Ghostly Affairs

Chapter 3: The Ghostly Bonds

May floated aimlessly around Lin's apartment, her gaze darting curiously over every detail. It was an impressively neat space, meticulously organized, almost too perfect. She drifted past the living room, taking in the minimalist decor, the artfully arranged bookshelves, and the sleek furniture.

As she explored, she couldn't help but notice something missing—no personal touches, no signs of anyone else living here. There were no photos of family, friends, or... lovers. No candid shots from vacations, no framed pictures of couples smiling at each other. Just a few tasteful landscapes and abstract paintings, all carefully chosen and placed.

"Huh," she mused aloud, her voice echoing softly in the empty space. "Not a single hint of a romantic life. That's a little surprising."

She floated through the hallway, peeking into the study with its immaculate desk and perfectly aligned pens. Everything was so organized, so precise, almost clinical. It made her wonder.

"Looks, intelligence, successful career, and this gorgeous apartment... but no one to share it with?" She shook her head, a playful smile forming. "What a waste. How does someone like Lin end up living alone in a place like this?"

She paused, hovering outside the bedroom door. Peeking inside, she saw Lin still sleeping, her face soft and unguarded in the dim morning light. For a moment, May simply watched her, feeling something tug at her. Lin looked so peaceful, so different from her usual intense, focused self.

"She's beautiful," May whispered, almost to herself. It wasn't just her looks—there was something about Lin's presence, her strength and determination, that drew May in. "How does someone like her not have a line of people waiting to be with her?"

May floated closer, peering at the few personal items on the bedside table—an alarm clock, a lamp, a couple of books neatly stacked. No photos, no notes, nothing to suggest anyone else shared this space.

"Well, I guess it's an advantage for me," she murmured with a soft laugh. "No awkward explanations or questions. I get the place all to myself."

She glanced back at Lin, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "But seriously, Lin, you could have anyone you wanted. What are you doing all alone in this big, beautiful apartment?"

Lin stirred slightly, and May floated back a little, not wanting to wake her up just yet. She watched as Lin shifted under the blanket, her brow furrowing slightly as if in a dream. May felt a strange pang in her chest, a longing she couldn't quite place.

She found herself wishing, not for the first time, that she could touch, really touch Lin, feel the warmth of another person's presence. It had been so long since she'd felt anything real, anything solid. And yet, last night, when they'd touched hands... It had felt real, even if it was just for a moment.

Shaking off the thought, she floated out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. She hovered near the counter, eyeing the spotless countertops and perfectly organized cabinets. It was almost intimidating, the level of order Lin maintained.

"I wonder what it's like, living like this," she muttered, reaching out instinctively to touch a coffee mug. Her fingers passed through it, as expected, and she sighed. "Figures."

But then, a thought struck her. Concentrating, she focused all her willpower on the mug. Slowly, she pressed her fingers down, and to her surprise, the mug wobbled slightly. It wasn't much, but it was something. She grinned, feeling a small surge of pride.

"Not bad, May. Not bad at all."

Just then, she heard a soft rustling behind her. She turned to see Lin, looking half-awake, standing in the doorway with a puzzled expression.