didn't believe it at first."

I watched as her eyes began to water, her grip on her arm tightened as she trembled. My mouth felt dry at the heartbreaking sight. I wasn't sure if I should comfort her. Death was just a cycle in life, I never thought too deeply about it, at least not anymore. I grew up in a hospital. A lot of people die every day, sometimes even under papa's hands—a brilliant doctor—but there are just lives you can't save. As an aspiring doctor, this is something I've come to terms with. I was probably desensitized by this in the process.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't even be bothering you about this." Her voice shook as she tried to laugh it off, wiping the forming tears from her eyes.

"D-don't worry, I was the one who asked. I'm sorry for bringing it up..."

"Don't be, how could you have known?" She paused to wipe more of her tears. "A-anyway, you be stay healthy and safe, okay? It was nice seeing you again."

Not knowing what to say, I suddenly felt tempted to say that I can see her daughter and that she has been with me for quite some time now. I might not have known, true, but I knew more now than any of the people she knew. It still baffles me that she didn't just haunt her family instead. Why is it me?

"Y-Yazawa-san, please wait." I called out.

The older woman turned towards me with a confused expression. "What is it, dear?"

"You...you mentioned letting her know the news about Koutarou-kun, does that mean you'll be going to where she is right now?" I ended up saying, unsure where I'm going with this.

Still with puzzled look, she nodded.

"We had her cremated, her remains are at home."

"W-would it be alright if you let me go with you?" I said almost immediately.

Tired carmine eyes widened. "Maki-chan..."

"I—I know we've never met but, from how everyone talks about her, I can tell she was great person. I want to meet her." I tried to keep my expression neutral as I said this. Should I be awarded as the world's greatest liar now? I've lied my way for an entire days worth already. I mentally noted that I wasn't completely lying. She must have been a really good kid if her entire family talks so fondly of her. I can never see this with the Nico I know though.

The look on Yazawa-san's face was a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment, but her eyes gleamed in amusement and appreciation. I wouldn't blame her if she scoffed at me and called me crazy right now.

"You're sure about that?"

"Y-yes." There's no going back anymore.

The obsidian haired lady sighed and gave me a crooked smile. "If you insist. It's going to be a while though." She gestured to the young boy Koutarou's private room.

I shook my head and followed her lead, leaving the heap of documents in the waiting area just like that. I'll need to apologise about it to Nagayama-san later, but for now I just discreetly messaged her about it using my phone.

...

It felt as if I entered wonder zone as I stepped inside the room of Yazawa Koutarou. Three pairs of ruby eyes stared at me as if I was some kind of alien. Together with the two children I encountered earlier was another girl who still looked like her, only with a slightly different hair colour compared to everyone's black. Nevertheless, looking at them felt like I just witnessed mitosis occurring the more I saw how much everyone in the family looked so much like Nico. It was freaky, but it was also amazing. My mind was swamped with these thoughts that I didn't notice one of them approach me.

"Maki-neechan! Kokoro told me earlier that she saw you, it's been a while!" The little girl said, jumping excitedly as she spoke. She was a bit more like Nico than the mild mannered girl that I now know was called Kokoro.

"I-it has, how have you been?" I asked, somehow regretting why I got myself in this situation. My curiosity completely dismissed the fact that I don't remember any of them and being here would just make me look like an idiot.

"Koutarou's all better! He'll be discharged soon!" The look of happiness on her face was faintly shaded by a downcast expression. "Although, onee-chan—

"Kokoa, Kokoro." Yazawa-san spoke up, her voice strained but gentle, pleading. "Maki-chan and I will get a few things back in the apartment, I trust you two to look after things while I'm gone?"

"Yes mama." Both girls answered in unison, their expression forlorn.

"Call me if anything happens, okay? I love you guys."

I watched the exchange in silence, wondering where their father was, does he know what happened to Nico? It was difficult not to feel bad for them, but I'm already too involved to back out now. As I waited for the older woman to lead me out, I gave the three kids one last glance. An awkward smile formed on my lips as I gave them a wave of goodbye. They all responded in kind, but with such tired expressions. I wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Let's go, Maki-chan?" I heard Yazawa-san call out.

"Y-yes!" I let myself out of the room while she held the door for me. I watch her close it slowly before turning to me.

...

We didn't need to ride a car, I simply followed her walk a few blocks away from the hospital to finally reach the Yazawa residence. It was on the third floor of an old apartment complex near the station. Admittedly, I've never gone to this side of the city yet, it was a lot less luxurious than what I was used to so it felt a bit jarring.

"Come on in, Maki-chan, I'll make you tea. Have a seat." She led me to the guest room and gestured to the somewhat dusty couch near the television set. I made my way over there while she disappeared into the what seemed like the kitchen. I looked around and tried to digest my surrounding. The flat felt cramped and unkempt, save for the closed butsudan by the corner.

It must be Nico's.

"I'm sorry, we only have oolong right now. No one has been drinking tea since Nico went…" I watched as she poured tea on a handsome looking tea set, the kind that was perfect for high class traditional tea drinking. It seemed like tea time used to be a thing with their family. That was somehow fascinating, tea was elegant and peaceful, a total contradiction to a certain boisterous ghost.

"What was she like?" I asked, genuinely interested this time. At least this would be information that I didn't know yet.

"My, that's gonna be a tough one. That girl is a lot of things." She said, staring tenderly at her tea.

This hype of her personality was somehow unbelievable, but I can't help but anticipate it. She was probably a lot more pleasant when she was alive.

"Let's see...she's stubborn? Grumpy, prideful, has difficulty being honest, unathletic, ambitious…"

I tried my best not to show how disappointed I was, these were things I knew, and it was a shame that she hasn't changed after all.

"...caring, sensitive, hard working, both selfish and selfless…"

I raised an eyebrow at all these new and paralleling traits. Then realised I probably looked like I wasn't believing her, thank the heavens she was still staring at her teacup.

"...she's a great cook, probably even better than me. Admittedly, I wasn't always around. Since my husband passed away, she took over the house. I had to work twice as hard in turn so I rarely come home to them awake. Because of this, the kids adore her. She disciplined them properly and made sure they ate their vegetables. She always reassured me that they were all fine, and reminded me all the time to take care of myself." Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, I found myself smiling at it.

"I'm really lucky to have such a reliable daughter. When she was younger, she clung to me or her papa like glue, but she grew into such a responsible big sister." She took a sip from the cup and sighed. "The day Koutarou collapsed, she was able to bring him to the hospital before it was too late."

I stayed silent and urged her to continue.

"She was a mess that day you know? When I heard of the news and got to the hospital, I saw her holding back her tears while holding Kokoro and Kokoa. Soon after seeing me, she just broke down and cried, saying I'm sorry so many times it was ridiculous. My strong little Nico, showing an unusual display of weakness all of a sudden. I relied on her too much I didn't realise she was still a kid.

Since then, she changed. Everyone did in fact. Kokoro and Kokoa helped her out more, and she started working. She got into a decent university and even paid her own tuition fees. She helped pay with the hospital bills from time to time as well."

"That's amazing." I blurted out in awe. Newfound respect overcame me. I instantly cleared my throat to shrug off my embarrassment. "Achieving so much at that age is really impressive. What did she want to be?"

"I think she wanted to be an idol, but she never went through with it. She used to collect so many idol things but that stopped too. Although I can somehow tell why she would...she just concentrated on working and graduating. She often traveled to the countryside for star photoshoots because Koutarou loves them."

"Star photoshoots?" I repeated, not really understanding what it was.

"Ah. She took photography, so she takes really nice pictures of the stars. You don't really get beautiful starry skies in Tokyo anymore." She explained.

"I see."

I took a sip of my slightly lukewarm tea as I tried to digest all these information. Nico really was a good kid, unimaginably so. I lived in sizable wealth, I never had to work. My family was relatively healthy so I never had to experience anyone almost dying within my grasp. We had a hospital for that purpose anyway. I realised again that some people weren't as fortunate. She had to sacrifice a lot of things for her family, and yet she died just like that. It didn't feel fair.

"How old are you Maki-chan?" She suddenly asked.

"O-oh, um, I just turned 18 this year."

"Ah, so she's older than you." She put a finger to her chin and contemplated. "I still think you would have gotten along though."

Hearing this made me want to giggle and tell her that she was sorely mistaken. Despite the nice things I've heard, the Nico I see every day was nowhere near as awesome—maybe except for the cooking. I really learned a lot from her in that field, and I'm grateful. But I'll never tell her that.

"Y-you think so?" I masked my mirth.

"Yeah, you guys are very similar, I knew this the moment I saw you two years ago."

Us? Similar? Might as well say white crows exist.

"I-is that so…" I played with my hair and looked at another direction to avoid showing my disdain at this claim.

"Yup," Yazawa-san tapped her legs and stood up. "It's about time you met her. I'll take out the incense."

I watched as she took out incense from the cupboard. She handed me one and led me to the butsudan. She carefully swung the doors open revealing a picture of a man, Nico and their respective urns. The man must be her father, I assumed. He looked young as well, and unsurprisingly, appeared just like everyone in the Yazawa family—like a bunch of clones. This was probably gonna be how Nico would look like if she was a guy. My eyes fell to her picture as I thought this, her hair was tied up into twintails held up by a red ribbon. She looked younger here, but not by much. Somehow, seeing her like this made me feel nostalgic, like this wasn't the first time I've seen her.

But of course this wasn't the first time, I've seen her face so many times on different people on this day alone I probably just lost it. Did genetics even work like this?

"Hi dears, I have Maki-chan with me today. She wanted to meet Nico." Yazawa-san said, looking at the two pictures with a sad but loving gaze. She lit up both our incense and gave me a smile. "C'mon Maki-chan, say something."

I stiffened as soon as I heard this. That's right, I'm here under the pretense of 'wanting to meet her'.

"H-hello. It's a pleasure to meet you for the very first time," I started, making sure I didn't sound weird. "I hope you find peace."

I'm pretty sure that sounded weird, but it was thankfully unheard by the woman beside me as she was hunched up in prayer, eyes closed and everything. After a while, I did too. Wishing that she really does find peace.


I heard my tummy growl so loudly that I realised I haven't eaten all day. How long has it been since I started thinking about what happened earlier? I remember that I hadn't turned the light on, so it was dark. As my eyes adjusted, I looked at the faint light on my digital alarm clock that displayed the numbers 11:25 PM on it. It was late, but I had to eat something. I changed into my house clothes and thought up of what to cook.

Once I decided on what to make, I got to work. I prepared the ingredients and started cracking two eggs in half and poured its content in a bowl. I dropped one fourth teaspoon worth of salt and pepper, a bit of water and chopped tomato on it before mixing. I started the stove fire and placed the pan on it, melting a slice of butter across the surface. Once it was properly heated, I poured the egg mixture and waited until the edges were set. I gently lifted the edge of the egg and tilted it so the uncooked part came in contact with the pan. After a bit of tossing, it was done. I sprinkled cheese on it and folded it momentarily to cook.

I placed it on a plate and got a bit of the leftover rice from this morning. I placed the food down on the table and got a chair. Thinking back, this was the first recipe Nico taught me. In her own words, it was simple, delicious and easy to make. She was right about the first two things at least. I used to fail making it before, thankfully I was able to pull it off without burning the kitchen this time. I stared at the food and wondered if it'll taste good. This was probably the only time I cooked without her supervision, it felt kind of nerve wracking. I took a piece with the chopsticks and tasted it.

"It...it's good..." I murmured to myself as I continued to quietly indulge myself in the fluffiness of the egg that contained a delectable combination of salt and tang. The rice served as a great palate cleanser which doubled my appetite. After a few minutes of stuffing myself, the food was gone. I usually took my time to eat, so I was surprised that I was actually this famished. I placed the dishes down the sink and sighed contentedly, feeling completely full. Eating at this hour wasn't the best, but it put in me in a good mood. Where was Nico? I felt like bragging about this. I never heard the end of it from her whenever I did it wrong, so I wonder how she'll react.

My amusement was replaced by guilt as her cold voice resounded in my thoughts, immediately reminding me the reason she's not around to begin with.

I won't bother you anymore.

"Nico? You can hear me, right?" I spoke out, making sure my voice was loud enough to echo around the apartment.

"What do you want?" She materialized by the counter, a brooding look on her face.

Slightly taken aback by the instantaneous response, I forgot what I was about to say.

"I…I was able to cook an omelet!"

"I saw. Congratulations." She deadpanned. A bit lackluster from what I imagined, but I didn't feel offended.

She stared me down with a completely unamused face, clearly still angry about the events from earlier. I gave her an apologetic look in exchange, making sure we saw eye to eye. Compared to how I didn't want to talk or even face her a few hours back; it was a bit easier to look at her now. Was this the right time to tell her about what I discovered today? How would she react? Will she want to be brought to her family immediately?

"I'm sorry about earlier. I really was tired, but I know I shouldn't have lied about being in class." I ended up saying, my mind still swirling in countless questions. I really am sorry, I hope it got across to her even then.

"It's fine," Her miffed expression slackened. "I was being too nosy."

If she only knew what I did today, she'll know that wasn't true. She hasn't seen blunt intrusiveness yet. It would be interesting to see her reaction when she finds out. I mentally shook my head to rid myself of several different facial expressions she'd make and inhaled deeply, gathering my thoughts. It had to be now.

"Listen, today, I…"

I paused to study her still pouty face, her narrowed eyes were locked at me in silent anticipation.

I suddenly felt hesitant.

The time between us was shortening. That should be a good thing, right?

She needs to remember and see her family again so she can finally rest her spirit and I need to get my normal life back. The one that was logical and scientific, and nothing like these absurd five months I've spent with her. Even though that's what I think was the sound thing to do, I couldn't bring myself to speak again.

"You what?" She asked impatiently.

"...if we never find out about your past, will you be alright with it?" I held the hem of my shirt tightly, wondering how this question came about.

Nico stared at me with a puzzled look.

"The bigger question is, will you be alright with it? As far as I can remember, you don't really enjoy me being here. If I don't remember, I'll be stuck here, haunting you forever," She looked out the window and sighed. "The only way I can think of for you to be free of me is to help me remember what happened, so I can resolve my unfinished business and move on to the next life or whatever."

I was speechless. Taken aback by how my simple question revealed so much about what she thought about this entire thing. After all this time, she'd only been thinking of getting rid of herself, for my sake. Because I was so unwelcoming, so rude, so utterly spiteful about her existence. I did not once consider what she felt, only thinking about what I wanted. On the other hand, she helped me learn how to cook, how to sew back fallen buttons from my blouse, how not to be a slob about my laundry as well as dishes that I used to leave rotting and piled up on the sink—all under the pretense of a loudmouthed dictator that wanted to get her way. Of course she had her goofier moments, and she would bother me a lot over trivial things, but she never meant any harm.

Something seemed odd about that question though.

"Let me reiterate, say you don't put me into consideration. Just you not remembering and being stuck here. Would be alright with that?"

She chuckled lightly. "Maki, I'm dead. It won't matter. Especially if no one could see me, I wouldn't bother anyone! I mean, of course it sucks to be holed up in one place forever, but again, I'm dead. I don't have control over my life anymore—or lack thereof."

I closed my eyes, wanting to suppress the rush of emotions that surged within my chest. The way she disregarded herself bothered me. It bothered me more that I was probably one of the reasons she felt this way. How can she have no regard for herself? Her family mourned for her. They were sad she was gone. She needs to know this.

"Nico, I—

The sound of my phone ringing loudly cut me off my thoughts. Cursing to myself, I brought myself to pick it up from my bag. Who would call at this hour anyway? I saw Nico shrug off and floated elsewhere.

"Hello?"

"Guess who~?" A playful voice came out of the receiver.

"N-Nozomi? It's in the middle of the night in Japan right now, what do you—

"I know. I just got got back. Wouldn't you pick up poor old me?"

"Couldn't you have called Eli for this? Why are you letting someone two years your junior do this?"

"Aw Maki-chan, are you in a bad mood? And I couldn't reach Elicchi at all!"

I sighed heavily, but making sure she couldn't hear me. Toujou Nozomi was an upperclassman from high school. We met in my first year, and along with her fellow classmate Ayase Eli, we became good friends. After high school, Nozomi left to go to India for some kind of 'spiritual training', whatever that meant. She was an odd girl, her mystifying way of handling things were preposterous yet scarily accurate. It was kind of endearing. I wasn't very taken by the otherworldly because it conflicted with my empirical approach to life, but she was an exception.

"Fine. Narita right? Wait for me in 45 minutes."

"Dhan'yavāda Maki-chan." I ended the call before I fussed about how to make sense of what I just heard. "Geez, that Nozomi…"

"You're so cute when you're flustered, Maki-chan. Like a tomato." Nico spoke up, imitating Nozomi's way of addressing me while sneering from a distance.

"Sh-shut up! I'm not done with you! Wait till I get back!" I almost exclaimed as I reached for my jacket and car keys.

"I will. Take care and stay safe Maki."

I felt my face heat up at the thought that she'll wait for me come home to her.

"I-I'll be going now."

Closing the door behind me, I realised how thankful I was that Nozomi called. I didn't have to be in a hurry, not anymore at least. I'll tell Nico in time. It doesn't have to be now. I'm not sure what'll happen when I do, so for the meantime, I'll try to make it up to her by letting her feel more welcome. Because even though I'll never say it to her face, having a noisy, facetious and cute ghost wasn't so bad.


Butsudan is an altar, you might have seen these things in your Chinese cartoons. Or you can google it. ;)

Dhan'yavāda is thank you in Indian.

Only the 2nd years left! Can you guess how they'll appear?

Again, criticisms, opinions, violent reactions, all welcome!