Episode 61: YOU, ME, AND YOUR FRIEND MJ?

'Okay, I've never felt this invisible before.'

'Never in my life.'

'Ugh, is she always that happy when around him?'

'Hello? I'm here too, ya know?'

'Did he just winked at me?'

...

Red says to himself, still pretty pissed that Gabby accepted Murasaki to visit her. Because of it, the red haired seemed to only pay her mind to him, and talk almost endlessly of all the things they had missed.

He was in his mortal mode but Gabby don't seem to pay attention to him as before. Did she grew sick of him? No. He's overthinking. No way the sweet girl would do that to him after all they've been through. She just missed the guy for now, he thought.

But how can he relax? As selfish as it may sound he feels a bit offended that she...

She looks...very happy talking to Murasaki. They really know each other well. They...connect to a level he and Gabby haven't. They finish each other's sentences. They know anime stuff. And he doesn't!

The awkwardness enveloping him made him resort to the decision of leaving them for the time being. He, a respected Red Repear shouldn't he humiliated like this!

He takes a deep breath, then,

RED: I'm going to the kitchen. Say something if you need me.

Red stood up, breathing heavily and trying to stop his self from strangling the visitor. Gabby didn't seem to mind. She just smiled! Took a short look at him, waves and then what??? Then continued talking to him! What the hell?!

Red may have been being too clingy, needy or an attention seeker by that time but he doesn't care. He was like a child trying to fight past tantrums. He wanted to tell her, "Hey, you spent too much time with him now, please talk to me," but he can't. It would hurt his pride.

The feeling of hate had never been this strong. And knowing just know much insecure Murasaki made him feel, the hotter his body becomes, fearing that maybe he's insecure because he knows MJ truly had a chance.

Red feels even more angry considering that fact. Just what is he to her? Obviously they're best friends. But it doesn't make much sense of why they got seperated or why he never contacted her since he left. And now he's back to somehow...pursue her?

What is the big idea of this man? He sounds and looks fishy, but Gabby's love for her friend blinds her from seeing that.

He feels even more confused, as to how they were talking as if nothing happened. They were awkward and such yesterday, Gabby even slapped him. But it seems that everything is back to normal for them. Is that really how deep their bond is?

Ugh, he don't even want to think any further. As much as he wanted to always stay by her side, he had enough. He feels like exploding any time soon. He went to the kitchen with a book, trying to ignore their laughter. He's sure Murasaki is making fun of him now. He just doesn't know her enough.

He felt upset at himself more though, after feeling the hatred burn and actually...hurt him. He never wanted to feel that way...much so to a mortal. He isn't supposed to be...be..'mad', much so to this petty reason. He tried to continue reading but everytime he hears them laugh, he gets distracted.

...

Murasaki knew just how much angry he made Red feel. And he's enjoying every second of it. He knew that they weren't truly dating, and if they were, Gabby would have been clinging to him right now. He knew Gabby since little, so he knew that if Gabby ever had a boyfriend, especially since she haven't had one before, truly she'd be more forward and showing of her affections to her partner. Thanks to his studies of Psychology, other than arts, he was able to confirm that his hunch is true. Gabby and Red are only doing it for the sake of public judgement.

He knew he wasn't human either. And he was so sure. He'll talk to him after Gabby is distracted by something, surely if the entity loves Gabby strong enough, he'd listen to him.

GABBY: And I kept drawing mangas but I never got a chance to finish one!

MURASAKI: You will in time, after all it's you we're talking about!

His words affected her greatly. She was blushing! He made her blush!

GABBY: Here's my idea on my story! Inspired by my adventures with Red! It's called REAPER'S-

Murasaki's face twisted into a frown when Gabby mentioned his rival at love. What? Red? Why not him? They spent more time together.

MURASAKI: Really? That sounds...um, a very bad idea. Reapers are associated with death, not romance.

GABBY: That's rude. You haven't met one so don't judge like that!

MURASAKI: Oh, so you've met one?

Gabby grew quiet.

MURASAKI: Right. So he's a reaper? Then what's he doing with a still-alive And breathing girl? Is he here so he can take your would when you died?

GABBY: No. He's protecting me!

MURASAKI: From?

GABBY: From monster who wanted to abduct me?

MURASAKI: Oh. I...sorry.

GABBY: You believe me?

MURASAKI: Of course I do. I...I've always believed you. It's just that...I have always been...worried.

GABBY: Don't worry, I'm not hurt.

MURASAKI: For now, but what if you would be in the future?

GABBY: Then...it's fine. You cannot live a complete life without sorrow and sadness anyways.

MURASAKI: I...I wish you didn't have those eyes.

Gabby looked shocked.

He have never said those words before.

She felt offended and touched at the same time. Surely he meant well, but wishing something that had been a part of her since young, seemed wrong.

GABBY: MJ...

The boy looked at him, afraid he had pulled the strings.

GABBY: I have no regrets.

Murasaki felt his eyes tearing up. No way. He have seen her cry, even more clung tightly to him when they were young, saying that there was a ghoul, or a scary woman in front of them. He'd never forget those fear stricken eyes. They were sad. And full of agony. Gabby even tried clawing them out once. And Murasaki pitied her at the bottom of his heart. If only he could help her.

One time that made him really believe her was the fact that one of the playtoys actually moved while they were playing outside.

Then he swear he could see the footprints appearing in the grass, going nearer and nearer to their location. That was when he peed his pants, even if he promised himself he won't do that once he reached 7.

Gabby screamed. And the entity's steps became faster. Murasaki may have not seen it, but he heard it loud and clear.

I'LL KILL YOU!!!

The voice sounded old and angry, which made him run and leave Gabby there.

When he came back, holding their mom and dad, Gabby was unconcious. She wasn't able to communicate with them for a week. She was still, like a porcelain doll. Murasaki even to this day still haven't forgiven his self for leaving her that day. Who knew what happened to her? Of why she was so scared she, even to him, didn't dare talked to?

Murasaki lets his tears drop, which made Gabby worried.

Why is he suddenly crying?

Gabby opened her mouth to talk, but Murasaki quickly hugs her.

MURASAKI: I don't want you hurt. I wanted to protect you too.

Gabby, even though unsure of his sudden change in mood decided to give him a hug too.

GABBY: As I told you before, I am doing well. Don't worry.

MURASAKI: How can I not worry? Those things...are after you.

GABBY: I...I know. But I feared something greater now, making them all appear pale to me.

MURASAKI: And that's?

GABBY: Losing those I care about most.

Murasaki soaked his shirt with tears. He missed her so much. She've changed a lot too. She became stronger than what she used to be.

MURASAKI: Hey, Gab?

GABBY: Yeah?

MURASAKI: I'm proud of you.

GABBY: Aww, thanks dude!

...

Red grew bored, then walked out of the kitchen, only to see that they were both crying.

RED: What.did.you.do.to.her?!

MURASAKI: Nothing! We just got emotional, you know!

GABBY: It's true, don't be like that, Red.

RED: Can you blame me though? You only cry when you're hurt or scared.

GABBY: I'm fine, I promise!

Then Murasaki and Red's eyes met.

Hatred boiled on each's heart upon the sight of the other.

Then Murasaki remembered his plan.

MURASAKI: Ey, Gab. Your boy here looks interesting to talk to, can I borrow him for a bit?

GABBY: Don't fight, okay?

MURASAKI: 'Course not. Trust me.

RED: Pff, I'm going somewhere.

MURASAKI: Don't be like that. Right, Gab?

GABBY: Yeah, I'm sure you're both mature enough to not argue like little kids, right? Or am I wrong?

RED: *sighs* Fine. Let's talk then.

Murasaki grinned.Then Gabby went to her room to give them some privacy. The two men went to the kitchen, Red surely not dropping his guard down.

Red looked at him, then with his hand gestured, 'go on'.

The hazel eyed man stared at him with apparent dislike, then straightforwardly said,

MURASAKI: Whatever you're feeling for her, get lost.