Ghostly Affairs

Chapter 8

The sun hung low in the sky as Lin walked through the university campus, her focus sharp as she mentally prepared for their meeting with Professor Tan. She had reached out to him the day before, explaining briefly that she was looking into a former student of his—May. He had agreed to meet, though Lin sensed he might not be entirely comfortable with the situation.

Beside her, May walked quietly, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. The campus stirred something deep within her, though the memories remained just out of reach. She fell into step with Lin, trying to shake the unsettling feeling of déjà vu that clung to her.

"This place feels familiar," May muttered, more to herself than to Lin. She kicked at the leaves on the ground, blending in with the world around her as much as possible.

May watched Lin's intense expression and decided to break the silence. "You know, you get that serious face when you're about to grill someone. It's like I'm walking with a detective, not a lawyer."

Lin raised an eyebrow but didn't slow her pace. "Just focused," she replied simply.

May sidestepped closer to Lin, smirking playfully. "Sure, Sherlock. Focused and all business. I'm starting to think you might secretly moonlight as a PI."

Lin gave her a dry look, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Someone has to stay grounded while you wander around causing trouble."

May gasped in mock offense. "Me? Trouble? Never. I'm just here to lighten the mood. Besides, I think you enjoy having me around. Makes life less boring."

"Boring isn't exactly my problem," Lin muttered, but a small, reluctant smile finally tugged at her lips.

"There it is," May teased, bumping her shoulder playfully against Lin's. "The smile. I knew it was hiding under all that seriousness."

Lin shook her head, her gaze softening slightly. "You're impossible."

May grinned. "And yet, here I am—impossibly charming."

Lin smiled, their banter easing the tension. But as they approached Professor Tan's office, the lightness faded, replaced with a shared sense of purpose.

Lin knocked on the office door, and a muffled voice from inside called them in. Lin entered first, May trailing behind with a subtle nod to herself, as if steeling herself for whatever would come next.

Professor Tan was seated behind his cluttered desk, surrounded by stacks of books and papers. He looked up as they entered, recognition flickering across his face. "Lin, right? You're the one who wanted to talk about May?"

Lin nodded. "Yes, thank you for meeting with me."

The professor gestured for Lin to sit, his expression unreadable. "It's been a long time since I've heard anyone ask about May."

Lin kept her voice steady. "I'm trying to piece together some information about her time here. Anything you can tell me would help."

Professor Tan leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant for a moment. "May was one of my brightest students... but that was before the accident."

Lin caught the hesitation in his voice. "Accident?"

He nodded, his expression tightening slightly. "I haven't seen her in years... since the accident. It was a shame. She was... well, she had so much potential."

Lin glanced at May, who stood silently beside her, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What exactly happened?"

The professor shook his head, clearly uncomfortable. "I don't know all the details. I wasn't involved. But there was some kind of incident... after one of the debate tournaments, if I recall correctly. She disappeared from the university after that."