( this is taking place after Mona already 100% knows that Tao is a vampire . Just because it will make more sense that way # endmonasconfusion )
..
It was never Mona's plan to become a locally renowned paranormal investigator. But after it was made clear to tour customers that she has quite a profound knack for any and all things ghost-related, some of them couldn't help but reach out. Up until this point, there had already been a good amount of times individuals asked for Mona's guidance when they believed they had a spirit on their hands. And who was Mona to refuse?
Her shift for the night had finally ended with her dusk tour, and most of the group had dispersed away from the tour building. All except for two people, one of those being Tao.
Although he didn't consistently show up anymore (just to show off his facts and be a smartass), whenever he did show up, it wasn't agitating anymore. It had kind of become an unofficial routine for Mona and Tao to have a conversation when the tour concluded. Especially now, after she practically forced his secret vampy identity out of him not too long ago. Their topics would mostly revolve around the tour, such as what she had talked about on that particular evening, and the mutual interest of history they share.
Oddly enough, Mona finding out that he was a vampire actually made her feel more comfortable talking to him. Maybe because she already works around supernatural beings every day? Or, maybe because his eccentric behavior finally made sense. All of those ridiculous, endless unanswered questions about the man finally had an explanation. Her detective brain was at ease.
When they were alone, she'd sometimes ask him little questions about his past, if he seemed to be in the type of mood to share (but not too many questions, she didn't want to be nosy). But even after knowing each other for a bit longer and growing more comfortable, they still kept their fair share of squabbling and bickering. Less out of a place of genuine frustration now, instead just a habit.
The two were exchanging small comments to one another as Mona prepared her belongings to leave for the night, but the other person who was in the room walked up to them and began,
"Hello.. excuse me, Mona..?"
Mona and Tao looked over in sync, hardly able to make out what his quiet voice said. After confirming that he had Mona and Tao's attention, the stranger showed more confidence and added, "I was just on your tour." Mona offered a small smile before replying, "Yes, I know, I hope you enjoyed it," and politely shook his hand. She noted that for a seemingly timid individual, he had an oddly strong handshake.
"My name's Rin, and... I'm just going to get right to the point if that's alright."
The woman raised a brow in curiosity. By now, Mona could already guess that this was yet another ghost problem.
And sure enough, Rin proceeded to inquire, "...Do you think that you could help me get rid of a spirit in my home? I heard that you've helped people with this sort of thing." It would be around this point where the person asking Mona would give her a rundown of what kind of encounter they've experienced ... but instead, Rin stayed silent, waiting for Mona to reply. "Oh..! Um.. do you have any details about the spirit? Like what it does.." she trailed off, unsure of what to say.
Tao, still standing beside Mona, now invited himself into the conversation (as he does) and was a bit more straightforward than her. "Do you have any kind of evidence that there's a ghost?"
Rin locked eyes with Tao, but it only lasted for a fraction of a second, and Mona didn't notice. Putting his attention back on the woman, Rin scratched his neck and answered, "Well... I tried to catch it in recordings, both video and audio.. but it seems to be a tad camera-shy." Tao raised an eyebrow skeptically, but Mona nodded in earnest, choosing to believe him. Not all ghosts are easy to catch on film after all.
