Ghost

Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes… they win.

Speaking of ghosts, do you believe they're real?

As for me? Oh, I definitely believe in ghosts. Why? Because I've seen them myself.

Now, let me tell you a story—a story about ghosts.

It all began on an ordinary afternoon. I was strolling through the city, searching for something to kill time.

MhThe streets were bustling, yet I felt oddly disconnected, as if I was merely a spectator in the chaos.

"Hmmm…" I murmured, glancing around in boredom.

That's when I saw her—a figure with ashen hair that stood out like a beacon amidst the crowd.

My heart skipped a beat. The witch's hat and cloak were unmistakable.

Elaina.

"This time, for sure…" I whispered to myself, a mischievous grin forming on my face. "This time, I'll really surprise her."

I crept closer, doing my best to mask my presence. My footsteps were silent, my movements calculated.

When I was close enough, I reached out and patted both her shoulders, shouting with glee, "Good morning, Elaina!"

She jumped, startled, spinning around to face me. Her violet eyes glared at me with a mixture of annoyance and… maybe a hint of amusement?

"Arche…" she sighed, exasperation lacing her voice.

I grinned from ear to ear. "Gotcha! I finally managed to surprise you, didn't I?"

Elaina rolled her eyes. "Why do you always insist on sneaking up on me? Don't you have a normal, friendly way to greet people?"

I feigned a look of deep thought. "Hmm… nope. Everyone loves surprises, right?"

"Not everyone," she retorted, sarcasm dripping from her tone. "Some of us actually hate being startled."

Her deadpan delivery only made me chuckle. I fell into step beside her, even though I had no idea where she was heading.

"So, what's the plan for today, oh great witch?"

She glanced at me, her expression softening just a bit. "I didn't really have anything in mind. What about you?"

I smirked, puffing out my chest dramatically. "Oh, you know, the usual. Maybe I'll become a hero, save some lives, and have the entire world singing my praises. Sounds fun, right?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "A hero, huh?" Her lips curled into a teasing smile.

"I can already picture it—you, wearing some ridiculous costume, striking dramatic poses."

I placed a hand over my heart, feigning mock betrayal. "Ridiculous? My heroic attire would be nothing short of legendary!"

"Legendary, sure," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Legendary for how absurd it would look."

We came upon a large crowd, and my curiosity got the best of me.

"Hm? Why's there a crowd? Are some popular people coming? I've got to get their autographs!"

Without wasting another second, I pushed my way through the throng of people, barely stopping to see if Elaina was following.

"Wait! Arche—" she began, but quickly gave up, not bothering to fight through the crowd.

She stood at the back, arms crossed, choosing to enjoy the scene from a safe distance.

I managed to get closer, but to my surprise, there were no famous faces in sight. Just someone handing out free goods.

I pulled myself out of the crowd, shaking my head. "Well, that was a disappointment."

Then, I noticed Elaina standing at the back, still watching with mild amusement.

An idea popped into my head, and I couldn't resist. Time for a little teasing.

"You can't see over the crowd, Elaina?" I called out to her with a grin.

"I'll help you!" Without warning, I scooped her up, lifting her effortlessly.

"Wait, Arche! What are you—?" she protested, trying to squirm out of my hold.

I smirked, lifting her higher.

"Fly, Elaina! Fly!"

She immediately stamped on my face, causing me to groan. "Agh! Stop that!"

"Then put me down!" she snapped, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

I grinned, ignoring her protests as I set her down. But before I could tease her further, her eyes scanned the crowd, her expression changing.

"What's wrong?" I asked, turning to follow her gaze.

Her eyes locked onto something above us, a look of growing concern on her face.

"Hm? What do you see, Elaina?"

Her voice was filled with panic. "Look up there! There's a girl on the roof!"

I blinked, scanning the building but saw nothing. "Where...?"

Without waiting for me, Elaina bolted toward the building, determination in her steps. I watched in confusion as she ran ahead.

"What is she doing...?" I murmured to myself, following her quickly.

I caught up just in time to see her talking to herself, her hands moving in strange gestures.

"Are you okay?" She asked to.. herself? stepping closer, unsure of what I was seeing.

Elaina stopped, glancing at me, her usual composed demeanor returning.

"Is this a normal thing for witches?" I asked, baffled by her sudden behavior.

Elaina nodded. "Yeah, I can see you.. But… why were you up there?" she said, her voice soft with concern.

I stood there, completely confused. "Huh...?" I glanced beside Elaina, trying to catch whatever she was seeing, but there was nothing there.

Not a single soul.

"Um..." I trailed off, unsure how to respond.

Elaina noticed my bewildered expression. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why do you look so confused?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Who... um... WHAT is that next to you?" I finally asked, my voice tinged with skepticism.

Elaina blinked, clearly surprised by my question. "Huh? A girl! You didn't see her?" she said, her voice growing more puzzled.

"Brown hair, green eyes. Don't you see her? Don't joke around, Arche."

I had to admit, the situation felt like the perfect set-up for a prank. "Actually, I was thinking of a joke for this moment," I admitted, still not seeing anyone by her side.

But Elaina's expression shifted to one of disbelief. She turned to her side, as if responding to someone.

"What do you mean?!" she asked, her voice raising slightly.

I could only stare at her. "Oh! I see! Imaginary friend! Ah, so that's how it is," I said, a lightbulb going off in my head. "So, what's the name of your imaginary friend?"

I turned to Elaina's right, intending to speak to her 'friend.' "You look beautiful and cute," I said, half-joking.

Elaina gave me a flat stare, one eyebrow raised. "Hey, she's on my left, you know," she said with a hint of sarcasm.

I slowly turned my head to the left, realizing my mistake. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Suddenly, I felt a chill in the air, and I heard a voice—a soft, faint whisper at first.

"Useless," the voice said, barely audible.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Slowly, the outline of a girl began to materialize before me.

She was translucent, like a mirage, and her presence made the air feel colder. I heard her voice again, clearer now.

"He can't possibly see me. Only a few special people can."

I blinked in shock. "Wait... now I can see you!" I said, my voice trembling slightly as the girl became clearer, her figure slowly solidifying in front of me.

The girl, whose presence felt strange yet oddly familiar, furrowed her brow.

"Huh? That's impossible," she said, sounding just as surprised as I was.

I couldn't resist the impulse to reach out. I patted her head, but my hand went right through her, like she wasn't even there. "Oh? You're a ghost?!"

The ghost's eyes widened. "What? How can you see me?" she asked, astonished.

I shrugged, trying to remain calm despite my racing heart. "I've seen ghosts before. I'm not too surprised."

The ghost paused, processing my words. After a long moment, she nodded slowly, her voice softer now.

"You're different from most people," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

I turned to Elaina, my mind reeling with questions. "So, did you see this ghost trying to jump off the building?" I asked, pointing at the girl.

Elaina nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, I saw her trying," she replied matter-of-factly.

"That's why I caught her," she added, her expression serious.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the situation. "So, you tried to commit suicide... even though you were already a ghost?" I asked the girl, half-wondering if she had some twisted sense of humor.

The ghost huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. "Of course not! I just wanted to try and break through!" she said, sounding defensive.

"Hm, listen to that, Elaina," I said with a mischievous grin, my eyes glinting with humor. "Don't get too involved in other people's problems."

Of course, those words were more suited for me than her, but who's keeping track of details?

"So I should've just let her jump off?" Elaina replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I just stayed silent, shifting my attention back to Sasha—the ghost who had been quietly listening.

"You still haven't answered my question," I said, the grin never leaving my face.

"What's your name?" I asked again.

The ghost hesitated for a moment, her translucent form flickering slightly as she glanced at me.

"It's Sasha," she replied quietly, almost as if the name carried some weight with it.

"My name's Arche!" I announced proudly, giving a little flourish.

"You can call me handsome, hero, or anything else that's flattering!" I said, puffing out my chest like I was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Sasha raised an eyebrow, looking me up and down with clear skepticism.

"And why would I compliment someone like you?" she asked, her voice flat, almost as if I'd just asked her to give me the moon.

"Hm, you're as cold as Elaina," I said, turning to her with a playful grin.

Elaina shot me a sharp, sarcastic look. "Don't compare me to other people," she muttered, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I ignored her, continuing to focus on Sasha. "And this is Elaina," I said with a grand gesture, as if introducing the queen herself.

Sasha's ghostly eyes widened just a little as she tilted her head.

"Oh? She's your girlfriend?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

The moment those words left her mouth, I couldn't help but grin even wider.

I sidled up to Elaina, leaning casually on her shoulder as if we were the most perfect couple in existence.

"You think we'd make a good pair?" I asked with a teasing smile.

"Well, thank you!"

Elaina didn't miss a beat. She immediately shook her head, an annoyed expression crossing her face.

"Why are you like this? No, we're not dating, and stop leaning on me," she said bluntly, her voice flat.

"Hm? She's really a Tsundere, huh? So cute, right?" I said, my tone full of mock admiration.

Elaina pushed my arm away, her frustration clear.

"Don't ignore me. Get away," she complained, giving me a slight shove.

I stumbled back a little, but all I could do was chuckle. I'd gotten exactly the reaction I wanted.

Sasha, who had been silently watching the exchange, sighed and shook her head.

"Ah... I can't imagine you guys dating…" she said, her voice filled with a hint of disbelief as she took in our bickering.

"Exactly," Elaina agreed, her relief evident in her voice.

She looked almost grateful that someone else could see just how impossible we were as a couple.

"Ah! I'm wasting my time... I should have done that!" Sasha exclaimed suddenly, throwing her hands up in frustration.

"Hm? What are you in the mood for?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Sasha hesitated for a moment before mumbling under her breath.

"Huh? I'm looking for a reason why I could die," she said, her hand flying to cover her mouth in immediate regret.

I blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. "The reason why you died...?" I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief.

"Wait, you don't know why you died?" Elaina's voice cut through the silence, her tone filled with genuine confusion. "You don't remember anything about your death?"

Sasha groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead in exasperation. "Ah..! Why do I always leak information so easily..!" she muttered to herself.

"Yes, that's right! I forgot what my life was like before," she continued, sighing deeply.

"All I remember is my name and that my parents loved me very much."

"But you don't remember anything else?" Elaina pressed, her expression softening as she looked at the troubled ghost.

"Like what happened before you died?"

I took a deep breath, suddenly feeling the weight of the situation.

"Okay, then I'll help you!" I declared, more to myself than anyone else.

Elaina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You'll help her?" she repeated, clearly taken aback.

Sasha's eyes widened, the flicker of hope unmistakable in them.

"You'll really help me?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Hm? I'm just bored," I said with a shrug, trying to downplay the growing responsibility.

"Of course, you're the type," Elaina muttered, not surprised in the least.

But there was something in her voice—a softness that didn't escape me.

"And Elaina will help!" I said with a grin, patting her shoulder and giving Sasha a thumbs-up.

Elaina groaned, shaking her head.

"Of course you're dragging me into this too," she said, clearly resigned to the situation.

Her tone was annoyed, but I knew her well enough to see the faint glint of amusement hiding beneath her irritation.

Sasha's face flushed bright red, clearly overwhelmed by my offer.

"Are you really willing to help me?!" she stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief and gratitude.

She looked so happy, I couldn't help but feel a little warm inside.

I nodded slowly, a little surprised at how genuine her joy was. "Yes... we will help you," I said firmly.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Sasha exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion. Her happiness was so pure, so unguarded, that it felt contagious.

"Elaina... she looks really happy, huh?" I whispered to her, my voice a little teasing. "Maybe my charm in attracting women is stronger than I thought."

Elaina rolled her eyes, her exasperation clear. "Your overconfidence never changes, huh?" she muttered under her breath, pushing her palm to my face to shut me up.

I tried to protest, my words muffled by her hand. "I thmnnk my chrmn hhnlsrttd ymn..." I mumbled, but it only made Elaina push harder.

"Good," she said, ignoring me completely. She turned back to Sasha, her tone softening as she spoke.

"Sasha, can you remember anything about your past at all?"

Sasha took a moment to think, her gaze distant as she searched her fragmented memories.

"Hm... no, all I remember is that my parents and I were eating together... and we were very happy!" she said, her voice filled with longing.

Elaina nodded, listening closely to every word. "Do you know anything else? Like how old you were?" she asked gently.

"I'm sure I'm still 15 years old..." Sasha said, her voice quiet and uncertain.

"Heh! I hve n ide, wht f w drw th fces f Shsh's prnts nd thn sk pple rnd?" I mumbled through the palm still pressed firmly against my face.

Elaina blinked, staring at me as if I had just spoken an entirely different language. "What?" she asked, clearly confused.

She finally let her hand fall away, giving me the freedom to speak properly.

"Huff... finally..." I gasped, dramatically taking a deep breath.

"Don't act like I almost choked you," Elaina muttered, her voice dry.

"And what was the first part you said? I couldn't understand it," she continued, genuinely puzzled.

I gave her a grin that could only be described as over-the-top.

"Hey! I have an idea, what if we draw the faces of Sasha's parents and then ask people around?" I said enthusiastically, my eyes practically sparkling.

Elaina stared at me, processing the words. "Oh... that's not a bad idea," she admitted, her tone a little more thoughtful than I expected.

Sasha, who had been quietly observing us, smiled and nodded eagerly.

"That sounds like a good plan!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope.

We decided to head to a nearby restaurant to brainstorm a little more, and I pulled out a piece of paper and my quill like I was about to create a masterpiece.

"So, can you describe what your parents were like?" I asked Sasha, trying to channel my inner artist.

Sasha closed her eyes for a moment, seemingly lost in the memories.

"Well, they were both loving and kind," she began, her voice soft as she recalled the details.

"My mother had long light brown hair and green eyes, while my father had short black hair and brown eyes," she said, picturing their faces in her mind.

"They cared for me deeply, always putting my well-being first. And they smiled a lot too—oh, we were always laughing together," she added with a fond smile, clearly still holding onto the warmth of those memories.

I nodded, feeling quite confident as I began sketching. The lines flew across the page like I was some kind of artistic genius.

After a few moments, I set the quill down with a proud flourish.

"Hm! Alright! I've drawn both of them!" I exclaimed, holding up the paper with a grin that was nothing short of smug.

Elaina coughed into her fist, clearly trying to suppress her laughter.

"...Arche," she started slowly, her voice tinged with an almost pitying kindness,

"it looks... it's..." She tried so hard to keep it together, but the laughter was bubbling up.

Sasha, on the other hand, went from excited anticipation to utter shock in a heartbeat. She stared at the paper, her eyes widening.

"U-um... Arche..." she stammered, trying to process what she was seeing.

The drawing was... well, let's just say it resembled nothing close to the warm, loving parents Sasha had described.

My "artistic rendition" could barely be called that. The faces on the paper were so distorted, so cartoonishly wrong, that they almost looked like they belonged in a comedy sketch rather than a family portrait.

Sasha's face slowly drained of color as she looked between me and the drawing.

"...Is... is this a joke?" she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.

I scratched my head, still proudly grinning. "What? I thought it was good!"

Elaina, unable to contain herself anymore, burst out laughing, holding her sides.

"Arche, you might want to stick to something other than drawing!" she gasped between chuckles.

Sasha's expression shifted from shock to confusion, then finally to a resigned sigh.

"Well... I guess... it's the thought that counts?" she said, her voice tinged with awkward politeness.

I puffed my chest out, trying to salvage the situation. "Hey, I'm a genius in my own way!" I said, giving a wink.

"Art is subjective, after all!"

Elaina rolled her eyes, still laughing. "Yeah, subjective... like how I'm subjectively dying inside right now."

Sasha just shook her head, muttering under her breath. "You guys are... something else."

"I have no talent in drawing, okay?!" I muttered, my face turning bright red with embarrassment and annoyance.

"Clearly," Elaina replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she barely managed to suppress her amusement.

"At least you tried," Sasha said, offering a little bit of sympathy, though she couldn't hide her smile completely.

"Damn it..." I grumbled, my pride wounded. At that moment, a waiter arrived with our order.

I had opted for salted French fries — a classic choice when I'm in a bad mood.

"Thank you, ma'am," I said softly, noticing the poor server's frightened expression.

She looked like she was preparing for me to throw a tantrum or something.

Once she left, I dove straight into my French fries, making exaggerated 

"nom nom" sounds as if they were the greatest food I'd ever tasted.

Elaina had ordered an omelette, which she was eating with an air of sophistication that I could only dream of achieving in my most elegant moments.

"Can you eat, Sasha?" I asked, an idea suddenly popping into my head.

Without waiting for her to respond, I shoved a French fry into her mouth.

"Open your mouth!" I commanded, treating her like a kid, completely ignoring her puzzled expression.

Sasha reluctantly opened her mouth, but as expected, the fry just passed right through her, as if she was made of air.

She coughed slightly, her eyes filled with exasperation as she shook her head.

"So, you really can't eat, huh?" I muttered, feeling a bit guilty but also relieved to be proven right.

"I can't eat," Sasha explained calmly, "I'm just a ghost after all. I can't interact normally with objects."

I frowned, feeling slightly defeated.

"Hm, then... open your mouth, Elaina." I gave her a mischievous smile, expecting something dramatic.

Elaina, who was actually a real person, shot me a flat look.

"I can eat on my own, you know," she said dryly, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't women always want to be pampered?" I teased, winking dramatically.

Elaina sighed, rolling her eyes with the practiced indifference that came from years of dealing with my antics.

"Just eat your fries and shut up," she snapped, clearly not in the mood for my usual brand of nonsense.

"Cold as ever, huh...?" I muttered, poking my fries as if they could somehow feel my despair.

We continued eating in comfortable silence. After finishing up, we headed outside, paper in hand, the one with the much better drawing of Sasha's parents — courtesy of Elaina.

"Wow," I said, inspecting the picture with a frown. "So you're pretty good at drawing, huh, Elaina?"

Elaina shrugged, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"I'm not that good, but at least it's not as bad as yours," she said, her tone smug.

I shot her an exaggerated pout. "Hey! My drawing had character!"

"Yeah," she replied, still smirking, "characteristically awful."

Sasha glanced down at Elaina's drawing of her parents, her eyes softening.

"That's my parents," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep up with the sudden shift in tone.

"Oh yeah, I haven't asked yet. Do you remember your parents' names?"

Sasha hesitated, her eyes wandering as she tried to summon the elusive memories.

She whispered the names softly, almost like she was afraid saying them out loud would make them disappear forever.

"Hm? So those are your parents' names, huh?" I mumbled, more to myself than anyone else.

"Okay! Let's start asking!" I said enthusiastically, jumping to my feet as if I'd just discovered a new exciting hobby.

"Right, let's go," Elaina agreed, folding the paper with the drawing and tucking it away in her bag.

We set off, asking random passersby if they recognized the faces on the picture.

Most people glanced at the drawing, shook their heads, and moved on. No one seemed to recognize them.

We kept asking, walking for hours as the sun climbed higher, but by the time afternoon rolled around, we were empty-handed.

"Huff... I'm so tired..." I groaned, slumping onto a bench and dramatically holding a hand to my forehead, as if I'd just completed an epic quest.

Elaina, ever the pragmatic one, sat next to me with a bottle of juice.

"At least you're not whining as much as usual," she said flatly.

I grabbed the juice, opened it, and took a long sip. "Hey... Sasha, don't you have any other clues?" I asked, the juice making me feel a little better.

Sasha paused, clearly thinking hard. Her face lit up after a moment. "My house," she said suddenly, almost to herself.

"I think... my house might have some clues."

"Your house?" Elaina asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you remember where your house is?"

Sasha nodded eagerly. "Yes! I remember!" Her voice practically sparkled with hope.

"It's not far from here. I remember the route."

"Alright, lead the way!" I cheered, standing up and immediately feeling better about this whole adventure.

We walked for what felt like forever, the streets becoming more familiar as Sasha guided us toward a neighborhood.

Eventually, we stopped in front of a house. Sasha froze, staring at it as though she'd seen a ghost.

"Is something wrong, Sasha?" Elaina asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sasha looked at the house in disbelief. "This... isn't my house," she said, sounding genuinely surprised.

"But... I clearly remember my house being right in front of us..."

I squinted at the house, as if somehow that would make everything clearer. "Well, that's awkward," I muttered.

Elaina rolled her eyes. "It's not funny, Arche," she said, but I could see the faintest twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips.

Sasha looked torn, her ghostly form flickering a little.

"I'm sure it's supposed to be here..." She trailed off, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Hearing Sasha's revelation, everything clicked into place. "Wait... that means the new owner of the house probably renovated it," I said, rubbing my chin dramatically.

"The house you remember... it's not the same anymore."

Sasha stood frozen, her ghostly form flickering with an unsettling uncertainty.

"I died seven years ago," she whispered, almost to herself, as if trying to anchor herself in the present by recalling her past.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Seven years, huh?" I glanced at Elaina, who seemed equally shocked by the news.

"That's a pretty long time. No wonder everything's different now."

Sasha seemed lost in thought, her face drawn with the weight of the realization.

"Seven years is enough time for a house to be rebuilt... and changed..." Her words trailed off, her voice cracking a little as the weight of everything set in.

Elaina blinked, her mouth hanging open slightly. "You died seven years ago?"

I could see the gears turning in Elaina's head as she processed this new information, and I couldn't help but feel a little amused at her stunned expression.

Sasha, however, seemed to be coming to grips with the reality of her situation. Her eyes widened as a painful thought surfaced.

"Then... where are my father and mother? They've been sad for seven years..." Her voice broke just slightly, and I could feel the weight of her words.

Without another word, Sasha suddenly shot forward like a comet, her ethereal form streaking ahead.

"I have to find them now!" she declared with a fierce urgency that left both of us staring after her.

"What?" Elaina looked absolutely stunned, her eyes following the ghostly figure flying away. "She's... gone?"

"Yeah, looks like we're chasing after a ghost now," I said, my tone light but a little concerned.

"Elaina! You need to follow her! She's a ghost, so... well, I don't think you can just call her back. Something's wrong here."

Elaina blinked, clearly snapping out of her confusion. "Right, right!" She whipped out her broomstick, the thing practically glowing with her magic. "Hold on, Sasha! I'm coming!"

I sighed, watching her speed off after Sasha. "You know, I should probably be going after her too," I said, looking at my now-empty juice bottle.

"But... I think there's something I need to check first."

Elaina shot me an exasperated look over her shoulder. "Don't take too long, Arche!" she shouted as she zoomed off after Sasha.

I waved her off lazily, trying to act nonchalant. "Yeah, yeah... just saving the day as usual," I muttered to myself, before turning away and wandering off in the other direction.

I leapt from rooftop to rooftop, my feet barely making a sound as I moved swiftly through the city.

"Now, where is that place...?" I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the streets below.

As I leapt across another building, I spotted it. "That's it!" I said, grinning as I saw the familiar gate of a cemetery in the distance.

I quickly descended and made my way to the cemetery, feeling a sense of unease settle over me.

A place like this... it was where answers could be found, but it always left an eerie feeling lingering in the air.

The cemetery was vast, stretching out before me in silence. Rows upon rows of graves stood solemnly, the stones weathered by time.

I walked through the rows, my eyes scanning each marker, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Then, I found it. A grave that looked as if it had been long neglected. The stone was covered in grime and dirt, the name nearly unreadable.

I frowned and began cleaning off the tombstone, my hand brushing away the filth that had accumulated over the years.

When I finally cleared the stone, I stared at it, the name glaring back at me: Sasha.

"She's buried here, huh..." I murmured, more to myself than anything.

It made sense. Sasha had died seven years ago, and her grave was here, the evidence of her past life standing in front of me.

But as I looked at the grave next to it, my breath caught.

"Huh?!" I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise.

I took a few steps to the side, my heart beating a little faster as I read the name on the next gravestone.

Elsewhere, Elaina is chasing Sasha.

"Sasha! Stop!" Elaina called out, her voice tinged with frustration as she sped up on her broom.

"You can't keep doing this!"

But Sasha ignored her. Her ethereal form darted faster, weaving between the clock towers and high columns.

"Ugh.." She groaned, annoyed that Sasha ignored her.

Her blue eyes scanned the city frantically, as though she were looking for something lost.

"I just want to find them!" Sasha's voice echoed, carried by the wind. "I know they're here!"

Elaina sighed loudly, pushing her broom to catch up. "You can't go searching for your parents like this!" she shouted, ducking to avoid a flock of birds that suddenly flew past.

Sasha kept speeding on, unaffected, darting past a suspension bridge, startling pedestrians below with her ghostly presence.

"She's too stubborn," Elaina murmurs to herself as she increased speed.

Despite her irritation, Elaina understood Sasha's anxiety. "I'll help you find them," she said, her tone softening but still firm.

"But you have to stop first! Running around like this won't help you find them any faster!"

Finally, Sasha slowed, hovering above a quiet park. She floated in the air, her head bowed.

"You're right," she whispered quietly. "But I'm scared... scared that they're not here..."

Elaina glided down, bringing her broom to a stop beside Sasha. She looked at the ghost girl with soft eyes.

"We'll find them together, Sasha. But you have to trust me, okay?"

Sasha nodded slowly. "Alright.. I'm sorry." They went down and landed in the park.

"That's better," Elaina nodded, relief evident in her expression.

"I will meet them again, right..?" Sasha muttered, her face full of hope.

"Of course, you'll meet them again. You'll see them," Elaina said softly, her tone reassuring and genuine.

I finally found them, I walked towards them. I decided it was time to speak.

"Sasha," I said, my voice calm but firm. They both looked over at me. "You'll never see your parents again."

Those words hit like a knife. Sasha's face turned pale—well, paler than usual.

Her eyes widened, and her lips trembled as if she couldn't believe what she'd just heard.

Even Elaina, who was usually as cold as ice, looked speechless.

"What do you mean, Arche?" Sasha asked, her voice small, barely a whisper. "They're here. I know they are."

I sighed heavily and stood up. My steps were slow as I approached her, giving her time to process what I was about to say.

"I saw their graves," I finally said.

"Both of them. In the old cemetery on the outskirts of town."

"Their gravestones are there, with their names and the dates of death."

Sasha froze. Her eyes started to water, and her ghostly form trembled even more.

Elaina immediately stepped forward, standing between Sasha and me. "Arche," she said sharply.

"What are you doing, Arche? Why would you say something like that?"

I raised an eyebrow and looked at her calmly. "Because she needs to know, Elaina."

"Running around without direction is only going to get her more lost."

"But you don't have to—"

I lifted my hand, cutting Elaina off.

"You know as well as I do that this is the only way to make people like her face the truth, right?"

I turned my gaze back to Sasha, my eyes sharp but full of meaning.

"Sasha, you need to accept this. Your parents are gone. They're not here, not in this world anymore."

"Whatever you're feeling, it's just an empty hope."

"I... I can't... it's not possible..." Sasha started to sob.

I stepped closer, locking eyes with her. "You know I'm not lying. They've been gone for a long time, Sasha."

"And if you keep doing this, you're just going to hurt yourself more. The world doesn't care about ghosts who can't let go of their past."

"Arche, enough!" Elaina interrupted, trying to pull me back. But I raised my hand, signaling for her to stop.

"Look at her," I said, pointing at Sasha, whose form was nearly collapsing from the weight of her emotions.

"She's come to this point because no one has told her the truth. Do you want her to keep going like this, Elaina?"

Elaina gritted her teeth, but I knew she couldn't deny what I was saying.

I turned my attention back to Sasha, softening my tone.

"I know this is hard. I know what it's like to lose something you thought you'd never let go of."

"But you have to move on—or... whatever you call this. Don't let the past trap you here."

Sasha broke down into sobs, her crying echoing through the empty park. But she didn't run away.

She didn't resist. She just stood there, absorbing my words like a storm tearing through without mercy.

Elaina suddenly pulled my arm, forcing me to step back a few paces.

"Enough, Arche," she said, her voice cold but filled with warning. "She's suffered enough."

I looked at her and then sighed, raising both my hands in mock surrender.

"Fine," I said. "But remember this, Elaina. Sometimes the only way to heal a wound is to face it head-on, directly."

Elaina didn't answer, her gaze still sharp. I knew she was angry, but she also knew I wasn't wrong.

I watched Sasha fly away with impressive speed, her ghostly form rising high into the blue sky, as if she wanted to find the truth I had just shattered.

I didn't know where she was going, or what she hoped to find in that solitude, but I knew one thing—I'd just sparked an even greater storm of emotions within her.

Elaina stood next to me, watching Sasha disappear into the distance. I could feel the tension in the air, like lightning ready to strike.

"What did you do, Arche?" Her voice was low, but I could hear the fire burning within it. "Do you even know what will happen now?"

I fell silent. There was no answer I could give her, because I knew I'd spoken too harshly—far too harshly.

I wasn't the kind of person who spoke gently. I wasn't the kind of person who knew how to touch someone's heart without breaking it first.

And now, I could feel it—what I had done wasn't just hurting Sasha, it had made Elaina angry with me.

But she didn't scream. She scolded with words sharper than any shout.

"She's suffered enough, Arche," she continued, her tone calm, though each word felt like a knife.

"You know exactly how it feels to lose someone, right? Why did you have to do that to her?"

I wanted to answer, to defend myself, to say that I was only trying to make her stop ignoring the truth.

But my mouth felt sealed shut, and all I could do was stand there, letting Elaina's words rain down on me.

"She's been through enough already, Arche," she repeated, her voice unhurried.

"You know exactly what it feels like to lose someone, don't you? Why couldn't you be gentler? Why did you have to be like that?"

I lowered my head, staring at the ground. I knew what she was saying was right. I knew exactly what it felt like to lose—I'd felt it before.

Back when I lost someone who meant everything to me, I felt like the world was hollow.

All the words felt like daggers. All the hope felt like a lie.

But I also knew, if I hadn't told her the truth so harshly, Sasha might have stayed trapped in her illusion for much longer.

But that didn't make it any easier, for either of them.

Elaina stood in front of me now, her eyes sharp as she stared at me, but this time there was no rage burning within her.

Only exhaustion, a deep disappointment. "You need to stop pretending, Arche. You know what you should have done, right?"

I remained silent, realizing that her words had hit their mark. I knew how it felt to lose, and I knew I should have been more sensitive.

Elaina took a deep breath, turning her gaze back to where Sasha had disappeared, now just a tiny dot in the sky.

"She'll come back, but only if we let her find her own way. Without pushing her."

I swallowed, feeling the weight in my chest. "I know," I whispered quietly, my voice almost inaudible.

I let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of regret pressing down on my chest.

I knew I had made a mistake—maybe not entirely, but the way I said it...

that wasn't right. I couldn't go back and change what had happened, but at least, I had to try to make things right.

I looked at Elaina, her sharp gaze still on me, but this time there was no anger in her eyes.

Only exhaustion and a bit of disappointment. My heart felt heavy, and without thinking, I finally spoke.

"Elaina…" My voice came out softer than usual, as if the words had to come out with humility. "I'm sorry."

Elaina stayed silent, her eyes watching me cautiously. I could tell she was deciding whether I was genuinely serious or just trying to save myself.

"What I did earlier… it wasn't the right way. I know that," I continued, my voice low.

"I just… I wanted Sasha to know the truth."

"I know how hard it is to lose someone, and I thought if she could accept the reality, maybe she could move on."

"But… I was wrong. I used the wrong approach."

Elaina didn't respond immediately, and in that silence, I felt time move slowly. But eventually, she nodded slowly, as if accepting my apology. 

"I understand," she said, her tone softer than before. "You wanted to help, but sometimes, we have to do it with more... empathy."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding even though I knew I still had a lot to make up for.

"Thank you, Elaina." I said sincerely.

Elaina took a deep breath, her eyes refocusing on the sky where Sasha was last seen.

"Now we need to find Sasha," she said, no longer angry, just determined.

I nodded "We have to find her. And I will apologize to her."

With our broomsticks, we went towards the cemetery, because I knew she would be there.

We see Sasha at the cemetery, but there is a man in priest's clothing.

"Damn it! Elaina, it looks like Sasha is going to be exorcised!"

Elaina's eyes widened, watching the scene horrified. "What in the world!" she gasped.

She sped up, reaching Sasha faster. "Sasha!" she called out, flying closer.

When Sasha turned around, the exorcist had already recited the incantations.

Sasha writhed on the ground in pain.

Elaina landed by Sasha's side, her hand grabbing the exorcist's arm tightly.

"Stop this!" she shouted, her eyes blazing. "What are you doing?!"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm an exorcist, exorcising is my job!" The man said. "And, wait, you can see her?!"

"Tch" Elaina felt annoyed, looking for something that could be used.

But the man ignored her words, he continued to recite incantation. Sasha writhed in pain, unable to speak or respond.

I couldn't let that happen. Not like this.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before throwing my small knives at the exorcist.

The blades flew fast, slicing through the air with a sharp hiss, but the exorcist was quicker than I expected.

He moved with a speed that was hard to follow, dodging my attack with practiced ease.

I clenched my fists, frustration rising. It wasn't going to be easy to take down someone this skilled.

But I wasn't about to back down. Sasha—Sasha needed protection.

"Elaina!" I called out, not taking my eyes off the exorcist, who was now advancing toward me. "Take Sasha and get out of here! Now!"

Elaina looked at me, hesitating for a moment, before grabbing her flying broom and rushing toward Sasha.

"Come on, Sasha!" Elaina shouted, forcing the ghost girl to move. "Follow me, we're getting out of here!"

I saw Sasha glance back, confusion still evident in her eyes, but Elaina pushed her forward.

They began flying away, while I stood my ground, facing the exorcist who was getting closer.

With his more refined combat training, the exorcist smiled smugly at me.

"You think you can stop me?" he asked, his voice cold.

I merely smirked. "I'm just buying time for my friends to get away."

I threw a few more knives, faster this time, trying to trick his movements.

The blades sliced through the air again, but once more, the exorcist leapt, twisting his body gracefully,

avoiding my attack flawlessly. His skill was incredible.

I decided to up the ante, not just attacking but taunting him as well.

If I couldn't land a hit with speed alone, maybe I could throw him off balance with my words.

"You move pretty well for someone so predictable," I called out, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

I threw another set of knives in quick succession, each aimed at a different spot, but this time I made sure to mix in feints, trying to throw off his rhythm.

"Is that all you've got? I was expecting more from an exorcist."

The exorcist sneered, clearly annoyed. "You're playing a dangerous game, fool."

I grinned, spinning another knife between my fingers.

"I thought you guys were more friendly and polite," I shot back, letting another series of blades fly.

I could see his movements becoming more erratic, more defensive.

It was working. The trick was in making him underestimate me.

I waited for the right moment, studying his every move, watching for the slight twitch in his shoulder, the way he braced himself for the next strike.

And then, I saw it—he exposed a brief opening as he dodged a blade.

Without hesitation, I threw a final knife with precision, aiming straight for his side.

The knife hit its mark, and the exorcist staggered back, a sharp grunt escaping his lips.

He looked down at the blade lodged in his side, his face contorting with anger and surprise.

Before he could recover, I was already moving in. In a swift motion, I tackled him to the ground, my weight pinning him as I aimed a final strike at his neck, forcing him into submission.

"You underestimated me," I said with a grin, standing over him. "Never a good idea."

The exorcist groaned in pain, too stunned to fight back.

I wasn't sure how much longer he'd stay down, but for now, I had him.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "That should teach him not to mess with me."

Now, with the exorcist incapacitated, I could finally go after Elaina and Sasha. It was time to make sure they were okay.

But before that, I have to take this exorcist away.

After getting rid of the exorcist's body I started looking for the two of them.

I ran, my steps fast and focused, my eyes sharp as I searched for any sign of them.

I knew they couldn't be far—Elaina would have found a safe place to take refuge.

Everything had happened so quickly, and I needed to make sure Sasha didn't fall into the wrong hands again.

Finally, after a few minutes of running, I found them. Beneath a large bridge, Elaina and Sasha sat on the ground, away from the crowd.

Sasha looked distant, her eyes blank and far away, as if she was lost in deep thought.

Elaina sat beside her, watching me with a calmer expression, though I could still see the worry beneath.

I took a few steps closer, and as I approached, Sasha slowly turned her head, her eyes—normally full of life—now dull.

I stopped a few paces away. There were so many things I wanted to say, but I knew this wasn't the time for words.

Sasha looked at me with a confused expression, her eyes still slightly vacant, as if trying to figure out what I wanted.

I could feel the weight of her uncertainty and hesitation.

She tilted her head slightly, waiting for me to say something more, to explain what I was after.

"What do you want, Arche?" Her voice was flat, though there was a trace of doubt hidden beneath it.

I knew she still didn't fully understand what was happening, and she was probably upset with everything that had transpired.

I took a long, steadying breath. I knew I had to set things right, and this was the only way.

Without another word, I took a step closer, standing in front of her, and finally said the words I had wanted to say.

"Sasha..." My voice was quiet, "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I know it was harsh, and I know it hurt you. I... I just wanted you to face the truth."

I paused, feeling the weight of the words I was about to say. "But I realized... I shouldn't have said it like that."

"I had no right to hurt your feelings even more. I know what it feels like to lose someone... and I... I didn't want you to feel alone."

Sasha was silent, her gaze still fixed on me as if trying to absorb each word I had just spoken.

"I also... don't have parents, Sasha," I continued slowly, my voice rough and heavy.

"I only have my grandmother, who lives alone in an old house. That's it. I don't know what it's like to have parents who are always there, protecting you."

"I... I understand your feelings more than you think."

Suddenly, Sasha lifted her face. Her eyes, which had been empty, now widened in surprise. She blinked, staring at me, as if realizing something big.

"But... why did you say that earlier?" she asked, her voice small and full of confusion. "Why did you speak as if I had to accept everything?"

I lowered my gaze, feeling the weight of it all, and slowly shook my head.

"Because I know how hard it is to accept a truth like that, Sasha. I just wanted you to face it, like I've tried to, even though I know it's not easy."

Sasha remained silent for a while, her eyes studying my face. Then, slowly, she nodded, as if beginning to understand.

"So... everything you said..." she hesitated, "was because you feel the same way I do?"

I simply nodded slowly, meeting her gaze with understanding.

"Yes. I know what it's like to feel lost, to feel alone. I just wanted you to know, I'm here. You're not alone, Sasha."

Sasha stayed quiet, looking at me, and then, bit by bit, a small smile appeared on her face.

It wasn't a wide or cheerful smile, but a deeper one—like something she was just starting to understand.

Elaina's gaze met mine. She smiled softly, thankful that no more harsh words were spoken.

I looked at Sasha, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

She had softened, her expression no longer filled with that heavy sadness.

Now, it was my chance to lighten the mood, to give her something else to focus on, something other than the weight of the world that had been pressing on her shoulders.

"Hey, how about we have some fun?" I said, my voice playful, trying to lift her spirits.

"Before it gets dark, let's enjoy the day. There's so much to see and do around here."

Sasha looked at me, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, but then she nodded slowly, a small, tentative smile forming on her lips.

It was enough to make me feel like I had done something right.

"Alright," she said, the first spark of excitement returning to her tone.

"Let's do it."

With that, the three of us—me, Elaina, and Sasha—set off to explore the town.

We wandered through the lively streets, taking in the bustling markets, the laughter of children running past, the smell of food from street vendors.

There was something freeing about it, something that made everything else seem less important for a moment.

We visited the local shops, tried some sweets from a nearby stall and laughed at the silly things we found.

Elaina was in her element, teasing me and making me roll my eyes, while Sasha seemed to relax more with each passing minute.

We wandered through parks, stopped for cold drinks, and found a spot near the fountain to sit and just chat.

The whole day was a blur of laughter, teasing, and moments of pure joy.

For the first time in a while, I felt like we were simply enjoying life, without the dark thoughts or the burdens that weighed us down.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we realized how much time had passed.

The town, once bright and alive, was slowly turning quieter as the evening approached.

But we weren't ready to stop just yet. Not when we had so much fun.

As the evening drew on and the stars began to peek through the sky, we found ourselves sitting together, looking out over the city, still laughing and talking, until the night fully embraced us.

In that moment, I could tell that Sasha was starting to heal, if only a little. And that was enough for me.

I took Sasha to the cemetery with Elaina.

We walked slowly, our footsteps careful on the path lined with tall, shaded trees.

When we finally reached the gravesite of her parents, the atmosphere became quiet.

Sasha stood still for a moment, her eyes glossy, as if preparing herself for something deeply emotional.

Elaina and I stood beside her, offering our support just by being there. I spoke first, trying to comfort Sasha.

"Sasha," I began softly, "Even though they're not here, they'll always be in your heart."

"One day, you'll see them again. In a better place. I'm sure of it."

Elaina added gently, "They're so proud of you, Sasha. You're strong, and they would want to see you happy."

Sasha remained silent for a while, and then, in a barely audible voice, she began sharing her feelings.

"I... I feel so empty without them. I just want to hear their voices again, feel their hugs... But, I know I have to keep going."

Tears began to fall from her eyes, and I could feel how deeply she was hurting.

Without another word, Sasha wrapped her arms around both of us, clinging to us as she cried.

Her sobs were raw and pure, filled with emotions she had held back for so long.

With tears in her eyes, she whispered, "Thank you... for everything. For helping me face this. I... I don't know what I would do without you."

We didn't say anything, just held her, giving her space to let her feelings flow.

After a while, Sasha slowly pulled away from us, taking a deep breath as if something had lightened inside her.

A small smile appeared on her face, though traces of tears were still there.

"I'm ready now," she said softly,

"I feel more at peace."

We looked at her attentively. Then, slowly, Sasha's figure began to fade, like mist carried away by the wind.

She gave us one last glance, a genuine smile on her face, and spoke her final words.

"Thank you... you've been like family to me." And with that, Sasha gradually disappeared, leaving us standing there in the quiet cemetery.

But we knew that she was now in a peaceful place, free from the sadness that had weighed her down for so long.

I stretched my arms, the tension of the day lifting from my muscles as we walked away from the cemetery.

"Ahh... a lot of things happened in one day, huh?" I sighed, feeling the weight of it all.

"Yeah..." Elaina replied, her voice soft, almost tired. She walked silently beside me, her eyes carrying a faint sense of relief mixed with exhaustion.

"I'm going to need a good night's sleep," she muttered, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand.

"Hm? Maybe I'll go to the bar after this," I said casually, giving her a side glance.

"I hope you have sweet dreams."

"Oh yeah?" She yawned again, her hand covering her mouth.

"Well, don't drink too much," she added, her tone playful yet still holding that usual edge of sarcasm.

"Oh? Did you just become concerned about me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and flashing her a teasing grin.

"Nah, I'm concerned about the poor bartender who'll have to deal with you," she shot back with a smirk, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

I chuckled at her response. "I think they'd be lucky to have me," I said, nudging her with my elbow.

We reached her hotel, the soft glow of the lights outside casting a peaceful atmosphere.

"Okay, see you later, Elaina," I said with a casual wave, ready to make my way back to my own place.

But just as I was about to turn and leave, she called out my name. "Arche!"

I paused, half-turned toward her, and looked back. "Hm?" I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to say something else.

She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks tinged pink as she looked away slightly.

"After this country, which country do you want to go to?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual.

I blinked, a little caught off guard by the sudden question. I thought for a moment, tapping my finger on my chin.

"Hm... I haven't really thought about it," I admitted, then raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you ask?"

She remained silent for a brief moment, almost like she was weighing her words carefully.

"I heard that in a country near here, there will be a fireworks festival.." she began, her voice trailing off as if unsure.

"So... do you want to go there with me?" she asked, she turned her face away.

I froze. My mind went blank for a second. This was the first time she had ever asked me to go anywhere with her.

I had often asked her to join me on my travels, but she always refused, never even hinting at the possibility.

And now, she was the one asking me? I was caught off guard, to say the least.

"Are you okay? Are you sick?" I panicked, suddenly concerned.

I quickly approached her, lifting her bangs to check her forehead, just to make sure she wasn't burning up.

"Or are you possessed?!" I exclaimed, practically already thinking of calling an exorcist to save her from whatever strange spirit had taken over.

"Hey!" She pushed my hand away with a huff.

"I'm not sick, and I'm not possessed!" she snapped.

She turned her head away, her voice soft and almost defensive. "Forget it," she muttered, clearly flustered.

I immediately regretted my words.

"If you're only asking me out because you pity me after hearing about my parents, you better not do it," I said, feeling that familiar sting of regret.

I shouldn't have brought up my parents. I knew that, but now it felt like I had ruined whatever moment we might have had.

"Huh?" Her eyes widened in surprise, and there was a slight hurt in her voice as she looked at me.

"I'm not pitying you," she said, her tone honest but tinged with a hint of confusion.

"I just thought you might like the fireworks" she added quietly, her eyes softening as she stared at me.

Hearing that, I was pretty sure my face was as red as a tomato right now.

"O-oh... is that so..." I mumbled, scratching the back of my head awkwardly.

"Then there's no harm in me accepting it..." I added, my voice sounding way too serious for the situation.

"But don't think it's because I'm thrilled to be near you or because I want to spend time with you or anything, okay? The truth is..." I took a deep breath, getting way too caught up in my own words.

"I'm going because I really like fireworks. It's not because I want to be with you, enjoying the night sky filled with beautiful lights, or experiencing a moment where time seems to slow down and all that's left are the flashes in the sky. No, no, that's all... a coincidence. I'm just interested in the fireworks, you see? Like when someone wants to watch the rain fall and doesn't care who's standing beside them outside." I blurted out in a single breath, sounding way too dramatic for my own good.

Elaina just stood there, blinking at me. Her eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. "Huh? What do you mean..?"

"Look, fireworks are like... like a shadow on water that only appears for a second and then vanishes. It's beautiful, sure. But I don't care about the people watching it. It's not that I don't enjoy your company, of course. I just prefer to watch... the light explode in the sky, like a bell ringing at the end of the world with no one to hear it. Like a bird flying across the sky without anyone knowing why it's flying."

Elaina was even more confused now.

"A bell... a bird...? What do you mean?"

"You're probably confused. But the point is, I'm going just for the fireworks. Not because I want to, you know, find a companion on this trip or anything. For example, fireworks are like a tree growing in the middle of a barren field. No one's waiting for it, no one cares, just one tree standing there, shining with all its might—that's how I feel when I see fireworks. This is all just about the fireworks, nothing more. Like the wind blowing between the trees, no one's in control, and it all just passes by."

Elaina's brow furrowed, her expression a mix of confusion and amusement.

"So... you really like fireworks, huh?"

"Exactly!" I said, feeling a sense of victory. "I really like—I mean, fireworks. Nothing more, Elaina. I don't expect anything else, and I'm sure you shouldn't either. We're just here to enjoy the light, that's it. Nothing else."

"O-Okay... I understand..." she said slowly, but from the way her eyes were squinting at me, I could tell she had absolutely no idea what I was going on about.

But hey, at least I tried to explain, right?

I turned around and walked stiffly toward my hotel, my movements as awkward as my words.

I waved my hand, but it felt just as stiff as my legs. "See you later, fireworks—I mean, Elaina!" I stammered, trying to cover up my slip.

Elaina waved back, but then paused, a confused expression on her face.

"What was that...? A new way of joking?" she mumbled, probably unsure if I had lost my mind or just had a weird sense of humor.

I walked toward my hotel, feeling strangely happy. "Yahoo!" I cheered to myself, pumping my fist in the air like some overly enthusiastic character in a cheesy action movie.

"I didn't say anything strange, right? I mean, it's just fireworks... and... it's not a big deal... I didn't say anything weird…"

I muttered under my breath, trying to convince myself I hadn't made a complete fool of myself.

"Ah... I'm sure I won't be able to sleep tonight..." I continued, the thought of the fireworks festival and the day ahead keeping me wide awake.

By the time I arrived at my hotel room, I was practically bouncing with energy.

"She looked so cute earlier..." I mumbled, lying down on my bed, trying to calm myself down.

"When she asked me out... it sounded like a date...!" My heart skipped a beat just thinking about it.

I rolled around on the bed, feeling giddy, almost like a schoolboy with a huge crush.

The next morning, I was standing in front of the window, staring outside, trying to process everything.

"Hmm... no sleep at all," I grumbled, rubbing my eyes, realizing the excitement had kept me up all night.

I had been up thinking about the fireworks festival, about Elaina, about... everything.

Even though we weren't leaving for that other country until the day after tomorrow, I was way too excited.

"One more day..." I whispered, feeling like a little kid waiting for their birthday party.

"Maybe I'm just too enthusiastic," I admitted to myself, pacing the room in restless anticipation.

Then, I stopped. "Sasha..." I thought about her again. That cheerful girl who had to face the bitter reality of her past.

Sometimes, loss is a reminder that we once had something truly precious. Don't let the wounds stop you from moving forward.

Because at the end of every journey, there is always a new beginning waiting to be found.