"Scared"

[The ghost stared at Sayori with a disbelieving expression. It was almost as though Sayori was the real ghost.]

W-Wh...

Sayori: Um, did I do something wrong?

Ghost: Something wrong? Of course you did! You're supposed to be scared!

[The ghost made wild gestures, expressing its frustration. Sayori continued to rub her eyes, gradually waking up.]

Sayori: Eh? But someone knocking on the door happens all the time! Why should I be scared?

Ghost: What? Excuse me? This is your bedroom door! Of course you should be scared!

Sayori: Ehhh? It's not like this is the first time.

Ghost: Ok fine, but you're living alone! There shouldn't be anybody in the house!

U-Um...

[Sayori blinked a few times, still a little confused, but didn't stop trying to defend herself.]

Sayori: I mean... the place I was in before only had one room, so if there was a knock, it was coming from someone outside.

Ghost: ...Does this look like the place you used to be in?

Sayori: Well, not really. There weren't as many decorations, and also I didn't have a lamp next to me.

Ghost: You... there is a problem with you.

Sayori: W-What? I feel that is overexaggerating things. Different things scare different people, you know!

I-I guess that's true...

Ghost: But if you are living ALONE, and you hear a knock on your bedroom door, that SHOULD be a damn PROBLEM!

Sayori: I don't know! It's not really a problem for me!

Ghost: How is it not a problem for you? Even if it wasn't a damn ghost, it means someone broke into your house!

Sayori: Ah, that... kinda makes sense.

Ghost: KINDA?!

[Sayori put up her hands, trying to pacify the ghost]

Sayori: I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please no more yelling.

Ghost: I... I just...

...Is this also a way to defeat ghosts?

[The ghost covered its face with its hands and let out a long sigh]

Ghost: Of course it had to be me...

Sayori: U-Um, maybe we can try again?

[The ghost looked back with a strange look on its face]

Ghost: ...Are you good at acting?

[Sayori gave a big smile]

Sayori: My friend says I'm really good!

Ghost: ...I have even less confidence in you now.

I second that.

[Sayori pouted and crossed her arms]

Sayori: How about you judge after you see it?

[The ghost sighed]

Ghost: I guess it can't hurt to try.

...It can still be a waste of time.

Sayori: Hehe, just you wait! I'll do this perfectly!

[With a confident smile, Sayori proceeded to close the door and got back into the bed. As for the ghost, it clearly hesitated. There was an awkward frown plastered across its face. The ghost seemed to be considering if it was even worth it, but decided to try just for the hell of it.]

I never thought I could feel bad for a ghost... what the heck happened to this story?

[The ghost knocked on the door several times. However, unlike the first time, the enthusiasm behind it was clearly less. Although discordant, it could still be mistaken for someone actually trying to knock on the door.]

Sayori: Oh no! What is that sound?

Eh? It was clearly knocking, right?

[Sayori suddenly sprung out of the bed and began looking around herself, which was quite strange because there logically wasn't anything to search for. She then raised her finger, pretending she came to a conclusion.]

Sayori: Ah, it was a knock! But... I live alone inside of this mansion! And that door isn't the front door either. That means either someone broke in, or a ghost is knocking on the door!

...I don't think I'm good at acting, but I can at least do better than this.

[Hearing the supposed acting that Sayori was doing, the ghost's expression fell. It didn't even bother to continue knocking, and just remained there with a displeased expression on its face. As for Sayori, she continued, and put a finger on her lips to exaggeratedly show that she was thinking.]

Sayori: Hmm, I should check out the sound!

[She proceeded to get up, casually walk to the door, and open it. Behind it, was a ghost with a frown on its face. Sayori raised both hands in the air and closed her eyes.]

Sayori: Oh no! It's a ghost! What will I do now!

Ghost: ...

Man, being a ghost must suck...

[Sayori peeked open one eye to look at the ghost's expression. She then whispered softly.]

Sayori: How was that? Pretty good, right? I put a lot of effort into it.

Ghost: ...

[The ghost simply stared at her with annoyance, but that didn't seem to discourage her]

Sayori: Heh. I get it, you're stunned by how good my acting was! Maybe I should try to become a professional...

Something... is wrong with this girl.

[The ghost blankly stared at Sayori, its expression gradually contorting. It seemed especially triggered when she complimented herself for acting.]

Ghost: No, no, no! That's not how a person that's scared acts like at all!

[A small frown formed on Sayori's face]

Sayori: How do you know that? What if that's just how I react?!

Hm, can this girl even be scared? Perhaps that function of her brain doesn't exist. If that's the case... maybe clearing this story will be super easy!

[The ghost proceeded to exaggerated hand gestures, expressing its frustration]

Ghost: No! A scared person at the very least has a scrunched-up expression on their face! Their eyes widen, and their breathing quickens along with their heart rate.

Sayori: Well, that's asking for a little much! I don't control the beating of my heart!

Ghost: Ok, fine! Changing your heart rate is a little tough, but what kind of scared person voices out all their thoughts like that? In fact, most people don't even voice out their thoughts like that normally!

[The ghost grabbed onto the side of its head with frustration]

Ghost: If they were really scared, they would try to stay silent! They would try their best to make sure that they aren't noticed. The only times they don't do that is if they are screaming out of fear, or putting up a strong front and asking "Who's there?" with a tense expression!

[Sayori pouted]

Sayori: Mm... but I was kinda screaming! I basically did what you just said.

Ghost: No, no you didn't!

Sayori: Yes I did!

Ghost: No!

Sayori: Yes!

Ghost: No!

...I remember being in a conversation like this before. Does it really look this pathetic from the outside?

If it does... then I've done some embarrassing things.

[Sayori had a bright smile on her face, unable to hide the fact she was actually having fun arguing with the ghost. On the other hand, the ghost was having a mental breakdown in frustration. In the midst of their verbal battle, it gradually realized that Sayori was having fun, which was the last straw for it.]

Ghost: Y-You are enjoying this?

[Sayori averted her gaze]

Sayori: U-Um, well it's always fun to talk with people.

I see now. The true horror is actually this girl, not the ghosts. The twist I was calling earlier was true.

Ghost: But I'm not a person! I'm a goddamn ghost, woman!

Sayori: Eh? But ghosts are people too! Also, I'm not old enough to be called a woman...

[The ghost opened its mouth to reply, but all that came out was a defeated sigh]

Ghost: You know what? Never mind. I'm done. I can't take it anymore.

[It picked up a briefcase that came out of thin air and even donned a hat like it was going to work]

Ghost: I'm leaving

[Sayori scratched her cheek innocently]

Sayori: Ah, ok. It was fun talking to you!

[The ghost walked away in a gloomy manner, which strangely made it look more human than otherworldly. It didn't stop muttering complaints to itself though.]

Ghost: Of course. Of course when it's finally my turn. That's when we get the damn lousy guest. This was the result of waiting and being patient for so long! Dammit. Goddammit. And after all that trouble to find a haunted house too.

Damn. I can feel that kind of pain.

[Sayori tilted her head to the side, looking at the departing ghost with concern]

Sayori: Um, are you ok?

[The ghost turned around briefly]

Ghost: Don't talk to me!

[Then, it continued to mutter to itself]

Ghost: Screw this place. I didn't even like these weirdos anyway. Maybe there's another haunted house not too far away...

[With those parting words, it gradually began to dissipate. Sayori scratched the side of her head while looking at where it disappeared.]

Sayori: I wonder why it was so sad. Hmm... it probably wasn't anything I did.

Huh? Huuuuuh? It was clearly you! Did you not hear the ghost cursing and blaming you the entire time?

Apologize! Apologize to the ghost!

Sayori: Well, I can think about it later. Right now I want to get some tasty food to eat!

...

[Sayori proceeded to skip down the hallway, off to the kitchen. But just as she turned the corner, another ghost suddenly appeared, with knives in both hands.]

Knife Ghost: RAAAAH!

AH SHIT! RUN AWAY!

[The ghost was covered in blood, and covered in ragged clothes that also looked to be stained in such. It gave off a strong impression, and also gave frightening implications as to what it was doing with the knives. The fierce gaze it had would make even the bravest at least flinch.]

...Hey, you're supposed to be reacting.

Sayori: Ah, excuse me.

[Sayori took a step to the side, then continued on past the ghost. As for the ghost, it was quite bewildered. It looked over its shoulder with bulging eyes.]

Knife Ghost: H-Hey, what are you doing?

[Sayori turned around and frowned slightly]

Sayori: I'm just really hungry, so I'm going off to eat. Is there something you need?

...Huh. Am I the person overreacting? I-It can't be, right?

No, but...

Knife Ghost: ...Um. Are you not scared?

[Sayori tilted her head to the side]

Sayori: Eh? Why? You sound just like that other guy.

Knife Ghost: Huh? You mean Brad? No wait, that's not the point. Don't you see the knives in my hand? They should be frightening, right?

Sayori: But they are kitchen knives. Those things are made to cut vegetables, why should I be scared?

Hm... I guess that isn't wrong...

Knife Ghost: B-But they are covered in blood!

Sayori: Yeah, so you were working with some meat earlier, right?

Knife Ghost: Er, well no. I got some red paint from the other ghosts and spent a few weeks getting the blood splatters just right.

Why... Why do I sympathize with these ghosts so much?

Sayori: Wah! That's all red paint? You did a really good job then!

Knife Ghost: E-Eh? You really think so?

Sayori: Yeah! I couldn't even tell!

Knife Ghost: Thanks!

Sayori: Mm! Alright, I'm going to go to the kitchen, I'm really hungry.

Knife Ghost: Ah, wait! Could you go the other way?

Sayori: Hm?... but this way to the kitchen is faster.

Knife Ghost: W-Well, I set up a lot of traps overnight, and I was thinking I could um, chase you through them.

...You should do it! He stayed up overnight for it!

Sayori: Er... could that be left until after I eat?

Cruel! You're a demon!

[The knife ghost looked down at the floor with an awkward smile]

Knife Ghost: Er... just forget it. I'll take down the traps.

Sayori: Ah, ok!

Heartless! Monster! How dare you!

[With that, the ghost left to get rid of the traps, clearly depressed. On the other hand, Sayori went down to the kitchen. The soft taps of her footsteps resounded. Yet, along with them, were strange discordant metallic sounds. Sayori made her way closer to those sounds, and saw that there was a ghost working away in the kitchen, but was recklessly slamming the pots around, clearly not having the best coordination.]

Sayori: Hm? Is someone already cooking?

...T-This is a fake ghost too, right? It's um, not actually scary... right?

[Loading choices...]

Hey, system! C-Could you tell me if it's an actual dangerous ghost?

[You were the one that wrote the story. Figure it out.]

What? But I didn't write the story anything like this!

[Choice List]

[1 - Ask the ghost to set aside a portion for another]

[2 - Chide the ghost for being reckless with the kitchenware]

...What the hell are these choices?