𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | (𝐆)𝐈-𝐃𝐋𝐄

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐭. 2

“Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about that ghost girl,” Miyeon said, sliding a sandwich in front of me. Her voice was teasing, but her eyes held concern.

It had been two weeks since I last saw Yuqi.

And yes, I told Miyeon everything. Every surreal detail, every stolen glance, every word exchanged. I expected laughter. Disbelief. But Miyeon? She just nodded and listened, like she already knew something I didn’t.

“I am,” I said, staring at the untouched sandwich. “I miss her, eonnie. I really do.”

Miyeon tilted her head. “Maybe she’ll come back.”

“She’s not even mine. Why would she?”

Miyeon smiled knowingly. “Because you gave her something to come back to.”

I looked away, my throat tightening.

“You’re really in love with her, aren’t you?” she asked gently.

“...Is it wrong if I say yes?”

“No,” she said. “Not even a little. Love doesn’t care what someone is. Ghost, human, star being from a mystical kingdom—it finds a way.”

“But we only met once. What if she didn’t feel the same?” I whispered. “What if I was just... curious company?”

“You don’t cry over curiosity, Soyeon. You cry over connection.” She leaned in. “And I think she felt it too.”

“I hope you’re right,” I whispered, forcing a small smile.

Later that evening, Miyeon dropped me off at home.

“Call me if you need me, okay?”

“I will. Thanks for everything.”

She waved from the car window, and I waved back until her headlights disappeared down the road.

The house was quiet. Still.

I sighed. “I’m home,” I called, voice tired.

“How was school, sweetheart?” my mom called from the kitchen.

“Same as always,” I said, walking over to hug her.

“That’s good,” she replied, patting my back. “Oh, by the way—someone’s upstairs waiting for you.”

I blinked. “Someone’s... what?”

“In your room. Go see her,” she said, trying to sound casual, but there was a glint of mischief in her smile.

Minnie?

That chaotic neighbor of mine had pulled weird stunts before, but breaking into my room? Even for her, that was bold.

Grumbling to myself, I headed upstairs and pushed open my bedroom door. “Alright, Minnie, I swear if you jump out—"

Silence.

No one was there.

“Minnie, I’m not in the mood—seriously—”