The Ghost of You

Chapter 9: The Darkness Vs The Light

Milk sat cross-legged on the floor of the guest room, her eyes closed as she meditated, trying to find some semblance of calm amidst the chaos. The silence was heavy, filled with unspoken worries. Just as she began to settle into her thoughts, Love gently knocked on the door before stepping inside.

"Milk... we need to talk," Love said softly, her tone laced with urgency.

Milk opened her eyes, sighing as she nodded. She stood up and moved to sit beside Love on the guest bed, sensing the weight of whatever was coming next.

"What is it?" Milk asked, her voice calm yet tinged with concern.

Love took a deep breath, her eyes locking with Milk's. "Once this is all over... let's get married."

Milk's eyes widened in shock. "Ha?!" she exclaimed, blinking rapidly in disbelief. "What... what are you talking about?"

"I'm serious," Love replied, her voice steady. "I've had enough of all this uncertainty, Milk. You sold part of your life span to help Lingling, and we don't know how much time we have left. So let's not waste any more of it. I want to spend whatever time we have left together... as a married couple."

Milk stared at Love, her heart racing as the words sank in. "But... we never even discussed this before! You can't just... spring it on me like this!"

"I know it's sudden," Love admitted, reaching for Milk's hand and squeezing it gently. "But I've been thinking about this for a long time. I love you, Milk. I don't want to wait any longer. Not with everything we've been through. I want to face whatever comes next with you... as partners, as more than what we are now."

Milk's breath caught in her throat, her mind swirling with emotion. "But what if... what if there's not enough time?" she whispered, the weight of her own sacrifice heavy on her heart.

Love smiled softly, her gaze full of warmth. "Then we'll make the most of the time we have. Every moment, Milk. Whether it's a day or a year, I want to spend it with you. Let's stop waiting for the right moment... let's create it."

Milk's eyes welled with tears, a mixture of shock, love, and hope flooding through her. After a long, trembling breath, she gave a small nod, her voice barely audible. "Okay... let's get married."

—

Orm stirred awake, the remnants of sleep clinging to her as she realized Lingling was missing. Panic surged through her, and she quickly threw off the covers, her heart racing. "Lingling!" she called, her voice echoing through the stillness of the apartment.

She hurried down the hallway, her bare feet padding softly against the floor. As she entered the living room, she found Lingling illuminated by the dim glow of a lamp, deeply engrossed in an ancient scroll sprawled out before her.

Lingling looked up, her expression calm and focused. "You're up early. It's only 3 in the morning," she said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Orm hurried to Lingling's side, her concern palpable in her wide eyes. "Why aren't you sleeping?" she asked, settling beside her, urgency lacing her voice. "You need all the energy for whatever is coming tomorrow."

Lingling sighed, her gaze drifting back to the ancient scroll, fingers tracing the intricate symbols etched into the parchment. "I know, but there's so much to prepare for," she replied, her voice tinged with worry. "I can't help but feel like I need to understand this better. It might hold the key to what we're up against."

Orm wrapped her arms around Lingling, pulling her close, her heart heavy with fear. "I don't want to lose you," she sobbed, the weight of her emotions spilling over.