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Chapter 31

The commute home was a blur. I found myself sitting on my bed, staring off at a blank wall. My hat, jacket and bandana were neatly placed in a drawer I had yet to close. I felt a presence silently sink in next to me. 

“Are you…okay?” 
I didn’t move from my silent staring contest with the wall. 

“Well you are not okay so I guess that was the wrong question.”
Another gap of silence followed until it was broken by the clamouring sounded louder at each step from out in the hallway. 

“Woo do you have-” the voice died down at the weird atmosphere. The footsteps were quick to recede and I was left alone with an awkward fumbling fox. 

“What you did back there…” Wooyoung paused to carefully select his words, “it was very brave.”

I didn’t return any eye contact, still fixated on the wall. I tapped my finger on the mattress. 

“It’s normally like this for everybody’s first…kill.” 

I tensed at the word. Wooyoung must have sensed it as he was quick to shuffle away. 

“Sannie said it’s shock.” 
Another round of silence. 

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you. I would’ve been dead if you didn’t…yeah…”

I finally turned to look at Wooyoung who was looking down at the ground. He had guilt written all over his face. His eyes glossed over and a single tear fell down. I moved and the rustling caught his attention. He lifted his head up to meet my expressionless face. I lifted one hand to brush the stray tear away. I turned around to slip under my covers, my back facing the quietly stunned man. 

•••

I woke up on my own accords. Everyone had already risen and started their work. Something in my gut compelled me to linger outside the base. I decided I would not stray too far, but take a walk for some fresh air to rethink the turn of events.

A small distal figure caught my attention. Soon, I bumped into something solid. A strong scent of menthol invaded my nostrils and warm arms secured around me. I was pulled into a bone crushing hug by the figure. 

“I’m so glad that you are safe.” 

I stepped back a little hesitant. The face staring down at me expectantly morphed to one of confusion. I could feel myself slipping and letting Celestie take control, afterall, maybe this unrecognisable person was connected to her. Unlike the last time, my soul did not violently eject but floated next to the body, ceasing control over it. Celestie jabbed a thumb into the person’s chest, a scowl descended on our face. 

“Wasn’t this your idea, Ethan? So you could selfishly get rid of your obstacles and inherit the position of ‘gang’ leader.” Celestie scoffed.
 
Our voice was a little raspy from disuse, adding to the harshness of her tone. Ethan wore a smile, though it was very fake. 

“Heard from uncle that you lost your marbles, though I’d doubt you’ll ever hear from him again.” 

Celestie crossed her arms. I floated next to her, mimicking her actions to minimise my nerves. Celestie turned to my spirit form next to ‘us’ and leaned into my ear, raising her hand to cover her mouth like she was about to spill some hot tea. 

“Get a load of this loser.” 
Celestie finally cracked a smile at my confusion. She straightened and giggled to herself whilst facing Ethan. Ethan opposing us seemed to be unable to see or sense my presence.

“Uncle wasn’t wrong then.” He frowned

“And you came all the way here to scorn me? Oh by the way how is he?” Celestie said whilst picking at our nails, sporting a disinterested look.