The Overtaken

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Trigger warnings as of now: - Family Abuse - Panic Attacks and Anxiety - Suicide and suicide mentions - Depression - Profanity Please be advised and read with caution. If you feel that it is becoming too overwhelming, take a break. [[I understand.]]

Book One

Dao Pen

<<if !tags().includes('menu')>> [[Your Human Self|character][$return to passage()]] [[Relationships|relationships][$return to passage()]] [[Ghostly Skills|skills][$return to passage()]] [[Change Gender|gender][$return to passage()]] <<else>> [[Return|$return]] <</if>>

<<if $name !== "name" && $engname !== "engname" && $gender !== 0 && $thisisme === true>> \ Your name is $name Santos de Almeida Silva Domingues. But everyone just knows you as $engname. You are a 17-year-old $teen with $skin toned skin and $hair hair that darkens with the shadows, your $eyes eyes only brighten however. You are $height in size and hold the Domingues's mole underneath your right eyebrow, making you a member of the family. You also have terrible luck, but that was a given. <</if>> \ <<if $learning === true>> \ Slowly with time, you will learn more about yourself and how you move about the world. Right now, yourself as a person, are still a mystery. <<else>>\ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/B0Fvc3S.png" width="150" /></div> <<if $kind >= $mean && $kind >= $funny && $kind >= $shy && $kind >= $stoic && $kind >= $sunshine>> \ You are usually kind, attentive to other people's needs and overall generous. Taking a mature outlook on life, and a step at a time, you like to offer a hand of assistance to those who need it. This has made good first impressions on people, and some even take advantage of your good nature, but you’re smart and don’t let those experiences rot the good ones. <<elseif $mean > $kind && $mean >= $funny && $mean >= $shy && $mean >= $stoic && $mean >= $sunshine>> \ You don’t like people and you don’t like things in general. You’re overly grumpy and short-tempered. Hatred comes from deep within your heart so you don’t let people see the real you very often, you’d rather hide all of that behind a scowl and a mean remark. Though you do have your nice moments, however reluctant. <<elseif $funny > $kind && $funny > $mean && $funny >= $shy && $funny >= $stoic && $funny >= $sunshine>> \ You rarely take anything seriously, you like joking around and making people laugh, or even groan at your expense. Life is meant to be fun so you do what you can. This of course means you deal with literally everything with humour, as it makes things more tolerable for you. When people don’t like you for that, you don’t really care, you have other more important things to laugh at. <<elseif $shy > $kind && $shy > $mean && $shy > $funny && $shy >= $stoic && $shy >= $sunshine>> \ You’re reserved, or shy as some might call it. You prefer to keep to yourself and hardly speak your mind, or even take initiative. But you’re gentle in reality and enjoy it when people care about your feelings and are considerate. Though you manage to find a positive lining in most things, unless you’re overthinking… then things spiral out of control and you can hardly breathe. <<elseif $stoic > $kind && $stoic > $mean && $stoic > $funny && $stoic > $shy && $stoic >= $sunshine>> \ You’re a person of few words, you like to speak when it’s necessary and normally say things that are important. Though that importance is subjective. This has made you hard to joke around with as it’s hard for you to understand a joke or even sarcasm. Or when it’s funny, it’s hard for you to… laugh. It just doesn’t come to you, emotions are difficult, especially to show, so you just push it deep down where it can’t resurface. <<elseif $sunshine > $kind && $sunshine > $mean && $sunshine > $funny && $sunshine > $shy && $sunshine > $stoic>> \ You are a breath of fresh air, definitely someone that is favoured to be around. You excel at making things seem better than they are even if they are undoubtedly disastrous, that results in you being absolutely clueless to most dangerous things though. Decidedly, you are always full of energy and full of smiles, most people compare you to a puppy. <</if>> \ <<if $harmony >= $power && $harmony >= $gone>> \ Overall, your main goal while learning at school is to find a way for humans and ghosts to live in <span style="color:red">harmony</span>, as some decide that isn't that life for them. You'll do your best to carve a peaceful life for them. <<elseif $power > $harmony && $power >= $gone>> \ Overall, your main goal while learning at school is to get enough knowledge and know-how to <span style="color:red">lead</span> the world. Learn more about your condition so you can help the world and those that suffer through similiar issues. <<elseif $gone > $harmony && $gone > $power>> \ Overall, your main goal while learning at school is to <span style="color:red">get rid</span> of your ghost. Like many others, having a ghost tether to you is quite invasive and annoying, all you want is to get rid of it. Besides, you're not 100% sure if your ghost is to be trusted, given past events. <</if>> \ <<if $uwu === 0 && $flirt === 0 && $serious === 0>> \ You have no interest in romance or any of that sort. <<elseif $uwu >= $flirt && $uwu >= $serious>> \ When something even remotely romantic happens to you, you immediately become flustered, not knowing what to say or how to act. This is a curse but most find it adorable. <<elseif $flirt > $uwu && $flirt >= $serious>> \ You tend to flirt with people if they show a sliver of interest in you. You reel them in and you like the chase, the teasing, it's exciting to you. You revel in it. That is what is very attractive about you when anyone flirts with you. <<elseif $serious > $uwu && $serious > $flirt>> \ Romantically speaking or anything of that sort is hard for you. You don't quite know what to say when stuff like that happens, so you tend to brush it aside or push past it. Sometimes you are oblivious to it, but it's mostly out of sheer denial. It's a bit frustrating for those who want you to get the memo. <</if>> \ <</if>> \ [[Return|$return]]

<<set $return to ''>> <<set $learning to true>> <<set $kind to 0>> <<set $mean to 0>> <<set $funny to 0>> <<set $shy to 0>> <<set $stoic to 0>> <<set $sunshine to 0>> <<set $harmony to 0>> <<set $power to 0>> <<set $gone to 0>> <<set $uwu to 0>> <<set $flirt to 0>> <<set $serious to 0>> <<set $name to "name">> <<set $engname to "engname">> <<set $gender to 0>> <<set $teen to "teen">> <<set $person to "person">> <<set $they to "they">> <<set $theyre to "they're">> <<set $their to "their">> <<set $them to "them">> <<set $theyve to "they've">> <<set $s to "">> <<set $Mx to "Mx.">> <<set $are to "are">> <<set $Sibling to "Sibling">> <<set $Child to "Child">> <<set $gthey to "they">> <<set $gtheyre to "they're">> <<set $gtheir to "their">> <<set $gtheirs to "theirs">> <<set $gthem to "them">> <<set $gs to "">> <<set $gdo to "do">> <<set $ges to "">> <<set $Noble to "Noble">> <<set $gchild to "child">> <<set $ghave to "have">> <<set $gare to "are">> <<set $gthemselves to "themselves">> <<set $gy to "y">> <<set $gwere to "were">> <<set $Charlie to "Charlie">> <<set $hair to "blank">> <<set $skin to "blank">> <<set $eyes to "blank">> <<set $height to "blank">> <<set $thisisme to false>> <<set $family to false>> <<set $ghost to "none">> <<set $Sister to "none">> <<set $classes to false>> <<set $sixthsense to 0>> <<set $spiritualcombat to 0>> <<set $ghostconnection to 0>> <<set $bodysaura to 0>> <<set $charlieunlock to false>> <<set $imaunlock to false>> <<set $charliero to 0>> <<set $imaro to 0>> <<set $imarelation to "">> <<set $imafriend to 0>> <<set $charliefriend to 0>> <<set $archierelation to "">> <<set $archiero to 0>> <<set $archiefriend to 0>> <<set $familyalong to 0>> <<set $lou_stopflirt to true>> <<set $louro to 0>> <<set $alexamdermet to false>> <<set $esp to false>> <<set $ghosthunt to false>> <<set $auramed to false>> <<set $retrocog to false>>

<<set $mean += 1>> \ "What do you mean later? It's literally 11PM!" She yells out. "Sweetie, lower your voice please." You hear your dad's soft voice as he passes by, supposedly to his room on the other end of the hall. "But dad-" "What's all this shouting now? Didn't I tell you to go sort your uniform, I left it on top of the sofa." Now it's your mom. "Oh don't tell me- What have I said about locked doors?" They both now pound on your door. [[Continue]]

<<set $stoic += 1>> \ She goes quiet for a second, and you return to the computer screen in front of you. Given how she doesn’t hear you move towards the door, she stomps her feet again. “Liar!” "Sweetie, lower your voice please." You hear your dad's soft voice as he passes by, supposedly to his room on the other end of the hall. "But dad-" "What's all this shouting now? Didn't I tell you to go sort your uniform, I left it on top of the sofa." Now it's your mom. "Oh don't tell me- What have I said about locked doors?" They both now pound on your door. [[Continue]]

<<set $kind += 1>> \ “But we need this sorted, school is tomorrow!” She continues, though her voice does lower significantly. “Sweetie, it’s late… go to bed.” You hear your dad's soft voice as he passes by, supposedly to his room on the other end of the hall. "But dad-" "What's all this shouting now? Didn't I tell you to go sort your uniform, I left it on top of the sofa." Now it's your mom. "Oh don't tell me- What have I said about locked doors?" They both now pound on your door. [[Continue]]

<<set $family to true>> \ Yes, this is your life. A family of four living in the somewhat quiet suburbs of Reading. Dad says he would’ve moved to London if not for the prices, so it turns out Reading was the backup plan. Luckily for everyone, your dad and mum have very similar interests and taste, so they don’t argue that much on how to do things, though they do argue when it comes to movies, but they call that a debate. Your dad, a computer technician that most of the time works from home, is generous with his time and often enjoys a quiet day in, just listening to music and reading. And your mum, the owner of Little Mercearia, a small corner-store in your street, is the direct opposite of your father, loud and abrasive, every waking moment directing her energy towards other people, whether that be a good thing or a bad thing. Then there’s your Sister. Nessa. Unlike the rest of the family, Nessa was born here, in England, and her time and experience around British people have made her almost like an alien to the family, from the way she behaves to the way she speaks. Though she’s smart, she’s not very nice when it comes to patience and mercy, she actively does not spare anyone from her fits and her ability to make you feel less special. But you love her regardless. Your mum named Nessa after her grandmother, Inês Santos de Almeida Pereira Jesus. Though her English name is Nessa. And your dad named you after his parents… [[Enrique]] [[Pedro]] [[Maria]] [[Beatriz]] [[Gender Neutral Names]] [[Write your own]]

<<set $name to "Enrique">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Did your parents give you a more English name similar to your actual name, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|enrique english]] [[No]]

<<set $name to "Pedro">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Did your parents give you a more English name similar to your actual name, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|pedro english]] [[No]]

<<set $name to "Maria">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Did your parents give you a more English name similar to your actual name, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|maria english]] [[No]]

I can't believe you're forgetting... <<textbox "$name" "Some Portuguese Name" "too long">>

<<set $name to "Beatriz">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Did your parents give you a more English name similar to your actual name, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|beatriz english]] [[No]]

Portuguese names have the tendency to have a specific gender, set by law apparently, but everyone calls you by your nickname, which is gender neutral. And that is... [[Dani]] [[Zezé]] [[Edu]] [[Write your own|gender neutral write]]

<<set $name to "Dani">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Though your name is already shortened, did your parents give you a more English name similar to this nickname, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|dani English]] [[No]]

<<set $name to "Zezé">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Though your name is already shortened, did your parents give you a more English name similar to this nickname, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|zeze English]] [[No]]

<<set $name to "Edu">> \ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Though your name is already shortened, did your parents give you a more English name similar to this nickname, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|edu English]] [[No]]

I can't believe you're forgetting... <<textbox "$name" "Some Portuguese Nickname" "short enough">>

<<if $name is "Charlie" or $name is "Charlotte" or $name is "Charles" or $name is "Imannuel" or $name is "Imogen" or $name is "Archie" or $name is "Arcadia" or $name is "Archibald" or $name is "Lewis" or $name is "Louis" or $name is "Nessa" or $name is "Dominic" or $name is "Dominique" or $name is "Oscar" or $name is "Alexander" or $name is "Alex">>\ That's not right... You're sure your name isn't that. (This probably means this character name is already being used by another character.)<<textbox "$name" "Some Portuguese Name" "too long">> <<else>>\ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Did your parents give you a more English name similar to your actual name, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|write english]] [[No]] <</if>>\

<<if $name is "Charlie" or $name is "Charlotte" or $name is "Charles" or $name is "Imannuel" or $name is "Imogen" or $name is "Archie" or $name is "Arcadia" or $name is "Archibald" or $name is "Lewis" or $name is "Louis" or $name is "Nessa" or $name is "Dominic" or $name is "Dominique" or $name is "Oscar" or $name is "Alexander" or $name is "Alex">>\ That's not right... You're sure your nickname isn't that. (This probably means this character name is already being used by another character.)<<textbox "$name" "Some Portuguese Nickname" "short enough">> <<else>>\ Yes, though your full name is too long for most forms. Though your name is already shortened, did your parents give you a more English name similar to this nickname, much like they did to your Sister? [[Yes|write english]] [[No]] <</if>>\

What was it again…? Was it Eric? [[Yes|Eric]] [[Let me write my own]]

<<set $engname to $name>> \ That’s true, you’ve always liked your name, and it wasn’t that hard to pronounce either way… [[Continue|name set]]

What was it again…? Was it Peter? [[Yes|Peter]] [[Let me write my own]]

What was it again…? Was it Mary? [[Yes|Mary]] [[Let me write my own]]

What was it again…? Was it Bea? [[Yes|Bea]] [[Let me write my own]]

What was it again…? Did they not give you one, since your name is already somewhat English? [[Yes you're right|dani]] [[Let me write my own]]

What was it again…? Was it Eddy? [[Yes|Eddy]] [[Let me write my own]]

What was it again…? <<textbox "$engname" "Your English Name" "name set">>

Go on. <<textbox "$engname" "Your English Name" "name set">>

<<set $engname to "Eric">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<set $engname to "Peter">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<set $engname to "Mary">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<set $engname to "Bea">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<set $engname to "Dani">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what many have said, expecting the name to be some sort of tongue twister. [[Continue|name set]]

What was it again…? Was it CJ? [[Yes|CJ]] [[Let me write my own]]

<<set $engname to "CJ">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<set $engname to "Eddy">> \ An easy name to spell and say; is what any English stranger that's too unbothered to say your actual name normally notes. [[Continue|name set]]

<<if $engname is "Charlie" or $engname is "Charlotte" or $engname is "Charles" or $engname is "Imannuel" or $engname is "Imogen" or $engname is "Archie" or $engname is "Arcadia" or $engengname is "Archibald" or $engname is "Lewis" or $engname is "Louis" or $engname is "Nessa" or $engname is "Dominic" or $engname is "Dominique" or $engname is "Oscar" or $engname is "Alexander" or $engname is "Alex">>\ That's not right... You're sure your english name isn't that. (This probably means this character name is already being used by another character.)<<textbox "$engname" "Your English Name" "name set">> <<else>>\ Though you’ve lived in England for around 4 years, the time has finally come to start on a new school as Year 11 finally rolls around, soon you will be doing your GCSEs. General Certificate of Soul Education. Yes, next week marks the day your Soul Education will start, primary school was all about learning how to not be afraid of ghosts, this time, you get to learn how to deal with them. “You should probably open the door, don’t you think? Less they break down the door.” Your very helpful ghost says, floating leisurely around your room. Everyone was born with these things floating around, one ghost per person, their souls tethered to your own. But for some reason, the one tethered to yours is an immature gossipmonger who enjoys grinding your gears the same way your family does. [["Ms. " + $engname + " is what they usually call you."|female]] [["Mr. " + $engname + " is what they usually call you."|male]] [["Mx. " + $engname + " is what they usually call you."|nonbinary]] <</if>>\

<<set $gender to 1>><<set $teen to "girl">><<set $person to "woman">><<set $they to "she">><<set $theyre to "she's">><<set $their to "her">><<set $them to "her">><<set $theyve to "she's">><<set $s to "s">><<set $Mx to "Ms.">><<set $Sibling to "Sister">><<set $are to "is">><<set $Child to "Daughter">>\ Even though you’ve told them that the title is a bit awkward. “If you don’t open the door right this instant.” Your mum’s voice brings you back to the present. “Sorry, I was getting dressed, opening it now.” You lie, hoping not to get her anymore angry than she is. You quickly scurry over to the door and swing it open, seeing your small Sister and your mother fuming at you. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. They’re even similar in the way they stand! Though they already look like a replica of each other; your Sister shares the same hair colour and skin complexion as your mother, the only resemblance she has to your dad is her eyes and small stature. You, on the other hand, are much like your father. [[Continue|looks]]

<<set $gender to 2>><<set $teen to "boy">><<set $person to "man">><<set $they to "he">><<set $theyre to "he's">><<set $their to "his">><<set $them to "him">><<set $s to "s">><<set $theyve to "he's">><<set $Mx to "Mr.">><<set $Sibling to "Brother">><<set $are to "is">><<set $Child to "Son">>\ Even though you’ve told them that the title is a bit awkward. “If you don’t open the door right this instant.” Your mum’s voice brings you back to the present. “Sorry, I was getting dressed, opening it now.” You lie, hoping not to get her anymore angry than she is. You quickly scurry over to the door and swing it open, seeing your small Sister and your mother fuming at you. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. They’re even similar in the way they stand! Though they already look like a replica of each other; your Sister shares the same hair colour and skin complexion as your mother, the only resemblance she has to your dad is her eyes and small stature. You, on the other hand, are much like your father. [[Continue|looks]]

<<set $gender to 3>> \ Even though you’ve told them that the title is a bit awkward. “If you don’t open the door right this instant.” Your mum’s voice brings you back to the present. “Sorry, I was getting dressed, opening it now.” You lie, hoping not to get her anymore angry than she is. You quickly scurry over to the door and swing it open, seeing your small Sister and your mother fuming at you. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. They’re even similar in the way they stand! Though they already look like a replica of each other; your Sister shares the same hair colour and skin complexion as your mother, the only resemblance she has to your dad is her eyes and small stature. You, on the other hand, are much like your father. [[Continue|looks]]

Your hair’s <<nobr>> <<cycle "$hair" autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "brown">> <<option "ginger">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "red">> <</cycle>> just like his and you have the same <<cycle "$skin" autoselect>> <<option "olive beige">> <<option "tanned">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "deep black">> <</cycle>> skin tone. That is however, where the resemblance stops. Besides that, you have your mother’s eyes, a deep <<cycle "$eyes" autoselect>> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "brown">> <<option "black">> <<option "hazel">> <</cycle>> that often looks a different colour in the light. You’re also <<cycle "$height" autoselect>> <<option "small like the rest of your family." "small">> <<option "average sized liked your father." "average">> <<option "taller than the rest of your family, somehow." "tall">> <</cycle>> And like all Domingues, you all share the same mole underneath your right eyebrow, the same one your Sister has and the same one your father has. People say it's only way to be able to know you are all family. Well, except your mom, she yells it at them.<</nobr>> [[Continue|looks done]]

<<set $thisisme to true>> \ “It is 11PM $name! I’ve told you how many times to get your uniforms sorted?” Your mum bellows out, possibly louder than your Sister (who is currently beaming with the smuggest smile next to her). “Many times mum…” “So why have you not done it?” “Sorry mum…” “C’mon, get it done.” She does a brief exclamation of frustration and then shoos you and your Sister into the living room. You drag your feet there and your ghost follows along, mercifully holding their [[tongue in.]]

“Not that I told you so but—” Your Sister starts but seeing the look on your face she quickly stops herself. You both start unpacking the boxes with your grey uniforms, dividing each section and getting the clip-on ties on a visible platform so you don’t miss them. You look at your Sister, hoping to tell her to move her stuff away from yours so they don’t get mixed up, only to see her distractingly look to the side. “Nessa?” She hums and glances your way, forgetting what she was doing. Then she looks at the sweater in her arms and remembers. “Oh sorry! Grandma wanted to show me something.” “Avó Inês?” You ask and she nods, her eyes moving over to the air behind her again. She’s lucky, the ghost tethered to her is your grandmother, which happened only because she died on the same day your Sister was born. The ghost tethered to you is… You look over to the <<nobr>> <<cycle "$ggender" autoselect>> <<option "ghost">> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>> dressed in Regency-like clothes, floating amiably and pretending not to [[listen.]] <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $ggender === "man">> <<set $gthey to "he">> <<set $gtheyre to "he's">> <<set $gtheir to "his">> <<set $gthem to "him">> <<set $gs to "s">> <<set $ghave to "has">> <<set $gare to "is">> <<set $gdo to "does">> <<set $ges to "es">> <<set $Noble to "Sir">> <<set $gchild to "son">> <<set $gthemselves to "himself">> <<set $Charlie to "Charles">> <<set $gy to "ies">> <<set $gwere to "was">> <<set $gtheirs to "his">> <<elseif $ggender === "woman">> <<set $gthey to "she">> <<set $gtheyre to "she's">> <<set $gtheir to "her">> <<set $gthem to "her">> <<set $gs to "s">> <<set $ghave to "has">> <<set $gare to "is">> <<set $gdo to "does">> <<set $ges to "es">> <<set $Noble to "Lady">> <<set $gchild to "daughter">> <<set $gthemselves to "herself">> <<set $Charlie to "Charlotte">> <<set $gy to "ies">> <<set $gwere to "was">> <<set $gtheirs to "hers">> <</if>> <</nobr>> No matter how much $gthey pretend$gs to be a harmless ghost, you know better. When you were only 4, learning to not be afraid of your ghost like all the other kids your age, you suddenly felt cold and the room you were in had grown darker. Even at such a young age, you really thought that you were going to die. As soon as you lost all feeling in your body and you could no longer see, you bawled out crying only for it to echo. Small glimpses of voices could be heard, echoing in and out, and you remember how unsettling it all [[felt.]]

The only thing you recall after that is waking up in the hospital. Turns out you had been possessed. [[Humans have never been possessed like that.]]

Since that very traumatising event, your parents and your GP have kept an eye on you, seeing if you’ll ever be possessed like that, and if your ghost is related to it. The ghosts tethered to people are meant to protect them, in fact there is no way for a ghost not to be able to protect them, as it is an automatic thing. But yours somehow left you wide open for a very dangerous possession. Maybe on purpose... [[But you hope to get along with your ghost.]] [[Though one day, you could learn more about it.]] [[And you hope to get rid of your ghost.]]

<<set $harmony += 1>> \ If you’re going to live an eternity with $gthem might as well get along. Besides, you’re sure it was accident on $gtheir part, since $gthey $ghave apologized since then. Your ghost isn’t mean or malicious, the most terrible thing $gthey did (besides the obvious) was lying to you about where your cold blankie was when you were a child, only because $gthey had used it to make some sort of [[scarf.|uniforms]]

<<if $family === false>> \ There are no noticeable relationships that you recall. <<elseif $family === true>> \ You have your family: Dad, Mum and your Sister, Nessa. Your dad likes the quiet and enjoys working from home as a computer engineer. Your mum owns a local groceries called Little Mercearia, and is confident that she probably owns the world too. And your Sister is a bit of trouble but all in all, she is family. <</if>> \ <<if $Sister is not "none">> \ <<if $Sister is "violence">> \ Nessa, your Sister, has a history of hitting you. Even though she no longer does it, the physical abuse has made you fear her. <<elseif $Sister is "bully">> \ Nessa, your Sister, is somewhat of a bully towards you. A minute spent with her tends to involve a lot of ill-natured bullying, such as insults and mocking. <<elseif $Sister is "spoil">> \ Nessa, your Sister, is the preferred child. Because of this, it has made you bitter to hang out with her, favouritism is a hard pill to swallow. <<elseif $Sister is "distance">> \ Nessa, your Sister, has never been close to you. In fact, she doesn't like spending time with you and things are always awkward with you both. <<elseif $Sister is "sometimes">> \ Nessa, your Sister, does have her good moments. And sometimes you do like spending time with her, you two do have your similarities. Sadly it can't be all the time. <</if>> \ <</if>> \ <<if $sismakingup is true>>\ With time, you two seem to healing, learning how to communicate and hopefully get along better. <</if>>\ <<if $charlieunlock is true>> \ <<if $ggender is "ghost">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1TTWwJc.png" width="150" /></div> <<elseif $ggender is "man">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/V57AU1l.png" width="150" /></div> <<elseif $ggender is "woman">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/eGYwub9.png" width="150" /></div> <</if>> \ <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ You don't like $Charlie very much, not only because of your condition but also because of $gtheir behaviour. You're not quite sure what $Charlie thinks of you, but knowing $gthem, $gthey probably <<print $gdo>>n't care. <<elseif $ghost is "deal">> \ Slowly, you've learnt how to deal with $Charlie, wether that's by ignoring $gthem or listening to $gthem vaguely, you've figured out how to live with $gthem without major headaches - though you still get those sometimes. $Charlie probably thinks you love $gthem to be fair. <<elseif $ghost is "like">> \ You actually don't mind $Charlie, you enjoy it when $gthey tr$gy to annoy you. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> a friend to you, and you can tell $gthey $gdo enjoy speaking with you, hopefully that will stay for a long time, you have a whole life ahead of you. <<elseif $ghost is "crush">> \ Maybe it was with time, you're not quite sure, but you've started to develop a crush on $Charlie. You were lucky enough you landed a young ghost, seemingly around your age (though $gthey act$gs younger), but the fact that $gtheyre attractive and endearing is a jackpot in itself. You're not sure if $Charlie knows given how much of your life $gthey $gdo know about, but $gthey <<print $gdo>>n't act like $gthey $gdo, only teasing you sometimes like normal... if that is normal. <</if>> \ <</if>> \ <<if $imaunlock is true>> \ <<if $igirl is "girl">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/e72jzh1.png" width="150" /></div> <<elseif $igirl is "boy">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/9mSUiBl.png" width="150" /></div> <</if>> \ <<if $imarelation is "dislike">> \ You're unsure which part of $Ima you don't like, but the biggest reason is the fact that $Ima loves breathing in your air, or is too eager to be around you. Not only that but you can barely speak near $iherm, as $ishe likes to occupy every millisecond with mindless chatter. <<elseif $imarelation is "dunno">> \ You only met $iherm recently, you still have so much to know about $iherm before you decide what to think of $iherm. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>'s been nice so far, but also overwhelming, things could get worse or better, only time will tell. You just have to put in the effort to get to know $iherm, or wait until $ishe opens up to you; the latter is more likely. <<elseif $imarelation is "notbad">> \ So far, $Ima isn't so bad. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>'s been kind and friendly, something you appreciate, given it makes things less awkward. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>'s not bad, <<print $ishe>>'s a good spiritmate, you could've gotten someone way worse. You're thankful, and you're certainly not complaining. <<elseif $imarelation is "like">>\ You like $Ima. Not only is $ishe really nice but <<print $ishe>>'s eager to get to know you or hang out with you, makes you feel a tiny bit liked, which isn't a feeling you get very often. Despite $iherm being a surprise to you given the circumstances, you are somehow thankful, as things could be worse if you had met way later. <<elseif $imarelation is "crush">> \ You have never met anyone like $Ima, to be quite honest, you don't think there's anyone like $iherm. But as it stands, you have been captivated by $iher ability to carry out a conversation of absolutely no meaning. \ <<if $ghost is "crush" and not $archierelation is "crush">> \ Kind of like $Charlie... maybe that's why you have a crush on them both. <<elseif $archierelation is "crush" and not $ghost is "crush">>\ Maybe it's the confidence, as that is one of the reason why you fell for Archie too. <<elseif $archierelation is "crush" and $ghost is "crush">>\ These extroverts keep attacking your heart, first $Charlie, now $Ima and Archie too. <<else>> \ You wish time with $iherm would last longer, but time just seems to pass faster whenever you're with $ihem. <</if>> \ <</if>> \ <</if>> \ <<if $archieunlock is true>> \ <<if $agirl is "girl">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbr0plE.png" width="150" /></div> <<elseif $agirl is "boy">> \ <div style="text-align: left"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/g1mDbHc.png" width="150" /></div> <</if>> \ <<if $archierelation is "dislike">> \ One thing is for sure, the Archie that you knew is gone. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>'s a completely different person now, sending you glares, avoiding you, outright ignoring you. No wonder, your distaste grows sour. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> hasn't really hidden $ahers either, and you're not even sure why. <<elseif $archierelation is "unsure">> \ The distance between the two of you definitely grew. You're unsure of how to feel about this new Archie, the one who now gives you a cold shoulder but acts normally with $aher friends. It's kind of weird, like an act. Maybe you'll find out one day, make peace with $aherm, get to know this new side of $aherm. Or maybe not. <<elseif $archierelation is "like">> \ You still enjoy time with Archie. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> was your only friend when you were a kid and it seems you can keep being friends now too, at least as soon as Archie is comfortable being seen with you. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> presence is comforting, and the trust between you too can be rekindled after all those years. <<elseif $archierelation is "crush">> \ Just like when you were kids, you feel your heart struggling to cope with the existence of Archie back in your life. Everything $ashe does seems amazing, every second $ashe spares looking your way makes your whole body tingle. This is both nostalgic and a rush, perhaps more than a crush too. \ <<if $ghost is "crush" and not $imarelation is "crush">> \ You hope that $Charlie and Archie get along like they used to, being in the middle of them now is like a dream come true. <<elseif $imarelation is "crush" and not $ghost is "crush">>\ You wonder if $Ima and Archie know each other, you can't help but hope that they do, having these two around you has certainely done you some good. <<elseif $imarelation is "crush" and $ghost is "crush">>\ After all, it seems like every new friend you make seems to occupy your mind all the time. $Charlie was already always in your thoughts, but $Ima and now Archie... <<else>> \ A deep breath is followed after every thought that $ashe occupies. <</if>> \ <<else>>\ You still haven't really thought about what you think of Archie. <</if>> \ <<if $archiechanges is "awkward">>\ After a much needed reunion that didn't quite go as planned, you can't face Archie. The deep guilty feeling inside your stomach coils around when you remember the state you were in, just after you hadn't seen each other in so long. <<elseif $archiechanges is "closer">>\ After a much needed reunion that didn't quite go as planned, you were glad Archie was there for you. You'd like to think that moment of weakness has brought you closer. Like Archie has definitely seen the worst in you. <</if>>\ <</if>> \ [[Return|$return]]

You continue folding your clothes, separating yet another pair of socks. Why there are specific socks for the uniform, you will never know… “Damn, the strap of these shoes are too big. Be right back, gonna talk to mum.” Nessa mutters out loud, you hum, not really caring and listen to her skip across the hallway. Your ghost finally speaks up, or rather clears $gtheir throat. “Pardon me, I thought I was allowed to speak now.” $gthey [["say" + $gs + "."|says]]

“That has never stopped you.” You reply, sparing merely a glance $gtheir way before resuming your mundane task. “True but I just wanted to ask,” Like usual, $gthey invade$gs your personal space, flowing towards you and around you, examining the clothes over your shoulder. “Do you really have to wear those uniforms…? They’re… bland.” With every movement of $gtheir ghostly body, you feel yourself unfocus, the sandalwood smell your ghost brings everywhere filling all of your senses. [["I don’t like " + $gthem + "."|dislike]] [["I’ve learn to live with " + $gthem + "."|deal]] [["I actually am quite fond of " + $gthem + "."|like]] [["♡ I might like " + $gthem + " a little too much…"|crush]]

<<set $ghost to "dislike">> \ Not only are you not comfortable with $gtheir overbearing behaviour but also the fact that $gtheyre literally like a plague to your very existence, every moment you’re awake is a moment where you could just lose control of your body and visit the void… maybe forever. <<if $harmony is 1>> \ You do want to get along with $gthem, but it's hard with the type of ghost $gthey $gare. <</if>> \ “They’re uniforms. They’re not meant to look like this season’s batch of fashion.” You reply dryly, stepping away from your ghost. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> watch$ges you and move$gs away. “The school should change their uniforms, they make you all seem like inmates.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. You continue folding the [[clothes.|distract]]

<<set $ghost to "deal">> \ Yes $gthey may be obnoxious and slightly annoying, but $gtheyre also fun sometimes and help$gs with $gtheir insightful commentary. Without $gthem, life would be a bit boring. So you learnt how to deal with $gthem. Attention from time to time and silence when $gthey just want$gs to ramble. “Can’t do much about it.” You shrug. “Self-expression isn’t allowed for fear of bullying, though that hasn’t stopped anyone.” Your ghost hums, moving away and floating to your side instead, nothing in $gtheir transparent expression says that $gthey understood much of what you said. [[“That's a shame.”|distract]]

<<set $charliefriend to 1>> <<set $ghost to "like">> \ You were lucky with $gthem, $gtheyre not evil or rude, just plain childish. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave $gtheir moments that annoy you, but the fact that you know $gtheyre doing it on purpose to get that reaction somehow lessens the effect. So you’ve come to enjoy $gtheir snarky commentary and bratty complaints. <<if $gone is 1>> \ Even then... it's bittersweet. Because no matter how much you like $gthem, you still want to get rid of $gthem. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> a danger to you, it's not safe to be around someone like $gthem. <</if>> \ “How would you make it less bland then? It is a school uniform.” You try and to your expectation, $gtheir ghostly eyes almost shiver out of their sockets. “Colours, frills, patterns, there is so much!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> clap$gs $gtheir hands, no sound coming from it besides $gtheir giddy giggles. “The shoes could use better heels too.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> move$gs away in thought, “I wonder if I could get the sort of heels I used to have… they were lovely for dancing, though I very much doubt students these days practice dancing. Like ballroom dancing. [[I miss those days…”|distract]]

<<set $ghost to "crush">> \ <<set $charliero to 1>> \ For some reason you can’t help but enjoy the way $gthey flounce$gs around from one topic to another, or the way $gthey inconsiderately interrupt$gs you to talk about something that $gthey think$gs you might like. The small bits of free time you have away from $gthem, which is very little, you spend thinking about what $gtheyre trying so hard to refrain from talking about. <<if $gone is 1>> \ Even then... it's bittersweet. Because no matter how much you like $gthem, you still want to get rid of $gthem. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> a danger to you, untrustworthy. <</if>> \ “Maybe you could add something to my uniform… discreetly though.” You suggest and though you can’t feel $gtheir touch humanly so (feels sort of like a soft pressure of wind), $gtheir hands drop to your shoulders so $gthey can inspect the piece of clothes you have on your hands, completely enamoured with the idea. “Frills! I could add frills!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> gasp$gs. “Discrete ones I promise, Maybe at the collar, you wouldn’t even be able to tell. I mean, you would, as it is very fashionable, but only barely!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> think$gs about it for a bit before turning away, releasing you entirely and floating towards the wall. “Need time to think. It needs to be perfect.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> go$ges silent and then just glide$gs through the [[living room.|distract]]

<<set $charlieunlock to true>> \ Your ghost seems to have lost interest, floating around to find something else to entertain $gthem. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave introduced $gthemselves to you before, a long time ago when you first met, but it’s still hard to call $gthem or even address $gthem. $Charlie is $gtheir name. Or if you want it word for word “$Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> career before $gtheir death? Only a socialite, and not a very good one at that, but $gthey’ll deny it to $gtheir last breath. Finally, you fold the last piece of clothing in the massive pile of uniforms that existed (your mum ordered a lot of them because she knows you and your Sister), and silently fume as to why Nessa is not here. She barely did anything. [[Just take your stuff and go to your room.]] [[Go check on her in your parents’ room.]]

You grab half of the uniforms folded and pile them in your arms before going back into your room. You don’t close the door but leave the door ajar since you know your mum will scold you if you even dare to close it, she doesn’t quite believe in privacy, or rather, her paranoia wins out over respecting your privacy. Leaving the uniforms near your bed you drop your body onto it. “Are you going to sleep now $Mx $engname?” $Charlie asks, finding $gtheir usual spot near the window, $gthey sit$gs on the sill, or sort of lean$gs against it. “Maybe… I don’t know.” “You do have your first day of class tomorrow, sleeping now would be advisable.” [[“Well, I didn’t ask for your advice.”]] [[“You know what would be advisable? Death.”]] [[“You’re probably right…”]]

You try for a casual walk into their room just to check on them, but your steps are somewhat stronger than you expected. Only because you’re frustrated that you folded all the clothes that your mum asked you AND Nessa to do. Their door is open when you get there and Nessa is lying down in between your mum and your father, all three of them watching the TV in their room. You hear the distinct Japanese voices from the TV and you know they’re watching anime. “Nessa?” You call and both her and your mum snap their gaze towards you (your dad is almost falling asleep to even pay attention). “The uniforms?” “Oh.” She says, and you watch her, expecting an excuse or an apology but she simply looks at your mum instead. “Inês already did her part, did you take care of the rest?” Your mum asks you casually, and you almost balk at [[the absurdity of it.]]

<<set $funny += 1>> \ “Seriously, if I could choose between sleeping and death, I’d choose death. No questions, no debate.” You answer, though with a heavier tone than you initially meant. “Wow that sounded morbid, I was kinda joking but now I don’t know.” $Charlie titters, though very little, like it really wasn’t funny and $gtheyre just doing it to provide you with a reaction. You peer at $gthem and $gthey take$gs that as an invitation to approach. “I mean, it’s not all bad.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> note$gs. You try not to laugh at that. “It could certainly be better.” Glancing at the ceiling you let <<print $Charlie>>’s eyes fall on you, letting that sole awareness of your existence lull you to sleep, hopefully a dreamless one. [[It does.|sleep]]

<<set $shy += 1>> \ “I know you’re right… it’s just hard for that to actually happen. Sometimes what you need isn’t really what you want.” You reply solemnly, shifting your gaze to find a corner of the wall. There’s a spider web there, but it’s empty. “I much prefer the latter.” $Charlie chuckles, moving into your vision. Your eyes unfocus a little bit before realizing you’re looking at $gthem. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> smile$gs. “Though that isn’t very encouraging for you…” Regardless, you do feel your eyelids turning heavy. “I am tired, don’t think I need much encouragement.” You spread out on the bed, feeling sleep take over. $Charlie sits down on the bed, the invisible weight of $gthem shifting the mattress a slight bit. You sense the wordless promise of $Charlie watching over you as your limbs become numb and then your eyes close. The last thing you think about before fully falling asleep is the wish of not dreaming tonight. [[You don’t.|sleep]]

Waking up from a sleep that felt much like a blink of an eye can be disorienting, even more so when you wake up earlier than anyone else. The house is quiet, which is weird, you’re not used to it. Your mum is probably already at her store even though it’s only 6AM but your dad must be asleep, he’s not on any video call… Nessa is probably still sleeping. Before you eat breakfast, you take a quick shower, then quickly freshen up on the sink. Looking at your reflection after getting dressed, you meet your own $eyes eyes and attempt a smile. [[It falls just as quickly as it was forced on your face.]]

Extending your arms, you point down the hallway, where the living room and the uniforms are, completely folded. “But mum, you said for me and Nessa to do it. She only folded like two shirts!” “$name.” Your mother says seriously. “She helped. She’s young and she’s tired, school starts early tomorrow.” You want to point out the fact that she’s not even sleeping, she’s watching anime. Or even that you’re also young and tired, and you literally have the same school schedule. Or that she didn’t even help because you had to refold what she did since she barely even tried to do it well. But you don’t. Because you don’t want to start an argument. Because your dad is sleeping. And maybe because your grandmother is watching — probably. [[“I folded all of it, where do you want me to put it?”]] [[“Do I get a reward?”]] [[“Goodnight.”]]

<<set $kind += 1>> \ “Yeah, did all of it. It’s still on the couch, where do you want me to put it?” You answer as nicely as you can. Your mum immediately smiles, almost as if she knows how unfair she’s being. “You’re a sweetheart. Just take yours to your room, put it anywhere you like. And if you can, put Inês’s ones in her room.” //What? She can’t even do that?// You think but stay muted. Silently, you feel $Charlie hide a chuckle, probably finding some sort of amusement in the situation. Nodding, you wish them goodnight and return to the living room. You grab Nessa’s pile of uniforms and start heading to her room. $Charlie follows along, watching you as if $gthey want$gs to say something. Only when you do put her uniforms on her bed does $Charlie [[speak up.]]

<<set $stoic += 1>> \ “Goodnight.” You answer, already turning around to just go to your room and sleep. Anything is better than being subjugated to this unfair treatment and pure display of favouritism. “$name!” Your mother calls you again, and even though it would be so easy to just leave and ignore her, you know when you mum calls you, you have to answer. So you look at her, seeing her look a bit angry, even though you’re the one who is meant to be looking angry. “She looks quite unhappy.” $Charlie notes obliviously. “I am just asking you for a favour. It is your uniforms after all. You should do them so it’s easier for you tomorrow.” Your mother explains. Nessa is not even paying attention, she’s just focused on the TV, even though this conversation should be addressed to her too. “If you really don’t want to do them then it’s fine. Just don’t be upset about it, we all have our chores to do.” //Except for Nessa.// You don’t say that. [[“Understood?”]]

“So? Demoted to a servant?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> tease$gs and you feel like somehow that’s crossing a line. Which isn’t very unlike $Charlie. “I’m just trying to help, starting arguments in the middle of the night is just not smart right now.” You reply, letting your legs carry you back to the living room so you can grab your uniforms and finally head to your room. $Charlie waits until you’re inside your room and $gtheyre leaning against the windowsill like usual before continuing. “That’s very mature of you. Kind, and responsible.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, \ <<if $ghost is "crush">> \ and you feel yourself warm up a bit at the praise. <<else>> \ and you think of how unusual it is for Charlie to compliment you. <</if>> \ Dropping the uniforms near your bed, you let your body just fall onto the mattress and the tiredness seep through every muscle of your body. $Charlie figures you’re going to fall asleep soon so $gthey just stare$gs through the window instead. Your own eyes close and sleep overcomes your mind, hopefully a dreamless one. [[It is.|sleep]]

“Sure.” You say, turning around again, desperately wanting to leave this room. “$name.” Your mum calls you for the 100th time. The groan that wants to escape your mouth is held perfectly inside from years of practice, you turn towards her. She looks sad now, but attempts a smile. “Goodnight.” You nod and leave as fast as possible without looking like you’re in a hurry. $Charlie floats behind you. “Heavens… your mother is smart but not very caring.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs but you ignore $gthem, dealing with the uniforms by putting Nessa’s ones in her room and yours in your room. Then you head to bed, wishing to wake up tomorrow with no memory of the resentment you feel. Charlie lets you. [[No dreams tonight.|sleep]]

$Charlie enters and your eyes meet in the mirror. Surprisingly ghosts do have reflections, it’s probably the only way they can be seen, mirrors, photos, videos. Even as a ghost, $Charlie resembles $gtheir living self, at least you assume so. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave curly hair, a dirty blonde that almost looks brown, and $gtheir pale face has multiple moles, one below the left eye, another above $gtheir eyebrow, one near $gtheir lips, one on $gtheir cheek and possibly more around $gtheir body. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> light brownish eyes squint in amusement, seeing you examine $gthem. “You look lovely.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. You lower your head, gazing back into the sink. [[“Thank you. You look lovely too.”]] [[“This early in the morning and you’re already busting out the compliments?”]] [[“That’s so nice!”]] [[“Whatever.”]] [[“You didn’t knock.”]] [[“Ah… You don’t mean that…”]] <<if $ghost is "crush">> \ [[Your cheeks burn. ♡]] [[“You look lovely too.” ♡]] [[“Uh- Thanks…” ♡]] <</if>> \

<<set $kind += 1>> \ “Thank you.” You recover, beaming lightly at $Charlie. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> soften$gs, smiling. “You look lovely too.” “Thank you, very generous of you.” $Charlie bows playfully. Though that is a funny sight, your smile just fades away. Sighing, trying to lift your spirits again, you spare one last glance at the mirror, unable to meet your own eyes. [[Then you leave the bathroom.|left]]

<<set $funny += 1>> \ “So early in the morning,” You meet $gtheir eyes and smirk. “I just woke up, you can’t be complimenting me.” $Charlie chuckles. “Only stating what I see $Mx $engname.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy and you snicker wistfully. There’s a brief pause of silence. The fun that was there waning away before you realise you have to go. You grin up at your ghost, exchanging a fake smile before [[leaving the bathroom.|left]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ “Whatever.” You mutter. “I don’t need you to lie to me.” “I’m not lying.” $Charlie says confidently. You briefly glance up at $gthem but become too overwhelmed by $gtheir gaze to keep staring. You grunt to yourself and then sigh, composing yourself. You finally stand up straighter and then [[leave the bathroom.|left]]

<<set $stoic += 1>> \ “You didn’t knock.” You murmur, ignoring $gtheir comment. $Charlie glances at the wall $gthey just floated through and then back at you. “Pardon me. I assumed you were dressed.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, though by $gtheir face $gthey seem$gs less apologetic and more ashamed. You shake your head, dismissing $gtheir worry and realizing you’ve been here for too long. You step [[out of the bathroom.|left]]

<<set $shy += 1>> \ “Ah… You don’t really mean that. You don’t have to be nice like that.” You answer, voice getting thinner as you progress. You can’t even look up. “I’m only stating what is already obvious. I always mean what I say.” $Charlie replies. You wait a beat of silence, waiting for the ‘but…’. Nothing comes up, so you do finally look up, to look at $gthem. You smile weakly. “Thanks.” “There is no need.” Then you sigh and step out of the bathroom, catching your frown [[in the reflection of the mirror.|left]]

<<set $uwu += 1>> \ <<set $charliero +=1>> \ Your cheeks burn, unable to even muster a reply. It’s so evident that you became flustered, you’re surprised why $Charlie isn’t laughing like usual. Instead $gthey remain$gs silent and you have no idea why. <<print $gare.toUpperFirst()>> $gthey judging you? Regretting what $gthey said? Did $gthey leave? Lifting your face, you see $gtheir eyes on you. A grin plastered on $gtheir lips. Your eyes immediately avert down again, and you feel even more of your body heat up. “Don’t start blossoming like a flower. You do have a class to get to.” $Charlie very unhelpfully remarks. Your breath hitches but you know $gtheyre right. “Yes.” You stutter out and hurriedly leave the bathroom, not daring to look at $gtheir [[smug expression.|left]]

<<set $flirt += 1>> \ <<set $charliero +=1>> \ “You look lovely too.” You peek at the mirror to catch the look on $gtheir face, and easy enough, $gtheir cheeks turn a slight bit darker than $gtheir transparent look. $Charlie looks away but smiles nevertheless. “Enough flirting don’t you think? You do have a class to get to.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy. You roll your eyes playfully and nod. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> right. You spare one last glance at $gthem, watching $gtheir embarrassment turn into some sort of challenging glint, you can’t really dwell on it, [[you leave the bathroom.|left]]

<<set $serious += 1>> \ <<set $charliero +=1>> \ You glance away awkwardly. “Uh- Thanks…” You answer, then lift your head just as quickly, fixing your posture. “We should go though, I have class soon.” “What’s stopping you?” $Charlie asks, really teasing you. You only groan slightly at that, realizing you’re just digging yourself deeper. “I am going now.” You reply for no apparent reason, already heading out the door of the bathroom. $Charlie only nods, holding back what $gthey [["want" + $gs + " to say."|left]]

You ate your breakfast. You brushed your teeth. You got your backpack. You are outside, walking to school. Thankfully school is not that far away, you were lucky that your parents found this school, only half an hour walk. The street in itself is super quiet too, barely any cars pass by so the walk there is seemingly safe. You’d think given that you and your Sister study at the same school now, she would walk with you, but you would rather go to school early and not walk with her than go with her a bit later like she usually does. You’ve always not really enjoyed your time with your Sister. [[Because she used to hit you.]] [[Because she makes fun of you and calls you names.]] [[Because your parents prefer her.]] [[Because she doesn’t like spending time with you too.]] [[You actually do, sometimes.]]

<<set $Sister to "violence">> \ Yes. For quite a long time. But before, it was when she was just a child, so everyone usually laughed it off. But as she grew older, she continued to hit you when she got angry. She only stopped last year due to a stern talk with your parents, but to this day, you’re a bit afraid of her. But that’s a lot to think about right now. You’re only a few minutes away now, your backpack is starting to grow heavy on your shoulder (only because you know your back will hurt if you fully carry it like a normal person), but you appreciate how quiet everything is. You don’t even see any students going to school the same way. [[Maybe because it’s early.]]

<<set $Sister to "sometimes">> \ Sometimes. Only the few days where you actually share a few laughs given your similar sense of humour, or when she asks for advice and you feel like the big $Sibling for once. Those few times are less than the times where you’re not enjoying it. Mainly because you both tend to argue a lot as well. But that’s a lot to think about right now. You’re only a few minutes away now, your backpack is starting to grow heavy on your shoulder (only because you know your back will hurt if you fully carry it like a normal person), but you appreciate how quiet everything is. You don’t even see any students going to school the same way. [[Maybe because it’s early.]]

<<set $Sister to "spoil">> \ It’s always been a truth, at the back of your mind and even right in front of your face. Your Sister is the youngest and automatically the spoiled one, the one that gets all the affection, all the attention and you’ve become more of an afterthought most of the time. You’re bitter about it, so you decide not to be reminded. But that’s a lot to think about right now. You’re only a few minutes away now, your backpack is starting to grow heavy on your shoulder (only because you know your back will hurt if you fully carry it like a normal person), but you appreciate how quiet everything is. You don’t even see any students going to school the same way. [[Maybe because it’s early.]]

<<set $Sister to "distance">> \ Exactly. The only reason why you don’t like spending time with your Sister is because she, herself, doesn’t like spending time with you. She’s been vocal about it plenty of times, and you’d rather save her the trouble and not put her in an uncomfortable position. But that’s a lot to think about right now. You’re only a few minutes away now, your backpack is starting to grow heavy on your shoulder (only because you know your back will hurt if you fully carry it like a normal person), but you appreciate how quiet everything is. You don’t even see any students going to school the same way. [[Maybe because it’s early.]]

<<set $Sister to "bully">> \ That’s understatement, she bullies you. No matter what you do, whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, she resorts to making you feel bad, by mocking you or calling you names. You’ve decided that time away from her tends to be better than with her. But that’s a lot to think about right now. You’re only a few minutes away now, your backpack is starting to grow heavy on your shoulder (only because you know your back will hurt if you fully carry it like a normal person), but you appreciate how quiet everything is. You don’t even see any students going to school the same way. [[Maybe because it’s early.]]

Now your brain is thinking about why you’re going in so early. It’s not like you’re excited to go to school, in fact, it's the opposite, you’re absolutely mortified. Mainly because of two things: You are definitely going to get special treatment, since you know for a fact your parents have told the faculty about your… abnormity. You’re already being separated from other students, how are you going to form any meaningful connections like that? Not that you even know if you want… Speaking of meaningful connections, this brings us to point two. [[Spiritmates.]]

Spiritmates are people like you who are connected to the same ghost you are. In this case, people who are tethered to $Charlie as well. Not that it’s rare, it’s actually quite common but… $Charlie has been by your side your whole life, you doubt $gthey $ghave anyone else to be connected to. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> would tell you. You’re sure $gthey would tell you. … If by any chance, you do have Spiritmates, they would be students at this school too. And you’re not quite ready to open that [[can of worms.]]

“Penny for your thoughts $Mx $engname?” $Charlie snaps you out of your brain maze. You blink a few times, remembering where you are and where you’re headed. You don’t know what to tell $gthem, so you wait for $Charlie to fill the silence like usual. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $gdo. “You looked very pensive there, and I was wondering if there was any way I could ask about what you were thinking. Even as your ghost, I can’t really read your mind. Not that would be particularly enjoyable for both of us.” You envy how much of a smooth talker $Charlie is. Doesn’t matter if the conversation is actually interesting or not, $gthey make$gs it interesting for $gthemselves. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gdo>>n’t really need anybody. “Still with that thoughtful expression…” $Charlie mutters. [[“You were always so lost in your own thoughts.”]]

That’s true. Since you were a child you’ve always been rather on your own. Not really physically but mentally, it always felt like your… soul (for lack of better word) was alone in a void, in a plane of existence where no one else existed. Maybe that’s why when $Charlie possessed you, the blackness around you felt both familiar and ten times more horrifying. Like your nightmares being proven right. Besides that, you were like a common child, only less somehow. But your parents used to say you were <<nobr>> <<cycle "$personality" autoselect>> <<option "kind. Even though you had little opportunities to, you would always give a hand to those who needed it, and felt remorse when you couldn’t." "kind">> <<option "mean. Sometimes in the physical sense since you didn’t know how else to express the turmoil of emotions inside you, but more often than not, it was just sort of the instinct. To hurt others so they get away from you." "mean">> <<option "shy. I mean, you were already pretty reserved, but your shyness seemed to thrive off of that. A simple glance made you incredibly nervous and you would clamp down and stutter nonsense apologies." "shy">> <<option "funny. You laughed a lot for one, but you also rarely took most situations seriously. Your mother used to complain about that a lot." "funny">> <<option "stoic. Rarely said much in the first place, but you also didn’t show much, your face was almost like an image for most of your childhood. It was awful for pictures." "stoic">> <<option "excitable. A metaphorical $sunshine and a literal puppy. At least in your parents’ words. You were excited all the time and reckless, able to ignore all warnings if it granted you that one second of satiated curiosity." "sunshine">> <</cycle>> <</nobr>> Your parents never made you forget it. That and your //medical// [[history.]]

<<set $learning to false>> \ To perfectly explain the architecture of this school, you would have to be an architect, or at least someone with an unhealthy obsession of structurally intact buildings from the 18th Century. It’s practically untouched since it was built. Its big hallways and high ceilings, the biggest yard you’ve ever seen and of course we can’t forget the top notch library that occupies at least 50% of the school. If a teacher were to walk on a hallway, their footsteps would echo all throughout the school. It kind of feels like Hogwarts, just without it being on a mountain. You practiced for this, you memorised the first thing you need to do when you set foot into this school. Because you don’t want to embarrass yourself, because you don’t want to be late, and because you don’t want to get lost. This school is big after all. $Charlie could’ve helped. Honestly, you did ask for $gtheir help when you were looking at a map of the school, but $gthey fervently disagreed with the idea of even looking at the map, $gthey wanted to explore (“to find all the secrets” as $gthey said). Now, you try to recall said map, so you can find the assembly hall. “This reminds me a lot of my old school. I did not fully attend it unfortunately, my mum was stricken with fear when she heard of all the misdeeds I had done, so she removed me from the school.” $Charlie comments. [[“Sounds about right.”]] [[“What kind of misdeeds?”]] [[“But school is important…”]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ <<set $funny += 1>> \ “Sounds about right. That’s what happens when you cause trouble for others.” You reply and $Charlie doesn’t hide the eyeroll $gthey give$gs you. “I think that is exactly what she said.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> joke$gs and then float$gs ahead of you, indicating that the branch of that conversation ended. $Charlie doesn’t talk much about $gtheir past, $gtheir living life, you think part of it is because it’s painful for $gthem, to remember that it’s gone. But $Charlie doesn’t really express sadness, or grief or anger, $gtheyre always so chipper and light, so it would be hard for $gthem to be vulnerable, that’s why $gthey always end$gs the [[conversation short.]]

<<set $kind += 1>> \ <<set $stoic += 1>> \ “What kind of misdeeds?” You ask, both curious and fearful of what awful things $Charlie has done. Said ghost breaks into a grin at your expression and though $gtheyre transparent, you don’t miss the mischievous glint in $gtheir eyes. “All sorts. Harmless pranks, such as spreading misinformation about class assignments, stuffing teacher’s lockers with thousands of dragon arum lilies, opening all the windows of the school when it’s winter break, and most importantly… telling the headmistress that her cat died so she quit her job out of misery.” “Some of them don’t sound so harmless.” You note and $Charlie simply shrugs. “Your mum was right to be concerned.” $Charlie frowns at that and starts floating ahead, indicating that $gthey no longer wish$ges to speak about it. Maybe you shouldn't have said that last part. $Charlie doesn’t talk much about $gtheir past, $gtheir living life, you think part of it is because it’s painful for $gthem, to remember that it’s gone. But $Charlie doesn’t really express sadness, or grief or anger, $gtheyre always so chipper and light, so it would be hard for $gthem to be vulnerable, that’s why $gthey always end$gs the [[conversation short.]]

<<set $shy += 1>> \ <<set $sushine += 1>> \ “But school is important… without education it’s hard to get ahead in life.” You say, trying not to sound annoying. “I didn’t need much of an education. My mum was a Duchess, and I did my part in high society to remain relevant.” $Charlie replies matter-of-factly. “Those that looked down on me for not having education tended to be the widows with successful children. Which quite frankly, I did not care for.” That seemed to strike a nerve. $Charlie sighs to relieve some of the tension and then floats ahead, finishing the conversation there. $Charlie doesn’t talk much about $gtheir past, $gtheir living life, you think part of it is because it’s painful for $gthem, to remember that it’s gone. But $Charlie doesn’t really express sadness, or grief or anger, $gtheyre always so chipper and light, so it would be hard for $gthem to be vulnerable, that’s why $gthey always end$gs the [[conversation short.]]

Okay, focusing on finding the assembly hall again. You decide to forget trying to recall the map because that memory is becoming jumbled now. So you naturally just follow where all the students are going. It isn’t far. You finally enter the inside of the school, a building much bigger than a quarter of your neighbourhood, it smells clean too so you know someone must hate working here. You pass some windows that let the low sunlight (it is England after all) enter and coat the marbled floor, every wall has some sort of detailed carving to indicate that yes, they spent a lot of money building this. This is seen better yet when you do reach the assembly hall, the tall wooden doors almost reach the ceiling, and the fact that they’re open makes it seem like there is a hole in the hall, the size of a yeti. It’s scary, intimidating and to be honest, unnecessary. But you enter and snap $Charlie out of $gtheir open-mouthed amazement. [[“This is… a lot.”]]

It feels overwhelming, but in the sense where it’s just bordering on it being too much. You take a deep breath and join the cacophony of students that crowd the assembly hall. The tall ceilings and open space make every conversation echo, but it’s so many voices that you doubt you could understand a single word. People push each other to get further into the hall, and you do get pushed a few times since you’re just standing near the entrance. You quickly find a corner to hide in. [[This is a lot of people.]] [[Now we wait.]]

You’re finding it hard to focus on one thing, first are the people ahead of you, who accidently step back to laugh at something and nearly crash into you. Then there’s those that are in a rush for some reason, passing by you and disorienting you. There’s also those that are just too loud and the walls you cornered yourself in make everything seem tight. Is it hard to breathe in here or is it just you? “Hey.” $Charlie beckons you to look up at $gthem. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> smile$gs and you calm yourself. [[It will be over soon.|stage]]

From what you know of assemblies, especially the first one, they tend to take awhile, mainly because classes aren’t strict the very first day. It’s an introduction day, and most of that introduction happens in the assembly. No wonder why there are so many students. The school is big and this is the very first day. You don’t know how seriously they take these assemblies, so maybe after the first class people will stop showing up to them. Classes start early after all, most prefer to sleep. It’s quite a long thing, that most of the time is unnecessary, it serves to give a brief summary of the week. [[You wonder who first started assemblies...|stage]]

Suddenly someone clears their throat really loudly, and it echoes. \ <<if $height is "small">> \ You try to peer over people’s heads, but you’re short and can’t really see. You find a gap in between students to see that there is a man standing on the wooden platform that resembles a stage. \ <<elseif $height is "average">> \ You get a few peeks here and there to see what is going on, but there are a lot of people. You soon find a gap in between students to see a man standing on the wooden platform that resembles a stage. \ <<else>> \ You snap your gaze towards the man standing on the wooden platform that resembles a stage, it’s easy to see given you tower over quite a few people. \ <</if>> \ He is facing a microphone so you assume it was him that cleared his throat. There are a few other teachers behind him, standing silently. \ Everyone quiets down almost immediately, and they wait for him to [[speak.]]

“Welcome students. To Prospero & Ariel School, a place where you will not only learn how to survive in this world but also thrive in it.” He starts. “My name is Oscar Littlemore, and I am your headmaster. I’d like to thank you all first for coming and for being so excited.” Usually you would doubt that but there are quite a few people who do look excited. “Each year group will be divided into different class groups, and each class group will have a tutor. You will know which group you are in after you finish your registration. For now, rejoice at the opportunity to learn more about yourself, the world and your own ghost, as we have very specific classes for that too.” He continues. That does cheer you up a bit, you want to know more about the ghostly connection with $Charlie. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> also seem$gs to have perked up at that, glancing at you briefly before paying attention to the headmaster again. Oscar Littlemore. You know nothing about your headmaster, your parents specifically said they didn’t know much either, which concerned them, but they let it go as it was too much effort to find out. Your parents are usually very cautious about stuff like that. Just not that time… Even so, he seems like a respectable guy. He is short and thin, though not in an unhealthy way. His hair is fully grey so you assume he is beyond his 40s, but it’s styled youthfully, slicked back with wild strands refusing to stay gelled down. He’s very pale though, that’s the only sickly part about him, but he must know, because he wore a very light blue suit, bigger than himself. The assembly goes on, now about the curriculum. But you weren’t really paying attention, so paying attention mid-way feels pointless. [[You look around.]]

Students seem enthralled by the speech of the headmaster, they’re hanging on his every word. Everyone except one. There is a <<nobr>> <<cycle "$igirl" autoselect>> <<option "girl">> <<option "boy">> <</cycle>> captivated [[by you instead.]] <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $igirl === "girl">> <<set $ishe to "she">> <<set $ishes to "she's">> <<set $iher to "her">> <<set $iherm to "her">> <<set $ihers to "hers">> <<set $iMs to "Ms.">> <<set $idaughter to "daughter">> <<set $iherself to "herself">> <<set $Ima to "Imogen">> <<elseif $igirl === "boy">> <<set $ishe to "he">> <<set $ishes to "he's">> <<set $iher to "his">> <<set $iherm to "him">> <<set $ihers to "his">> <<set $iMs to "Mr.">> <<set $idaughter to "son">> <<set $iherself to "himself">> <<set $Ima to "Immanuel">> <</if>> <</nobr>> Wild coily hair and comically oversized glasses, staring at you wide-eyed. <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> wheelchair is fully turned to you, $ishe has no interest in the speech. <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> dark skin is full of spots and freckles, and $iher smile widens when $ishe realizes you noticed $iherm. Wearing the same greyuniform with a red plaid clip-on tie that all of you wear. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> silently (not really as $ishe has to ask some people to move) rushes towards you and you stand stock-still, not knowing what to do. $Charlie also notices and moves behind you, almost as if the $igirl can see $gthem. “Oh my god.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says when $ishe reaches you. [[“You’re my spiritmate.”]]

You slowly turn to stare at $Charlie who looks mortified, unable to even meet your gaze. You’re sure if $gthey <<print $gwere>>n’t a semi-corporal being $gthey would be sweating. [[“Why do I know nothing about this?”]] [["“" + $Charlie + "?”"|“Charlie?”]] [[“How interesting, what a fun turn of events.”]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ <<set $stoic += 1>> \ “Why have I never heard of this? $Charlie, why haven’t you told me I have a spiritmate?” You ask, getting frustrated. $Charlie only sighs, relenting to look at the floor instead, probably ashamed. “Oh heavens…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> mutter$gs. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you two. I was just so looking forward to finding my spiritmate and my ghost. I guess it was easier than I thought! You were just standing there.” The $igirl says. “By the way, my name is $Ima. It’s nice to finally meet you.” <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> smile becomes even more unique with the small gap in the middle of $iher teeth. [["Ignore " + $iherm + "."|Ignore her.]] [[Introduce yourself.]] [["Let " + $Charlie + " handle it."|Let Charlie handle it.]]

<<set $kind += 1>> \ <<set $shy += 1>> \ <<set $sunshine += 1>> \ “$Charlie…?” You attempt to ask, voice growing lower at the betrayal of being lied to by the closest person to you. $Charlie seems to feel instant remorse, $gtheir features tightening as $gthey look$gs at the floor instead, ashamed. “Apologies...” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> mutter$gs. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you two. I was just so looking forward to finding my spiritmate and my ghost. I guess it was easier than I thought! You were just standing there.” The $igirl says. “By the way, my name is $Ima. It’s nice to finally meet you.” <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> smile becomes even more unique with the small gap in the middle of $iher teeth. [["Ignore " + $iherm + "."|Ignore her.]] [[Introduce yourself.]] [["Let " + $Charlie + " handle it."|Let Charlie handle it.]]

<<set $funny += 1>> \ “Would you look at that $Charlie? How interesting! What a fun turn of events.” You sarcastically say, growing more serious as you keep going. “Seriously, a very unexpected surprise.” $Charlie flushes in embarrassment, glancing at the floor instead, completely ashamed. “Oh heavens…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> mutter$gs. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you two. I was just so looking forward to finding my spiritmate and my ghost. I guess it was easier than I thought! You were just standing there.” The $igirl says. “By the way, my name is $Ima. It’s nice to finally meet you.” <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> smile becomes even more unique with the small gap in the middle of $iher teeth. [["Ignore " + $iherm + "."|Ignore her.]] [[Introduce yourself.]] [["Let " + $Charlie + " handle it."|Let Charlie handle it.]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ <<set $stoic += 1>> \ You ignore $iherm, choosing to instead try to refocus on the headmaster. $Charlie smiles apologetically at $Ima in your stead, and you control yourself to not turn your attention back to them. You really don’t want to deal with this right now. “Sorry $iMs $Ima, we can talk better after the assembly.” $Charlie suggests, and $Ima frowns, though $ishe doesn’t object, simply moves away from you, respecting it. Half of you does feel bad, which is why you’re ignoring $iherm. The fact that this $igirl had no ghost throughout $iher whole life because you stole $ihers is unfair. You have no idea why $Charlie left $iherm behind and chose you instead, and you refuse to think about it right now, lest you have a breakdown. The assembly continues and is [[soon over.]]

<<set $mean -= 1>>\ <<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "kind">> \ You sigh. “It’s okay. It’s nice to meet you as well $Ima. I’m $engname.” You attempt a friendly smile. $Ima seems to appreciate it as $ishe then turns to $Charlie. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> seem$gs rather remorseful but swallow$gs it like usual and put$gs on a charming smile. “$Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> curts$gy and the $igirl giggles. “You got a funny one huh?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> jokes and you nod playfully. Though the forced smile on your face soon subsides as you think about the situation. <<elseif _persona is "funny">> \ “No worries, it’s a problem for later. I’m $engname, and I would say pleasure to meet you but I fail to see the humour in this situation right now.” You say, opting for a lighter tone, though $Charlie visibly recoils. “What do you mean?” $Ima asks, curious. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> glances at $Charlie and then at you, trying to decipher the sudden tension there. “Nothing //you// need to concern yourself with don’t worry.” You shake your head, sighing. Then you point at $Charlie. “This is my- I mean, I guess it’s our ghost now isn’t it? $Charlie. $Noble $Charlie Leighton.” $Ima guffaws a bit but quiets down in a quick attempt to pretend $ishe was clearing $iher throat. “$Noble?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks and $Charlie finally jumps into the conversation, pretending to have not been chastised. “Yes $iMs $Ima! Of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” You roll your eyes at $gtheir dramatic introduction. $Ima looks absolutely overjoyed. You frown. <<elseif _persona is "shy">> \ “It’s… okay.” You frown, trying to escape the inner turmoil inside you. $Ima looks so happy to have finally met $Charlie, and of course you’re jealous of that, but most of all you feel guilty. “I’m $engname.” You finally introduce yourself, shyly meeting $iher eyes. <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> own soften at you before $ishe glances at $Charlie, who has seemingly recovered from $gtheir embarrassment. “$Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope. It’s an honour to meet you $iMs $Ima.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gdo>>n’t elaborate on that //honour//, but you see $Ima practically glow. You remain scowling, seeing them both interact is painful. <<elseif _persona is "sunshine">> \ You take a deep breath and then try to smile. “Hi! My name is $engname, it’s nice to meet you too!” You beam, encouraging that same contagious energy to stick around. $Ima seems to get it immediately and grins wide. “And what’s our friend called?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, turning to $Charlie. You turn with $iherm, relying on copying $iher good mood to feel better. $Charlie, who is now the centre of attention, falters only a bit, realizing $gthey $gare not being scolded. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> bow$gs $gtheir head. “$Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> introduce$gs $gthemselves, saying every word with more intention than need be. You chuckle as $Ima does too, and you watch as $iher eyes glow looking at $gthem. You feel a sudden painful feeling at the pit of your stomach, the one you were so desperately trying to run away from. <<else>> \ “I’m $engname.” You nod, keeping the introduction short. $Ima smiles and then turns to $Charlie, you follow $iher gaze, waiting for $Charlie to introduce $gthemselves. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $gdo visibly cringe at your piercing stare, but recover$gs with a charming curtsy. “$Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs with practiced ease. $Ima beams at $gthem and you try not to roll your eyes. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave so much to explain to you, and poor $Ima has to be involved. <</if>> \ The fact that this $igirl had no ghost throughout $iher whole life because you stole $ihers is unfair. You have no idea why $Charlie left $iherm behind and chose you instead, and you refuse to think about it right now, lest you have a breakdown. The assembly continues and is [[soon over.]]

<<set $shy += 1>> \ <<set $stoic += 1>> \ You fail to find the words that are needed for this type of communication so you just look at $Charlie expectantly. I mean this is kind of $gtheir thing, and you assume $gthey must know $Ima. $Charlie only stares at you cluelessly, albeit a bit terrified. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> blink$gs a few times, you glance at $Ima who is staring at you both as if $ishe is expecting one of you to explode, and then finally $Charlie speaks up. “Excuse my rudeness $iMs $Ima. I am $Noble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> curts$gy, somehow still elegantly. “And this is $engname.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> extend$gs $gtheir hands towards you, as if presenting you. $Ima nods, seemingly enraptured in the way $Charlie speaks. You used to be like that too. Not anymore though. You scowl. The fact that this $igirl had no ghost throughout $iher whole life because you stole $ihers is unfair. You have no idea why $Charlie left $iherm behind and chose you instead, and you refuse to think about it right now, lest you have a breakdown. The assembly continues and is [[soon over.]]

<<set $sunshine += 1>> \ “I did… Do I get a reward now?” You tease your mother, who seems to lighten at your tone. You detest when stuff is too serious, especially if the root is hurt, which you feel deep within you right now. Hiding it is not only a skill but a full time job. “Since you’re being such a sweetheart, sure.” She mutters, which drives Nessa’s attention back to mum, at the mention of a reward her selfish interest was piqued, you let that sink in as your mother continues. “Tomorrow morning I’ll leave some scones for you. Buttered and everything.” You nod so enthusiastically you fear you may get dizzy. You can see Nessa’s eyes widen, but she’s smart enough not to protest. Yes Nessa, only people that do their chores get rewards. “Thanks mum, night night then!” You wave and your mother smiles in return, happy to have ended that conversation on a positive note. You do feel better about the situation too. “Scones are a good reward.” $Charlie adds as you leave the room, you chuckle and couldn’t agree more, just thinking about having a proper breakfast before school puts you automatically in a good mood. But tomorrow is still another day, you have no idea how you’ll feel then. So as soon as you get into your room (after putting your uniforms away), you cultivate that feeling until it makes you sleepy, so the second you drop onto your bed, you feel sleep call you from behind your closed eyes. $Charlie only watches, lost in thought and probably in the same dreamy state that you are in, hoping for a better tomorrow. [[Dreams do not come|sleep]]

<<set $sunshine += 1>> \ “That’s so nice of you!” You automatically cloak yourself in a good mood, smiling wide at $Charlie. “I don’t get compliments very often, so that was nice, made me feel warm.” You explain, feeling like you have to. $Charlie floats a bit down almost as if $gtheyre trying to ground $gthemselves closer, $gtheir face forming a pleasant look of pride. “Glad I could help.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs genuinely and though that does make you happier still, having $gtheir company by your side, you feel the negative thoughts from before cloud your mind once again. $Charlie notices too, the loss of your smile, and $gtheyre eager to try once again, opening $gtheir mouth to say something, but you sigh, stopping $gthem. “Off to a great start.” You say with false cheer, then walk out the bathroom, a hesitant $Charlie [[following at your heels.|left]]

<<set $choseclass to 1>> \ <<set $ghosthunt to false>> \ <<set $retrocog to false>> \ <<set $auramed to false>> \ Registration is less painful, less crowded and overall less of a fuss. All you do is fill a piece of paper and wish for the best. In that piece of paper you had to pick your non-essential classes, which wasn’t very hard, you and your parents had talked about what classes you should take so there wasn’t much thinking going on. Besides the basic classes like English and Maths, you also have Meditation and Anomalistic Science. Those are also essential classes. Then you got to pick two more classes, you selected: [[ESP, also known as sixth sense, common in most people with tethered ghosts.]] [[Ghost Hunting Education, because you wanted to become a PI (Poltergeist Investigator).]] [[Retrocognition, being able to reach your ghost’s living life and being able to harness those memories seems cool.]] [[Aura Medicine, so your aura becomes healthy and strong… maybe to even resist the possessions.]]

<<set $esp to true>> \ <<if $choseclass is 1>> \ <<set $choseclass += 1>> \ And... [[Ghost Hunting Education, because you wanted to become a PI (Poltergeist Investigator).]] [[Retrocognition, being able to reach your ghost’s living life and being able to harness those memories seems cool.]] [[Aura Medicine, so your aura becomes healthy and strong… maybe to even resist the possessions.]] <<else>> \ Are you sure that's what you selected? [[Yes.|registerdone]] [[No, let me remember again.|resetchoseclass]] <</if>> \

<<set $ghosthunt to true>> \ <<if $choseclass is 1>> \ <<set $choseclass += 1>> \ And... [[ESP, also known as sixth sense, common in most people with tethered ghosts.]] [[Retrocognition, being able to reach your ghost’s living life and being able to harness those memories seems cool.]] [[Aura Medicine, so your aura becomes healthy and strong… maybe to even resist the possessions.]] <<else>> \ Are you sure that's what you selected? [[Yes.|registerdone]] [[No, let me remember again.|resetchoseclass]] <</if>> \

<<set $retrocog to true>> \ <<if $choseclass is 1>> \ <<set $choseclass += 1>> \ And... [[ESP, also known as sixth sense, common in most people with tethered ghosts.]] [[Ghost Hunting Education, because you wanted to become a PI (Poltergeist Investigator).]] [[Aura Medicine, so your aura becomes healthy and strong… maybe to even resist the possessions.]] <<else>> \ Are you sure that's what you selected? [[Yes.|registerdone]] [[No, let me remember again.|resetchoseclass]] <</if>> \

<<set $auramed to true>> \ <<if $choseclass is 1>> \ <<set $choseclass += 1>> \ And... [[ESP, also known as sixth sense, common in most people with tethered ghosts.]] [[Ghost Hunting Education, because you wanted to become a PI (Poltergeist Investigator).]] [[Retrocognition, being able to reach your ghost’s living life and being able to harness those memories seems cool.]] <<else>> \ Are you sure that's what you selected? [[Yes.|registerdone]] [[No, let me remember again.|resetchoseclass]] <</if>> \

<<if $classes is false>> \ You currently remain unskilled, at least before your educational year starts. <<else>> \ ''Sixth Sense:'' The ability to hear other people’s ghosts, feel other identity’s intentions and emotions and in the most advanced form, be able to practice minor cases of telekinesis. Passive abilities also give you what you call the “Spidey sense” which makes you react relatively faster than most. Currently at: <<if $sixthsense >= 0 && $sixthsense < 15>> \ <span style="color:red">Terrible</span> \ <<elseif $sixthsense >= 15 && $sixthsense < 30>> \ <span style="color:orange">Poor</span> \ <<elseif $sixthsense >= 30 && $sixthsense < 55>> \ <span style="color:yellow">Average</span> \ <<elseif $sixthsense >= 55 && $sixthsense < 75>> \ <span style="color:blue">Good</span> \ <<elseif $sixthsense >= 75 && $sixthsense < 100>> \ <span style="color:green">Excellent</span> \ <<elseif $sixthsense == 100>> \ Mastery Level \ <</if>> \ ''Spiritual Combat:'' The skill of fighting against ghosts, most commonly poltergeists, which are wild ghosts untethered to any human, that normally live roaming the world and causing trouble. It allows you to physically fight them, to solve problems quicker and to craft runes able to exorcise poltergeists or ban them from a location. Passive abilities also give you more accurate senses when it comes to ghosts, such as touch, smell and sight. Currently at: <<if $spiritualcombat >= 0 && $spiritualcombat < 15>> \ <span style="color:red">Terrible</span> \ <<elseif $spiritualcombat >= 15 && $spiritualcombat < 30>> \ <span style="color:orange">Poor</span> \ <<elseif $spiritualcombat >= 30 && $spiritualcombat < 55>> \ <span style="color:yellow">Average</span> \ <<elseif $spiritualcombat >= 55 && $spiritualcombat < 75>> \ <span style="color:blue">Good</span> \ <<elseif $spiritualcombat >= 75 && $spiritualcombat < 100>> \ <span style="color:green">Excellent</span> \ <<elseif $spiritualcombat == 100>> \ Mastery Level \ <</if>> \ ''Ghost Connection:'' When you connect with your ghost so profusely, you manage to unlock their memories of their living life and think of them like they’re your own, this is also applied to skills. It allows you to connect with your ghost on a very deep level. Passive abilities also allow you and your ghost to be farther away from each other without causing discomfort, even telepathy. Currently at: <<if $ghostconnection >= 0 && $ghostconnection < 15>> \ <span style="color:red">Terrible</span> \ <<elseif $ghostconnection >= 15 && $ghostconnection < 30>> \ <span style="color:orange">Poor</span> \ <<elseif $ghostconnection >= 30 && $ghostconnection < 55>> \ <span style="color:yellow">Average</span> \ <<elseif $ghostconnection >= 55 && $ghostconnection < 75>> \ <span style="color:blue">Good</span> \ <<elseif $ghostconnection >= 75 && $ghostconnection < 100>> \ <span style="color:green">Excellent</span> \ <<elseif $ghostconnection == 100>> \ Mastery Level \ <</if>> \ ''Body’s Aura:'' A somewhat more scientific look into Aura’s, especially your own. The higher this skill, the more resistant you are to possessions and other ghostly effects, a more advanced use of this skill is even to resist pain and even healing. Passive abilities also forces others to feel your aura and be either charmed or intimidated (depending on your mood). Currently at: <<if $bodysaura >= 0 && $bodysaura < 15>> \ <span style="color:red">Terrible</span> \ <<elseif $bodysaura >= 15 && $bodysaura < 30>> \ <span style="color:orange">Poor</span> \ <<elseif $bodysaura >= 30 && $bodysaura < 55>> \ <span style="color:yellow">Average</span> \ <<elseif $bodysaura >= 55 && $bodysaura < 75>> \ <span style="color:blue">Good</span> \ <<elseif $bodysaura >= 75 && $bodysaura < 100>> \ <span style="color:green">Excellent</span> \ <<elseif $bodysaura == 100>> \ Mastery Level \ <</if>> \ <</if>> \ [[Return|$return]]

<<set $classes to true>> \ After that, you got to know $Ima better. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> lives close by too, though in the opposite direction of your neighborhood. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> insisted on being seated next to you at every class but you had reminded $iherm that you will only have the same classes if you are in the same tutor group (or by pure luck in merger classes). But $Ima was hopeful, if not too much. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> wouldn’t leave your side the whole tour, you remember more of $iher commentary about the misuse of technology at the school than the actual historical explanation of every building on school grounds. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> talked to you and $Charlie as if you were friends for a long time. For once, $Charlie had someone to match $gtheir chatty nature. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> seem$gs to like $iherm. What about you? [["I can’t stand people like " + $iherm + "."|I can’t stand people like her.]] [["I just met " + $iherm + ", I don’t know right now."|I just met her, I don’t know right now.]] [["" + $ishe.toUpperFirst() + " doesn’t seem that bad."|She doesn’t seem that bad.]] [["" + $ishe.toUpperFirst() + "’s super cool."|She’s super cool.]] [[Someone who is absolutely fearless of social interactions? Be still my heart. ♡]]

<<set $choseclass to 1>> \ <<set $esp to false>> \ <<set $ghosthunt to false>> \ <<set $retrocog to false>> \ <<set $auramed to false>> \ What was it again? [[ESP, also known as sixth sense, common in most people with tethered ghosts.]] [[Ghost Hunting Education, because you wanted to become a PI (Poltergeist Investigator).]] [[Retrocognition, being able to reach your ghost’s living life and being able to harness those memories seems cool.]] [[Aura Medicine, so your aura becomes healthy and strong… maybe to even resist the possessions.]]

<<set $imarelation to "dislike">> \ You detest people who are so eager to form connections, those types of people tend to be lonely and clingy and you like your space. You just wish you weren’t connected to $iherm like this, <<print $ishe>>’s your spiritmate now, <<print $ishe>>’s just as privy to your life as $Charlie is… just a tiny bit less. [[This year started off great, hasn’t it?]]

<<set $imarelation to "dunno">> \ You met $iher around half an hour ago, you barely know anything about $iherm, too early to judge, you think. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> is your spiritmate however, so you have plenty of time to get to know $iherm, even if you don't want to. Life is funny like that. [[This year started off great, hasn’t it?]]

<<set $imarelation to "notbad">> \ So far, not so bad. The worst $ishe could be was hateful, you have history with bullies and you don’t want to add to that. Though $ishe doesn’t know of your circumstances yet, you hope that doesn’t change anything in $iher behaviour. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> is willing to be your friend, and seems nice enough, you’d hate if all of that was a facade. [[This year started off great, hasn’t it?]]

<<set $imafriend +=1>> \ <<set $imarelation to "like">> \ <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>’s actually really cool, friendly, engaging and above all, not judgemental. At least that’s what you got from $iherm, anyone who meets $Charlie and still likes $gthem is truly a saint. It makes life easier to get along with your spiritmate, you’ll be connected for the rest of your life, as is law, and you’re not about to disobey that when you were so lucky to have someone like $iherm. [[This year started off great, hasn’t it?]]

<<set $imarelation to "crush">> \ <<set $imaro to 1>> \ Truly the direct opposite of you. <<if $shy > $mean && $shy > $funny && $shy > $kind && $shy >= $stoic && $shy > $sunshine>> \ You can’t even imagine holding a conversation longer than 5 minutes without growing either bored or becoming awkward by the minute, \ <<elseif $stoic > $mean && $stoic > $funny && $stoic > $kind && $stoic >= $shy && $stoic > $sunshine>> \ You can’t even imagine holding a conversation longer than 5 minutes without growing either bored or becoming awkward by the minute, \ <<else>> \ Yes, you do like hanging around people and are somewhat… smooth, but your skillset is by far from normal, \ <</if>> \ you’re an outcast and have always been one, you don’t even know what having friends is like. But $ishe, $ishe does that for you, $ishe makes friendship look easy and you can’t help but feel a natural attraction to that. You feel like you could tell $iherm anything and $ishe won’t end up running away. [[This year started off great, hasn’t it?]]

No, no no no. No. You don’t have a spiritmate, You can’t have one. That makes no sense. <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> gaze falls on $Charlie, who’s peeking behind your back and you know now why $gthey hid, the $igirl [["can see " + $gthem + "."|can see them]]

<<if $personality is "kind">> \ <<set $kind +=10>> \ <<set $social to "introvert">> \ <<elseif $personality is "mean">> \ <<set $mean +=10>> \ <<set $social to "extrovert">> \ <<elseif $personality is "shy">> \ <<set $shy +=10>> \ <<set $social to "introvert">> \ <<elseif $personality is "funny">> \ <<set $funny +=10>> \ <<set $social to "extrovert">> \ <<elseif $personality is "stoic">> \ <<set $stoic +=10>> \ <<set $social to "introvert">> \ <<elseif $personality is "sunshine">> \ <<set $sunshine +=10>> \ <<set $social to "extrovert">> \ <</if>> \ The faded streets around the neighbourhood become a bit livelier as you approach the school, even though it’s early, there seems to be quite a few students who walk with their friends to school. Even the ones that are by themselves chat with their ghost instead. You peer at $Charlie who is completely lost in watching the school’s structure. Taking a deep breath, you enter through the [[open gates.]]

<<set $imaunlock to true>> \ <<set $tutorialquestions1 to false>> \ <<set $tutorialquestions2 to false>> \ <<set $tutorialquestions3 to false>> \ <<set $tutorialquestionsdone to false>> \ You finally enter the tutorial class, seeing up to around 6 other students already inside, but no tutor yet, means you haven’t been assigned one so far. You sit down on the far right corner and watch as other students form meaningful connections. $Charlie watches too, for the first time not daring to fill the silence, probably because $gthey <<print $gdo>>n’t want to have a “certain” conversation right now. [[You try to have that conversation.]] [[You just watch.]] [[You find other ways to distract yourself.]]

<<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "sunshine">> \ “Um $Charlie? Shouldn’t you explain why $Ima is my spiritmate? You told me I didn’t have one.” You ask, somewhat in denial. Maybe $Charlie just made a mistake, maybe $gthey didn’t lie, maybe… $Ima is just as a surprise to $gthem as it is to you. “I’m sorry.” $Charlie says, turning towards you. “Huh?” “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Oh. So $gthey did know. You remain confused and $gthey notice$gs, evidently frowning. <<elseif _persona is "mean">> \ “$Charlie, stop ignoring me.” You point out. “What was that with $Ima? Did you always know $Ima was my spiritmate? You told me you checked and I was the only one tethered to you!” You frustratingly complain, low enough not to be heard by anyone in class. “I’m sorry!” $Charlie snaps towards you, $gtheir brows furrowed in a sorrowful look. \ <<if $ghost != "dislike">> \ You try not to let that affect you. <<else>> \ <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave the guts to look guilty. <</if>> \ “Sorry isn’t going to make the fact that you lied to me //my whole life// better.” “I know I know. It looks quite terrible, but I can explain.” <<elseif _persona is "funny">> \ “Alright $Charlie, your silence was fun while it lasted, but I do need some explanation.” You start, seeing $Charlie very slowly (almost purposely taking $gtheir time) turn to look at you. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> stare$gs at you for a solid second before giving you a very painfully forced smile. “What do you mean by explanation, there is no particular topic I would like to talk about.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy. You blink at $gthem. A second passes. $Charlie chuckles nervously. “The weather is quite nice, isn’t it $Mx $engname?” “I— for god’s sake $Charlie. This is painful to watch, and I normally love watching you be awkward. But I am losing my mind.” “Right right of course. I apologize…” <<elseif _persona is "shy">> \ “Soooo…” You start, tapping the table and leaning forwards. $Charlie turns to you, curious but also nervous. “We should probably talk about it.” “Talk about what?” $Charlie asks, and you look at $gthem for a second trying to decipher if $gtheyre playing dumb or if $gthey actually $gare this clueless. “Umm… $Ima? We should talk about that, right? You never told me I had a spiritmate.” You try not to sound hurt, but your eyes move to the table before you can even control them. You knew confrontation was hard, but confronting the one that has accompanied you your whole life should be different, yet here you are, struggling to even look at $gthem. $Charlie clears $gtheir throat, making you look up at $gthem. “$Mx $engname. I should apologize, I didn’t mean to hurt you like this.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> can clearly tell. <<elseif _persona is "stoic">> \ “$Charlie.” You say simply. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> startle$gs, and you wait a few seconds as $gthey slowly turn$gs around, hoping that you forget the issue the longer $gthey take$gs to face you. When $gthey $gdo look at you, $gthey also gradually tr$gy to smile but almost as if asking if it’s okay to smile — an unsure smile. You continue to stare at $gthem, unflinchingly. “Explain.” “Explain…? Explain what?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> voice raises an octave. You groan at $gthem which alarms $gthem immediately. “Right! The situation, the previous situation, that I need to explain. Of course, my apologies.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> tr$gy to lighten the mood with another smile but you remain impassive. <<else>> \ “$Charlie.” You say briefly. “I think we should address the elephant in the room.” “Elephant?” $Charlie asks, finally turning around to look at you confusedly. You stare at $gthem for a solid second before chuckling, realizing $Charlie wouldn’t know phrases like that. “It’s an expression. It just means there is something that we need to talk about for obvious reasons. And we’re ignoring it.” You explain. $Charlie visibly looks like $gthey want$gs to turn back around, but $gthey tr$gy and play dumb instead. “Talk about? Talk about what $Mx $engname?” “$Charlie.” You warn kindly and $Charlie cringes. “Right. I know. I have to explain myself about $iMs $Ima. I am aware it looks quite terrible.” <</if>> \ $Charlie sighs, moving to sit on the chair beside you (or rather float above the chair). <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> extend$gs $gtheir hands, “You see—” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> groan$gs, interrupting $gthemselves, “I have… I was—” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> continue$gs to splutter. <<if $ghost is "crush">> \ [["Hold " + $Charlie + "'s hand to calm " + $gthem + " down.♡"|Hold Charlie’s hand to calm them down.♡]] [["“" + $Charlie + ", you are only allowed to be that flustered when I’m flirting with you.” You tease.♡"|“Charlie, you are only allowed to be that flustered when I’m flirting with you.” You tease.♡]] <</if>> \ [[“Spit it out.”]] [["“Calm down " + $Charlie + ", I’m not going to bite your head off… probably.”"|“Calm down Charlie, I’m not going to bite your head off… probably.”]] [[“Yes?”]] [[You wait.]]

You watch the students begin laughing, already touching each other with pats and leaning towards each other out of comfort. Didn’t everyone meet each other today? Or do they already know each other? Why is everyone so comfortable? $Charlie is peeking at you. Your eyes meet, and $gthey snap$gs $gtheir gaze back to the class. You slowly look around, disliking the feeling of awkwardness that falls onto you and $Charlie. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> the closest to you, the person you feel the most comfortable around… yet now $gthey feel$gs like a total stranger. Your eyes fall on the desk and you withhold from burying your head in your arms. <<if $dislike is true>> \ You knew this would happen, you didn't trust $Charlie for a second since they let you be possessed. You just wish you weren't proved correct, now you're stuck with $gthem and a spiritmate. \ <<else>>\ This will pass, it’s just a bump in a road, all relationships have bumps. Trust isn’t something straightforward, it requires work and effort. And sometimes, sacrifice. \ <</if>> \ “Students,” The teacher walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

You glance at the walls. Full of posters about studying, the exams, positive thinking and usual classroom rules. There’s one or two about ghosts, but all of them from an educational standpoint. $Charlie is far from educational, $gthey <<print $ghave>>n’t told you anything about ghosts or $gthemselves for that matter, you know more about the Queen than you do about $Charlie. Great, now you’re thinking about $gthem again. Shaking your head, you prop your bag on top of your desk, rifling through it to see what you have. That catches <<print $Charlie>>’s attention but you ignore it. Your hands find a lot of things, books, notebooks, more books, and three pens… is that… crumbs? Why are there crumbs inside your bag, you’re sure you cleaned it before you packed it. You pull out a bag of biscuits. $Charlie immediately looks away. You glare at the back of $gtheir head. You drop the biscuits back inside, not caring anymore since it’s already dirty, and put your bag back on the floor. $Charlie really tests your patience. “Students,” The teacher walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $serious += 1>> \ <<set $uwu += 1>> \ <<set $charliero += 1>> \ You reach over and touch <<print $Charlie>>’s hand, startling $gthem slightly. You wrap your hand around $gtheirs, and $gthey turn$gs $gtheir hand to hold yours too. It feels like you’re holding a piece of air. “Thank you.” $Charlie breathes out, smiling shyly. You nod, tightening your hold on $gtheir hand before pulling away. The entirety of your heart is pounding against your ribcage. $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $flirt += 1>> \ <<set $charliero += 1>> \ “$Charlie, are you flustered?” You start, allowing $Charlie to finally stop talking and look your way. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look$gs alarmed. “No!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> pause$gs and blush$ges. “Perhaps only a little bit.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy, fiddling with $gtheir hands. “You should only be that flustered when I flirt with you. This is new.” You tease, furthering <<print $Charlie>>’s deep flush. Even in $gtheir own somewhat transparent look, you can see the tinge of red in $gtheir cheeks. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> hit$gs you gently on the shoulder, chuckling. “Don’t be like that. I am trying desperately to explain something.” “Then go on.” $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ “Spit it out.” You order, opting to have this conversation as soon as possible. You don’t like that it feels like $Charlie is trying to buy time. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> frown$gs, not looking up at you, staring at $gtheir folded hands. You sigh. “Just say it please.” $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $funny += 1>> \ “Calm down $Charlie.” You breathe out, noticing that $gthey seem$gs on the edge more than you. $Charlie nods, still holding $gtheir breath. “I’m not going to bite your head off…” You affirm and $gthey nod$gs again. “...probably.” You add. “What?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs, a bit surprised. “That was a joke.” You answer just as quickly. “Cue laugh— or don’t, just please continue what you were saying.” $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $sunshine += 1>> \ <<set $kind += 1>> \ “Yes?” You ask expectantly. $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

<<set $stoic += 1>> \ <<set $shy += 1>> \ You wait patiently, watching $Charlie stop and think for a few seconds. You feel a short time pass by. $Charlie takes a deep breath and tries again. “I did know about $Ima, and I did not inform you because I was hoping you would never meet $iherm. There are others too but this will not change my purpose. I need to be with you $Mx $engname.” You stare at $Charlie, shocked. “Others? What do you mean?” “Oh.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, realizing $gthey might have said something $gthey didn’t mean to. “That isn’t important—” “Students,” The teacher unfortunately walks in, gathering everyone’s attention. [[“Sit down.”]]

The teacher, an incredibly tall woman with a glass like exterior. She is almost grey in skin colour but her whole outfit has similar dark tones, she wears a dark purple suit with black high heels. Her black hair is tied up into a bun, but there’s one streak of greyish hair that escapes the bun and falls into her face. Though she only adjusts her thin glasses. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I will be your tutor, my name is Mrs. Kirlian, please address me as such.” Her sharp grey eyes meet every student, and regardless of how rigid she seems, she smiles a tiny bit, making you feel at ease. Everyone nods to her and she continues, leaning on her desk. “Now, I value all of you, so I would like to get to know you today. But before then, do any of you have any questions? Regardless of how inconsequential they may sound in your head.” How kind. “When are we getting our timetables?” A student asks. “Tomorrow I believe. You will get it during tomorrow’s tutorial.” She answers. “Where are our classes going to be? Here?” Another asks, lifting his hand. “Don’t be silly.” She smiles patiently. “Your classes’ location will be noted down on your timetables, each classroom in our school has a number, and each building a letter. This one is Building B, classroom 12. So B12.” A lot of students hum in agreement. [[“Are you going to be one of our teachers?”]] [[“Are there clubs?”]] [[“What do we do in Tutorial?”]]

<<set $tutorialquestions1 to true>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions2 is true && $tutorialquestions3 is true>> \ <<set $tutorialquestionsdone to true>> \ <</if>> \ “Are you going to be one of our teachers? In our classes I mean.” You ask, raising your hand. She looks at you as if she recognizes you. “Unfortunately no, I am a Special ed teacher. Unless you require special needs you will not have me as your teacher.” She gives you a pointed look and you realize you’re probably one of those people. <<if $tutorialquestionsdone is false>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions2 is false>> \ [[“Are there clubs?”]] <</if>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions3 is false>> \ [[“What do we do in Tutorial?”]] <</if>> \ <<else>> \ “What about—” A student starts but is suddenly interrupted by the door opening harshly. Slamming against the wall. “Holy shit, that was louder than I expected.” The culprit mutters. They look up at everyone staring at them in shock. You know them. Archie. This <<nobr>> <<cycle "$agirl" autoselect>> <<option "girl">> <<option "boy">> <</cycle>> was your crush throughout the whole of middle school, the chances of you two seeing each other again is [[insane.]] <</nobr>> <</if>> \

<<set $tutorialquestions2 to true>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions1 is true && $tutorialquestions3 is true>> \ <<set $tutorialquestionsdone to true>> \ <</if>> \ “Are there school clubs we can join?” You ask and a few students echo your question, curious too. She nods. “Yes, there are a few. Mostly physical sports, though there are a few under the art department. Educationally there is only one.” “Why so little?” Someone else inquires. “Well, we don’t allow students to create or manage the clubs. All the clubs offered to you are sanctioned by faculty members.” She answers. Some students murmur at that, a clear displeasure, but Mrs. Kirlian looks unfazed. <<if $tutorialquestionsdone is false>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions1 is false>> \ [[“Are you going to be one of our teachers?”]] <</if>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions3 is false>> \ [[“What do we do in Tutorial?”]] <</if>> \ <<else>> \ “What about—” A student starts but is suddenly interrupted by the door opening harshly. Slamming against the wall. “Holy shit, that was louder than I expected.” The culprit mutters. They look up at everyone staring at them in shock. You know them. Archie. This <<nobr>> <<cycle "$agirl" autoselect>> <<option "girl">> <<option "boy">> <</cycle>> was your crush throughout the whole of middle school, the chances of you two seeing each other again is [[insane.]] <</nobr>> <</if>> \

<<set $tutorialquestions3 to true>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions1 is true && $tutorialquestions2 is true>> \ <<set $tutorialquestionsdone to true>> \ <</if>> \ “What do we actually do in Tutorial classes?” Mrs. Kirlian seemed to like that question, because she changes positions and smiles. “Many things, but it will be mostly used for whatever the students need most. If that is study time, life coaching or just a little bit of fun.” Students laugh, happy with that. <<if $tutorialquestionsdone is false>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions1 is false>> \ [[“Are you going to be one of our teachers?”]] <</if>> \ <<if $tutorialquestions2 is false>> \ [[“Are there clubs?”]] <</if>> \ <<else>> \ “What about—” A student starts but is suddenly interrupted by the door opening harshly. Slamming against the wall. “Holy shit, that was louder than I expected.” The culprit mutters. They look up at everyone staring at them in shock. You know them. Archie. This <<nobr>> <<cycle "$agirl" autoselect>> <<option "girl">> <<option "boy">> <</cycle>> was your crush throughout the whole of middle school, the chances of you two seeing each other again is [[insane.]] <</nobr>> <</if>> \

<<nobr>> <<if $agirl === "girl">> <<set $ashe to "she">> <<set $ashes to "she's">> <<set $aher to "her">> <<set $aherm to "her">> <<set $ahers to "hers">> <<set $aMs to "Ms.">> <<set $adaughter to "daughter">> <<set $aherself to "herself">> <<set $Archie to "Arcadia">> <<elseif $agirl === "boy">> <<set $ashe to "he">> <<set $ashes to "he's">> <<set $aher to "his">> <<set $aherm to "him">> <<set $ahers to "his">> <<set $aMs to "Mr.">> <<set $adaughter to "son">> <<set $aherself to "himself">> <<set $Archie to "Archibald">> <</if>> <</nobr>> You met Archie back in Portugal, during middle school. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> had moved to Portugal with $aher family and you two had been in the same class throughout all of middle school. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> was English though ($aher name was $Archie, but everyone called $aherm Archie.) and didn’t know any Portuguese, but enough students knew English to be able to have vague conversations with $aherm. You knew more English than anyone else, it was your best subject, yet you never talked to $aherm. That was until you two were always the last ones picked up by your parents. Always the ones who waited until it got dark for the adults to come pick you up, and in those times, you two got to talk. Archie had been a quiet comfort to you, and the first person you opened up about a lot of things, excluding $Charlie, $gthey always refused to be around you when you were with $aherm, which you didn’t mind much. After all, those alone times with $aherm had made you develop a crush on $aherm. [["Then " + $ashe + " left for England and you never saw " + $aherm + " again."|Then she left for England and you never saw her again.]]

Now here $ashe stands. Completely confused as to why everyone is staring at $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s tanned and still pretty fit, you assume $ashe never stopped doing sports. \ <<if $agirl is "girl">> \ Her hair is long and disheveled, a darkish blonde that falls up to her waist. \ <<else>> \ His hair is styled into a disheveled undercut, the darkish blonde of his hair almost falling onto his face. \ <</if>> \ <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> glances at $aher teacher with $aher blue eyes and realizes $aher mistake. “Ah right. I’m late.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> comments. “Yes. You are.” Mrs. Kirlian replies, crossing her arms. She waits for Archie to sit down, everyone does too. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn’t seem bothered though, simply grabs the first chair $ashe sees and [[sits down.]]

<<set $mean += 1>> \ “I can decide for myself when I would like to go to sleep, you don’t need to ‘advice’ me.” You reply harshly. Hearing no response from $Charlie except for the silence after, you turn your body to face the wall, curling your body inwards. “...It’s not that easy.” You whisper. Though you don’t see $Charlie move, you sense $gthem moving closer to you, the bed bounces slightly when $Charlie sits down behind you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it sound like it’s easy. I understand that it’s difficult.” You hear $gthem sigh, and the sound of it sounds almost abnormal. A ghost, letting out air that doesn’t have. You opt to end the conversation there, and hope, regardless of your pessimism, that a dreamless sleep comes to you soon. [[It does.|sleep]]

The Tutorial class after that is pretty short, though by the time, it seemed to have been long. You weren’t expecting to see time pass so fast, guess it wasn’t as bad as you thought. Your brain keeps running though, about $Charlie’s secret, about $Ima being your spiritmate and about seeing Archie after so long. The class ends, students pile out. You’re not surprised to see Archie already becoming friends with some of them, all of them eager to be around $aherm. They leave and you try to follow. “$engname.” Mrs. Kirlian calls you casually, and you stop in your tracks. $Charlie does too, glancing back at your teacher and approaching her. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> examine$gs her and her expecting gaze, you remind yourself that she can’t see $gthem and is indeed just looking at you. “Not even a title. How impudent.” $Charlie comments. You walk towards her gingerly, nodding for her to continue. “I’m sure you already know but you will have special lessons with me. Your parents and your doctor informed me of your situation and I am here to help.” She says all of that in a rather patronizing tone. You don’t like it, and by the look on her face she seems to have noticed. “I get that this is hard, and new. For both of us. But I will help you strengthen your aura, your health, so you don’t suffer any more than you have to.” [[“I didn’t agree to this.”]] [[“Will it really help?”]] [[“This is a waste of time.”]] [[“That’s a high bar to set Mrs. Kirlian.”]]

<<set $mean +=1>> \ “You know I didn’t agree to this. Do I even have a choice?” You ask, feeling irritated by how little control you have of your life. If you’re going to be alienated, you’d rather do it voluntarily. “To put it simply… no you do not.” She says sadly, then sighs. “But if you truly do not wish my help, we can talk to your parents about other means to get you an education in a more safe environment.” She tries to approach you, and you step back. $Charlie also moves to float in front of you, almost as if $gthey can stop Mrs. Kirlian from moving closer to you. Shaking your head, you turn away. You hate this. You hate this so much. You just want to be normal, and have a normal school day in a normal school year. “I’m sorry $engname. Truly.” She clasps her hands in front of her, looking the dictionary-form of apologetic. You know she’s not, or rather, you know she has nothing to be sorry for. This isn’t her fault. You nod your head at her. “Okay.” You say, and leave the classroom in a hurry, holding yourself for only a second to stop from being so annoyed. [[Life sucks.]]

<<set $shy +=1>> \ <<set $kind +=1>> \ “Will it really help?” You ask, almost desperately. If there is even a shred of hope that you’ll be okay, that you’re not at the verge of a possession every waking hour, you will undoubtedly do whatever she wants. But she only smiles sadly and you already know the answer. “I think so.” She replies. You frown. Is it too much to ask? For just reassure that there is some sort of cure, some sort of guarantee that your life is not at risk? “I promise I will try.” She continues, every word falling flat even though she is making an effort to give you hope. You simply shake your head, feeling $Charlie move towards you as if hoping to comfort you. “It’s okay. Thank you.” You mutter, quietly, weakly, hoping for your sake that she doesn’t say anything more. She doesn’t. She lets you leave with an ache in your chest, and another at the pit of your stomach. [[Life sucks.]]

<<set $stoic +=1>> \ “This is a waste of time.” You mutter simply. You know it by heart, like a motto that you live by, a mantra that you repeat every day. Mrs. Kirlian frowns, her brow furrowing slightly in what you can only assume is frustration. “It isn’t. It will help.” She says confidently. You almost roll your eyes in perfect view of your teacher. The amount of times you’ve heard that, by your parents, by doctors and by $Charlie $gthemselves. Speaking of said ghost, $Charlie is glancing between you two almost as if $gthey can’t pick a side— there are no sides to pick. You shake your head again, resolving to not repeat yourself because that too is a waste of time. Mrs. Kirlian thinks better than to repeat herself as well. She instead only motions for the door and bows her head at you, indicating that you can leave now. $Charlie trails along as you go, and you can’t shake the empty feeling that encompasses all of your body, like you’re floating along with $Charlie. Why make your life worse than it is by putting effort into fixing something unfixable… you don’t understand it. [[Life sucks.]]

<<set $funny +=1>> \ <<set $sunshine +=1>> \ “Woah, that’s a pretty high bar to set Mrs. Kirlian. Don’t hold your breath.” You joke, feeling like the only appropriate answer to //‘oh no we are going to spend all of your school years badgering you about something that is impossible to understand’// is a joke, because that too is a joke. “$engname, realistically speaking, it is unlikely that we will be able to… cure you. But, we can make life better for you. I can help you.” The teacher says, indifferent to your light tone. “Realistically speaking Mrs. Kirlian,” You put as much emphasis on her name as you can. “I am a lost cause and I would rather enjoy my school year than be a guinea pig.” “Guinea pigs are cute.” $Charlie adds. “You wouldn’t be one.” Mrs. Kirlian replies. “I promise you, I will only help you if you allow me to.” She sounds kind, generous, sure of herself, and you almost fall for all that. All you know is that the school year just started, your parents told you were going to get special classes, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. She might not even want the best for you, you’re just another paycheck to her. You bet she takes joy in helping sad little cases like you. “I’ll keep you updated.” You say, turning to leave. Mrs. Kirlian doesn’t say anything, just watches you go in silence. Her heart must be heavy, but that isn’t your problem. $Charlie follows along, surely lost in $gtheir imagery of guinea pigs. You’re sure Mrs. Kirlian is going to keep pushing you to have classes with her, and you’re unsure how long you can last having a teacher following you around. No one is going to want to be around you then. You’ll be alone with $Charlie, and only $Charlie. Of course not to mention the promise of a possession right around the corner. You can’t wait for that! ...Yeah. [[Life sucks.]]

As soon as you leave your classroom, you almost jump out of your skin to see $Ima waiting for you. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> looks embarrassed and glances at the ceiling. “I promise I didn’t hear anything.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, holding $iher hand up and another to $iher heart. $Charlie can’t help but laugh and $Ima chuckles too, losing the previous uneasiness. “Sad that we didn’t get the same tutor but mine is pretty close, same building and all. Our classes are over for the day though, can I walk to the gate with you?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. [[I still feel tense about what just happened. I would rather be alone.|alone deep]] [[I still feel tense about what just happened. I would enjoy the company.|ima deep]]

“Sorry $Ima but I need to be alone right now.” You mutter a reply. $Ima frowns, more out of concern than out of being rejected. $Charlie also seems to lose $gtheir good spirits, floating back down to your side instead. “Is everything okay?” $Ima asks. You think for a second and then shrug. “It’s fine, don't worry. Just need some time.” Time doesn’t fix everything, but it does make things a bit better, you have time to put things into perspective. Into thinking more about how unlucky you are. $Ima spares you and $Charlie a glance and then nods. “Okay. I’m going to go home then, I hope you feel better.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, the sad expression never leaving $iher face. You nod back to $iherm and start [[leaving the hallway.]]

<<set $imafriend +=1>> \ “Thanks.” Is all you say, because you don’t want to explain why you are thankful. There’s a sort of heaviness in your heart, like waiting for something bad to happen, but you know exactly when, and you’re not looking forward to it. $Ima just smiles, moving to roll beside you and leading you away from the classroom, down the hallway. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> looks like $ishe knows the school better than you do. “So, what classes did you sign up for?” $Ima asks, clearly trying not to mention the dark cloud hanging over your head. <<if $ghosthunt is true && $esp is true>> \ “ESP and Ghost Hunting.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <<elseif $ghosthunt is true && $retrocog is true>> \ “Retrocognition and Ghost Hunting.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <<elseif $ghosthunt is true && $auramed is true>> \ “Aura Medicine and Ghost Hunting.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <<elseif $esp is true && $retrocog is true>> \ “Retrocognition and ESP.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <<elseif $esp is true && $auramed is true>> \ “ESP and Aura Medicine.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <<elseif $auramed is true && $retrocog is true>> \ “Retrocognition and Aura Medicine.” You answer. $Ima beams at you, and you feel a tiny bit better. <</if>> \ <<if $ghosthunt is true>> \ “Cool! I’m doing Ghost Hunting too. \ <<else>> \ "Cool! I'm only doing Ghost Hunting. \ <</if>> \ I managed to get away with only one additional class.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says. You widen your eyes, confused as to how. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> smirks knowingly. “I am needed elsewhere.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says it like it’s a secret. “Where?” $Charlie asks. $Ima plainly shrugs, taunting $Charlie by not answering. You chuckle as $Charlie crosses $gtheir arms, scowling at not having $gtheir [[curiosity fulfilled.]]

$Charlie stays in silence for a few minutes, quietly just floating beside you as you walk the hallways of the school, still trying to decipher which way it is to the exit. Then $gthey finally speak$gs up, the sound of it reminding you of your circumstances once again. “Do you wish to talk about it?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs. “Which part?” “Whichever part.” The hallways are so quiet. Your voice echoes only a slight bit, the day is still dull outside, the grey clouds not parting for any sunlight that would be present at this hour. The marbled floors feel disconcerting as you step unhurriedly towards the small open doors. “I don’t know if I can do this $Charlie. The whole special class, I know what that’s going to lead to, no one’s going to want to hang out with me. I don’t want to be alone again.” You explain, feeling your throat tighten. “But if I don’t do it… I know.” You know that's a danger to you. But a small tinge of hope remains. “What if maybe it was a fluke? It only happened once, and I was very young. What if my defensive system grew to prevent that from happening again?” “That’s not likely.” $Charlie answers wistfully. You react with a frustrated frown. “Why not?” “I…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> struggle$gs to form the words. [[“I must confess something to you.”]]

<<set $power += 1>> \ No one really knew how that happened, and they were scared of how they would find out, given that the only way to find out was to put you in danger. But there is only one possibility, your body is simply too weak and possessions are super harmful to it. Only that raises a different question, why wasn’t your ghost able to protect you? You hope to learn more about this so you can find a solution, maybe even help other people that might go through the [[same thing.|uniforms]]

<<set $gone += 1>> \ You never want to revisit that feeling, it was terrifying, the most awful thing you ever felt. And that was only at 4! You can’t imagine what it would be like now. Some part of you likes to believe that maybe that whole thing was a dream, a nightmare of a child with vivid imagination, but until your ghost is gone, you’re not going to [[rest easy.|uniforms]]

The silence flows disruptively unlike the air around you, but just as present as the oxygen it carries. Every distant footfall is the only thing keeping you grounded to this reality, to this moment. $Charlie finally continues. “You see, besides $Ima. You have a lot of spiritmates. More than it is normal. And because of your circumstances, I chose not to inform you of that.” You are shocked by the fact that you not only have one spiritmate, but you have more than one. Though you focus on other questions. “What? What circumstances?” “$Mx $engname. You have a very weak aura. And, I am sure that you know that the reason people do not get possessed is because of their ghosts, they protect their humans. When a ghost has more than one human to protect, they need to spread their aura, still protecting them but less. So, the fact that you have four other spiritmates made it hard for me to protect all of you.” “Four…?” You balk at that number. The biggest group of spiritmates you’ve ever seen was two. You can’t imagine what having four spiritmates is like. “Yes. Normally possessions are very easy to shake off, they vary from nightmares to minor sleepwalking events, some bigger ones can result in allergies and illnesses. This is because only one poltergeist can possess a person per turn. But you… you can be possessed by so many poltergeists. You’re a beacon, if I am not protecting you, you are a shining light to every poltergeist in this world. And a possession like that… [[could kill you.”]]

No words come out of your mouth, you’re dumbfounded. So you are not in any direct danger, you don’t need those classes to survive, but you’re still a mess that needs special attention. Only that attention has to be provided by $Charlie. “Wait wait… You knew all this… and you still let me be possessed when I was younger?” “It is different $Mx $engname. I wasn’t fully aware of the effects of a possession on your body. I left you alone because one of your spiritmates was in grave danger and needed protection. In leaving you, I left you vulnerable. And you were vastly possessed.” $Charlie clarifies, meaning every word $gthey say$gs, you’ve never seen $them this focused. But all of this brings something into light, the fact that your spiritmates were in danger. $Charlie chose you. Chose to protect you over anyone else. You’ve always thought you were always in danger, yet you were the safest person, all your spiritmates suffering in your stead. $Ima for example… Maybe that’s why $ishe was so relieved to find $Charlie. [[“I deserved the choice!”]] [[“...Thank you.”]]

“$Charlie, you can’t just choose that for me!” You protest much to $Charlie’s surprise. “That was my decision to make, to choose if my life is worth more than all of my spiritmates combined.” “No no, I chose the correct answer. Your life was at risk!” $Charlie retorts, the tone of a child desperate for praise. Despite that, $gthey look$gs nervous, scared, like maybe $gthey $gare aware that $gtheir choice might have been wrong but in dire need for it to be right. You shake your head, feeling a headache split your head open. “You can’t sacrifice people for me! How are my spiritmates? How is $Ima? Are they okay?” “All possessions of their body were only minimal. I am sure they were much like nightmares or episodes of sleepwalking. I do not know very well as I wasn’t there to assist them but that is what they normally are… to you they are different! They are very harmful!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gwere>>n’t even there! For all you know it must have been just as painful as yours, and here you are… thinking you’re a victim, not wanting the resources that are meant to help you, the extra classes. They would be more useful to your spiritmates, yet you take it for granted, refusing it when others need it. [[You blame yourself.]] [[You blame Charlie.]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to false>> \ Despite all the guilt that might resurface later at being exempt from possessions, you are thankful $Charlie saved you. That $Charlie made the hard choice, you’re not sure what you would’ve picked. You breathe out. “Even though I would’ve appreciated being told this sooner… Thank you. For saving me, for protecting me.” “Of course.” $Charlie replies hurriedly, in one breath. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look$gs relieved. “But how are my spiritmates? Are they okay?” You ask, feeling slightly sorry that they’re completely oblivious to this. Most of them probably don’t even know they have a ghost or something… Which is a very big cause of concern. $Charlie nods. “They are okay. Most of the possessions of their bodies were weak… I think. I regretfully wasn’t there to help them during it but the fact that they remain alive and well should speak for itself.” That leaves a sour note in your stomach. You gulp. Hopefully, all of them are alive and well as $Charlie said. [[“Excuse me—”|archie alone]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to false>> \ “No…” You mutter, suddenly feeling your heart hammer against your chest. “What’s wrong with me? Why am I more important?” “$Mx $engname.” $Charlie calls you, but you turn away from $gthem. Is the room spinning? Or is the ceiling suddenly farther than it originally was? “Please take deep breaths.” “No! $Charlie, you don’t understand!” You spin around, trying to find your footing to face $Charlie again. They pull back, watching you concernedly. “This is my fault! If I wasn’t so weak no one would suffer. If I was just one less then you’d be able to protect everyone else, I already bring so much trouble… This isn’t fair to them. They deserve a more peaceful life, not to suffer just so I can live.” “I—” $Charlie looks lost for words, but quickly recovers, floating determinedly closer to you. “Don’t say such things! You are valuable. You and all of them deserve to live.” “At what cost? They suffer everyday.” “It is not so bad.” “You don’t know that!” [[“Excuse me—”|archie alone]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to true>> \ You glance up at $Charlie, right in the eye and glare. “This is your fault. You picked for them, you stayed ignorant to know if they actually suffered, you chose me because it’s too much work to help everyone.” “That’s not true.” $Charlie replies, genuinely hurt you would say such things. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> back$gs away, almost like a repellent, $gthey stay$gs a few feet away from you. “I chose for the better of everyone.” “No, it wasn’t your call to make. You aren’t sacrificing anything! You should’ve asked them, you should’ve told me!” “I did not want to put that burden on you. On them! What if they chose to protect themselves? Then you would have died!” $Charlie begs. You shake your head, feeling frustrated at everything around you. The situation, $Charlie, the school, your spiritmates. A higher being. “You don’t know what would’ve happened, what they would’ve said. You can’t assume people’s answers, you have to ask, it’s their life.” You continue. $Charlie glances away, at the ground, shaking $gtheir head. “$Charlie, this wasn’t something you should’ve kept to yourself.” “I did not know— I do not know what to do! I did not choose this.” “No one did.” “But I helped!” $Charlie exclaims. “I helped! I… I did.” [[“Excuse me—”|archie alone]]

You and $Charlie snap out of your heated exchange to glance behind you. Standing there is none other than Archie, who looks startled to have interrupted you. “You’re blocking the exit.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says simply, only raising a finger to point at the door. You glance at it, seeing the much smaller door that you would’ve passed by if not for the… conversation. “Oh.” You examine it and see that in fact, you are blocking it. You step aside, and so does $Charlie for some reason. “Sorry.” Archie doesn’t reply. In fact, $ashe doesn’t even look your way, simply scurries out like you have the plague. Does $ashe not remember you? Although, before $ashe slips past the door, $aher eyes fall on… $Charlie. [[The moment passes quickly.]]

Is $ashe…? “Terrible timing but… $aMs $Archie is one of your spiritmates.” $Charlie mentions. “What?!” You [[hurry out the door.|home alone]]

<div style="text-align: center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XXJ3uBt.png" width="150" /></div> You’re home now. The day has been far more exhausting than you predicted. You managed to talk to Archie, who didn’t deny or agree to anything, simply avoided you and left with a half-assed excuse. You’re not quite sure why <<print $ashe>>’s so scared of you but $ashe really doesn’t want to talk to you. Later, you will talk better. In the meantime, you have called $Ima, to inform $iherm of your situation, though you didn’t go into much depth about the risks to you, you did tell $iherm vaguely of why you needed $Charlie with you. You wouldn’t want $iherm to grow suspicious as to why $Charlie only stays with you. You also called your mum to come from her shop to have a very important conversation. It’s better to update them on this situation than not, as they’ve always been hyper-focused on your health. This will surely lift a huge weight off their shoulders. Your dad and Sister sit at the dinner table, with you, waiting for your mum. [[It’s awkward.]] [[You’re all talking semi-comfortably.]]

The conversation goes a bit quiet after that, but only until $Ima speaks up again. “We also have additional classes, spiritmate classes.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> sounds excited but you frown slightly. “Right, I almost forgot.” At your tone, $iher optimism dims down to only a sad hopeful smile. “I hope you’re not disappointed about me… being your spiritmate, I mean.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies. $Charlie moves to $iher side instead, almost as an instinct. You don’t doubt $Charlie is just as in tune with $iher emotions as $gthey $gare with yours. “But you must have known I would be here. I knew you’d be here.” You glance at $iherm in confusion. “What do you mean?” “C’mon, you know. The spiritmate bonding? That’s what we are going to be focusing on these additional classes. Spiritmates are bonded with their spirit and each other, we can sort of feel where the other one is, and how they’re feeling… like now… I know you aren’t feeling that great.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> explains, and you look sort of mortified. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> looks worried. “And I’m sure I’m not helping.” You look at $Charlie, who has that same familiar look of being caught red-handed. “$Charlie, you still haven’t told me anything about spiritmates.” “Alright!” $Charlie surrenders, raising both of $gtheir hands. $Ima looks startled but watches you both. [[“There is something I must confess…”]]

$Charlie gulps, or pretends to gulp, you’re not quite sure anymore. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> fiddle$gs with $gtheir hands and then continue$gs. “You have a lot of spiritmates.” “I do?” You ask. “We do?” $Ima asks. “Yes, both of you do. The only reason people do not get possessed is because of their ghosts, they share their aura with them, protecting the living body. When you have a spiritmate, that protection is extended to both of them— it’s less aura since it has to be shared by two people, but it protects them from possessions nonetheless.” $Charlie explains, you’re unsure where $gtheyre getting at, but $gthey seem$gs nervous. “But given that you two have four spiritmates, the aura is spread very thin, and it would make all of you weak to possessions.” “Wait! We have four spiritmates?” $Ima asks, completely in shock. “Well, you two have three more.” $Charlie replies. “So, why have you not told me this before?” You continue. “You see… You are a… beacon, for lack of better word. Your body is so very weak that it is capable of being possessed not by one but by many poltergeists at the same time. So I have decided…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> take$gs a deep breath. “To protect you instead of everyone else.” [["“What?” Both you and " + $Ima + " say."|“What?” Both you and Ima say.]]

“That… explains a lot.” $Ima mutters. “Wait wait. But you still let me be possessed when I was younger....” “Yes. I had to protect one of your spiritmates from a really powerful possession then, and it left you vulnerable. I did not know what it would do to you at the time. While most of your spiritmates rarely get possessed—” “That makes so much more sense!” $Ima exclaims. “The possessions to your body could kill you. Your body radiates so much energy that even a poltergeist all the way in Russia could detect you and rush to harm you.” $Charlie continues smoothly. This is the first time you’ve heard $gthem speak so meaningfully. “$iMs $Ima. I’m sure now your nightmares make more sense?” “Yes. I didn’t even know those were possessions, I thought they were just night terrors.” “Fortunately, all the possessions to you and your other spiritmates have been harmless, no one really recognised them as possessions, just nightmares or sleepwalking. But you $Mx $engname. It’s very dangerous to you. That is why I decided to protect you instead.” [[“I should’ve been given a choice!”]] [[“I… appreciate it.”]]

“That’s so messed up!” You drop your head to your hands just to take a deep breath before glancing back at $Charlie. “You should’ve told me! I should’ve been given a choice. So the reason why all of my spiritmates have suffered was because of me? Because I am so weak that I need to be attended to 24/7? I don’t want that. I hate that.” “$Mx $engname. You need to understand, I did what I thought was the best decision. Of course I still felt bad for letting the others suffer in your stead but—” $Charlie stops when you glare at $gthem, $gthey really could’ve used better wording. $Ima cautiously drops a hand to your arm. “It’s okay $engname. It wasn’t so bad, it was just nightmares.” “Are you sure? Are you sure it was just that?” You inquire. “Well…” $Ima retracts $iher arm slowly, mulling over thoughts in $iher head. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn’t seem sure. You groan, feeling the guilt eat you up. Your worst nightmare, the thing that traumatised you, the thing that you’ve only experienced once, only because others were suffering it almost everyday. Why are you like this? Why didn’t $Charlie tell you? [[You blame Charlie.|You blame Charlie.2]] [[You blame yourself.|You blame yourself.2]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to false>> \ No matter how much it puts a sour spot in the pit of your stomach, you know that was the best choice. If it was really life-threatening, $Charlie did good by protecting you. Sure, everyone will suffer so you don’t die, but it’s the little sacrifices. “I… appreciate it. I guess…” You answer. $Charlie smiles and $Ima frowns. “You are welcome.” $Charlie says confidently, the previous anxiety is a bygone in the echoes of the hall. “I only made what I assumed was the smartest decision, I hope you do not mind $iMs $Ima.” “Right now I don’t. I’m still trying to grasp how much that has affected my life.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies, chuckling to $iherself. It seems like a joke out loud, but you can tell the soft crease in $iher brow as concern. This new information must be bothering $iherm. [[“Excuse me—”|archie ima]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to true>> \ You take another deep breath, and you feel both $Charlie’s and $Ima’s eyes on you. “You should’ve told me. Why did you pick me? You’re the reason they’ve suffered.” You spout whatever you can, whatever makes you feel better, whoever you can blame except yourself. You eye $Charlie, who’s frown is deep etched onto $gtheir face, $gtheir eyes slowly falling on the floor. “It’s all your fault $Charlie.” “Yes. I know.” $Charlie mutters. “Now now. It’s no one’s fault, you two were put in a bad position, and $Charlie made $their choice.” $Ima tries. You shake your head. “No. They could’ve just spread their aura to everyone. Or protected everyone when they sensed a possession coming; they did that before, they can do it!” You protest. This time $Charlie looks up at you with a defiant gaze. “That’s not true! I did do that, and you got possessed horribly instead!” “And? You’d rather everyone else suffers immensely instead of everyone suffering only sometimes, too much work for you?” “You would suffer the most!” “That’s my decision to make! Not yours! You can’t sacrifice others for me!” “I did not ask for this alright?! I just wanted to help!” “Okay! Guys stop!” $Ima yells out. [[“Excuse me—”|archie ima]]

<<set $angryatcharlie to false>> \ Above all, this is your fault, for being so helpless that you need to be protected no matter what. “No... I’m so sorry $Ima.” You murmur, trying to get the words out without having a breakdown. “This is my fault. If I wasn’t…” “It’s no one’s fault.” $Ima replies. “Yes.” $Charlie adds quickly, reaching over, desperate to comfort you. $Ima sighs. “You’re suffering too, the most out of all of us, you shouldn’t beat yourself up for wanting to suffer less.” “But I don’t want to.” You answer. “I don’t want to suffer less, I want to carry that burden. You guys shouldn’t have to suffer for me, it’s not your problem.” “It’s our choice.” $Charlie says. “I mean— their choice. I… can’t do much to help.” “You are helping $Charlie. You took the responsibility to protect $engname. And yes, I would’ve preferred to be told and asked, but it all worked out in the end.” $Ima says all of this with a smile, and a smile that makes everything seem less serious than it actually is. For now. You smile back. “Thanks.” [[“Excuse me—”|archie ima]]

All three of you turn around, having stopped in the middle of the hallway after all of that. Behind you, you see none other than Archie, who looks awkward to have spoken up. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> lifts $aher hand and with not even a glance your way, says, “You guys are blocking the exit.” “Oh.” $Ima says. You glance at the small door that you would’ve passed if you hadn’t stopped, it’s the door to the outside. All three of you move aside, $Charlie only barely. Archie nods and scurries out, almost ramming into the door. You’re unsure if $ashe recognized you or didn’t. But <<print $ashe>>’s always been a tiny bit awkward, and $ashe did catch you in the middle of an important conversation, anyone would be awkward interrupting that. [["Maybe " + $ashe + " really didn’t remember you."|Maybe she really didn’t remember you.]]

“Unfortunate timing but... “ $Charlie starts with a sigh. “$aMs $Archie is one of your spiritmates.” “Are you serious?!” Both of you exclaim, [[bolting out the door.|home ima]]

<div style="text-align: center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XXJ3uBt.png" width="150" /></div> You’re home now. The day has been far more exhausting than you predicted. You and $Ima managed to talk to Archie, who didn’t deny or agree to anything, simply avoided you guys and left with a half-assed excuse. You’re not quite sure why <<print $ashe>>’s so scared of you but $ashe really doesn’t want to talk to you. Later, you will talk better. In the meantime, you have called your mum to come from her shop to have a very important conversation. It’s better to update them on this situation than not, as they’ve always been hyper-focused on your health. This will surely lift a huge weight off their shoulders. Your dad and Sister sit at the dinner table, with you, waiting for your mum. [[It’s awkward.]] [[You’re all talking semi-comfortably.]]

<div style="text-align: center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZStuOu3.png" width="150" /></div> A Friday night isn't really a Friday night without both your parents and your Sister getting on your nerves. It's not like there is anything else to do this late in the evening, you finished having dinner, and your dad and mum went to watch a movie (though by their pestering, they're probably done with it), and as the icing on the cake, your Sister is nagging at your door. "Open the doooooooooorrr! Mum said we need to sort our uniforms together!" She whines, and you can see even through the locked door that she stomps her foot like usual. [["Go away you gnome, I said I'd do it later."]] [["Please be quiet, it's the middle of the night!"]] [["Yes, I'll open the door in a second…"]]

It’s quite unbearable. None of you are as extroverted and abrasive as your mum. Well, your Sister is mildly, but she’s currently glued to her phone, scrolling through what you assume is social media. Your dad, quiet like usual, glances at you and sends you a nervous smile. He can probably tell it’s awkward. With your dad, stuff isn’t usually awkward, out of everyone, you probably feel more comfortable when you’re with your dad. But, with Nessa here, it all feels weird. You’ve never been in a room just you three with nothing to do. “So, how was your first day?” Your dad asks, courageously breaking the silence. The question was to Nessa and you, but Nessa didn’t hear him, she just giggled at something on her screen. Your dad holds his gaze on you instead. [[“It was interesting.”]] Is all you can say, without delving deeper.

<<set $familyalong +=1>> \ “So then she grabbed my book and showed it to the whole class. I thought it was going to be embarrassing but everyone seemed really impressed, even the teacher!” Nessa tells, sweeping her arms in a performative maneuver. Your dad laughs and nods. You point at her phone on the table. “So that picture you showed us was what?” You ask. “Have you not been paying attention? That’s what the teacher wrote in my book. She said it was //‘for being an exemplary student on your first day’//.” She says smugly. You roll your eyes playfully and turn back to your dad. He’s always been quiet, sort of awkward. Though it’s rare for both him and Nessa to be together without your mom, luckily for him, Nessa talks a lot, so he just has to listen. Not that he’s complaining, you think he prefers to listen. He smiles at you. “Nessa is already having classes… How was your first day?” He’s asking you, and sensing that the conversation shifted away from her, Nessa goes back to her phone, giggling at something on her screen. [[“It was interesting.”]] Is all you can say, without delving deeper.

<<if $gender is 1>>\ <<set $person to "woman">>\ <<elseif $gender is 2>>\ <<set $person to "man">>\ <<else>>\ <<set $person to "person">>\ <</if>>\ “Good good…” Your dad mutters, tapping the table. He’s never been one for conversations. Nessa’s laugh suddenly startles you two as she looks at you and shows you her phone. “Look at this! It’s so funny!” She shows you a video of a group of friends pranking a man, who starts crying in the process. You fail to see the comedy in it. Nessa seems satisfied regardless, and leans back on her seat, resuming her enjoyment. Please let this pass quickly. [[THUD]]

“I’m home!” Your mum’s loud accented voice says, coming in through the front door. Your dad immediately stands and rushes to help your mum with her countless bags. She thanks him with a kiss on the cheek and then darts towards you. <span title="My love, what happened? Don't scare me for the love of god.">“//Meu amor, que é que se passa? Não me assustes por amor de deus.//”</span> Your mom says suddenly in Portuguese, grabbing your cheeks and looking intently at your squished face. “Mum please. I’m fine.” You reassure her, tapping her on the arm to let you go. She pouts but does eventually let you go. “Please sit down.” You motion for the chairs at the table, smiling once she throws you another worried look. This is good news after all. Your dad and mum sit back down and you clear your throat. Nessa is still on her phone. [[Call for her attention.]] [[Continue without her.]]

“Nessa.” You call her. Her eyes remain locked on the phone, she keeps scrolling on her screen. Your dad just sighs and before you attempt to call her again, your mum slaps her palm on the table loudly. Nessa jumps, “What?!” Your mum glares at her. “Phone off the table, your $Sibling has something important to talk about.” She points out much to Nessa’s displeasure. The girl puts her phone away and groans, taking her time to finally lean her head on her hand, like the correct description of boredom. All of them now look at you. [[Get to the point.]] [[Explain first.]] [[Joke around.]]

Your sigh and look at both of your parents. Your mum seems annoyed at Nessa, but lets you continue anyway. [[Get to the point.]] [[Explain first.]] [[Joke around.]]

<<set $mean +=1>> \ <<set $stoic +=1>> \ “I am no longer in danger of possessions.” You explain simply. Your mum with wide eyes starts to open her mouth to question you but you continue. “At least as long as $Charlie is with me.” As if summoned by $gtheir name, $Charlie pops in from an unspoken corner and nods as if they could see $gtheir agreement. “Are you sure? We can take you to a doctor and—” “Mum, I don’t need a doctor.” You hate ever even thinking of stepping foot into a hospital again. “$Charlie told me, $gthey explained everything to me. The reason I was possessed was because of my aura, it’s very weak, but that only happened because $Charlie wasn’t there to protect me.” “Why?” Is the only word your dad says. He seems serious, upset, and a bit angry at the sudden revelation that $Charlie failed to do $gtheir sole role. Not that he knows $gthem. You tilt your head. “Well… that’s because $Charlie had to help someone else, one of my spiritmates.” [[“Excuse me, ‘one of’?” Nessa finally contributes.]]

<<set $kind +=1>> \ <<set $shy +=1>> \ <<set $sunshine +=1>> \ “Okay so, I recently met my spiritmate,” You start and your mum claps happily. “And $Charlie explained a lot of things to me, because I didn’t know I would have a spiritmate in the first place.” Hearing $gtheir name, $Charlie appears from a hidden corner of the room and looks attentively at the conversation, trying to catch it. “That’s good news then…?” You mum asks and you nod. “Yes, because $Charlie also explained about my health, why I got possessed in the first place. Turns out, that only happened because $Charlie could not protect me at the time. But $gthey promised to protect me ever since, which means, no more possessions.” You say happily, expecting both of your parents to be overjoyed. Your dad furrows his brow in confusion instead. “Why did $gthey not protect you?” He asks, upsettingly, and $Charlie gulps audibly only to you. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> had to protect one of my spiritmates.” [[“Excuse me, ‘one of’?” Nessa finally contributes.]]

<<set $funny +=1>> \ “Finally, we’re all together at the same table huh?” You say, attempting to not seem too nervous. None of them seem much amused so you decide that you should just move on. “I am free! I am no longer in danger of this curse.” You declare. Your mum is the first to give you a raised eyebrow, getting frustrated with your tone, unsure if she should take you seriously or not. So you continue. “By that I mean that $Charlie finally told me the truth about that possession years ago. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> said that I only got possessed because $gthey had other things to do.” Hearing the mention of $gtheir name, $Charlie floats up from inside a wall or something and comes to fly beside you, chest out as if proud even though $gthey didn’t hear anything of the conversation. “Other things to do? What do you mean?” Your dad asks, clearly not entertaining your mood. You frown and elaborate. “I don’t know, boring ghost things. Can we celebrate for a second, about the fact that I will be fine?” “But are you saying that this whole time, you’ve been safe because $Charlie is protecting you? I would much like to know why $gthey failed to protect you when you were younger. And why $gthey refused to tell us this sooner!” Your mum is increasingly getting more agitated, probably upset at $Charlie. If she could see $gthem, she would be glaring at $gthem. “Calm down mum!” You extend your arms. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> probably had to look out for one of my spiritmates or something…” [[“Excuse me, ‘one of’?” Nessa finally contributes.]]

“Yes. That’s where it gets tricky.” You breathe out. “I would not use the word tricky to describe it, it is quite unfounded as to why something like that happened, you are unique, you and all of your spiritmates.” $Charlie adds. “I have... uhh…” You glance at $Charlie for guidance. “Four, my dear.” “Four spiritmates.” The silence that follows is deafening, and the faces everyone makes, if captured, could rival even the screaming man from the famous //Edvard Munch’s// painting. [[The first to snap is your Sister of course.]]

“You have not one, not two, not THREE, BUT FOUR SPIRITMATES?!” Nessa screams out. “Does anyone else know this?” Your dad asks, standing up. “It’s not possible, and it’s incredibly dangerous, can $Charlie really handle protecting all of you?” “Funny you should ask, I ask that same query everyday.” $Charlie chuckles dryly. “Dad, this is good news though. I thought I would be in danger my whole life but—” “We need to contact Dr. Ernst immediately.” Your mum says, ignoring you and standing as well, following your father. They both search for their phones and you try to get their attention again. [[Nessa stands up abruptly when your dad finds his phone.]]

“I can’t wait till all my friends hear about this.” She titters to her phone as she walks away. Your mum looks up from peeking at your dad’s phone over his shoulder and yells out after her. “Don’t tell anyone Inês! Not yet!” You feel utterly dismissed. [[So you go to your room.]]

It’s dark out, and foggy. You only blink towards the window before laying down on the bed with a sigh. $Charlie tries to imitate you by dropping next to you on the bed as well, feigning a similarly tired sigh. “The news have been said then.” $Charlie starts. “Or as you say it, the beans have been spilled.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> laugh$gs at $gtheir own tone. “I mean, not much I can do now. This probably means I won’t be going to the doctor every week. And those special classes with Mrs. Kirlian won’t be of much help.” You say, content with it but at the same time, unsure. Silence stretches between you, up until $Charlie turns to look at you. “And how are you feeling?” “About what?” “About everything. About being safe, about your spiritmates, about your parents, about… me?” You turn as well to look at $them. You’re not sure what to say, $Charlie is looking at you as if you have all the answers, or as if $gthey $ghave all the answers and $gare just waiting for the questions. You don’t know. You lay back down, facing the ceiling. You hear $Charlie do the same. \ <<if $ghost is "dislike" or $ghost is "deal" >> \ “It’ll be fine.” You say. <<else>> \ “We’ll be fine.” You say. <</if>> \ [["" + $Charlie + " hums."|Charlie hums.]]

It’s a few days after. You did go to the doctor and once again, you did not enjoy it. At least the doctors gave you the pass (even though they insisted on more checkups that you’re sure your parents are going to force you to go to). Medicine and Aura still have a long way to go but they couldn’t disprove or prove your “theory”, and it’s not like they can force you to be hospitalised just because of the danger that you could have a fatal illness of any sort, then they would do that to everyone. But you’re not that special. Thank God. The morning is still foggy, but the sun is there somewhere. You just finished getting dressed and are now finishing up your cereals. Your mum is also getting ready to leave, for the first time leaving [[later than usual.]]

“Yeah, it’s on top of the counter. Don’t forget.” She says to your dad, rushing to find her keys. Your dad nods in agreement, sitting at his desk and doing his work on the computer. You swallow the milk, seeing $Charlie find the keys for your mum and giving it to her. She thanks the air where $Charlie isn’t and $gthey bow$gs back. “Alright, I’m heading out then, I’m already really late.” She says, kissing you on the forehead and then stepping towards your dad. “Please don’t forget the scones, I am begging you.” She repeats it to him and he chuckles, nodding again. They kiss and she heads out. [[“Scones?”]] [[Just finish your milk.]]

“Scones?” You ask. Your dad only turns a bit of his head to address you. “New neighbours came in today, she made scones as a housewarming gift for them. Told me to deliver it.” “My mother used to give pineapples as housewarming gifts.” $Charlie adds. You nod to both of them and finish your food. You peer over the window when you’re done, trying to see if you can spot the new neighbours. There’s not even a car in their driveway. “Have they moved in yet?” “I think so.” Your dad replies absentmindedly. You glance at $Charlie and $gthey shrug$gs, probably much more clueless than you. You go wash your bowl and finish up, saying goodbye to your dad and heading to school. [[At school…]]

You quickly down your milk and wash your bowl. But before you head out, your dad stops you. “We’re supposed to have new neighbours coming in, when you come back we might be at their home.” He says, you nod. “Just letting you know.” “Thanks dad.” You head out the door with a goodbye. Glancing at your next door neighbours, you see nothing, there’s no one, not even a car in their driveway. Maybe they haven’t moved in yet. $Charlie follows you to school. [[At school…]]

Today is Tuesday, and looking at the timetable, it seems like your day is going to be busy. You have Meditation, Anomalistic Science, P.E and the basics, English and Maths. Which class are you excited for the most? [[Meditation]] [[Anomalistic Science]]

After Tutorial class, Meditation is right after. $Charlie excitedly talks over your own thoughts on the way there. “It is just that I never heard of people teaching meditation in an educational setting! It sounds exciting! Do you think you will have to wear robes? The whole thing is rather very foreign and religious, right?” “$Charlie, what did we talk about stereotyping culture?” “Right. Racism.” $Charlie nods, apologizing right after. Still, $gthey seem$gs excited to try or see something new. When you finally arrive at the building, $Charlie rushes into the crowd, finding no difficulty in weaving between students. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> return$gs to you just as fast, beaming from ear to ear. You hold up your hand for $gthem to calm down and $gthey $gdo simmer down a bit. The teacher starts herding students inside, you follow amiably. [[The building is huge.]]

The first class after Tutorial was Meditation, which a lot of students complained about. The class was interesting however, you weren’t forced to meditate, and instead, learnt the benefits of it. Despite the jokers in class trying to make fun of the subject, there were some people that gave it a try, apparently having enjoyed it given their positive blabber at the end of the class. After that, it was Anomalistic Science, the class you were looking forward to. As soon as you arrive, the teacher forces everyone to make a line at the door. “Everyone, I will sit you myself, so be patient and wait for me to appoint you.” He, a tall bald man with large shoulders, stands in front of one of the students, and extends his hands. Not touching, just with both hands extended, as if he’s telling the student to stop. The student in question is simply still, confused about what’s happening. “What is this strange man doing?” $Charlie asks and you shrug. You have never met this teacher, this is your first time seeing him too, and you’re not going to lie, his behaviour is odd. The teacher finally stops and concludes, “Your aura gets cold easily huh? Come, you can sit near the window, sunlight will do you good.” He guides the student away as everyone breaks out into an animated murmur, now understanding what’s happening. $Charlie gapes, excitedly floating up and down. “Did you see that? The strange man saw the child’s soul! Do you think he will see yours too? He will! I know it! Maybe he can do mine too…” [[The line continues moving.]]

Even bigger than it was on the outside (somehow), with an extremely high ceiling to accommodate the big tube-like lights. The walls and the floor are almost the same colour, only a shade difference, but blue altogether. There’s lines on the ground, court lines, almost as if this was some sort of gym before. There is nothing else inside however, only a few lockers here and there. No places to sit. “Alright everyone, each one of you grab a small pillow from the lockers and find a spot for yerself.” The teacher says. Short, stout and a ginger, you haven’t seen her before, not even at the assembly. She seems bright though, and you’re sure if she was there, you would’ve noticed her. You head towards the lockers but before you can, $Charlie sprints past you and opens one of the lockers, grabbing two pillows and coming back to you. The teacher watches concernedly as an invisible force does all of that. The students do too. By the teacher’s face, she must mistake <<print $Charlie>>’s enthusiasm with anger, glancing at you pointedly. [["Scold " + $Charlie + ""|Scold Charlie]] [[Get on with it]]

<<set $sixthsense +=5>> \ “$Charlie!” You hissed at $gthem through gritted teeth. “Remember the touching rules.” $Charlie opened $gtheir mouth agape, a comical expression of surprise before $gthey simply dropped the pillows onto the floor, being completely still. “My apologies.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> glance$gs at the teacher who only glares at you one last time before helping the few students who still haven’t found their pillows. $Charlie turns back to you with an remorseful look and you sigh, shaking your head. Grabbing the pillows now on the floor, you set one for you to sit down and another one next to you for $Charlie. Only you and one other person decided to have a pillow for your ghosts, which makes sense given that it’s not common for ghosts to want to interact in human life. But the teacher moves on anyways, starting her class. [[“Let’s start by closing your eyes.”]]

“Sorry.” You murmur at your teacher, already grabbing the pillows from <<print $Charlie>>’s hands and plopping them down so you can both get a move on. The teacher scoffs minimally and goes to help the few students who still haven’t found their pillows. Her behaviour is understandable. There is the touching rule that ghosts have to obey; no interactions with material things unless your tethered person is at risk. If that rule is broken, the ghost may be in danger of an exorcism. $Charlie knows all that, $gthey just chose$gs to forget it. In fact, not many ghosts have any interest in human life, that is why only you and another student have a pillow for your ghosts. Very eccentric. Finally, the teacher starts the class. [[“Let’s start by closing your eyes.”]]

“Deep breaths.” The teacher guides you. You follow along, or at least try to. $Charlie seems impatient, adjusting $gtheir position every few seconds, and clearing $gtheir throat for no particular reason. Normally, students have meditation classes since they’re kids, as it’s useful to keep your body awake and prepared. But you didn’t really have that, mainly because at some point, you had to be homeschooled, and then when you did return to school, your parents didn’t want you to participate in those activities. Said they were //‘too religious’//. Now, you and $Charlie are experiencing it for the first time. And while the teacher explains the steps in a very gentle voice, <<print $Charlie>>'s constant movement and noises seem to make you unable to [[follow them.]]

You snap your eyes open and glance at $Charlie, who is standing behind you. “What are you doing?” “I wanted to see how you were doing it.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> smile$gs, and maybe it’s because you are looking up at $gthem and $gtheir hands are still on your shoulders, and that $gtheyre peeking over your head to try and get a glimpse of your face, maybe that’s why that smile seems to irritate you more. “$Charlie. Please. I am trying to meditate.” “Yes. You were doing very well! How do you do it?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs. “You sit down and close your eyes and take deep breaths and focus on a happy memory. All of the things that you are not doing.” You answer, starting to get a headache. $Charlie furrows $gtheir brow confused. “But you are not doing that either.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> point$gs out. “You need to be calm, correct? You don’t seem very calm.” Now for sure $gtheyre doing it on purpose. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> trying to annoy you on purpose, $gthey must be. No one’s this tiresome by accident. [["" + $engname + "."|Name.]]

<<set $sixthsense +=5>> \ You focus really hard on the $sunshine from that riverbank, the way it always seemed to peek through the horizon, never at its fullest in the sky and never gone. It warms your body up, and suddenly you feel like you’re back there. The soft grass and the rocks near the water, the ones you used to collect with your mum. The few old men who used to go fishing there, chatting about their lives and occasionally changing subjects to make fun of you when you visited. But it was fun. You also remember that single tree near the river, the one you hid below when your mum refused to give you more food for the picnic. You remember you stole the food anyways, and ate it there. She wasn’t that upset, and the food was really good. Your breathing is so quiet, and you can’t hear anything or anyone, you can’t feel the temperature of the building anymore, or even <<print $Charlie>>’s hands like before. Everything is so tranquil. Like the water at that river, just silently going its own way. Soon, the class is over, and you feel tingly in a good way. [[The rest of the day...]]

The teacher whispers. You glance at the woman in front of you, she must have not wanted to bother those that are meditating, and made her way towards you instead. “You are making a lot of noise.” She chides. “It’s—” “I don’t care right now. If you don’t want to participate, I suggest you leave this class.” She manages to make that suggestion even less appetizing than it should’ve been to any student of your age. But you lower your head, hoping she gives you one more chance. If you get a complaint from a teacher to your parents… you’ll never set foot in this school again. The teacher leaves you be, seeing as you go quiet, and you vividly turn to $Charlie who grimaces, not meeting your eyes. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> sit$gs down on $gtheir pillow and you try to go back to meditating, but the shame of having a teacher angry at you already seems to burden you for the rest of the class. Time passes by slowly and then class is over. [[The rest of the day...]]

Anomalistic Science was easy, not much was done besides textbook teaching. The teacher quickly skimmed the topics and then allowed the students to do whatever. Only that //’whatever’// was the entire class apparently. A lot of students wanted to learn, some were curious about the topics and so they begged the teacher to continue. The teacher did but dispassionately. [[What a fun class.|finish classes]]

More students are analysed by the teacher, all while $Charlie chatters nonstop. Finally, when it’s your turn, the teacher takes a step back. “Are you okay?” He asks and immediately you are the center of attention. Of course someone who can read auras as well as he knows that your aura is super weak. Just your luck. Before you can reply however, the teacher extends his hands again just like before. “A very powerful ghost too.” “Oh thank you!” $Charlie giggles. “What a flatterer.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> whisper$gs to you. The teacher frowns and leans to talk to you, so the others don’t hear it. “I don’t know where to put you kid. Your aura is… fizzling. I can barely sense it.” [[“Just put me near a window.”]] [[“I can sit close to you?”]]

“Doesn’t matter, you can just put me near a window, I’ll survive.” You answer. The teacher continues to frown but says nothing else, simply escorts you to a vacant seat near a really tall window. Then he resumed what he was doing for the rest of the line. [[This is exactly like a lab classroom.]]

<<set $bodysaura +=5>> \ “I was hoping I could sit near you. Just in case.” You answer, earning a sigh and a pitying smile from the teacher. It’s not like he could really say no, he knows very little of your condition, and if something were to happen to you, he would have to take responsibility. Even so, his smile turns a bit more genuine when he escorts you to a table near his desk. When you’re sat down, he returns to the rest of the line. [[This is exactly like a lab classroom.]]

Big tables that could be reused as a dinner table, only with beakers in the middle. High chairs that resemble stools, only with a tiny bit of backrest. And the awful smell of disinfectant. $Charlie opts to sit opposite to you, next to a classmate of yours who gives you a weird look. You look away, only to hear $Charlie making noises. When you glance back, you see $Charlie blowing a raspberry at your classmate. Obviously they can’t see $gthem, they stare at the teacher finishing up with the rest of the classmates instead, while $Charlie continues to mock the student, doing lewd gestures in front of their face. Attempting to hold a snicker in manages to make the student turn to look at you. $Charlie laughs as you cover your face in your arms. [[Eventually, the class starts.]]

It feels a lot like a big unload of information, an overload. The teacher doesn’t stop talking until there’s only 10 or so minutes until the class ends. After breaching the topics of Aura Management, Aura and the Body and even talking about Aura as if it was an organ, the teacher at long last, lets you all breathe and ask questions. Every student in the room has their hand up — even $Charlie for some reason. You expect most of the questions will be about the teacher’s peculiar outlook on auras. As you’ve known since you were young, everyone knows auras are like a person’s soul, which is why most of society is religious; believing that people have something that can protect them from anomalous sources such as karma and poltergeists tends to do that to them. But the teacher believes it’s nothing like that. That auras are just a part of our nervous system, an extra reflex, a more focused mind, just a word for a more enhanced part of our bodies. It feels odd to hear that. Because you really thought maybe God hated you when it made you, but in reality, it could be some sort of abnormality in your DNA. You don’t even know which one is worse. The teacher is eager to hear engagement. [[You have a lot of questions.]] [[You’re starting to get bored.]]

<<set $bodysaura +=5>> \ You raise your hand as well. The teacher starts picking people off, answering questions here and there about his controversial opinions and very few about the subject of auras. $Charlie starts waving $gtheir hand as if the teacher is ever going to pick $gthem. “You want to know what question I am going to ask?” $Charlie asks you and you shake your head, still trying to find a relevant question to ask yourself, one that hasn’t been repeated before. You’re not quite sure why you still have your hand up when you don’t even know what you’re going to ask. “I was going to ask about the funny looking things in the middle of the table.” “What?” You say, snapping to attention. $Charlie points at the beakers. “Those cups there.” “Charlie those are beakers.” “I thought those were animals.” “No, that’s beavers. These are beakers.” “Like those that aid hunting parties?” “What? No…?” “Yes $engname, what’s your question?” The teacher finally [[addresses you.]]

While everyone starts bombarding the teacher with questions, $Charlie tries to bother you instead. “Do you think I will be able to participate in this lesson?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs, enthusiastically still waving $gtheir hand around for the teacher to see. “It sounds so interesting, science intermixed with spirituality. I never quite know why I am still here, and maybe there is a scientific explanation for it. Not that I do not believe in God, I mean, there has to be a reason why I did not go to heaven— or hell for that matter. My Mother would hate to see me there!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> laugh$gs at $gtheir own joke as you groan, burying your head in your arms once again. The questions continue and the teacher doesn’t point you out, [[at the very least that’s a win.|finish classes]]

//Fuck.// You don’t remember your question. The teacher is looking expectantly at you so you try to find a worthy question quickly. You don’t want to repeat anyone’s question, or you’ll be mocked, but you haven’t been paying attention to see what questions were asked or not, so you have no idea. “Ask him about the beepers.” $Charlie stage-whispers to you. You try not to react but an idea comes to you. “Sir, why do we have beakers on our tables? What does that have to do with our auras?” You ultimately ask. The teacher smiles, having perked up at the question. “That’s a great question.” He says, moving around the tables so he’s at the center of the room. “These beakers are going to be used to make tea!” There’s a long silence after, one that he was anticipating as he lets it foster before resuming. “Yes, tea. We will be using our own ingredients to make tea, it will not only calm ourselves and boost our aura but it will perhaps unlock another undiscovered bonus to each of us, all in the name of science.” Everyone’s shocked, even $Charlie. Now the silence is unsettling to him, he laughs nervously before students all start speaking at the same time, raising their hands and asking questions out of turn. [[Seems like that was your only question.|finish classes]]

When lunch break finally comes, even the fresh air of the outside feels stifling, like being inside a gigantic shopping centre. There are people milling about, most of them heading for the cafeteria, though some would rather hang around the round tables at the backyard, others at the fields, and some simply inside the buildings. You don’t need to go to the cafeteria, your mum made lunch for you, which is why your backpack feels slightly heavier than usual. You would expect her to pack light, but she seems keen on fattening you up. “Where are we having our dejeuner?” $Charlie asks, casually twirling around in the air. $Ima had mentioned that as soon lunch break came, you could meet $iherm behind Building A to have lunch with $iherm. But as you glance at the round tables where most of everyone is hanging out, you see Archie, talking far more vividly than you’ve ever seen $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> has the same classes as you, and even though $ashe can see $Charlie, $ashe doesn’t seem to want anything to do with $gthem or you, completely ignoring you whenever $ashe can. “I understand, it is a very big decision. It is a grand gesture to have a meal with someone, it could mean many things, especially when courting someone!” $Charlie mentions. “I don’t know if you’re trying to help or not.” You [[reply.]]

<<set $talkarchie to false>>\ “Merely offering my experiences. But if you are truly at an impasse, may I suggest the Cafeteria? I have never been in one and would love to see how it all looks.” $Charlie says, smiling sweetly as if you haven’t seen that exact smile thousands of times and its intentions. While it’s true that the Cafeteria is a possible place to also enjoy your lunch, it is normally noisy and smelly, though you don’t doubt that $Charlie will enjoy it regardless. [[But you’d rather reconnect with Archie.]] [["But you did promise to have lunch with " + $Ima + "."|But you did promise to have lunch with Ima.]] [["And I guess quality time with " + $Charlie + " isn't so bad."|And I guess quality time with Charlie isn’t so bad.]]

<<set $talkarchie to true>>\ <<set $firsthangout to "archie">>\ “God no. Not the Cafeteria of all places.” You breathe out. “Besides, I’d really like to catch up with Archie.” “How unfortunate…” $Charlie frowns, only to recover a second after with newfound energy. “But I am also very curious about $aMs $Archie! You mentioned that you two had an old flame? I would love to know more.” You nearly choke on air, blubbering for words. “An old flame?” “Is that not what you said?” Well, you used to have a big crush on Archie but you’re unsure if $Charlie knows more than that. You don’t even know how you feel about $aherm now, so many years have passed since then. You know for a fact Archie has changed, especially in the way $ashe treats you. You watch $aherm break into a hidden laughter with $aher friends and you feel sentimental… [["But " + $ashe + "’s so different now. You’re not sure if you like this new " + $aherm + "."|But she’s so different now. You’re not sure if you like this new her.]] [[$ashe.toUpperFirst() + " seems so scared of you, maybe it’s too early to draw any conclusions."|She seems so scared of you, maybe it’s too early to draw any conclusions.]] [[You remember when you two used to laugh like that, you were good friends.]] [["Look at " + $aherm + "! " + $ashe.toUpperFirst() + "’s still just as adorable as " + $ashe + " used to be. ♡"|Look at her! She’s still just as adorable as she used to be. ♡]]

<<set $archieunlock to true>>\ <<set $firsthangout to "ima">>\ <<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "mean">> \ “As much as I am excited to show you the wonders of the cafeteria, I did promise $Ima I would have lunch with $iherm.” \ <<else>> \ “Sorry $Charlie, but I promised $Ima I would have lunch with $iherm.” \ <</if>> \ You decide, turning around and walking towards the building. $Charlie follows with a dramatic frown before sighing. “It is for another time perhaps.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. “Though I am very happy to see $Ima again, so, I will not complain.” Knowing $Charlie, $gthey will either complain or forget about it [[entirely.]]

<<set $archieunlock to true>>\ <<set $firsthangout to "charlie">>\ <<checkpersona>>\ You shrug. “I guess, why not?” “We are going to the Cafeteria?” $Charlie asks, suddenly double-awakened. Perhaps $gthey hadn’t thought you’d agree. You nod, withholding the smile at the verge of escaping. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> beam$gs in your stead and twirl$gs around you in happiness. “Finally! I am so very excited! Do you think it will be like all those films we saw? With all the social gatherings at each table, the unappetizing food provided by the caterers and most importantly… great bonding time?” <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "sunshine">> \ “Maybe all that and more!” You play along, <<elseif _persona is "mean">> \ ”I really hope not.” You groan, \ <<else>> \ ”Maybe?” You shrug, \ <</if>> \ starting your march towards the forsaken place. You’ve only been in a cafeteria of sorts when you were in middle school, and even then, it was less that and more of a kitchen, where the teachers would help you pick the food. But that’s mostly because you were different, treated differently. Now, it’s worse. And that makes it better somehow, [[less controlling.]]

“$Charlie.” You whisper. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> shift $gtheir gaze towards you with a smile, you close your eyes again. “Please stop moving.” “I am not doing anything.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy. You simply groan quietly and try to take deep breaths. The blackness behind your eyelids is comforting and you imagine the riverbank near your home in Portugal as a happy memory. The teacher says to focus on it and instructs you all to breathe in and out. You feel calm. You feel at ease. You feel <<print $Charlie>>’s hands on your shoulders. [["Call " + $gthem + " out"|Call them out]] [[Focus]]

<<set $archierelation to "dislike">> \ Not only has $ashe seemed to avoid you no matter what, you’ve seen some nasty looks $ashe has sent your way. You’re unsure if $ashe hates you now, for no reason that you’re aware of, but given $aher distaste, it has made your own that much clearer. What gives $aherm the right. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> barely knows you now. So with no response towards $Charlie, you simply make your way to Archie’s table. Your bravado fades the closer you get and the more people you see surrounding $aherm. \ <<if $social is "introvert">> \ You don’t want attention drawn to you so you simply freeze just outside the circle. Archie seems unaware of your presence, entirely focused on what one of $aher friends is saying. That isn’t until one of them actually notices you and points you out. <<elseif $social is "extrovert">> \ You stomp, trying to get $aher attention, and gaining it the closer you get to $aher circle. The people around $aherm all stop talking as they watch you approach; you put your best ‘i-know-$aherm’ look. <</if>> \ “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> does not seem so happy to see you.” $Charlie notes when Archie lifts $aher head to glance your way. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes sharpen and a frown replaces the relaxed smile $ashe had before. Briefly, $aher eyes turn to $Charlie and $aher deep-set dissatisfaction seems to worsen. “Or me.” $Charlie adds. [[“Archie, can we talk?”]]

<<set $archierelation to "unsure">> \ <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> opinion of you has clearly changed, though you don’t know to what and why, but you’re standing sort of neutrally in how you should be reacting to it. For one, $ashe is still Archie, you can tell by the way $ashe interacts with others. But, $ashe’s so much more on edge, and seems far more cold (at least to you.) You want to get to know this new $aherm. So with no response towards $Charlie, you simply make your way to Archie’s table. Your bravado fades the closer you get and the more people you see surrounding $aherm. \ <<if $social is "introvert">> \ You don’t want attention drawn to you so you simply freeze just outside the circle. Archie seems unaware of your presence, entirely focused on what one of $aher friends is saying. That isn’t until one of them actually notices you and points you out. <<elseif $social is "extrovert">> \ You stomp, trying to get $aher attention, and gaining it the closer you get to $aher circle. The people around $aherm all stop talking as they watch you approach; you put your best ‘i-know-$aherm’ look. <</if>> \ “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> does not seem so happy to see you.” $Charlie notes when Archie lifts $aher head to glance your way. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes sharpen and a frown replaces the relaxed smile $ashe had before. Briefly, $aher eyes turn to $Charlie and $aher deep-set dissatisfaction seems to worsen. “Or me.” $Charlie adds. [[“Archie, can we talk?”]]

<<set $archierelation to "like">> \ <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> only seems a bit distant to you, but maybe that’s just because so much time has passed. Maybe $ashe doesn’t know where you two stand now that you’re both equally older. Perhaps you can rekindle that old friendship, you do miss it after all. You won’t know until you try. So with no response towards $Charlie, you simply make your way to Archie’s table. Your bravado fades the closer you get and the more people you see surrounding $aherm. \ <<if $social is "introvert">> \ You don’t want attention drawn to you so you simply freeze just outside the circle. Archie seems unaware of your presence, entirely focused on what one of $aher friends is saying. That isn’t until one of them actually notices you and points you out. <<elseif $social is "extrovert">> \ You stomp, trying to get $aher attention, and gaining it the closer you get to $aher circle. The people around $aherm all stop talking as they watch you approach; you put your best ‘i-know-$aherm’ look. <</if>> \ “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> does not seem so happy to see you.” $Charlie notes when Archie lifts $aher head to glance your way. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes sharpen and a frown replaces the relaxed smile $ashe had before. Briefly, $aher eyes turn to $Charlie and $aher deep-set dissatisfaction seems to worsen. “Or me.” $Charlie adds. [[“Archie, can we talk?”]]

<<set $archierelation to "crush">> \ You can’t help it. Your heart somersaults inside your chest when $ashe laughs, the joy in $aher eyes betraying any sort of cold exterior $ashe had showed you these past few days. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s still the same. Deep down there, $ashe’s still the same person you had fallen in love with as kids. Just older. Desperately, you want $aherm to acknowledge you again. So with no response towards $Charlie, you simply make your way to Archie’s table. Your bravado fades the closer you get and the more people you see surrounding $aherm. \ <<if $social is "introvert">> \ You don’t want attention drawn to you so you simply freeze just outside the circle. Archie seems unaware of your presence, entirely focused on what one of $aher friends is saying. That isn’t until one of them actually notices you and points you out. <<elseif $social is "extrovert">> \ You stomp, trying to get $aher attention, and gaining it the closer you get to $aher circle. The people around $aherm all stop talking as they watch you approach; you put your best ‘i-know-$aherm’ look. <</if>> \ “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> does not seem so happy to see you.” $Charlie notes when Archie lifts $aher head to glance your way. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes sharpen and a frown replaces the relaxed smile $ashe had before. Briefly, $aher eyes turn to $Charlie and $aher deep-set dissatisfaction seems to worsen. “Or me.” $Charlie adds. [[“Archie, can we talk?”]]

<<set $archieunlock to true>>\ “Who are you?” one of $aher friends says, a freakishly tall blonde girl with Hollywood-like makeup. She seems the most attached to Archie, her hand closed around Archie’s arm. You also don’t know who she is, at least you have not seen her since you started school, yet by her glare she seems to not like your first impression. Archie stands, drawing everyone’s attention to $aherm. “It’s okay. I’ll be right back.” <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> face contorts into a believable sweet smile, one that $ashe sends to all of $aher friends. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s always been good at that, making a face that draws no more questions. Only that the blonde girl seems to be the only one that doesn’t believe $aherm. When she doesn’t release Archie’s arm, Archie sends her a more genuine smile. “It’s okay Jace.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> pats her hand and Jace releases $aherm. Finally, Archie meets your eyes again, hard as steel. “So, where do you want to go?” [["The conversation will be long, so you take " + $aherm + " to the far end of the courtyard."|The conversation will be long, so you take her to the far end of the courtyard.]] [["The conversation will be short, so you take " + $aherm + " to the entrance of the art building."|The conversation will be short, so you take her to the entrance of the art building.]]

You have so much to talk about, it’s been years since you’ve seen each other, and though you recognize one another, it’s only on a surface value. So you let $aherm follow you to the edge of the courtyard, past the football fields (yes, plural), and near the trees that hide the high decorative fence. $Charlie says nothing throughout the walk, not even daring to look at Archie in case it angered $aherm. Finally, when you do reach the area, Archie lets out a heavy breath, like $ashe was holding it in since $ashe left the table. “$engname. I don’t care much for what you have to say but, I want you to leave me alone. It doesn’t matter that we’re spiritmates, I don’t want to be a part of any of that, I just want to be left alone.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says all of this with $aher arms crossed and $aher eyes on the decaying green of the trees. You don’t know what to say to that. Something about the way $ashe said it sounded off, like it was practiced and not quite honest. Like an act. Archie tends to be good at those, yet this one sounded so disbelieving. [[$Charlie + " steps forwards."|Charlie steps forwards.]]

You don’t want to keep Archie away from $aher friends, not to mention the deadly glare Jace is sending you. So, dutifully, you take Archie towards the Art building, which isn’t very far, just so you two can hang near the stairs that take you down to the entrance. There, no one can hear you, but you’re still in line of sight to Archie’s friends. “Look $engname,” Archie is the first to break the silence when you three settled down near the stairs. “I don’t care what you have to say. I want you to leave me alone and I don’t want anything to do with either you or Charlie, or any of our spiritmates for that matter, okay?” “I get it but—” “$aMs $Archie, my dear, you remember me correct?” $Charlie interrupts you with a flourish. Then interrupts Archie from even replying. “It is lovely to see you again yes, but there is a more urgent matter. You see, I can protect you now, if you spend your delightful evenings with your spiritmates here, it will be easier to protect you. It is not like before, when I could not since $Mx $engname has—” “A weak aura, I know.” Archie interrupts back. You snap to attention and Archie has the guts to look shy. “I kinda overheard you guys shouting in the middle of the hallway.” “Shouting? I forget how easily sound carries in the halls of this school.” $Charlie adds. [[You look at Archie confusedly.]]

“Hello, I am sure you remember me?” $Charlie asks. Archie turns $aher head to look at $Charlie, receiving a charming smile back. Before $ashe can say anything back however, $Charlie continues, bowing dramatically. “Yes yes, I will skip the pleasantries. We have talked recently, almost a year now since then? I just wanted to apologize for leaving you to fend for yourself but now is the perfect time for you to stick together with your spiritmates! You see, $Mx $engname here has a very weak—” “Aura. I know.” Archie interrupts. “You know?” You ask, confused. “Yeah, I…” For the first time, Archie turns shy, rubbing the back of $aher neck. “I kinda overheard you guys when you were shouting in the hallway.” “We were stage whispering.” $Charlie corrects. “So you know, and you’d rather keep being possessed by poltergeists than letting $Charlie protect you?” You inquire, baffled. Archie looks fearfully at the ground. Seems that what you said struck a chord with $aherm. <<if $archierelation is "like" or $archierelation is "crush">> \ [[“Archie. We used to be friends… we can still be friends.”]] <</if>> \ [["“I’m sure it’s been awful so far without " + $Charlie + " to protect you.”"|“I’m sure it’s been awful so far without Charlie to protect you.”]] [[“What’s stopping you?”]]

<<set $archiefriend +=1>> \ <<checkpersona>>\ “Archie.” You attempt, stepping towards $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> flinches. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> looks embarrassed right after but you continue calmly. “We used to be friends, remember? Back in Portugal. You were the closest friend I had at the time.” “Only because you barely had any friends. Besides, you barely spoke to me.” Archie counters and you agree half-heartedly. It was true, $ashe was always surrounded by people so you only talked to $aherm when you were waiting for your parents to pick you up. But even then, $ashe was the closest person to you... you didn’t have many friends. Seeing whatever look you had on your face, made Archie’s own soften. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be \ <<if $agirl is "girl">> \ so bitchy." <<else>> \ such an asshole.” <</if>> \ <<if _persona is "funny">> \ “I kinda deserve it.” \ <<else>> \ ”It’s okay.” \ <</if>> \ You say with a smile. “We can still be friends, right?” $Charlie leans forwards, anticipating Archie’s response. But it takes too long, Archie thinks for too long, and then the bell rings. [[You didn’t even get to eat lunch.]]

“Look, without $Charlie, the possessions must be awful.” You say, trying to convince $aherm to see the logic of it. But Archie’s face just sharpens, $aher brow furrowing even more so. “You don’t know. It’s not so bad, I can handle it. I’m not weak like you.” Archie’s reply physically makes you recoil. Like a knife deep etched into your gut, you feel bile rise up to your throat. You know you’re weak. You know you would never understand what it’s like to have it easy like $aherm. Because you need $Charlie, unlike Archie, you need $Charlie to be okay. “Hey! That was unwarranted!” $Charlie says. Archie glances at you and you can tell $ashe feels bad. But whatever apology $ashe wants to give dies in $aher throat, the bell rings instead. [[You didn’t even get to eat lunch.]]

You watch Archie struggle to say something, desperately holding back words. “What’s stopping you?” You finally give in. “My parents—” Archie says, momentarily looking mortified before attempting again. “I-I mean, I don’t want to be near you, or $Charlie, or whoever your other friend is, that’s all. I like the friends I have and I want to keep hanging out with them.” “You do not have to choose. The more the merrier, no?” $Charlie responds, beaming from ear to ear. You nod too but Archie’s eyes are on $Charlie instead, before falling back to the ground. There is definitely fear there. But you don’t have time to question it anymore, the bell is heard all across the courtyard. [[You didn’t even get to eat lunch.]]

“You know, but you’d rather be possessed by poltergeists instead?” You inquire. Archie looks at the ground mournfully. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> glances up at you, almost like $ashe’s going to say something and then doesn’t. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a moment, and you exchange a look with $Charlie. “It’s whatever.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, already stepping away. “I’m gonna go, stop bothering me, okay?” What $ashe says is harsh, but $aher tone is sad, pleading. You can’t help but just watch $aherm join $aher table again, a fake smile plastered on $aher face. Regardless of $aher hesitance gnawing at your mind, you let the moment pass as the bell rings a few minutes after. [[You didn’t even get to eat lunch.]]

After lunch time, you return to classes. None of them are very interesting, besides the occasional new experience with ghosts, everything else seems to fall a bit flat since you constantly lose focus. You’re not sure if it’s because of the fact that you don’t need to be paranoid all the time, at the edge of your seat, looking around you in silence, testing to see if you’re still real. You don’t need to do anything like that anymore, as long as Charlie is with you. Yet, you still feel the inclination to do all those things, and not doing them makes you feel [[unsafe.]]

Building A isn’t that far, it’s basically back the way you came from. It is surprising however, to see how empty it is. The only people you see come and go are either teachers, staff members or the occasional student trying to find a restroom. Eventually, you reach the back exit. It’s a fire exit. $Ima did not mention you’d be breaking the law. “Regretting not going to the Cafeteria with me, my dear?” $Charlie teases and you simply point at the fire exit sign as a response. “I don’t want to raise the alarm.” “Alarm?” “You know, like a siren?” You try to explain. $Charlie looks at you confusedly so you just shake your head. “Don’t worry. Maybe there’s a way around? I don’t know why $Ima wants me to break the rules just for lun— [[AAH!”]]

Someone, or more specifically, $Ima knocks on the glass door from the other side, startling you. “$Ima!” You try to scold but $Ima raises a brow and points at $iher ear, shaking $iher head. Then $ishe motions for you to push the door open, with the added sassy look of //‘why’re you just standing there?’// $Charlie chuckles a bit, though $gthey also had been startled by $Ima, and goes through the door as you open it gently. No alarm rings. The $igirl rolls $iher wheelchair back to let you pass and finally when the door closes behind you, $ishe leads you towards the corner of the hideaway. [["“What took you so long?” " + $ishe.toUpperFirst() + " asks."|“What took you so long?” She asks.]]

“You didn’t tell me it was a fire exit door. Why didn’t the alarm get triggered?” You asked, settling down on the ledge of the garden. The back of the building is small, like a little alleyway, but it’s vibrant, full of life and well decorated. “I turned it off, hacked the system and all that.” $Ima jokes. “In all seriousness, no matter how much this school goes on about fairness and enjoyment, some of the buildings don’t have facilities for me.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> glances down at $iher wheelchair, rolling a bit to make $iher point. “So, I’ve been using most of the fire exits, since they’re the only ones with ramps.” “And you slaughtered this siren?” $Charlie asks, trying to join in the conversation. $Ima guffaws and splutters, laughing at that. It makes $Charlie giggle a bit confusedly. “No! Yes? I don’t know if I would say it like that but I guess…? I ‘slaughtered’ the sirens yes. Turned off the ones I use at least.” [[“How…?”]] [[“Is that even legal?”]] [[“Sorry it’s like that for you.”]]

You’re surprised someone could even do that, especially a student. Impressed too. “How… did you do that exactly?” “Well, there’s a key for it but I don’t have it, so I just grabbed some //Neusan// wire cutters from my mum, sneaked it into the school, teachers are too scared to check my wheelchair so it was easy, and then I cut the wire that connects the door to the FACP but I almost got caught so I decided to unwire it instead of cutting it, it’s not very well-hidden anyways, probably so it’s easier for the staff to find it, super easy stuff. All I had to do was find the FACP, by the way that means Fire Alarm Control Panel—” “$Ima. You lost me already.” You cut $iherm off before you got any more dizzy from all the information. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> rolls $iher neck and looks at the sky before glancing at you again. $Charlie is not even paying attention, $gtheyre trying to decipher some graffiti on the walls instead. “I messed with the wires. That’s about it.” [[“Cool.”|cool]]

You squint your eyes at $iherm. “Uhh… Is that even legal?” “Probably not.” $Ima shrugs. “But what are they going to do? Expel me?” “Yeah. Yeah, they could expel you.” You nod. “And you could get in trouble with the Queen!” $Charlie adds. “Not the queen but probably the federal law.” $Ima just shrugs once again. Seems like $Ima doesn’t really care about such things, either out of confidence or indifference. [[You’re not sure if that’s good.|cool]]

You rub the nape of your neck, feeling pity gnawing at your chest. “Sorry that you have to go through all that… it’s not fair to you.” “Hey!” $Ima chuckles, brows furrowing in sympathy. “It’s not you who has to be sorry. This school just sucks. Though there is one good thing it did.” You smile. “Yeah? What’s that?” “Bring us together!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> pats your shoulder and then winks at $Charlie who wiggles in happiness. Words seem to escape you both but you are grateful for the same too. [[Even if it’s cheesy.|cool]]

You two eat your food in between conversations. It’s nice, relaxing, and overall, nothing you have really experienced before. Something about talking to $Ima feels so natural, like there’s no way for $iherm to dislike you or judge you, like you could do anything, say anything, and $ishe would still smile at you with that silly grin. It feels comforting. But that nice feeling is gone when $Ima finishes $iher food and turns serious. Now the silence feels like it’s choking you. “$engname don’t take this the wrong way but… what are you going to do?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. You think for a moment, not sure what $ishe means. “About what?” “About your health, your situation, what are you going to do about your spiritmates, about us?” For the first time, that wasn’t on your mind. Your sudden mortality and the aspect of being at risk wasn’t the thing you were thinking about, you were calm, safe. Now, you’re forced to come to a solution to that, or at least a temporary reply. $Charlie is staring at you, [[hoping to hear the answer too.]]

Sensing your hesitation, $Ima continues, in a kinder tone. “I don’t mind that $Charlie isn’t protecting me, but you have a choice here too, do you want to find everyone else? Do you want to protect them?” “I don’t know… Won’t I be in danger if $Charlie tries to protect all of us?” You reply, failing to notice how $Charlie deflates at $gtheir weakness being aired so carelessly. $Ima nods. “Probably… but I’m worried. If one of them wants $Charlie to protect them, this could turn legal.” “Legal?!” You startle. “Every person is entitled to their own ghost. If a ghost decides not to protect the human they’re bound to… it could result in $Charlie being exorcised.” You share a glance with $Charlie, $gthey look$gs shocked. [[“I would never let that happen to you.”]] [[“What can I do then?”]] [[“That sounds counterproductive.”]]

“I would never let that happen to you, $Charlie.” You mutter, gaining a sad smile from $gthem. You can tell $gtheyre not scared about it, knowing $Charlie, $gthey probably <<print $gdo>>n’t understand the severity of what that means. But the sadness in $gtheir face resonates deep into your heart. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> feel$gs bad $gthey can’t help more. $Ima on the other hand, looks scared for $Charlie. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to either of you too…” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, quietly, like a promise to $iherself. You want to question $iher motives, since $ishe only met you this week. But you don’t, because you’re still clueless about spiritmates, and about how important they are to you emotionally, or how important you are to them. Everything feels extra sensitive now, and you swear, you feel a tug at your chest, a painful one. Is this what it feels like to have spirimates? To feel what they feel? [[You want to know more.|asking about spirits]]

You panic for a second. That’s something you definitely don’t want to happen, but the way you see it, your hands are tied. “What can I even do? If I let $Charlie protect everyone, I’m still going to be in danger, and if $gthey only protect$gs me, well… that could be bad for everyone else.” “Do I not have a choice in this matter?” $Charlie interrupts, crossing $gtheir arms. <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ You sigh, getting irritated. “Look $Charlie, my life could be at risk. I don’t have a choice either.” $Charlie frowns and glances at $Ima, waiting for $iher to say something. \ <<else>> \ You blink at $gthem, feeling stupid for the way you’re acting. “I’m sorry $Charlie, I didn’t mean it like that. Of course you have a choice too.” $Charlie smiles and nods, glancing back at $Ima so $ishe can reply to your question. \ <</if>> \ The $igirl takes a deep breath, mulling over the predicament. “We won’t know unless we meet our spiritmates.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, mirroring the same frustrated feeling in your gut. At least that’s a good thing, that no matter what, you and $Ima are in similar shoes, and in some way, so is $Charlie. Though you don’t know if it’s the spiritmates connection or not, you do feel like you can trust them both, [[at least with this.|asking about spirits]]

That confuses you. “That sounds… counterproductive.” You reply. “Wouldn’t exorcising $Charlie put all of us at risk? Me, you and all of our spiritmates?” $Charlie pouts in reaction. “Yes, it would.” $Ima says, not elaborating any more than that. It seems that the law is flawed, not that you doubted that, but it’s strange having that so obviously pointed out and still not know of a better solution. “I don’t know much more than you. I’m pretty new to all the ghost thingy too.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> adds. Seems like you’re not alone at all. You wonder if part of the reason $ishe’s your spiritmate is because you both share similar life experiences (at least from what you know). Or because $ishe’s your spiritmate, $ishe barely has any life experiences related to ghosts. After all, $Charlie stayed with you. [[You do wish you knew more about all of this.|asking about spirits]]

“Can I ask… about spiritmates?” You ask $Charlie, the only one you know who would know such things. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> previous mood is shaken away, literally, as a smile is reintroduced to $gtheir face. “Of course!” “I’m just wondering about the connection between spiritmates, is it the same between me and you?” You know by now that $Charlie is very good at knowing how you feel, and you’d like to think that part of the reason why you understand $Charlie so much is for the same reason. But with $Ima, who you met a few days ago, it almost feels the same way, just with a hint of doubt. $Charlie nods, but then shakes $gtheir head, and then stops to think, eyes wandering, before nodding again. “It is difficult to say. You would have to question $iMs $Ima about it. I am sure of my connection with you, but I am unsure about $iMs $Ima. It is very similar to our connection, at least from my perspective, but it is not… complete?” “Aww…” $Ima says, though $ishe slumps playfully. “Well, I feel really close to you guys.” <<linkreplace "Romance Options♡">> [[“Well, we can always get closer.”♡]] [[“Really?”♡]] [[“Don’t get used to it.”♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“We’ll get closer with time.”]] [[“I’d rather keep my distance.”]] [[“We just met.”]] [[“You’re going to regret saying that!”]]

<<set $imaro +=1>> \ <<set $flirt +=1>> \ You take this as a prime opportunity to flirt. You hop to a seat closer to $Ima and give $iherm your best dazzling smile. “We can always get closer, both emotionally and most importantly, physically.” $Ima’s eyes widen and so does $iher incredulous smile. “Holy shit $engname.” Is all $ishe says. A pleasant surprise you hope. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> seems like $ishe forgot what $ishe was going to say, $iher eyes still enchanted by you. “Yes…” $Charlie starts, unsure how to continue from that. [["You also flirt with " + $gthem + ".♡"|You also flirt with them.♡]] [[You apologize for your behaviour.]]

<<set $imaro +=1>> \ <<set $uwu +=1>> \ You feel your mouth dry up, your heart beating louder and louder against your ribcage. “Really?” You ask, wanting to know if that was just an expression or if $ishe really meant it. $Ima, one of the coolest <<print $igirl>>s you’ve met, is saying that $ishe feels close to you. Sure $ishe’s your spiritmate and that was probably bound to happen, but $ishe actually admitted to it. And it’s only been a few days! As if noticing your array of thoughts, $Ima leans a bit closer to you and smiles. “Of course, how can I not when you’ve been so nice to me?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies. You can tell that $ishe is being 100% honest, and that makes your whole body warm. Acknowledgment and a vague compliment might be wishful thinking, but that is what is happening, right? <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> just said you were nice, yes? [[$Charlie + " joins in on teasing you.♡"|Charlie joins in on teasing you.♡]] [[$Ima + " laughs it off."|Ima laughs it off.]]

<<set $imaro +=1>> \ <<set $serious +=1>> \ “Okay okay…” You mutter, trying hard to fight the sudden urge to smile. “I get it, just don’t get used to it.” And even though you fight it, you feel your cheek heat up when $Ima’s eyes avert to you, attentive, thinking, and almost certainly, knowing. “Why not? You leaving me anytime soon?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> questions, with no sense of worry. “I would hate it if you do, I would miss you.” God forbid this $igirl to have any more words in $iher vocabulary, you feel your heart squeeze at the honesty dripping through every word out of $iher lips. “No—” Your voice comes out like a squeak, so you clear your throat, looking towards the wall, and then continue. “Nothing like that. Just you know… I don’t intend to be with you all the time. I got stuff to do too.” [["“Busy?” " + $Charlie + " asks, joining in. ♡"|“Busy?” Charlie asks, joining in. ♡]] [["“Suuuure…” " + $Ima + " rolls " + $iher + " eyes."|“Suuuure…” Ima rolls her eyes.]]

<<set $imafriend +=1>> \ “It took a long time for me and $Charlie to form that connection.” You start, watching $Ima lift $iher head up to look at you. “It’s hard for me to form those bonds with people, but we’re spiritmates, and friends, so it will come. It will just take awhile for it to get there.” $Ima’s eyes open like $ishe’s starstruck, but you fail to register the surprise, especially when $iher lips slowly quirk into a content smile. “Yeah.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles. “You’re right.” $Charlie seems relieved that you were able to express yourself. Maybe $gthey would have helped you if you struggled to put it into words, or if you said something that would have accidentally hurt $Ima. But for once, you’re glad you’re not relying on $gthem, that you’re doing this by yourself. This is good. You’re getting better. [[You finish lunch.]]

You tense. You don’t like being close to people… sure $Charlie is pretty close to you, but that’s different, $gtheyre not really a person, $gtheyre a ghost. \ <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ And it’s not like you like $gthem being a part of your life anyways, you don’t have a choice. <<else>> \ And it took you a while for you to be comfortable around $gthem, it just so happens that you grew up with $gthem, which made it easier. <</if>> $Ima doesn’t have that. $Ima is a normal person, your classmate who is actually your spiritmate. But still, something about being close to $iherm puts you on edge. You’d have a higher chance of getting hurt, of being judged and mocked, or having other things to worry about besides yourself. “I’d rather keep my distance $Ima.” You say, as apologetic as you can make something like that sound. $Ima looks surprised, an expression that quickly morphs into sadness. But $ishe smiles nonetheless, albeit a forced one. “I understand.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, but you doubt $ishe does. $Charlie doesn’t say anything else, probably because $gthey know$gs how you feel, or maybe because $gtheyre conflicted with both yours and $Ima’s emotions. Nothing else is said. [[You finish lunch.]]

You laugh, the sound of it almost assaulting. “We just met.” You note, with a bewildered tone. That, combined with your laugh, makes $Ima tilt $iher head into what looks like a look of someone who is trying not to be offended. “Yes, yes, laugh all you want. We’re spiritmates, it’s normal to feel close.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> explains. Though you understand that much, you also notice that your behaviour has made $Ima a bit flustered. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> sounds like $ishe regrets admitting to $iher relation to you. Still, the mood goes away and $ishe laughs too. You roll your eyes, easing the awkwardness out of your system before the conversation takes a lighter tone. $Charlie adding $gtheir bits here and there to make it less tense. [[You finish lunch.]]

<<set $imafriend +=1>> \ You beam at $iherm. “You’re going to regret saying that! Being close to me is like catching a virus, you’re going to want a cure very soon.” “Sweetheart, self-deprecating jokes are only making me feel closer to you.” $Ima adds, making you laugh. $Charlie leans forward and hums. “I understand that you two are jesting but I would like to say that you are very special to me $Mx $engname, and I do not think time with you is unpleasant.” The sincerity of $gtheir tone and the soft happiness in $gtheir eyes makes you and $Ima pause. You two stare at each other, smiles slowly increasing until the silence is broken by the exploding laughter you two let out. $Charlie is caught off guard but joins in, finding it contagious despite not realizing you two are laughing at $gthem. The rest of your time is spent in similar banter. [[You finish lunch.]]

<<set $charliero +=1>> \ “Don’t be jealous $Charlie, I’d say we’re pretty close already. Though, if you’d like a reminder…” You suggest, trailing off with a grin, head turned up to glance at $gthem. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> laugh$gs breathlessly, almost hyperventilating as $gthey fumble$gs with $gtheir hands, slowly floating closer to you. “You are dangerous.” $Charlie whispers. “<<print $they.toUpperFirst()>> $are.” $Ima adds, finally having snapped from $iher stupor. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> blinks at you, with such an intense gaze that it takes you a while to shake it off. The conversation continues from there, though to less ‘dangerous’ topics and more friendly ones. [[You finish lunch.]]

“Sorry, got ahead of myself there.” You say, smiling in such a way that $Charlie knows you’re not apologetic. But $gthey roll$gs $gtheir eyes, as if used to it and then address$ges $Ima. “$iMs $Ima?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> call$gs $iherm, and the $igirl shakes $iher head, snapping out of $iher daze to look at $Charlie. “Please do not let what $Mx $engname said keep you in your own thoughts, what I am sure $they meant to say is that we are thankful that you found us, and that we have a bond that cannot be broken.” $Ima hums and nods. “You’re right.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, but $iher gaze slowly falls on you, sending you a look that makes you shiver slightly. Then $ishe goes back to chatting with $Charlie, about more innocent stuff. [[You finish lunch.]]

<<set $charliero +=1>> \ “It is hard not to like you $Mx $engname.” $Charlie adds and you blink rapidly at $gthem, grabbing the edge of your jumper and kneading at the stitches there. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes light up at your reaction, as if somehow, your decomposition is entertaining to $gthem. $Ima and $Charlie exchange a look before $Ima touches your arm gently. You nearly jump out of your skin, before realizing it’s just $Ima, and instinctively leaning back towards $iher hand. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> rubs your bicep with $iher thumb. “You’re not giving yourself enough credit. You’re great, seriously.” Maybe $ishe knows how much it eats at you the fact that you always feel like you’re bothering people, and $ishe’s reassuring you. But you can’t be bothered to think too much about it when two of your favourite people are giving you this much attention. Finally, having nothing else to say besides feeling like you’re about to explode, they lay off and laugh in contentment about what they achieved. The warmth that you felt still lingers underneath your skin throughout the next conversations. [[You finish lunch.]]

Realizing that you are only going to grow more embarrassed, $Ima laughs and waves $iher hand as if to brush away any nervous energy. It makes you more at ease when the attention is no longer on you. $Charlie chuckles too, probably finding it endearing the blossoming feelings in your gut that for sure, $gthey can also feel. Then $gthey say$gs something to $Ima and $ishe continues off from there, something about something that has nothing to do with the way there is heat underneath your skin. You join in when you feel calmer and the day feels evidently brighter. [[You finish lunch.]]

<<set $charliero +=1>> \ “You are not busy, you are trying to find excuses. Just admit you enjoy spending time with $iMs $Ima… and me of course.” $Charlie starts, floating closer to you to truly see the embarrassed expression on your face, followed quickly by a glare. $Charlie beams and turns to $Ima. “Do not take what $they say$s to heart, $they $are just shy.” “$Charlie, I swear—” “I can tell.” $Ima chuckles, and something about it makes your heart stop. You both hate and love this. Slowly, it feels like both of them are trying to suffocate you, the conversation continues into a bizarre topic that somehow unnerves you even more. You try to deny having any interest in either of them but by your own stuttering admission and their own knowing glances, you know you’re failing miserably. This is beyond difficult. [[You finish lunch.]]

“Mhm.” $Ima nods, having no shame in showing how much $ishe does not believe you. You gape at $iherm, betrayed by $iher lack of trust (even though $ishe’s right) and stutter out $iher name. “Really! I’m a busy person! Besides, we have a bunch of lessons to catch up on now.” “Then why are you here having lunch with me?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> jokes and you tighten both of your fists so you don’t accidentally imitate a surprised monkey. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> caught you there. $Charlie laughs at your expression, which seems to irritate you even more, before $gthey continue$gs on to a more interesting conversation with $Ima, one you are happier to indulge. The things these people do to you. [[You finish lunch.]]

After lunch time, you return to classes. None of them are very interesting, besides the occasional new experience with ghosts, everything else seems to fall a bit flat since you constantly lose focus. You’re not sure if it’s because of the fact that you don’t need to be paranoid all the time, at the edge of your seat, looking around you in silence, testing to see if you’re still real. You don’t need to do anything like that anymore, as long as $Charlie is with you. Yet, you still feel the inclination to do all those things, and not doing them makes you feel [[unsafe.]]

The Cafeteria is exactly what you expected. It’s big, noisy and a witness to so many different smells that you hope is only food. The students residing in the tables are not in any type of social groups, just their own friend groups, not to mention that most of them are younger than you. $Charlie takes note of all this too, but $gtheir attention is mostly fixated on the food. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $gare drawn towards it, so you follow. Even though you’re not going to buy any food, you don’t mind if $Charlie has a look around. “Tuna melts?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs. “Chicken panini, fruit salad, sweetcorn pasta bake, yorkshire pudding, pork sausage, mash…? I’ve never heard of any of these, or at least I don’t remember them.” “I’m sure you know some.” “I have heard of the pudding, but my mother wasn’t too keen on sweets.” $Charlie frowns. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> seem$gs lost in thought, sad memories, $gtheir ever-present smile now gone, replaced by a forlorn distant look in $gtheir eyes. [[“There’s pizza though!”]] [[“What was your mother like?”]] [[“Let’s go sit down.”]]

You try and look for something to cheer $gthem up, and your eyes fall on the pizza at the center of the display. Pizza was usually a meal always offered no matter your age, you remember even in middle school, that was an option for you. Though you didn’t have the luxury of picking whatever you wanted at the time. However, it is a comfort food. “Look $Charlie, there’s pizza!” You point and $Charlie turns rapidly to it. “Pizza?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs, unfamiliarly. “What is that?” Well, you don’t really know how to explain. So you approach the pizza, $Charlie at your shoulder, and have a look at the nutrition note. “It’s like cheese, on bread, lots and lots of cheese. And then the bread is baked.” “Wow.” “Yeah! You can also put a bunch of stuff on top of it. Like this one that has pepperoni, or you can get veggies on them.” “Maybe not the veggies.” $Charlie [[laughs.|sit down and eat]]

You think for a second, trying to decide if this is a good subject to talk about or not. If you should ignore it like always or address it. You sigh minimally and ask the question, “What was your mother like?” $Charlie is startled at first, surprised you noticed what was on $gtheir mind before furrowing $gtheir brow in confusion. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> a bad liar. “She was a mother.” A terrible terrible liar. “And a good lady.” “What sort of food did she like?” You ask, given that it was what started this whole thing. “Fruit. She loved fruit. I think her favourite was mango, but sometimes she would say she hated it and would prefer blueberries. She would always change her mind.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> answer$gs, a sort of tired expression on $gtheir face. For the first time, $gthey look$gs older than $gtheir age. You hum and nod, letting that be the [[end of it.|sit down and eat]]

Unsure of what else to say, you let the silence linger for a beat before searching around for an empty table. “Let’s go find a seat.” You mutter, walking around. $Charlie follows absentmindedly. It’s quiet as you search, a mixture of awkwardness and gloominess that makes you want to be anywhere else. You continue to attempt small talk related to finding a table as you [[go along.|sit down and eat]]

After successfully wrangling the conversation to a less serious topic, you and $Charlie make your way to an empty table so you can sit and eat. Though it was hard to find initially, the table you did find is somewhat clean and small, farther from the kids’ ruckus. Once you’re sat down, you grab your packed lunch and open it up for $Charlie to see. You know $gthey would’ve pushed you to see it anyways. The lunch itself isn’t a lot, it’s a cut sandwich with eggs and the greens, some salted biscuits, a grape juicebox and a chocolate muffin. You’re pretty sure you also have a bag of sliced apples that your mum packed you. And some other snacks that she always insists on adding. “Your mother cooks really well! That looks delicious.” $Charlie comments, eyeing it like $gthey want$gs to devour it. If $gthey <<print $gwere>>n’t a ghost, you’re sure your mum would pack for $gthem too. “Thanks but, she didn’t make most of these, some of it is from her shop.” You reply. $Charlie nods distractedly before losing $gtheir gaze somewhere amongst the crowd of people. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> watching, staring at students living their lives, laughing, arguing, complaining about schoolwork. You fear that $gtheir good mood is going to be swept away by [[bad memories again.]]

“So, what do you think of the school so far?” You ask, attempting to steer the subject of conversation. $Charlie looks at you with $gtheir cheek on the palm of $gtheir hand, resting. Maybe floating makes $gthem tired. “It is not very different from what I expected.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. You tilt your head. “How’d you know what classes were going to be like?” You don’t want to remind $gthem of $gtheir past life again but you’re curious. You know ghosts have existed alongside humans for generations, longer than both you and $Charlie have been on this planet, but you wonder if education was progressive with their views on ghosts back then like it is now. “We did not learn about ghosts.” $Charlie interrupts your thoughts, smiling in satisfaction at answering a question you undoubtedly were going to ask. “At least to an extent of using the bond between humans and ghosts, we only learnt where they came from, and why we should not be spooked by them. It is nice to learn more now. It is… different though, being a part of it, being the other one.” [[“Did you have a ghost when you were alive?”]]

You don’t know where the question came from, especially since you had decided not to bring up $gtheir past. But you wanted to know. $Charlie gulps, a common reaction to being asked about $gtheir life before death. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> avert$gs $gtheir eyes and you know immediately that $gtheyre not going to answer. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> pretend$gs to think about it before glancing back at you and showing you $gtheir teeth in one of $gtheir worst fake smiles. “I don’t remember.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> laugh$gs. <<linkreplace "Romance options ♡">> [[“How can we be together if you don’t open up to me?” ♡]] [[You simply frown sadly. ♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“You can trust me.”]] [[“It’s okay if you’re not ready.”]] [[“You need to stop doing that.”]] [[“Okay.”]]

<<set $charliero +=1>> \ “How can…” You almost impatiently blurt out a silly confession, a silly fantasy. You take a second and look directly into <<print $Charlie>>'s eyes. “How can we become closer if you don’t open up to me? You need to trust me for me to trust you $Charlie.” $Charlie nods, listening and agreeing. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> know$gs, or at least that’s what you think $gtheyre trying to tell you, that $gthey know$gs and $gthey think$gs the same, but a part of $gthem is holding back. You don’t know what so you just feel your heart clench, at the fact that you’ll never know, and that you won’t be able to be there for $gthem if you don’t even know what’s going on. You shake your head, frustrated. “I feel like there’s a barrier between us, $Charlie. And everytime I try to break it, to get closer to you, it feels like you’re lying, like you’re putting up a face just to distract me from the fact that… you don’t trust me.” “Of course I trust—” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gdo>>n’t finish. “It is not that I lie…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gdo>>n’t continue. “I am only scared.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> stop$gs. And breathe$gs. “I am only scared that I do not know how to deal with it all. I am scared of what I would say, because I am confused and lost, and… I do not quite know everything, about myself.” Nodding, you feel a lump forming in your throat. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> opening up, or rather telling you why <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> so guarded. This is good. “Apologies for everything.” [["You hold " + $gtheir + " hand. ♡"|You hold their hand. ♡]] [[“It’s okay.” ♡]] [[“You’re forgiven.” ♡]]

<<set $charliero +=1>> \ You frown, understanding why $gthey chose not to speak about it, but still feeling the pain of being lied to deep in your gut. That’s just how $Charlie is, $gthey lie$gs because $gthey <<print $gdo>>n’t know how to tell the truth, because $gthey <<print $gdo>>n’t want to. Despite your nod, you can’t really hide the clear disappointment on your face, and $Charlie takes notice. “I apologize.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> mutter softly. There’s no doubt $gthey really $gare sorry, but that doesn’t change the fact that it will take time, and you need to be patient. So you struggle for another nod, feeling every inch of your heart slow down to an absolute painful crawl. You like $Charlie, so you will trust $gtheir silence. You will trust that $gthey will tell you when $gtheyre ready, that your trust in $gthem matters as much to $gthem as it matters to you. $Charlie seems to appreciate it, giving you a generous smile that floods your chest with warmth. You go back to eating your food. In silence. [[The bell rings.]]

“Charlie.” You start, lowering your voice so you sound reassuring, hoping that they know you mean no harm. “You can trust me, you know.” Charlie’s brow furrows, their eyebrows close together and sloping down. The corners of their lips hide inward, in an uncomfortable silence. It takes them a while to finally be able to reply. “I know.” It sounds sincere, so you don’t doubt it. When nothing else is said, you understand that they need time. So you simply return to your meal, hoping that during the rest of the lunch, Charlie’s spirits will be lifted and they go back to their chatty self. You kinda miss it. [[The bell rings.]]

<<set $charliefriend +=1>> \ You sigh and nod. “Okay. It’s okay if you’re not ready.” You nod once again, to show how sure you are, to $Charlie and to yourself. To your surprise, $Charlie’s expression relaxes, and so does $gtheir posture. “Thank you.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> breathe$gs out, rubbing $gtheir arms. Maybe $gthey’ll open up to you one day, even after so many years, or maybe $gthey never will, but forcing it out of $gthem will definitely not encourage $gthem to confide in you. So you continue eating your meal, waiting for $Charlie to break the silence when $gthey feel$gs comfortable. Then you listen to $gthem. Chatting away like usual. It feels reassuring. [[The bell rings.]]

<<set $charliefriend -=1>> \ “You need to stop doing that.” You finally snap, pointing an accusatory finger at $gthem. “Everytime I ask you something about your life you lie to me. I get it, you don’t want to talk about it, but don’t expect me to believe whatever you say. And certainly don’t expect me to feel comfortable talking to you too.” $Charlie looks confused. Hurt, but also confused. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> stutter$gs, trying to find the right words to say. “I apologise if I offended you in any way, that wasn’t my intention. It is only by accident that I lie, Mother used to scold me about it as well.” With that confession, a slight smile escapes $gthem, though it’s a sad one. “I used to find it absurd when people were just honest, I thought lying would make things more interesting, less sad or unpleasant. But I see now that it can also hurt someone.” <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ ”Yeah and I’m growing very tired of it.” You emphasise how so by clenching your hands together. “I don’t like not knowing anything about you, it feels like a stranger is constantly intruding on my life.” <<else>> \ “No $Charlie, I…” You reply, trying to focus so you don’t sound angry anymore. “It’s not your fault. I mean yeah, you shouldn’t lie but… I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. I’m sorry.” <</if>> \ <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ ”I am no stranger! You know me.” <<else>> \ “Would it please you to know that I do trust you?” <</if>> \ <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ ”Barely.” <<else>> \ “Yeah.” <</if>> \ <<if $ghost is "dislike">> \ ”I…” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $gare once again lost for words, or rather, $gtheyre holding back from saying something. Then, with a faraway glance towards the cafeteria space, $gthey continue$gs. “I will try.” But you know $gthey won’t. Soon this will all be forgotten, because this is not the first conversation you’ve had about this. And it won’t be the last. <<else>> \ “Good. Because I do. It will just take time to be able to… discuss it.” $Charlie says. You know $gtheyre right, but a part of you doesn’t know how much longer you can wait. It’s been years and you barely know anything about $gthem, while $Charlie knows too much about you. <</if>> \ You distract yourself by eating and $Charlie’s silence feels disconcerting. You don’t question it. [[The bell rings.]]

“Okay.” You murmur. “Okay?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs. “Okay.” You repeat. And you go back to eating your food, ignoring the perplexed expression on $Charlie’s face. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> merely watch$ges you, in silence, wondering if that was truly the end of the conversation. Maybe you’re upset with $gthem, or maybe you didn’t care at all. You ignore it all. [[The bell rings.]]

<<set $flirty +=1>> \ You reach out and touch $gtheir hand, feeling the wisp of $gtheir essence. Slowly, $gtheir bony hand materialises slightly, still transparent but touchable. And it feels cold. “I wish… for many things. With you.” $Charlie says softly. Then turn$gs $gtheir hand and hold$gs yours just as gently, fearful that holding on too strong will make $gthem impalpable again. You look up at $gthem and see $gthem examine your hands together, $gtheir lips turned upwards in admiration. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> blink$gs. If $gthey weren’t a ghost you would see watery eyes. Then, your eyes meet and $gthey let$gs go with a nervous smile. You finish your food, still feeling the literal ghost of $gtheir touch on your hand, icy and trembling. [[The bell rings.]]

<<set $uwu +=1>> \ “It’s okay, you don’t need to apologise.” You reply. Then try to come up with anything else encouraging to say. $Charlie looks at you without an expectant gaze, simply content with you. You swear you would turn blind if $Charlie could see the world for you, so full of love and wonder, if it weren’t for the way $gtheyre staring at you now, you would think you were just a speck of dust. Not that $Charlie gives you importance, but $gthey certainly elevate$gs the status you thought you had in this world. And also your heart rate, if your heart pounding is anything to say about it. You try to focus back on eating your food, withstanding $Charlie’s loving gaze at the top of your head, and letting your heart skip around on every vein of your body. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> can feel it too, and that makes you most shy of all. [[The bell rings.]]

<<set $serious +=1>> \ “You’re forgiven.” You joke, rolling your eyes to inspire a laugh out of $gthem. It does, as $gthey titter$gs behind $gtheir hand, feeling embarrassed to have laughed after such a serious conversation. You just shake your head and go back to examining your food, all while listening to $Charlie go along with the joke. “I am forgiven, just like so? Of all of my misdeeds?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask$gs. Sparing only a brief glance at $gthem, you quirk the edges of your mouth into a sardonic grin. “Not all of them. There are some things you’ve done that can never be forgiven. But I’ll tolerate it for now.” “How kind of you, so merciful.” $Charlie drawls out, chuckling in between the tone of mockery. “How can I ever repay you? A gift? A dance? A kiss?” “Kiss?!” You almost belt out. Noticing that you are in the middle of the cafeteria, you look around to see if anyone heard you and upon realizing you were lucky, you stare incredulously at your ghost. “Kiss…?” “Yes?” $Charlie says, analysing your face for the distinct wide eyes and ruffled expression. You are still in shocked silence before quickly realizing $Charlie has turned the tables on you and teased you instead. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> smile slowly transforms into a giddy laugh before you groan in shame. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> continue$gs to laugh at your expense. You’re just glad $gthey seem$gs happier. [[The bell rings.]]

Finally, after all classes are over and you’re ready to go back home, you’re met with Mrs. Kirlian, who catches up to you in the middle of one of the many halls. You know this will be about the extra classes, you allow yourself a small smile because you know you will be able to tell her you don’t need it, with proof to back it up. For once, you don’t mind that she urges you to her office to talk. The door closes behind you and she ushers you to sit. You’re familiar with her office, you’ve had to be since no matter how many times you’ve told her you don’t want the classes, she has tried to persuade you in many ways, most of the time here. You’ll give her credit though, all of your conversations have been somewhat pleasant. She asks how your school day has been, reassures you if you are struggling with a subject, and only asks about your health once. She isn’t as pushy as you thought she’d be. In fact, she seems like she really does care about you. “$engname. I’ve heard the news.” She starts once you’re both sat. Oh. Straight to business [[this time.]]

“Your parents told me that your health has improved? They sent me the necessary documents but I wanted to ask you about it. How do you feel?” [[Be optimistic.]] [[Be pragmatic.]]

<<set $kind +=1>> \ <<set $funny +=1>> \ <<set $sunshine +=1>> \ “I do feel much better. I’m not scared of being possessed anymore and for once, I can relax. I feel like my life has finally turned around.” You answer, the smile on your face is the most honest one she has seen from you. $Charlie looks like $gthey visibly relax$ges too, probably just as relieved. Mrs. Kirlian’s eyes crinkle in her delight, a soft calming nature that you’ve grown to realize perfectly encaptures who Mrs. Kirlian is. A calm, sensitive person who is able to be strong and reliable when other people need her to be, someone you can trust with anything, who never loses her patience, who never judges unfairly. You wish every authoritative figure in your life was like her. “That’s great to hear.” She says. “But I did want to ask…” Here it comes. “Your parents informed me that it was $Charlie that told you about your condition, is this correct?” [[“Yes.”]]

<<set $shy +=1>> \ <<set $stoic +=1>> \ <<set $mean +=1>> \ “What’s important is that I have more knowledge on my aura, on my health and overall on the fact that I’m safe for now.” You answer, throwing your eyes downcast. Sure, you’re happy, but you learnt not to be hopeful when it comes to your luck. $Charlie sighs for you, exposing exactly how you feel about it. You’re tired, you feel every bone on your body sore from always having to be tense. It’s far more relaxed than before but not completely yet. Mrs. Kirlian, always attentive as she is, offers you a supportive smile. You know she means well, that she cares, and that does make you feel a bit better. She’s been the most gentle force of support you’ve had so far, always aware and patient with you, you’ve grown to realize that’s just who she is as a person. You can’t ever imagine her losing her temper. “That’s great to hear.” She says. “But I did want to ask…” Here it comes. “Your parents informed me that it was $Charlie that told you about your condition, is this correct?” [[“Yes.”]]

“And, if you don’t mind me asking, what exactly did $gthey say?” She asks. Too many things, you want to reply, because $Charlie never stops running $gtheir mouth. Instead you turn to $Charlie and raise one single eyebrow. $Charlie shrugs before nodding minimally. You take that as an agreement to speak your mind. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> said that because my aura is weak, I have to always be near $gthem. If not, I can be possessed. And I’m sure you know what that does to me.” “But you did suffer a possession, did you not?” “Yes, when I was young. $Charlie wasn’t there for me at the time.” “And can I ask why?” “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> had to help one of my spiritmates, I apparently have a lot.” You finally confess. But it doesn’t seem to get much of a reaction out of her. “What has $Charlie done to make sure you’re safe?” “Well, $gthey promised to never leave my side.” It’s that. That is what she wanted to hear. Mrs. Kirlian’s face contorts into a myriad of emotions, from sorrow to worry. She glances down at her papers. [[“That is very worrisome.”]]

It seems like this meeting isn’t going to be the usual one. Mrs. Kirlian is looking for something specific amongst her organised folders and papers, one look at her face and you know she needs to find it. You hope this is a good thing and not something bad to worry you yet again. “I…” Mrs. Kirlian begins, having given up on her search and folding her hands on top of her desk instead. “Is $Charlie here with you?” “Yes.” You and $Charlie say at the same time. “Good. This is very important. But you need to promise me to not tell any other student about this. It’s something you will only learn when you’re… of age. Despite my disagreement with that rule, I feel like you need to know beforehand.” That’s not comforting at all. What is she going to say? Your body is tense, your mind is jumping to the worst conclusions. You probably did jinx it. [["“Is this about " + $Charlie + "?”"|“Is this about Charlie?”]] [[“Why? What happens if you break that rule?”]] [[“Wait. Give me a few seconds.”]]

“Is this about $Charlie?” You ask, sensing that’s the angle she’s going for. She nods and you exchange a worried look with the ghost. This is bad news, [[you know it is.|secrets out]]

“Why? What happens if someone finds out you broke it?” You ask, curious. She shakes her head. “Something bad.” Mrs. Kirlian says ominously. You’re unsure what that means but if your social clues are correct, she doesn’t know either, and is positively [[afraid of it.|secrets out]]

“Wait.” You take a shaky deep breath. $Charlie floats towards you as fast as the wind. “Give me a few seconds.” At your request, Mrs. Kirlian nods and watches you earnestly. With $Charlie’s assistance and tender murmurs of guidance, you finish taking your deep breaths, allowing your heart to slow down before turning back to your teacher. [[You let her continue.|secrets out]]

“Did you ever wonder why your parents don’t have ghosts?” Mrs. Kirlian asks. You furrow your brow and try to recall the usual explanation. “Because their auras are strong?” You shrug to indicate that you don’t actually know. You know you have asked before, or simply had known from unsolicited information, but it seemed so irrelevant that you just forgot. You knew ghosts were rarer in adults and that was about it. Mrs. Kirlian nods sagely. “Yes, but that is because of medication.” She reveals. “Our ghosts don’t stay with us forever. They leave to the afterlife once whatever goal they hold subconsciously is complete. When they do, we are required to take medication to strengthen our aura. At a specific age, the medication’s side effects don’t affect us anymore… but if a child were to lose their ghost, or someone your age, medication is highly discouraged, and possessions are preferred.” She contemplates as you sit in stunned silence. “For you on the other hand. If $Charlie were to complete $gtheir goal. You and your spiritmates would be in danger.” “I could lose $Charlie?” “I could… depart?” $Charlie whispers. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">> \ [["“I can’t lose " + $Charlie + ".”"|“I can’t lose Charlie.”]] <</if>> \ [["“How do I know " + $their + " goal?”"|“How do I know their goal?”]] [[“What do I do if that happens?!”]] [[“What?”]]

<<set $charliefriend +=1>> \ “I—” You attempt to reply, to air your grievances but your words get caught in your throat and you have to swallow to continue. “I can’t lose $Charlie. I can’t.” “I know—” “No no you don’t. $Charlie means too much to me, I can’t lose $gthem please, I don’t have anyone else.” You retort, finding words coming to you too fast to stop them now. “I don’t want to be alone, please.” “Oh $engname…” $Charlie mutters, reaching your side and taking one of your hands. Mrs. Kirlian’s frown and crease on her brow is deep, showing off not only her concern but also her age. She sighs, holding her head before she can fold herself on top of the [[desk.]]

“But how would I ever know $gtheir goal? Do$ges $gthey know $gtheir goal?” You ask, attempting to find any sort of logical straw you can grasp on. The unknown had never frightened you more than it does now. Mrs. Kirlian sadly shakes her head. “It’s subscious. We would never know.” She says. “But it always makes sense, so I’m sure $Charlie has some idea of what it is. Something $gthey never did but wanted to, or anything of the sorts.” “But I do not know!” $Charlie stutters. “<<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> clueless about it.” You explain to the teacher, knowing fully well that out of everyone, $Charlie isn’t the best at being intuitive with stuff like that. Mrs. Kirlian tucks her grey strand behind her ear before humming. “You have plenty of time to think about it.” She tries for a comforting smile but the familiar sight of pity on her face betrays her. “Now you understand why you need the extra classes? They’re important if you want to strengthen your aura in case that were to happen. Or… [[you can always take medication.”|med mention]]

“What… What do I do if that happens?! I can’t just do nothing, I will die!” You reply heatedly. You were so so happy now that you were finally safe, not constantly fear that you might lose yourself and be gone forever. Then this bombshell comes out of nowhere and you’re thrown into the pit of //River Styx// again. “No no, we won’t let that happen okay? There are some alternatives we’ve discussed with your parents and your doctor. It’s important that you take the extra classes though, as they will strengthen your aura in case that happens. Of course... [[There is also medication.|med mention]]

“What?” Is all you say, because you’re unsure if you heard that correctly. So, let’s get this straight, not only is there no guarantee that you will have $Charlie to protect you forever, but there is no solution to help you survive the lack of it? “I know it is difficult but the classes I’m offering will help you. The extra classes are meant to strengthen your aura in case that were to happen. Though, [[there is also medication you can take.”|med mention]]

“I know $engname. It’s hard. When I lost Valentina…” Her eyes glaze over at the mention of that name, squinting slightly as if she’s trying to stop a barrage of emotions coming out of her. “When I lost my ghost, I never thought I could recover. But we learn to move on, we learn that the people we love are never really gone, they become a part of us, the memories together, the traits you picked up, and most importantly, that love you have for them stays with you.” The hold $Charlie has on your hand tightens, briefly passing through your skin before $Charlie fumbles to get a looser hold on it. You grasp $gtheirs, and it materialises again, the cold lingering on your fingers and palm. You look at $gthem, wanting to commit everything about $gthem to your memory. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> chocolate eyes blink at you. “Now you understand the severity of strengthening your aura, I think the extra classes will help with that. [[If not, there’s always medication.”|med mention]]

A knock on the door interrupts Mrs. Kirlian. Before she can say anything, a pale and greying head pops inside the room. “Simone, I need your advice on the approach to—” The Headmaster, though you’ve grown to know him as Professor Littlemore, he has insisted on calling him Oscar. He notices you sitting there and smiles widely, fully opening the door to let himself in. “Oh hello $engname!” “Hello Professor Littlemore.” You greet back, always finding it uncomfortable to call him by his name. “It’s Oscar sweetheart.” He doesn’t notice your discomfort, even when you remain tight-lipped. Mrs. Kirlian drags his attention back to her. “Is it important?” She asks him and he nods decisively. The teacher turns to you with a kind smile, the serious demeanor she had used on the Headmaster reserved for him only. “We will talk tomorrow then. Remember what I said.” She places one finger in front of her lips to indicate silence, and when you nod, she winks. [["You leave with " + $Charlie + ", unfortunate to have yet another weight piled onto your shoulders."|You leave with Charlie, unfortunate to have yet another weight piled onto your shoulders.]]

It’s around the time of the day where the sun may or may not be in the sky, there’s a visible light, but it’s dimmed out by the constant present grey clouds. Students leave the school in groups, some tired and dragging their feet, while others bounce in their steps heading somewhere else besides home. Your own feet feel like lead. It feels like everyone is either being too noisy, or there’s no sound at all, a numb ringing inside your own brain that tricks you into believing you’re alone. Not alone as in there’s no one around you, no, this feels much stranger. The frustration and fear that clings to you feels so real that you start wondering if you’re the only real thing in the world, it’s impossible for everyone to be feeling worse, you can’t imagine it. Maybe you’ll grow used to it. Maybe the rest of your life will be like this… If $Charlie truly leaves you, this will become your everyday. Not for very much longer though, when $gtheyre gone, you’ll be gone soon after, waiting and waiting for the day it happens. You could just stay in bed, sleep forever when that happens. You don’t want to care anymore. You want to stop caring so bad. “Hey $engname!” You blink slowly, feeling nauseous all of a sudden. Your head is pounding, but you look behind you to see $Ima zoom out of the gates, not minding going into the road to reach you. Do cars even pass through here? Is there anyone here? [["“" + $engname + "? You okay?”"|“$Name? You okay?”]]

$Ima asks you. You heard $iherm but you don’t understand it. Your mind is still trying to grasp that $ishe is real, $ishe is real and is talking to you. $Charlie, who has been quiet this whole time, turns to $Ima to address $iherm. “We have gotten some… unfortunate news.” <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice is hoarse, probably not being used to being so quiet for long hours. You almost forgot $gthey $gwere here, for a second, you really thought $gthey’d already disappeared. No, you knew $gthey $gwere here, you’re forgetting things again. Aahh… why is your memory so muddled now? “I apologize.” $Charlie says. “I’m sorry.” You repeat the sentiment without thinking. Both of them glance at you when you finally look up to talk to them. “I—” $Charlie’s expression is so broken you can barely keep your head up, finding the floor and your feet to calm you down. “I’m sorry.” [[Why are you even apologizing?]]

You don’t know. You don’t know anything right now. “Okay okay. Something is clearly wrong,” $Ima starts, waving $iher hands around. “but it’s alright. It’s alright for now, just for a little bit let’s pretend everything’s alright. There’s a chicken shop near the school, we can go there and eat something, my treat.” $Charlie looks at you for guidance, and you take a deep breath. Snap out of it. Food will make you feel better. Just distract yourself or you’ll drown. “Okay.” You nod. [[$Ima + " leads the way."|Ima leads the way.]]

You sit outside the shop, with $Charlie standing in front of you. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> not floating. $Ima had gone inside the shop, it’s too small to fit more than two customers (especially with the wheelchair), and all $ishe’s going to do is order and then come back outside until the food is ready. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asked you what you wanted but you forgot your own preferences, you were too keen to sit down instead so $Ima let you. The stone you’re sitting on is a decoration to a tree, and it’s cold. You wanted to look at the sky but the tree leaves and branches, though small, distracted you, and now you’re staring at it swaying in the wind. It feels real. $Charlie hasn’t said anything to you since you left Mrs. Kirlian’s office. You’re worried but you’re also scared. [["Ask how " + $gtheyre + " feeling."|Ask how they’re feeling.]] [[Small talk.]] [[Don’t say anything.]]

You find your voice amongst many unnecessary thoughts. “$Charlie, how are… you know. How are you feeling?” You clear your throat because your own voice sounds unfamiliar to you. $Charlie, who was staring at the store the whole time, waiting for $Ima to come out, minimally turns $gtheir head to see you. You both look away at the same time, both unable to register being in each other’s presence. “I do not know.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. “Everything is moving very fast.” Everything is moving very slow to you. Maybe that’s why you take your time to respond, and why $Charlie looks like $gtheyre trying to pay attention to multiple things at the same time. You nod, though $Charlie doesn’t see it, but you nod for longer. [[“Oh.”]]

“It looks like it might rain later today.” You say, finding a glimpse of the sky in between leaves. Still a grey mantle draped across the sky. $Charlie nods, not taking $gtheir eyes off the store $gthey $ghave been staring at this whole time, as if the harder $gthey stare$gs, the faster $Ima will be to come back. Since when do$ges $gthey dislike being around you? Since when did $gthey start wanting to be in the presence of anyone else but you? You’re overreacting. “What do you think our new neighbours are going to be like?” You ask. $Charlie shrugs. God, you hate this. The quiet is usually so comforting, but that’s only because $Charlie is always there, always talking, always looking at you, that silence is nice. This silence is choking you. [[“Oh.”]]

You don’t know what to say. And $Charlie seems like $gthey do<<print $ges>>n’t want to talk. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes solely focused on the store $Ima had gone in, waiting for $iherm to come back out and suffocate both of your intruding thoughts. Relying on $iherm is selfish $Charlie. You shouldn’t do that $Charlie. You should talk to me. Talk to me instead $Charlie, please talk to me. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> peer$gs at you and static fills your brain. [[“Oh.”]]

Before anything can be said, both of your attentions are captured by a single figure coming out of another shop entirely. Some sort of pizza shop next to the chicken shop. Why are there so many of these around here? It’s none other than Archie. Tall, more unclothed than it’s normal in this weather, with $aher uniform sweater tied loosely around $aher waist, and a pizza box half open in both of $aher hands. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> looks from you to $Charlie and the world around you three emerges into colour. [[Maybe it’s a spiritmate thing.]]

With $Ima it was the same thing. Their presence alone manages to make you feel better, feel less uninhabited. Archie takes hesitant steps towards you, not saying anything, just examining both you and $Charlie’s expression. Something unspoken is being said however, an olive branch, an attempt, a new temporary start. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> sits next to you, placing the pizza in $aher lap. “Sorry for the wait.” $Ima comes out of the store, a box of wings and chips in $iher hands. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> stops in $iher tracks when $ishe sees Archie. “Well… okay.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn’t seem that surprised and looks at $Charlie. “Let’s eat.” Though $Charlie can’t eat, that invitation makes $gthem smile and both $gthem and $Ima join you and Archie in your place, sitting around and eating the wings, chips and pizza. Food and friends. [[Slowly, the sound of birds, of cars and people register in your brain.]]

<<set $lookatarchie to false>> \ <<set $lookatima to false>> \ <<set $lookatcharlie to false>> \ <<set $lookatfriends to false>> \ You’re real. This is real. [[You look at Archie.]] [["You look at " + $Ima + "."|You look at Ima.]] [["You look at " + $Charlie + "."|You look at Charlie.]] [[You look at your friends.]]

<<set $lookatarchie to true>> \ <<set $archiefriend +=1>> \ Glancing at Archie, who’s sitting directly next to you, feels like staring directly at the sun. Not that you see the sun a lot but Archie is probably the same thing. Radiant, smiling as $ashe eats the pizza, unbothered by whatever plagues you because $ashe doesn’t know. You don’t know if that would change much if $ashe did, Archie has always been able to brush aside things and look at the positive. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> behaviour has definitely changed from the cold way $ashe treated you inside the school. Maybe $ashe knew something was going on, and you needed $aherm here. Sensing that you were looking at $aherm, Archie meets your eyes. You don’t look away, just blink relieved. Archie raises an eyebrow in question, mouth full from food, and as if you were amusing $aherm, $ashe shakes $aher head and chuckles silently, returning to $aher food. <<if $lookatima is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Ima + "."|You look at Ima.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatcharlie is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Charlie + "."|You look at Charlie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatfriends is false>> \ [[You look at your friends.]] <</if>> \ [[Pretending everything’s okay is working.]]

<<set $lookatima to true>> \ <<set $imafriend +=1>> \ You steal a glance at $Ima, $ishe being the only one talking excitedly about something related to the food. Archie offers $aher charismatic quips and $Charlie hums, listening. $Ima has this amazing power of making people feel good being near $iherm, even now, with still that cloud hanging over yours and $Charlie’s head, it feels a bit less heavy with rain. Like a nice overcast. Even if $Ima is talking with $iher mouth full, hiding it with $iher hand when $ishe gets a bit rowdy, $ishe’s still so carefree. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>’s $iherm, $ishe isn’t afraid of being $iherself, of letting go of the bad and moving on with the good, no matter how little that is. Seeing your eyes on $iherm, $ishe looks at you and winks, knowing exactly what $ishe’s doing to you and your group. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>’s trying to cheer you up. You feel yourself smile slightly. <<if $lookatarchie is false>> \ [[You look at Archie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatcharlie is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Charlie + "."|You look at Charlie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatfriends is false>> \ [[You look at your friends.]] <</if>> \ [[Pretending everything’s okay is working.]]

<<set $lookatcharlie to true>> \ <<set $charliefriend +=1>> \ You try and find $Charlie’s eyes, but $gtheyre looking at $Ima talking, and then briefly pass over to Archie when $ashe speaks as well, never deviating $gtheir eyes in your direction. You feel a soft pang of hurt in your gut, even though you know it’s neither of your fault, you know exactly why $gtheyre trying not to acknowledge you. I guess you’re a reminder that $gtheyre a ghost, that $gtheyre dead and $gare going to disappear. That maybe $gtheir goal is related to you and simply looking at you would accomplish it and then poof! <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> gone. You hope $Charlie doesn’t think too highly of you. Accidentally, as you lament that notion, $Charlie’s eyes fall on you. A second. Only a second, by total coincidence, you see $gtheir eyes widen slightly in fear. Then $gthey look$gs away. You feel yourself grimace. When $Charlie smiles privately however, glad to have found that nothing had happened, $gthey lean$gs a bit closer to you, still far to reach, but closer. You feel like that’s progress, so you smile. <<if $lookatarchie is false>> \ [[You look at Archie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatima is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Ima + "."|You look at Ima.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatfriends is false>> \ [[You look at your friends.]] <</if>> \ [[Pretending everything’s okay is working.]]

<<set $lookatfriends to true>> \ <<set $charliefriend +=1>> \ <<set $imafriend +=1>> \ <<set $archiefriend +=1>> \ Looking around at all of your friends, eating and chatting (albeit that’s just $Ima and Archie), you feel lighter. Like a piece of the burden you’re carrying lifted for only a second. $Charlie looks like $gthey feel$gs the same, $gtheyre finally looking at people in the eye and smiling, humming, acknowledging them. Just for now, everything is okay. $Ima says something funny, and you feel yourself smile when Archie laughs loudly. $Charlie softly chuckles and $Ima teases $gthem, much to $Charlie’s embarrassment. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs something and you watch, enthralled. You’ve never had friends before. <<if $lookatarchie is false>> \ [[You look at Archie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatcharlie is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Charlie + "."|You look at Charlie.]] <</if>> \ <<if $lookatima is false>> \ [["You look at " + $Ima + "."|You look at Ima.]] <</if>> \ [[Pretending everything’s okay is working.]]

You go [[home.]]

The rain patters and cascades every corner of the house. It almost felt like a switch. As soon as you got in, the sky cried. Miraculously reflecting the sudden barrage of emotions you’re confronted with, sitting down on your bed in limp disdain. $Charlie looks out the window, watching the rain mimic the sounds of countless angry footsteps. However short your moment of relief was with your friends, you avoided telling them what was actually wrong, and you’re thankful for it, afraid that it would have ruined the moment. Now, things are back to its absurd morbidity. Fortunately, your family isn’t home yet. Probably greeting your neighbours like they said, waiting for the rain to pass to return home. You’re lucky, or else you’d have to pretend everything’s fine in front of them. The last thing you want is another unneeded hospital visit. “$Mx… I mean—” $Charlie starts, turning finally to look at you. “$engname.” <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes wide and doe-like, unafraid to meet your gaze. “I feel like we must research my goal. So we do not accidentally trigger it when I am not ready.” [[“Are you scared?”]]

“Huh?” $Charlie balks at your stoic expression. “Are you afraid of disappearing?” You repeat, schooling your expression into a blank canvas. You ended up feeling so many things that your face has given up on choosing what to portray. Your chest hurts nevertheless. “I am.” $Charlie nods, sadly glancing at the ground. There’s a brief moment of silence, with the rain still pestering you from the outside, where $Charlie struggles to find something else to say before meeting your gaze defiantly. The act of getting it together seems to spark something in you. How jealous you are. $Charlie seems to have found $gtheir motivation, but you lay still like a husk. Why $gare $gthey so eager to fight? If $gthey disappear$gs <<print $gthey>>’ll go to heaven, or wherever dead ghosts go. You’re the one who should be crying in terror, because you don’t want to die, you don’t want a poltergeist to steal your body and use it for whatever reason, while you watch from this infinite black void until you perish and remain as a ghost to an unnamed individual. “But I want to stay with you!” $Charlie says, floating keenly. God, you don’t care if it’s selfish. [[Get angry.]] [[Cry.]]

“Well, I don’t want you to.” You reply. “I want you to leave me alone. If you’re going to disappear anyways, do it far away from me, I don’t want to see it.” “...What?” <<print $Charlie>>’s whole stance deflates, $gtheir feet landing on the ground with a graceful yet weak hesitance. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> face falls and you curse yourself for finding a soft spot for it. Then you remember your previous arguments. <<if $angryatcharlie is true>>\ How $Charlie hides so much from you, how $they chose this life for you, made sacrifices for you. If $they had a turn, why can’t you? “What? Didn’t see that one coming? You’ve been hiding things from me this whole time, controlling what I can and can’t do, since I’m gonna be independent when you’re gone, don’t you think it’s time I make my own choices.” You let yourself give a sad but still irritated chuckle. “I thought you were just stupid, but maybe it’s because you’re so self-centered.” “$engname, where is this coming from? I want to keep supporting you! I know things are different now but it will get better, we just have to get together and find my goal. Maybe if we get $iMs $Ima and $aMs $Archie, and all of your spiritmates then—” “God $Charlie! Just leave it alone!” You snap and [["" + $Charlie + " flinches."|Charlie flinches. (angry)]] <<else>>\ How $Charlie and your spiritmates have suffered due to your whole existence, every sacrifice $gthey $ghave made to accommodate you, $gtheir pitying interactions. Truly, why can’t you just be gone, it would be better for everyone. “Seriously $Charlie? You still don’t get it?” You scoff, finding the pang of sadness within you forming itself into a ball of guilt. “I don’t want you to coddle me. I don’t want anyone to sacrifice their life for mine, it’s my choice. Everything would be fine if I wasn’t here, I’m weak, I was meant to die much much earlier.” “$engname, please do not say that. We want you here, we want to make those sacrifices—” “I don’t want you to!” You snap and [["" + $Charlie + " flinches."|Charlie flinches. (angry)]] <</if>>\

“$Charlie…” You feel tears forming in your eyes before you even realize that you’re breaking. “No no no I am sorry, I did not mean to—” $Charlie rushes to comfort you, your own pain reflected in $gtheir eyes. “It’s not that, $Charlie, I don’t think I can do this. I don’t think I can keep fighting.” You mutter, pressing the heel of your palms onto your eyes. God, your own body is betraying you, hurting and becoming numb, sore, everything feels so so wrong. You’re so frustrated with being overwhelmed that you let out a defeated cry. You hiccup, “I can’t…” “$engname, it is alright. Everything is going to be alright. We can battle through this and find a solution!” No matter how cheerful $Charlie makes $gtheir own voice, it won’t trick you. You know it’s pointless. <<if $angryatcharlie is true>>\ This is just another of $gtheir lies. $Charlie did that so much, it comes just natural to $gthem. You feel like no matter what, $Charlie will sacrifice whoever for you, even when you don’t ask. So no, everything is not going to be alright, and whatever solution $gthey $ghave, will come at a cost. $Charlie holds your arm and you feel yourself tense. “Don’t touch me.” You snap, and [["" + $Charlie + " recoils."|Charlie recoils. (sad)]] <<else>>\ //We// this, //we// that… You don’t want $gthem to keep fighting for you. Sad, weak you. You’re so tired of allowing others to hurt just so you can have a chance of a life, you don’t deserve that. But this has been your whole life, don’t you get a final say in this? Take control one last time so you can spare everyone else the choice of letting go of a dead weight like you? $Charlie holds your arm and you feel a lump forming in your throat. “Stop.” You snap, and [["" + $Charlie + " recoils."|Charlie recoils. (sad)]] <</if>>\

You hate it. You hate how hopeful $gthey $gare, even if there’s nothing to be hopeful about. You’ve been cursed since you were born, you were bound to die regardless, you’d rather speed this up than allow yourself any more painful experiences. “And what will you have me do?! If I leave, you will get hurt!” $Charlie protests. “That’s the point! I’m going to get hurt anyways, might as well let it happen now.” “No $engname, you don’t mean that—” “You don’t know what I mean, you’ve never cared about what I wanted. You’ve always taken control over my life. I want MY life back, at least for the short moment I can have it.” “$engname, this is suicide.” “And?” [[Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.|end this charlie]]

“I am only trying to help.” $Charlie mutters, though $gthey $gdo step back. You just shake your head, still reeling from the tears that are now drying up and making your eyes swell. “I don’t need it. It’s alright $Charlie.” You repeat $gtheir words back to $gthem, looking up at $gthem and smiling. “It’s better if you leave.” “$engname, I cannot do that, if I do, you will get hurt.” “Yes. But that’s what I want.” “No, you do not. Please stop.” “$Charlie, stop pretending you know what I want. Let me do this myself, I don’t need you.” You try to sound angry, put venom in your words, but everything you say sounds so fragile, just above a whisper. And even though the words you say seem to make $Charlie shiver, you know $gthey still do<<print $ges>>n’t believe you. “$engname—” [[“Just leave me alone.”|end this charlie]]

You feel your aura weakening. Physically making you back down and rest against the wall of your bed. You let out a heavy breath and $Charlie frowns, realizing what’s happening. “$engname, you are pushing me away.” “Good.” Is all you say, watching $Charlie frantically try to stay materialised in your presence. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> sob$gs, and you watch it all with vacant eyes. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> figure slowly disappears, fading into thin air. You smile to yourself. Finally. Some peace and quiet. [[Silence]]

$Charlie is gone. You didn’t even know you could do that, block $gthem, erase $gthem from your current mind. The mental block on your brain is a discomfort however. [[I guess, that’s good?]]

The silence is short. The family that you pushed so far from your own mind, suddenly coming to its forefront, loud and argumentative, rushing inside the house as the rain persistently chased them. “Take off your shoes!” Your mum bellows from right below your room. You hear Nessa’s small but rapid footsteps echo further inside the house, much to your mum’s annoyance. You also hear the distinct sound of your dad muttering to his wife, gently and comforting. Then the door shuts, allowing the abrasive sound of the rain to be muffled once again. You almost forgot. [["“" + $engname + "!”"|“$engname!”]]

Nessa bursts into your room. Not knocking, not asking, just simply kicking the door down as if it’s normal. She is slightly wet from the rain, and still with her uniform on. “You’re home! Great!” She strides inside and towards you. “Our neighbours are amazing! You’re going to love them, it’s a single mum with her two children. One of them is your age and the other one is a bit younger than me. We can all like, hang out together!” Don’t break down. Don’t break down. How are you ever going to explain that to your little Sister, just pretend everything is okay. [[“Yeah, that’s great.”]] [[Just lock yourself in the toilet.]]

“Yeah…” You mutter, clearing your throat once it comes out breaking. “That’s great Nessa.” You smile, tiredly, putting on a show that you’re sure your Sister doesn’t care enough to see through. But she surprises you. Her wide smile slowly turns into a frown when a crease forms in her perfectly smooth skin, in between her eyebrows. “You don’t sound excited.” “I’m just tired.” It’s not a lie. You are tired. So tired that you’d be shocked if you could even move a muscle. Her smaller body sits near you, never really asking for permission to get her soaked skirt on your bed. You can’t find in yourself enough strength to mind it though. She stares at you, like a curious child would eye their own reflection. [[“I’m sorry.”]]

<<set $sismakingup to false>>\ With wide eyes, you stand up abruptly and rush out of there. Nessa confusedly tries to call you back, a hint of worry on her voice before you cross the hallway towards the toilet. You hear Nessa’s familiar footsteps after you, though you slam the door in panic and lock it, leaning against the door. “$engname! What’s going on? Are you okay?” She shouts from the other side. You breathe hard, realizing what you just did. I mean, at least you didn’t break down in front of her, just nearly did. “Everything okay up there?” Your mum asks from downstairs. Nessa waits a few seconds before replying: “Yeah! It was just the wind shutting the door!” She lies. You bury your head in your hands and pull your knees closer to you. If you get possessed, you hope it’s now, so you don’t have to face your Sister again. The rain patters louder in the bathroom’s window, echoing all around you. Your parent’s unhurried conversation reverberates from downstairs, and the fact that you don’t hear Nessa means that she’s still at the door. Why doesn’t she leave? [[“I’m sorry.”|sorry toilet]]

She whispers. You barely hear it over the sounds of the rain at your window, or the quiet cacophony of your parents sorting their stuff out and talking downstairs. But Nessa’s voice is clear, though she seems almost ashamed. “What?” “I never apologized for how I treated you when I was younger. Or now. I guess, I thought you’d forget.” She shrugs. “And no, dad and mum didn’t ask me to apologize to you. You just looked really sad.” Is this really Nessa? Or did you already become possessed and are now dreaming up unrealistic scenarios to fill your mind in the void? It surely doesn’t sound like her. She sounds older, older than all the times you’ve interacted with her. Which was… a long time ago. She’s 12 now. [[“It’s okay.”]] [[“Thank you.”]] [[“Who are you and what did you do to my Sister?”]] [[Scowl in silence.]] [[Hug her.]]

<<set $sismakingup to true>>\ “It’s okay.” You reply. “It was a long time ago, maybe it was a bit silly to hold onto that for so long.” “No!” Nessa suddenly turns frustrated. “It wasn’t silly! You can’t control how you feel about memories. They just are. Then, as time passes, maybe it will be less painful.” She sighs, seemingly decades older. “Mum explained to me, about you. We don’t talk very much but I still really care about you, so I always ask mum about how you’re feeling and stuff. She said you’re… not okay. And I don’t want to make it worse. No. I want you to be okay!” “Oh Nessa. You’re so smart.” You say, genuinely impressed with the way she articulates her feelings. You kind of feel jealous. Nessa must take it as sarcasm, because she crosses her arms and stands from her seat. “Yeah of course I am! I’m 12!” Then she stomps out of your room, closing the door behind her. You shake your head, amused but disappointed at what you said. Maybe you should have worded it better. She is very impressive, you just wish you could tell her without it seeming awkward, or malicious in any way. Then Nessa opens the door just a crack, her curly strands peeking in along with her petite face. “Trust me $engname, like I trust you. Let’s hang out more.” She doesn’t wait for a reply, just leaves, closing the door more gently this time. [[Sleep]]

<<set $sismakingup to true>>\ “Thank you.” You reply. “I still don’t know how I feel about a lot of things, but I appreciate the apology.” “That’s good!” She says in a hurry. Then embarrassed, she looks away. “I mean, like, take your time of course! I just wanted to tell you that I will be better and maybe, when you feel like it, we can hang out more and stuff. Or talk, we can just talk too.” You smile at her, a genuine one this time. She smiles back, nervously at first before she beams confidently again, standing up in front of you. “Well! I’m going to go, play games or something. Uhh… don’t tell mum about this. She won’t stop annoying us both if you do. So, better for the both of us.” She laughs, and skips towards the door. “See you then, talk whenever.” She closes the door behind her. [[Sleep]]

<<set $sismakingup to true>>\ “Who are you? And what did you do to my sweet mean Sister?” You tease. She glowers, crossing her arms in annoyance. “I’m being nice right now! I’m not mean!” “I know, that’s what’s weird.” You laugh, poking her arm to show that you’re just messing with her. She rolls her eyes, but a sneaky grin escapes her. “But I do appreciate it.” She nods, more in general than to you. “I’m not stupid you know, mum tells me sometimes not to bother you because you’re upset about something, so I know you don’t really like to see me. But I’ve been practicing on how to talk to you again, so I can be there for you when you’re upset instead of being pushed away.” “That’s very mature of you.” “I know.” She grins. Then stands up, head held high. “I’m gonna go now but lovely chat! Remember, I live in the same house, the door next to yours. You can come in whenever, except when I’m sleeping, obviously.” She leaves the room, skipping towards the door and sending you a wave before closing it. [[Sleep]]

<<set $sismakingup to false>>\ You turn away from her, putting some distance between you two, and then scowl, staring at the ground instead. You do appreciate her effort, but if she thinks this is what it takes for you to suddenly forgive her for how she has treated you the entire time, then she’s being ignorant. You hear her shuffle in her seat awkwardly before standing up and walking towards the door. It’s hard not to feel a tiny bit bad for ignoring her attempt at an olive branch like that, but you're not in any sort of mental state to communicate those sort of complicated feelings and unpack all that trauma. You know it won’t matter anyways, this is probably the last time she’ll see you as you. “Well, I’m sorry anyways.” She says as a passing remark before closing the door. You expected her to get angry or start throwing a tantrum. Now, you feel like the child. [[Sleep]]

<<set $sismakingup to true>>\ You hug her suddenly, so suddenly that she gasps. You feel her body tense up as she pats you on the back gently. After you let out the breath you were holding, you release her. She stares up at you, in nervous content. “I was not expecting that.” She says. “Sorry. I really needed that.” You mutter. She nods. “Okay.” A more confident smile forms on her face. “That’s a good sign I guess. But you interrupted me.” She clears her throat and you hide your laughter. “I was going to say that I do notice when you are upset and that I will do better now to be there for you if you want me to be. I want my $Sibling back, you know? I miss talking to you and hanging out with you, I’m older too now as well! So we can do more stuff than play with dolls or whatever I used to do as a kid.” “You’re really impressive.” You tell her, finding it almost unbelievable how well she is communicating her feelings and thoughts. Her sense of well-being is good too, as well as her ‘theory’ of boundaries. She still needs to show you she understands those entirely. “I know.” She laughs. Then standing up, she hesitates to pat you on the shoulder, then thinks better of it and retracts her hand. “I’m going to go. I hope you feel better soon.” She leaves towards the door, opening it and standing there for a still second, glancing back at you. “Oh and… ask me before you touch me. I don’t like stuff like that.” “Oh of course.” You nod, feeling an apology rising to your lips. But before you can, she nods back and closes the door behind her. Talk about a much needed talk. [[Sleep]]

You distance yourself from your family and then have the nerve to feel guilty? You pushed $Charlie away, for all you know $gthey could be lost somewhere, or even… what if you exorcised $gthem by accident? Is that something someone could do? No, $Charlie has other spiritmates besides you. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> do<<print $ges>>n’t need you. No one needs you. You’re just a dead weight to everyone around you. But only for a while longer, you will be gone soon. And the grief you will cause your parents, the trauma you will leave your Sister with… There’s no winning, is there? [[Sleep]]

She whispers from the other side of the door. Barely audible over all the noise and the mufflement of said wooden door. Your heavy breathing also doesn’t seem to help, blocking your ears from any sound that isn’t your heartbeat. You wish she repeated the words, or continued on talking. But instead she finally leaves you alone, her footsteps now slow and quiet, turning distant before you hear her close her bedroom’s door. A tinge of guilt fills the depth of your stomach, making you repulsed with yourself. She’s only 12. What was she apologizing for? All she did when she was younger? Her lack of communication with you? Last time you spoke with her was so long ago… you hardly remember how she says things, what she means when she says something. You do know that apologizing was something she never did. So, how much did she grow up? [[Wow]]

You’re half awake the next day when you find the courage to face school again. Mind slipping around like jelly in your head as you amble around the hallways, trying to find your classroom. The echoes of footsteps in the vast school grounds feel haunting, the tall windows that welcome the morning grey sun make you feel like you’re still dreaming. “$engname!” $Charlie says. Oh. This is a dream. Halting in your clumsy steps, you turn to see $Ima wheel $iherself in your direction, $iher smile crooked and $iher uniform sweater backwards. Not $Charlie then. Sometimes you think $Ima sounds a bit like $gthem. “Are you heading to class?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. “I think we have the same class right now, and I know for a fact that you look lost.” [["Why can’t " + $ishe + " tell that you’re not okay?"|Why can’t she tell that you’re not okay?]] [["Did " + $Charlie + " talk to " + $iherm + "?"|Did Charlie talk to her?]] [["Thank god for " + $Ima + "."|Thank god for Ima.]]

That’s something you’ve noticed with $Ima. No matter if $ishe knows or doesn’t, $ishe ignores it. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> seems almost allergic to it. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> isn’t a bad person, $ishe did cheer you up when you were upset about it, but $ishe doesn’t seem like $ishe ever wants to talk about it. What if you wanted to talk about how shitty you feel? What if you wanted to talk about how much you want to just… be gone, forever? Would $ishe listen? Or would $ishe change the subject to something that doesn’t make $iherm feel uncomfortable? Is $Ima the kind of person to leave you when you need $iherm most? Are you being selfish right now? “Yeah that’s the face…” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs to $iherself. Then, $ishe starts moving down the hallway, expecting you to follow $iherm. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.” [[Class yeah…]]

You wonder if after you manifested a barrier against $Charlie, if $gthey went to $Ima for help. If $gthey $gwere so sick of worry that $gthey had to immediately ask for help. Or if $gthey $gwere lost and needed consoling, and $Ima was there for $gthem. Would $Ima tell you? Would $Ima scold you for treading $Charlie the way you did? You’re sure $ishe’s better for $gthem anyways. This isn't about you. Stop making it about you. “Yeah that’s the face…” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs to $iherself. Then, $ishe starts moving down the hallway, expecting you to follow $iherm. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.” [[Class yeah…]]

<<set $imafriend+=1>>\ Releasing a heavy sigh, you feel thankful that at least $Ima is still here. At least you haven’t fucked up so much that you pushed $Ima away too. No matter what, you’d like to believe that $Ima won’t leave you, that $ishe’ll stay even when you don’t want $iherm too. Because you need $iherm to. Need… when have you become so needy? First $Charlie, now $Ima? Why don’t you learn from your mistakes? “Yeah that’s the face…” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs to $iherself. Then, $ishe starts moving down the hallway, expecting you to follow $iherm. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.” [[Class yeah…]]

“Just finish the first two pages and then we can discuss the problem in the third page. Remember to raise your hand if you’re stuck. I am here to help.” The teacher says, moving about until everyone starts on their exercise, then they sit at their desk, reading. Maths. You used to hate it. Now you still hate it, just less. $Ima, who sits next to you with $iher exercise book open, turns to you with vivid attention. “So.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> starts. You open your book as well, taking out a pencil to finally start doing something productive. “I noticed $Charlie wasn’t with you.” “Uh—“ You try not to give an immediate response. You knew $ishe was going to ask, but last thing you want is saying something dumb before thinking. So you attempt to pretend to read the exercise to give you some time to respond. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gwere>>n’t with you?” “No.” $Ima says, pouting. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> <<print $gwere>>n’t.” [[That doesn’t make sense.]]

You return to try and solve the problems in the book, finding your head a mess to do anything. So you let the pencil go and hold the rest of your heavy head with a hand, closing your eyes momentarily. “Look. Something happened yesterday. I didn’t want to pry but it seems that it worked out right? You couldn’t be anywhere away from $Charlie for your own health and now look at you!” You almost want to snap at $iherm. How ignorant can $ishe be? This feels like the sort of insult you don’t notice until you think about it later, the sort of bad feeling in your gut of having a friend completely dismiss the struggle you’re going through. Does $ishe even know? Does $ishe? You turn to glare at $iherm but see $iherm consciously trying not to meet your eyes, $iher hand fidgeting with the corner of the page. Oh. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>>’s //scared//. [[“I’m sorry.”|sorry ima]] [[“Yeah. Things are fine.”]] [[“Enough about me, are you alright?”]]

“I’m sorry.” You say, unsure if you’re apologizing for getting angry at $iherm, or for judging $iherm too fast. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> also seems confused, $iher eyes finally solidifying their movement to rest on your face. “For what?” “I don’t know. I’m just sorry.” You shrug. $Ima furrows $iher brow, thinking with an odd smile. Then $ishe chuckles softly, $iher movements calming down as $ishe focuses on $iher work again. You try to focus on yours too. [[Some time passes.]]

“Yeah.” You attempt a smile. “Things are fine.” $Ima doesn’t look like $ishe believes you, but $ishe also seems to pretend that $ishe does, $iher nod slow and $iher smile weary. “That’s good.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> sighs out. Then, with practiced ease, $ishe turns back to $iher book to focus on $iher work. You replicate $iherm and try to focus on yours too. [[Some time passes.]]

<<set $imafriend+=1>>\ You scoff in amusement. “Enough about me, I want to know about you. You okay?” You ask, sincerely. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> stops $iher fidgeting immediately and turns to you with soft stars in $iher eyes. “I’m doing okay.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies, $iher smile slowly coming out. Then, $ishe playfully nudges you in your arm, making you chuckle. “Thanks. For asking.” “No worries.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> focuses back on $iher work, side by side, you try and focus on your own too. Feeling the peculiar comfort of silent communication with someone that doesn’t necessarily understand. [[Some time passes.]]

Your focus doesn’t necessarily get better, it wavers in and out, enough for you to complete one page and one small equation on the next one, everything else seems like a scribble would be too much effort. You see $Ima already done with all of $iher work, you didn’t doubt that $ishe was smart enough to complete everything without a struggle, but you’re surprised $ishe didn’t get distracted once. I guess $Charlie is not that similar to $iherm after all. The teacher progresses the class and you know your dedication to trying has reached its peak. At some point, $Ima turns to you again, seeing you stressed. “If you’re having difficulties with the subject matter, there’s always the Homework Club after school.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> suggests. “The librarian and some other teacher run it, not many people go there but it’s a very calm place to do any work you need to do, and they help you with anything you’re struggling with.” <<linkreplace "Romance Options♡">> [[“I would prefer your help.” ♡]] [[“Can... you go with me?” ♡]] [[“Do you go there often?” ♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“Maybe… I don’t know if that will help.”]] [[“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.”]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<set $imaro+=1>>\ <<set $flirt+=1>>\ You snort without meaning to, only because you find the idea of going out of your way to study so ridiculous. But you eye $Ima with a knowing look and smile. “I would prefer your help, you’re much more fun.” $Ima’s eyes crinkle, $iher glasses falling off $iher nose for only a second before $ishe regards you with interest. “Is this your way of asking me out for a study date?” “Take out study from that equation and then yes.” “Ohh, so you’d rather go on a date than worry about what’s actually important?” “You’re very important.” You say, almost insulted on $iher behalf. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs to $iherself, aware that you two are still in the middle of a class. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> nods, “I’ll help you, don't worry.” [[You’re content with that.]]

<<set $imaro+=1>>\ <<set $uwu+=1>>\ Why is it even asking teachers for help sounds so scary right now? Isn’t that what they’re supposed to do? “I mean, yeah… maybe. Can… can you go with me?” Your question isn’t weird, but the desperate need that boils underneath your skin is, even to you, especially to you. $Ima is important, but you never thought you’d be so needy. Ever. You kinda hate it. $Ima on the other hand, doesn’t seem offended at all, just glances at you with the sort of expression that reminds you that $ishe’s your friend, that $ishe cares. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> nods slowly, reaching over to pat your hand, only once, like a gentle tap, it warms your whole body. “I’ll go with you, don’t worry.” [[You’re content with that.]]

<<set $imaro+=1>>\ <<set $serious+=1>>\ You think for a second. $Ima suggested it, surely $ishe knows it well, so it wouldn’t be odd to ask $iherm to go with you… or is that too much? Is it too obvious? You school your expressions when you sense them escaping your control. “Do you go there often?” You end up asking, crossing your arms over the table. $Ima raises one eyebrow. “Sometimes… not really that much.” says. Well fuck, now it would be weird to ask $iherm. No? Yes? Probably would be. “I don’t really know where it is, you should come so I don’t get lost.” $Ima raises two eyebrows. “Right.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> ends up grinning and squinting $iher eyes at you, you give $iherm a look, scrunching up your nose at $iherm and shaking your head, as if asking //‘what?’//. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> only chuckles, cheeks bright. “I’ll go with you yeah, don’t worry.” [[You’re content with that.]]

You shake your head minimally, not intending on showing disagreement but instead some sort of uncertainty. “Maybe… though I don’t know if it will help much.” “Try it at least.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says without hesitance.\ <<if $imarelation is "dislike">>\ You feel sort of annoyed. Bitter. Why is $ishe so sure of things? Aren’t they scary to $iherm? You’re terrified of every minute you spend here without $Charlie, lucky for $iherm, $ishe doesn’t have to be. What are you talking about? You made this decision. You nod at $iherm. “Sure.” You let out a breath and look away. Maybe you will head there, see if it helps you take your mind off of things. Perhaps you’ll forget about all of this. <<else>>\ You feel yourself smile, $Ima’s confidence seems to make everything a sure thing. You won’t start doubting these moments, it’s the only things that will be in your mind when you go. The memories. Why are you thinking of that now? You nod at $herm. “Thanks.” $Ima nods back, $iher posture lazy, leaning back in $iher wheelchair with the sort of calm that you admire and feel jealous of. You sigh and $iher head tips to glance your way. “Still unsure?” “A tiny bit.” “Do you want me to go with you?” “If you wouldn’t mind…” “Not at all.” <</if>>\ [[You’re content with that.]]

Thinking about how behind you are with your studies, of course you’re struggling. You don’t remember the last time you paid attention in class. You nod at $iherm, grateful for the suggestion. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea actually.” “It’s there for a reason. Might as well use it.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles, pushing $iherself off the table a little bit so $ishe can lean back on $iher wheelchair. You’re sure if $ishe could $ishe would put $iher legs on the table, $ishe seems like the type. “Do you go there often?” You end up asking. “Not anymore. But I used to. Why? Want me to tag along?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> raises one eyebrow at you, $iher grin evidently teasing, but it doesn’t bother you at all. It makes you smile. “Yes.” You reply simply. $Ima’s grin turns from teasing to some sort of relief. Mirroring the sort of feeling you have when you’re in $iher company. Just for a little while, you can treasure $iher friendship. [[You’re content with that.]]

When Maths lesson is over, you immediately rush to the toilets. You know that you can avoid everyone there, it’s as private as anything gets in this school. $Ima had insisted on hanging out but you fervently denied $iherm, not wanting to have a possession in front of $iherm. If today’s the day, you won’t take any risks. Part of you has already said your goodbyes, made your decisions. The other part is terrified. Maybe the reason why it isn’t sinking in as much as you thought is because that part of you is holding onto the fact that you might recover from this. That someone will save you. It’s a selfish thought, but the gamble of it is what’s holding you sane right now. Before you can lock yourself in a random stall of the toilets, you’re intercepted by Mrs. Kirlian, who looks a bit frazzled. She looks immediately reassured to see you. “I was looking everywhere for you $engname!” You try to sidestep her, go around her, but she’s stubborn on keeping you. “Have you given some thought to our lessons? How are you feeling? I’m sorry about how our conversation ended last time, I—” “Sorry, I have to go.” You choke out, feeling your chest impossibly tight at the urge to hyperventilate. You were so composed, how does one interaction bring you into such violent panic. Finally managing to escape her by running through the corner of the hall, she yells after you. “$engname wait!” Her words die in your ears, your heartbeat drowning it out as you let your legs carry you to the toilets. [[You enter hurriedly.]]

Familiarising yourself with your surroundings, you’re grateful your brain can at least identify a stall for you to hide yourself in. There’s two other people talking to each other at the edge of the counter, letting the tap run while they chatter. At least that silences out your rapid breaths. You lock yourself in the stall, sitting with your knees up to your face on the closed toilet. You hug yourself, closing your eyes so tightly that it stings. Just let it happen now. You were willing to let yourself hold on for the rest of the day, at least until you were truly sure this was something you wanted to do, if time had been given, maybe you could apologize to $Charlie, and live selfishly a few more days. But now. Now with tears brimming at the corner of your eyes, with gasped breaths being held back by the snot covered hand, with a vision that sees white spots here and there, unable to make sense of where you are. Now you want to disappear so desperately, escape, die or something akin to it, that would be your sole salvation. Instead, you’re brought back to reality by a familiar voice. [[Seems like everyone is finding you today.]]

“Yeah yeah, just get out already.” Archie says to your two companions who had been gossiping near the sinks. They titter and step out, not as upset as they normally would have if it were anyone else asking. When the bathroom door closes with a resounding echo, Archie breathes out. “You sure $theyre here?” “I am positive.” $Charlie replies. //$Charlie// replies. Of all the feelings you were meant to be feeling, relief is the one you seethe at. You thought for sure $gthey $gwere blocked out, that you would never hear or see $gthem again, forget $gthey exist$gs. Somehow, in the midst of your panic, you must have deep-down welcomed $gtheir presence into your reality once again. Just for that sliver of hope. “Alright $engname! $Charlie’s sold you out, I know you’re in here. Just come out so we can talk.” [[“Go away!”]] [[“What do you want?”]] [["“..." + $Charlie + "?”"|“...Charlie?”]] [[Don’t reply.]]

“Go away!” You yell out immediately, hoping that the rasp and anger in your voice is enough to push them both away. That only seems to make Archie more insistent, $aher feet peeking from right below your stall door. “I’m not going anywhere.” Archie says. “I know I haven’t really been a good friend to you but I’m worried. And I guess this isn’t really the best place to apologize. Can you just step out so we can talk?” “I know $Charlie set you up to do this!” You reply. “I only—” $Charlie’s cut off by Archie. You assume $ashe gave $gthem $aher usual withering glare or some sort of dismissive gesture if $ashe didn’t outright verbally cut $gthem off, but regardless, you’re grateful. $Charlie’s voice almost seems grating in your ears, no, in your mind. “$Charlie has nothing to do with this. In fact, if you don’t want $Charlie here, $gthey can go.” Archie offers. You hate the anguish it brings you, the despair that makes you want to claw your way out of this bathroom. You [["don’t want to see or hear " + $Charlie + "."|don’t want to see or hear Charlie.]]

You grit your teeth, gasping for breath quietly before you stable your voice. “What do you want?” You ask Archie, and $Charlie too I guess. “To talk?” Archie answers, stepping towards your stall, $aher shadow blocking out the weak light of the bathroom. “I’m worried about you, which might seem confusing considering how I've been treating you but this isn’t really the place to apologize.” “Why is $Charlie with you?” Your voice breaks just saying $gtheir name. You want to deny $gtheir existence so bad. “I was worried for you too—” $Charlie attempts to speak. You assume Archie cuts $gthem off by giving $gthem $aher usual withering glare or some sort of dismissive gesture if $ashe didn’t outright verbally cut $gthem off, but regardless, you’re grateful. $Charlie’s voice almost seems grating in your ears, no, in your mind. “If you don’t want $Charlie here, $gthey’ll leave.” Archie offers. You hate the anguish it brings you, the despair that makes you want to claw your way out of this bathroom. You [["don’t want to see or hear " + $Charlie + "."|don’t want to see or hear Charlie.]]

You choke out a sob. “...$Charlie?” You call out. “Why…” Why what? “I can’t…” Can’t what? “You…” Everything dies in your throat, drowning in the heavy breaths you take. There’s a brief silence where you try to cover up the soft cries coming out of you, hiccuping and trembling violently. Archie’s voice makes your eyes snap open. “$Charlie no.” It’s direct, it’s harsh but you hear said ghost attempt to rebuttal, though Archie continues. “You agreed to do this my way, remember?” “Yes…” $Charlie sighs out. “$engname, I know I’m the last person you expected to come here, but I was worried. Which is probably weird given how I’ve been treating you but, I do want to talk to you.” Archie says, gently. You feel your chest tighten, there’s so much you want to say but you’re so scared of $Charlie. Every second with $Charlie in this room feels suffocating, like a reminder, like a crack in this reality you fabricated where you have control over your life. “I can’t… $Charlie…” You’re basically begging at this point, hoping that Archie understands. Fortunately for you, even though $ashe stands right in front of your stall, unable to see the sort of expression you’re making, $ashe does. “If you want $Charlie to leave, $gthey can.” Archie offers. You hate the anguish it brings you, the despair that makes you want to claw your way out of this bathroom. You [["don’t want to see or hear " + $Charlie + "."|don’t want to see or hear Charlie.]]

What is there to say? Not that you’re even physically able to say anything, everything that comes up to your head is just noises, screams, words repeated over and over and over again, like a mad $person. You muffle another cry with your trembling hand, and bow down in agony, hoping, wishing to say something back, to ask for help. “You probably don’t really want to talk but I wanted to try anyway. I was worried.” Archie says into the bathroom, unsure of which stall you’re on. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> continues as you hear each stall door open and close. “I wanted to apologize for how I’ve been treating you, especially because we’re meant to be friends, but I don’t think it’s right to apologize right now. I wanted to check on you first, talk to you.” //Then why bring $Charlie?// You ask yourself. Unless $Charlie is the reason why Archie is here. “This is not working—” $Charlie protests, but is cut off by Archie. You assume Archie cut $gthem off by giving $gthem $aher usual withering glare or some sort of dismissive gesture if $ashe didn’t outright verbally cut $gthem off, but regardless, you’re grateful. $Charlie’s voice almost seems grating in your ears, no, in your mind. “Is it because of $Charlie? I can ask $gthem to leave if you want?” Archie offers you. You hate the anguish it brings you, the despair that makes you want to claw your way out of this bathroom. You [["don’t want to see or hear " + $Charlie + "."|don’t want to see or hear Charlie.]]

Though the tears are still cascading down your cheeks, they are also drying up, forcing you to squint at the stall door. “Yes. Tell $Charlie to go away.” You murmur, feeling sort of ashamed of saying it, like you don’t want $Charlie to hear it. “Okay.” Archie calmly replies. There’s a beat of silence before $ashe speaks again. “$Charlie, go to $Ima or something.” “No but I—” “$Charlie, what did I say?” You can almost see $Charlie’s big doe eyes, pleading at Archie, and that makes you want to scream out again. But you don’t. And after a few seconds, there’s a clear difference in the air. “<<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> gone.” Archie says. As a clear invitation to talk to $aherm and only $aherm. To open the stall door and have a proper conversation. To look at $aherm, to let $aherm look at you. [[In this state.]]

Gingerly, with shaking legs and limbs and just everything feeling like it’s about to fall apart, you step out of the toilet seat and open the door, letting it swing open to reveal your childhood friend. For a few seconds, you even see $aherm like $ashe was back then: tanned, small, a bit freckled and with still sharp eyes. Judging by the way $ashe opens $aher eyes wider to take you in, maybe $ashe sees you like $ashe remembers as well. Recoiling deeper within yourself, you shiver, hiccuping your last cries when Archie steps towards you and… [[takes a deep breath [set no platonic affection]|no platonic]] [[offers you a hand [set some platonic affection]|some affection]] [["opens " + $aher + " arms for a hug [set a lot of platonic affection]"|opens her arms for a hug """[set a lot of platonic affection]"""]]

<<set $platonicaffection to "no">>\ The breath itself is calm and controlled. “Come on, breathe with me.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, watching your face for any sign of cooperation. You do, inhaling and exhaling with $aherm, feeling yourself grow calmer and more relaxed by the second. Finally, Archie guides you to the sink, turning on the tap water. “Just wash your face a bit.” You can’t help but do as $ashe says. Not only because that would help you as well — god knows blinking hurts from the dried tears around your eyes — but also because this is the Archie that helped you through middle school. This is the Archie that you thought you lost. “Thanks.” You mumble, blinking away the water from your eyelashes. Archie only smiles at your reflection in the mirror, meeting your eyes with a kindness that you’re not used to, there’s no pity in them. [[“Feeling better?”]]

<<set $platonicaffection to "some">>\ <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> hand is warm, but $ashe doesn't hold your hand delicately, $ashe holds it strongly. Like $ashe doesn't ever want to let go. “Come on, breathe with me.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, ushering you out of the stall and breathing in and out. You inhale and exhale with $aherm, finding $aher presence comforting, relaxing with $aher own hand in yours. Finally, Archie guides you to the sink, turning on the tap water. “Just wash your face a bit.” You can’t help but do as $ashe says. Not only because that would help you as well — god knows blinking hurts from the dried tears around your eyes — but also because this is the Archie that helped you through middle school. This is the Archie that you thought you lost. “Thanks.” You mumble, blinking away the water from your eyelashes. Archie only smiles at your reflection in the mirror, meeting your eyes with a kindness that you’re not used to, there’s no pity in them. [[“Feeling better?”]]

<<set $platonicaffection to "lots">>\ A wave of ease washes over you as you sink yourself in $aher arms, $aher strong arms wrapping around you like an anchor. “Come on, breathe with me.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> whispers against you, breathing in and out slowly. You follow along, inhaling and exhaling with $aherm, finding yourself calm down as you feel $aher chest heave in and out with each breath. Finally, Archie guides you to the sink, turning on the tap water. “Just wash your face a bit.” You can’t help but do as $ashe says. Not only because that would help you as well — god knows blinking hurts from the dried tears around your eyes — but also because this is the Archie that helped you through middle school. This is the Archie that you thought you lost. “Thanks.” You mumble, blinking away the water from your eyelashes. Archie only smiles at your reflection in the mirror, meeting your eyes with a kindness that you’re not used to, there’s no pity in them. [[“Feeling better?”]]

You nod. It’s all you can do as you let your gaze fall on the sink again. Archie lets the silence rest, lifting $aherself to sit on the counter and turning off the sink smoothly. Attempting to stay put-together is almost embarrassing in front of someone like $aherm. “Do you wanna talk about what’s been happening?” Archie asks, almost cheerfully. [[“Why do you suddenly care?”]] [[“It’s just… I’m tired.”]] [[“Not really.”]]

You fix your eyes on $aherm, straightening your back as you let the annoyance come out like cough. “Why do you suddenly care?\ <<if $talkwitharchie is true>>\ I thought you didn’t want anything to do with me. <<else>>\ You’ve been ignoring me this whole time.” <</if>>\ “I’ve always cared, idiot.” Archie has the guts to roll $aher eyes, as if what you said is truly ludicrous. “To tell you the truth, pretending to hate you was really hard. Half of the time I just wanted to tell you what’s been going on, and even introduce you to my friends. But… I couldn’t. My parents told me to stay away from you.” “Your parents?” “Yeah shocker am I right?” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs, slowly looking away into an open stall. “They don’t think you’re ‘healthy’ for me.” The air quotation marks were made with disgust, strongly showing what $ashe thinks about that. You never really thought about that, but perhaps that’s why your parents never got along with Archie’s parents either. Letting out a breath, Archie physically bounces in $aher seat, turning to give you an [[expectant look.|archie i]]

Opening up your palms and looking at them, you flex, watching every crease in your hand. “I’m just…” Your breath stutters out. “I’m tired. Tired of using everyone.” “You’re not using me.” Archie replies, not even denying everyone else. You’re unsure if $ashe did that on purpose or not. “I came here because I wanted to. Worrying about friends is something that can’t be helped.” That is true. Worry is one of the things that has led you down this path. Not wanting others to suffer in your stead, tired of being lied to or pitied. If only everything was as simple as everyone makes it out to be. Like Archie. Who is looking down at you with an [[expectant gaze.|archie i]]

You shrug out of instinct. “Not really.” You say. “That’s fine.” Archie replies, leaning forwards to rest $aher elbows on $aher knees. “As long as you’re okay. But if you do want to talk about it, you can talk to me.” It’s hard to hide the way your shoulders ease, your posture growing more lax. Regardless if it’s something you’ll ever do or not, it’s nice that $ashe offered, Archie is the only one who supported you when you were a child. The silence that follows is [[comforting too.|archie i]]

“Archie, I…” You’re not sure what you want to say. A word of gratitude, a goodbye, a plea. There’s so many things you want to say. Are you saved right now? Did Archie save you? Will $ashe help you make sense of your life or are you going to continue struggling to just get by? Suddenly it finally dawns on you. You were almost gone. In an indirect way, you almost died. You almost let yourself end it all. It had seemed like such a good idea before, like the only solution to all the complicated feelings and thoughts inside your head. But now, it has finally sunk in. The severity of that choice, or lack of choice. Of lying limp while the waves took you. God, how stupid are you. You would have left your family broken, your Sister traumatised, your friends sad and $Charlie guilty. So selfish and downright stupid. Sensing the oncoming tears, \ <<if $platonicaffection is "no">>\ Archie hops off the counter and stands near you. Watching as you drop your head in your hands and sob, scream, and apologize. <<elseif $platonicaffection is "some">>\ Archie hops off the counter and rests a hand on your shoulder. Letting you drop your own head in your hands and sob, scream and apologize. <<elseif $platonicaffection is "lots">>\ Archie hops off the counter and pulls you into a hug. You immediately wrap your arms around $aherm, burying every sob, scream and apologize that bursts out of you into $aher \ <<if $height is "small">>\ chest. <<else>>\ shoulder. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ [[Oh how blurry the world is.]]

How broken you feel, displaced and alone. Why does it feel so cold? Why is everything darker, restraining? Wait. [[This isn’t normal.]]

This is the end of the Demo. Currently, it is only this that's available. I hope you enjoyed it so far and stay tuned for future chapters. Check out more updates and other content on the tumblr blog: https://theovertaken.tumblr.com/

You can’t move your body at all. You can’t see or smell or hear anything. What’s going on? “So that was you…” An unfamiliar whispery voice says inside your head. And that’s all that you remember before you completely lose [[consciousness.]]

<div style="text-align: center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VrA8EoZ.png" width="150" /></div> Invisible pull and push, no wind, no ripples, no foe. These buildings and lines in the sky, these figures in the air around you, they’re unfamiliar. Groundless you stand, looming over crowds of paper thin company, eyes, vision, the only material thing you know, even without reaching towards your face to sense it. “No…” This voice. It isn’t yours, but it reverberates against your chest. Another piece of you, present. “No no no no.” Spiralls, makes your hands tingle, another physical thing that you indeed notice. Your heart races, their heart, his heart. Where does this person and you [[end and begin?]]

Cold lingers underneath your skin, suddenly sharp and painful, makes you snap your attention into this crowd beneath you. They are not moving, they are not people, they are… ghosts. Tons and tons of them, standing, looking up at you, at him. Who is he? The panic that spreads through your body is vicious, pushing you further away from the absence of these people. You know them. No. //You// don’t, but something seems familiar, longing, caring. Worry. “No please, I need to stay, they need me, I can’t! No!” The man— you scream. Loud, distraught. And as if sucked out of this world, you’re pulled away furiously, hands [[reaching out.]]

You gasp. It’s bright. White. Dreadfully recognizable. [[The Hospital.]]

Sighing into the empty air, you look around you, everything still a bit blurry but not scary. You feel your body yours, and you're relieved for it. Your mother sits beside you, staring at a magazine in her hands. Though her eyes are unfocused, and her brow is set in a concerned furrow, she probably isn’t reading it. By the darker circles under her eyes it seems you have at least been here awhile. [[“Seriously? A magazine?”]] [[“Hey Mum...”]] [[“What happened?”]] [[Groan at the headache.]]

<<set $funny += 1>>\ “You know,” You begin, voice raspy and low. It startles your Mum so much she drops the magazine. “Hospital magazines were always way more depressing than the place itself. So, I don’t know how that’s going to entertain you.” “//Meu Amor!//” She exclaims, rapidly getting up from her seat and throwing herself at you. You attempt to warn her before doing so, especially since all of your muscles hurt, but she hugs you before you can say anything. Her arms nearly lift you off the bed, but they’re tight and warm, hot even, your body must be incredibly cold. “You scared me half to death!” Funnily enough, [[that’s how you feel as well.]]

“Hey Mum...” You attempt to greet her, but your voice is barely a whimper. Still, it makes your mother jump, and the magazine to be tossed away somewhere. “//Meu Amor!//” She exclaims, rapidly getting up from her seat and throwing herself at you. You attempt to warn her before doing so, especially since all of your muscles hurt, but she hugs you before you can say anything. Her arms nearly lift you off the bed, but they’re tight and warm, hot even, your body must be incredibly cold. “You scared me half to death!” Funnily enough, [[that’s how you feel as well.]]

“What happened?” You try, feeling confused and disoriented. But your voice barely comes out, just above a whisper as your throat struggles to obey you. Regardless, at the sound of your voice, you Mum jumps up startled, throwing away her magazine in fright. “//Meu Amor!//” She exclaims, rapidly getting up from her seat and throwing herself at you. You attempt to warn her before doing so, especially since all of your muscles hurt, but she hugs you before you can say anything. Her arms nearly lift you off the bed, but they’re tight and warm, hot even, your body must be incredibly cold. “You scared me half to death!” Funnily enough, [[that’s how you feel as well.]]

Feeling a headache at every side of your head makes you groan, loud enough for your Mum to startle from her seat, dropping her magazine somewhere. “//Meu Amor!//” She exclaims, rapidly getting up from her seat and throwing herself at you. You attempt to warn her before doing so, especially since all of your muscles hurt, but she hugs you before you can say anything. Her arms nearly lift you off the bed, but they’re tight and warm, hot even, your body must be incredibly cold. “You scared me half to death!” Funnily enough, [[that’s how you feel as well.]]

She pulls away when you start wincing at her touch, and she apologises under her breath. “How are you feeling? Wait, let me get you some water.” Prepared, she grabs an already opened bottle of water from the cupboard near the bed, and helps you drink it, carefully leaning your head back. You gulp it down, throat dry and hurting. “Does your head hurt? How’s your chest? What about your neck? Do you need an extra pillow? I told that damn Doctor to get you two pillows, I know you get neck pains easily and he—” “Mum.” You stop her. She does. Staring at you with rapt attention. [[“I’m okay.”]] [[“How long have I been here?”]] [[“My whole body hurts but…”]]

“I’m okay. You don’t need to worry.” You say, trying to ease your clearly agitated mother. “Not worry?!” She exclaims. “You were pale when we saw you, heart so slow I thought we’d lose you! //Ai, meu pobre bebê!//” She fights the urge to hug you again, and you’re thankful for it. “Thankfully, that nice teacher had sent you here before anything happened, the possession was very minor, but the danger! Where was $Charlie? Why <<print $gwere>>n’t $gthey with you?” That’s a long story. And one you’re not sure you feel comfortable talking about to your parents. But, there is something you wanted to know. [[“Mum, what happened to your ghost?”]] [[It’s probably not the time to ask.]]

Holding your head straight so it doesn’t just decide to fall asleep, you attempt to remember something of your time here, even if it was a brief glimpse of consciousness. “How… How long have I been here?” “Too long sweetheart.” Your mother’s tone is resigned now, the energy seeping out of her and leaving her the tired woman she is. “Almost two weeks now. We didn’t think you’d wake up so soon, by the state of you, you were pale and had trouble breathing the first few days, it was terrible.” You can tell how much the sight of you, however you were when she saw you, broke her. Her voice trembles, her eyes gleam. “We’re just glad that nice teacher sent you to the Hospital as soon as she could, your possession was very minor //graças a deus//, but the danger! Why wasn’t $Charlie with you? How did this happen?” That’s a long story. And one you’re not sure you feel comfortable talking about to your parents. But, there is something you wanted to know. [[“Mum, what happened to your ghost?”]] [[It’s probably not the time to ask.]]

You stretch your back and neck for a few and frown delicately at her. “My whole body does hurt, but it’s only the muscles.” “Aww darling…” She rests a warm hand on your arm and rubs the skin there with her thumb, comforting. “When we get home I’ll massage any muscle that hurts, alright?” It’s a promise that she’ll keep, you can tell. “But I’m just glad you’re okay. We were really worried when we saw you, pale as a sheet, unconscious and showing very worrisome signs. Thankfully, that nice teacher sent you as soon as she saw you were unwell, the possession was very minor, but that was so dangerous! Wasn’t $Charlie protecting you? How could $gthey let this happen?” That’s a long story. And one you’re not sure you feel comfortable talking about to your parents. But, there is something you wanted to know. [[“Mum, what happened to your ghost?”]] [[It’s probably not the time to ask.]]

“Mum,” Sensing you avoiding the question, your mother leans forward with a stern gaze. “What happened to your ghost?” You ask anyways. The question does surprise her, if the short delay of her reaction is anything to go by, but she furrows her brow in confusion. “Have I not told you?” “Probably, but I forgot.” “Well… what happens to all ghosts when you reach a certain age. They leave, their soul rests.” She says. It all sounds very simple, but you want more details. “Why do they leave?” You ask. She thinks for a second, unsure where you’re going with this. “I’m not quite sure. Perhaps it’s because we spent enough time with our ghosts, and we don’t need them anymore. Or maybe… they [[choose to leave us when we’re ready.”]]

In the Hospital, after a clear fright to your family and possibly your school faculty, you’re in no place to start asking cryptic questions that you might not want the answer to. What your Mum might say, could easily make you panic more, it could prove things to you that were only real in your anxiety. $Charlie’s goal and place in your life will remain a mystery, and that’s better— no. Comforting to know. It gives the sort of illusion that everything will [[work itself out.]]

That’s ten times scarier than what Mrs. Kirlian said. You hope your mother is wrong. “Why are you asking? Did $Charlie leave you?!—” There’s a knock on the door that cuts off the panicked voice of your Mother. It slides open a moment after, and your Dad and Sister walk in. You’re glad to see them. Of course you are. But your gaze finds the small spectral shape of someone else. Behind them is $Charlie. Not following your family but instead sending you the most pained glance you’ve ever seen. [["The door closes and hides " + $gthem + " from your sight."|The door closes and hides them from your sight.]]

“You’re alive!” Your Sister shouts, jumping to your side. Your Dad, far more reserved, smiles down at you kindly, sniffling and pulling your mother close to him. He hides the fact that he was crying by clearing his throat. “Welcome back to the waking world pumpkin.” His voice wavers. You snap your gaze from the shut door with quick blinks, staring up at your Dad. “Thanks Dad.” “You’re alive right? Really alive? You’re not a zombie…?” Nessa inquires, earning a glare from your mother. But you just chuckle, too tired to care. “No Nessa. I’m not a zombie.” You hardly think much of that, but somehow, it doesn’t sound confident. After all, you don’t know what happened to you, what you look like, what changed. You have no idea. Everything just feels kinda like time went back. Like it’s as normal as it was before school started. Speaking of school, you’re reminded of [[Archie.]]

But thinking of your ghost, and watching as your mother opens her mouth to question you on $Charlie again, there’s a knock on the door. It slides open a moment after, and your Dad and Sister walk in. You’re glad to see them. Of course you are. But your gaze finds the small spectral shape of someone else. Behind them is $Charlie. Not following your family but instead sending you the most pained glance you’ve ever seen. [["The door closes and hides " + $gthem + " from your sight."|The door closes and hides them from your sight.]]

<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> helped you when $ashe could’ve stayed aside, $ashe made you remember all the times $ashe had listened and been your anchor when you were a child. After all of this though, the inner turmoil that makes your stomach ache has solidified. You feel like you’ll be… [["really awkward around " + $aherm + " now."|really awkward around her now.]] [[even closer than we were before.]]

<<set $archiechanges to "awkward">>\ Not only have you two not talked in so long but the first time you //really// got to talk after so many years was when you were spiraling out of control and broke down. To say that you’re embarrassed is an understatement. You just hope that either Archie pretends it didn’t happen, or never talks to you again after seeing what a mess you are. <<if $archierelation is "like" or $archierelation is "crush">> It pains you to even imagine that.<</if>> [["“" + $Mx + ". Domingues, you’re awake.”"|“Mx Domingues, you’re awake.”]]

<<set $archiechanges to "closer">>\ There was always a wall between you two after all those years apart, you’d have thought the distance would not destroy the relationship you had, but it did. It resetted, Archie became a stranger, <<if $archierelation is "like" or $archierelation is "crush">> one you still recognized some adoration you had for.<<else>>and you didn’t know how to deal with $aherm anymore.<</if>> But after all of this, after breaking down in front of $aherm, and $aher unbidden help, you don’t think $ashe can see any of your worst scars anymore. What could be worse than what $ashe’s already witnessed? Given this, you think this will bring you closer, will heal that passage of time that has severed your friendship. <<if $archierelation is "unsure" or $archierelation is "dislike">> Maybe then you’ll recognize her again.<</if>> [["“" + $Mx + ". Domingues, you’re awake.”"|“Mx Domingues, you’re awake.”]]

A doctor. A familiar one at that. Dr. Ernst. With matted dark hair and scraggly beard, he’s a tall fellow. Brown complexion and tiny spectacles of glasses that you’ve always distrusted as being real, hide behind the birch-coloured eyes you fear. The way he looks at you has always been… stifling. He’s your family doctor, and approaches you and your family in a relaxed but always serious state. “It’s good to see you well. But I wanted to ask you a few questions before I’m able to answer the many questions you have.” He starts, nodding towards your Dad who steps aside to let him get closer to you. An act that makes you tense. [[“First, how are you?”]]

He means medically speaking. “My head feels heavy, and my body too. Kinda hurt… all over.” “Care to be more specific?” “My head, my muscles, my chest—” “Your chest.” He interrupts, leaning further into your space. “Is it focused on a specific zone or vaguely the whole region?” [[I do not feel comfortable right now.]] [[Answer him.]]

Trying your best to not even be close to him is hard when you’re confined to a bed, but thankfully your family is here. You glance at your Mum and widen your eyes subtly, to let her know you are not okay with the space that you have. She knows you well, and when she spots the problem, she frowns and stands. “Dr. Ernst, maybe give $name some space, $they did just wake up, and $their senses are still catching up.” She half-lies for you. The doctor, briefly looking at your Mum and then back to you, nods after a few seconds of staring and steps away. “I will fetch the diagnosis for now then, but be aware that you will not be dismissed until we finish assessing your status. Recover well.” He steps away and leaves, like a soldier marching to a silent band, steadfast and focused, and [[very very intimidating.]]

Ignoring the way your body turns taut, preparing for something unknown yet dangerous, you focus instead on the questions. You’d prefer to get done with it as fast as possible. “I don’t know… I guess all around.” You reply. He nods and pulls out the stethoscope laid around his neck. God, he’s going to have to get closer isn’t he? He is. He does. Placing the flat surface across your chest, he listens attentively to your heartbeat. You don’t need an instrument for that, it pounds against your ears loudly. “A bit elevated but that could just be stress.” He justifies. How can someone be so right yet so ignorant at the same time? “And your head, any… voices?” “No.” You answer fast, urgently, desperately wanting that theory to never be uttered again. If you could honestly never be reminded that your mind could easily be taken over, [[that would be great.]]

Noticing the tension in you, your Mum stands up and brings the doctor’s attention to her. “Dr. Ernst, maybe give $name some space, $they did just wake up, and $their senses are still catching up.” She half-lies for you. The doctor, briefly looking at your Mum and then back to you, nods after a few seconds of staring and steps away. “I will fetch the diagnosis for now then, but be aware that you will not be dismissed until we finish assessing your status. Recover well.” He steps away and leaves, like a soldier marching to a silent band, steadfast and focused, and [[very very intimidating.]]

“Thank you Mum.” You sigh out, in hopes of easing the tension that constricts your lungs. The crease in her brow doesn’t dull as she smiles sadly. “It’s alright. I’m going to grab you some food,” She says, then regards your Dad and Sister. “Do you want to be alone?” She asks you. [[“Yes.”|let me be alone]] [[“No.”|dont let me be alone]]

Your eyes fly past the rest of your family, for some reason feeling too guilty to look at any of them, instead they land on the wall. “Yes…” You reply. “If you don’t mind.” Despite the somewhat negative reaction you expect, your father simply pats your blanket where he thinks your legs are, and nods, grabbing Nessa’s hand when she starts scowling. “I gotta control your Mum anyways, or else she’s going to buy you a whole feast.” He laughs. <<if $sismakingup is false>>“I can stay.” Nessa says.<<else>>”I’ll help!” Nessa says, her frown gone at the prospect of food.<</if>> <<if $sismakingup is false>>“No Inês, your $Sibling wants to be alone.” Your Mum interrupts, fixing her with a stern gaze that ultimately works, as the younger girl despondently walks away from you.<<else>>”We can eat something too.” Your Mum adds, rolling her eyes as the two others cheer lightly. Though you think Nessa isn’t that worried as she leaves (she’s just a child, you remind yourself), she beams at you, the hope in her squinting eyes making you smile.<</if>> They all promise a swift return and leave you alone to your thoughts. You pointedly keep your face away from the door so you don’t see $Charlie hanging around. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> there, you know $gthey $gare. [["You’ll have to face " + $gthem + " when you’re home."|You’ll have to face them when you’re home.]]

“No.” You respond, feeling your thoughts and words mixing. //Too fast//, you think, and then take a calming breath and glance at your Dad. “If you can stay?” “Of course I can pumpkin.” He sits down at the seat your mother had stood from, resting his big hands against the blanket laid on top of you. If you had remembered how loved you were in this family, how much your Dad smiles at you when you know he’s a straight-faced individual, you would’ve never had given up so quickly. <<if $sismakingup is false>>“Booooring… I’m gonna go on my phone.” Nessa says, rolling her eyes and throwing herself at the stool next to the wall.<<else>>”You can play games on my phone if you want.” Nessa says, hanging the upper part of your body on your bed. When you send her a grateful smile, she hides the rest of her face against the bed, though you don’t forget the worry in her eyes.<</if>> <<if $sismakingup is false>>“Be nice, I’ll only be gone for a few minutes.” Your Mum says, jerking her finger at Nessa as if dispelling her bad behaviour.<<else>>”Don’t be too loud, I’ll only be gone for a few minutes.” Your Mum says, rapidly peering down the hallway before sending you all a warning look.<</if>> Then, when you nod a quick thank you, she leaves, promising to return swiftly. You pointedly keep your face away from the door so you don’t see $Charlie hanging around. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> there, you know $gthey $gare. [["You’ll have to face " + $gthem + " when you’re home."|You’ll have to face them when you’re home.]]

It comes sooner than you think. After some tests to make sure you’re at least in good condition to go home, however unpleasant, you arrive at the warm and nostalgic house that doesn’t even feel like home anymore. It just feels like someplace you saw in a dream, or a picture. The misplaced orange carpet placed in the middle of the living room twisting the room into a vision, uncanny to the same feeling you had when you woke up. Not as uncomfortable, just odd. Your Mother gives you some well-placed massages on your sore spine before reminding you that you’ll miss classes for at least a week, and then basically orders you to go to your room and talk to $Charlie, a similar sentiment that according to your Sister, your grandmother shares. <<if $ghost is "dislike">> You wish you had her instead.<</if>> [[So you enter your room.]]

And $Charlie, like you remember $gthem last in this room, stares into the dark sky through the window. Standing on the doorway for a few seconds, you attempt to gather your courage. How are you supposed to apologise for literally shutting $gthem out? Or even if it’s something you need to apologise for? How do you even look at $gthem? [[“I’m sorry.”|sorry for everything]] [[“I don’t regret it.”]] [[“Let’s just forget this.”]]

<<set $temp_talktocharlie to "regret">>\ “I know what you’re going to say.” You start, closing the door behind you as you step inside, you harden your features, preparing yourself. “But I don’t regret it. I did what I… what I thought was right at the time. Yes, I was scared, but I don’t feel like it’s my fault.” $Charlie, who has always supported you, suddenly turns around. And though $gtheyre sniffling and $gtheir eyes are full of human-like tears, you see the annoyance in $gtheir gaze. “You cannot keep blaming everyone else. It was your decision.” It hurts $gthem to say it, and it hurts you to hear it. “I was so scared for you, and you are telling me that what you did was right?” “Yes.” Resolute, with no arguments. Though you know you’re wrong. Your ghost looks at you with less annoyance and more worry now. You detest it. But something about the way $gthey start$gs pouting, like a child, like $gtheyre about to start bawling, makes your breathing fast. [["Comfort " + $gthem|Comfort them]] [[End the conversation]]

<<set $temp_talktocharlie to "forget">>\ “Hey $Charlie.” You start, trying to keep the tone light. “I know a lot just happened and we should probably talk about it but… maybe we can just forget this. Forget it happened.” Embarrassment rises up in you, what a cowardly thing to say. You’re scared of your decision and you’re even more scared of the consequences. $Charlie, who has always been by your side, who has watched you fall and cry and watch you laugh at the dumbest things, now turns with the eyes of someone who’s tired. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> crying. There’s human-like tears falling from $gtheir eyes and $gtheir mouth is shaped like a heavy pout, like at any moment $gtheyre about to start bawling. You halt, not having the courage to continue. “I cannot.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, sniffling in between. “I am sorry but I cannot forget, I have never been so scared.” [["Comfort " + $gthem|Comfort them]] [[End the conversation]]

<<set $temp_talktocharlie to "sorry">>\ “$Charlie…” You start, stepping inside and sort of ambling around, looking for somewhere to stand. You backtrack a bit and close the door, feeling $Charlie’s eyes on your back. “I’m sorry.” You say, facing away, before slowly turning around, watching the floor. “I know it doesn’t seem like enough but you didn’t deserve the way I treated you, I was just… desperate.” Your eyes climb to finally look at $gthem. The ghost who’s been by your side since you were much younger. Cheering you up, scaring you, annoying you. It almost makes your heart seize at the human-like tears falling from $gtheir eyes, $gtheir pout so childish that you half expect $gthem to start bawling. “Never again.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> murmur$gs, sniffling after. “I could not reach you and I was so scared.” [["Comfort " + $gthem|Comfort them]] [[End the conversation]]

<<if $platonicaffection is "lots">>\ Carefully, you approach $Charlie, willing to raise your hands to show that you mean no harm. Though $gthey hesitate$gs for a second, $gthey float$gs towards you as $gthey start$gs sobbing, throwing $gthemselves at you in a tight hug— or as tight as a ghost can hug, the feeling sort of like being in a storm, pressure on every side. “I-I did not m-mean for you to—” $Charlie sobs, trying so hard not to hug too tight, because $gthey know$gs then the spell would be broken, and the tension of a ghost’s touch would be gone. “I am so sorry if I did s-something that would harm you, I was just w-worried.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> hiccup$gs. <<if $temp_talktocharlie is "sorry">>“No $Charlie, it’s okay. It was my fault, my decision, my guilt. You didn't do anything wrong.”<<elseif $temp_talktocharlie is "forget">>”It’s okay $Charlie, it’s over now. We both made mistakes, but it’ll be okay.”<<else>>”No $Charlie… you’re right.” Of course $gthey $gare. You’ve been trying to convince yourself that you’re the victim but ultimately, it was your decision.<</if>> You rub soft circles on the ghostly fabric of $gtheir back, a contrast to $gtheir colder cheek resting against your shoulder. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> sniffle$gs more, rubbing tears that aren’t really there on your clothes. Then gently, $gthey pull$gs away, wiping at $gtheir eyes with the back of $gtheir hand. “Apologies.” <<elseif $platonicaffection is "some">>\ Carefully, you approach $Charlie. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> watch$ges, waiting as you touch $gtheir hand, feeling the familiar coldness and pressure of an apparition’s body. Slowly, you hold $gtheir fingers, just so, and after a moment, $gthey tighten$gs $gtheir fingers around your hand. Crying as $gthey do$ges so. “I-I did not m-mean for you to—” $Charlie sobs, trying so hard not to hold your hand tighter, because $gthey know$gs then the spell would be broken, and the tension of a ghost’s touch would be gone. “I am so sorry if I did s-something that would harm you, I was just w-worried.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> hiccup$gs. <<if $temp_talktocharlie is "sorry">>“No $Charlie, it’s okay. It was my fault, my decision, my guilt. You didn't do anything wrong.”<<elseif $temp_talktocharlie is "forget">>”It’s okay $Charlie, it’s over now. We both made mistakes, but it’ll be okay.”<<else>>”No $Charlie… you’re right.” Of course $gthey $gare. You’ve been trying to convince yourself that you’re the victim but ultimately, it was your decision.<</if>> You grasp $gtheir whole hand now, allowing the cold shivers to travel your body as $Charlie uses $gtheir other hand to rub $gtheir eyes. Then gently, $gthey let go, wiping at $gtheir eyes with both hands. “Apologies.” <<else>>\ Carefully, you approach $Charlie, seeing as $gthey hold$gs $gthemselves back from rushing to you. Nodding to signify that you’re trying to comfort $gthem, makes $gthem finally tear up, crying as $gthey hopelessly wipe$gs $gtheir eyes from tears. “I-I did not m-mean for you to—” $Charlie sobs, trying so hard not to break down, probably because $gthey miss$ges just talking to you, just being able to communicate each other’s feelings. If $gthey were much more of a mess, $gthey wouldn’t be able to. “I am so sorry if I did s-something that would harm you, I was just w-worried.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> hiccup$gs. <<if $temp_talktocharlie is "sorry">>“No $Charlie, it’s okay. It was my fault, my decision, my guilt. You didn't do anything wrong.”<<elseif $temp_talktocharlie is "forget">>”It’s okay $Charlie, it’s over now. We both made mistakes, but it’ll be okay.”<<else>>”No $Charlie… you’re right.” Of course $gthey $gare. You’ve been trying to convince yourself that you’re the victim but ultimately, it was your decision.<</if>> You shake your head, taking one more step closer, letting $gthem know that you won’t leave this time. $Charlie continues to rub $gtheir eyes, trying to stop from crying any more. Then gently, $gthey look up at you, wiping the last tears from $gtheir eyes. “Apologies.” <</if>>\ Smiling, you feel lighter in turn. And $Charlie smiles back. [[You decide to go to sleep.]]

You tense up. Never seeing $Charlie like this might’ve been a blessing, you don’t know if you’d done half of the things you had if $gthey had cried like this in front of you. It’s not even //just// sympathy, you feel your gut wrench, replicating the sort of feelings $Charlie’s probably feeling. You want it to quit, you want it to stop. You’re tired of having things out of your control. “Okay.” You reply, just to end it. But the feeling only grows. Grows and grows until even gulping hurts. So, you face away from $gthem and turn to your bed. You want to thank $gthem for everything, for sticking by you, for not hating you (because you know $gthey do<<print $ges>>n’t, you feel it), but nothing comes out. Sitting down on the mattress and then falling on your back, you sigh and face the wall. You hear a bit more sniffling and you promise yourself you’ll try harder next time. [[You decide to go to sleep.]]

Hardly remembering the last time you had a dream isn’t the weird thing, hardly remembering if you ever slept is what’s odd. When you close your eyes, and feel your breathing slow down, you don’t know how long you’ve been like this. Dormant. [[It’s almost like it was all a dream.]]

Years, you think. It’s been years. It’s been decades, it’s not been more than twenty years though, for some reason, you know that much. But why are you sleeping? Why are you sleeping when you have a life to go back to? A family, friends, a job. A job? You have… a Wife. A Daughter. You… he. [[I’m home.]]

It’s a Tuesday morning. It was so hot outside that Emma refused to wear a top, insisting on going bare chested outside. She was only three. Then, your Wife, Katherine, was in the kitchen, making hamburgers for your trip. She had promised to only put one tomato in yours. You had smiled at her, and said… And said… [[“I’ll be right back.”]]

Later. That evening. You returned home, Emma wasn’t outside, Katherine wasn’t outside, the picnic basket that she made was at the door. And the door was open. The door was open and it was black. It was so so so black. Guilt, sadness, a hole that seemed to expand in the middle of your chest. The ambulance, the firemen, the police, the sirens, the sounds, the smell. The smell. It smelt like gas. [[It smelt awful.]]

But why was it like that when you weren’t there? Why did you leave and come back and it had happened? Why didn’t it wait for you? Why didn’t it take you? Why must you… be forced to do this? The smell. God. You could never ever smell again. You hated eating, you hated going outside, you hated meeting new people, you hated it all. So many days where you wanted to rip your nose off, just remove it, just make it all stop. It smells so bad. God it smells [[SO BAD!]]

Then it was nothing. You were sleeping. You awoke and still you were [[sleeping.]]

Where was little Emma? Where was your beautiful Katherine? Where was… everyone? Where were you? There. There is everyone. Bodies, images of bodies— No. Figures of people. Passing, going somewhere, towards a light, towards a sound, towards… a smell. An awful smell again. Some were trying to escape it, some were fighting tooth and nail, screaming, wailing, their cries sounded like a strong wind. And when you realised you were being pulled towards the light too, you swum away. You flew away, fought, kicked in the air and you just… floated into the darkness. But that smell came from there. Was it Emma? Was it Katherine? Were they stuck in the light? You retched. You hated the smell. You had to find a way into the light, but not like this, you can’t handle it like this. He can’t handle the smell. [[He must find a body. He must find you.]]

“$engname!” You awake with a gasp. Sweating but cold, heart beating out of your chest and your senses delayed. For a second you think you’re still asleep, finding your surroundings blurry, but when you see your room and then $Charlie glancing at you, you realise where you are. “$Mx $engname— pardon.” $Charlie clears $gtheir throat, nervously fiddling with $gtheir hands. “I did not mean to startle you but I was worried. You seem to perhaps have a fever.” “A fever?” You feel your clammy hands as you sit up, shaking the web from your memories. “What… what day is it?” $Charlie peers at the open door of your room before looking back at you. You’re unsure if $gtheyre expecting someone to come, or if $gtheyre checking if no one’s there. “It is the day after. I do not know the date, I am terrible with those things. But— But I… I really think you should speak to your father. I think you might be sick…?” [[“Of course I’m sick.”]] [[“No no, I’m alright.”]] [[“Yeah… thanks.”]]

<<set $mean += 1>>\ You blink at $gthem. “Of course I’m sick. I was possessed.” You point out matter-of-factly. “No, I know of course. I meant no offence.” $Charlie speaks, clearly tense. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> speak$gs no further, choosing to keep $gtheir mouth shut. <<print $gwere.toUpperFirst()>> $gthey always like this? It’s going to take some time for everything to go back to normal, for you and $Charlie nothing will ever be the same, everything feels different. To you especially. Getting up from bed to at least wash your face, you let $Charlie follow you to the bathroom. When you get there, you’re reminded of your first day of class, staring at $Charlie through the mirror. Watching $gtheir gaze meet yours only to look away dolefully. [[Things really took a turn.]]

“No no,” You brush the worry aside, still groggy from sleep. “I’m alright, just had a nightmare, nothing much.” It is a simple fact, you’re sure you had a nightmare, but somehow you don’t remember it at all. There’s just a sense of dread coursing through your bones, reminding you of something unpleasant. $Charlie wants to ask, but chooses not to. Which greatly surprises you, $gthey $ghave always been rudely curious after all. But you guess it’s going to take some time for everything to go back to normal, for you and $Charlie nothing will ever be the same, everything feels different. To you especially. Getting up from bed to at least wash your face, you let $Charlie follow you to the bathroom. When you get there, you’re reminded of your first day of class, staring at $Charlie through the mirror. Watching $gtheir gaze meet yours only to look away dolefully. [[Things really took a turn.]]

<<set $shy += 1>>\ Dragging a hand over your face, you’re surprised to feel your hands so warm. You let them rest on your cheeks for a little bit longer before glancing back to $Charlie, who stares with a waiting look upon $gtheir face. “Yeah… maybe I will. Thanks.” You reply. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> nod$gs tersely, though you see a hint of relief in $gtheir eyes. For some reason you feel awkward noticing that. The way $Charlie avoids your gaze tells you $gthey probably feel$gs similarly. It’s only fair, given that it’s going to take awhile for things to go back to normal, for you and $Charlie nothing will ever be the same, everything feels different. To you especially. Getting up from bed to at least wash your face, you let $Charlie follow you to the bathroom. When you get there, you’re reminded of your first day of class, staring at $Charlie through the mirror. Watching $gtheir gaze meet yours only to look away dolefully. [[Things really took a turn.]]

You wash your face as slowly as you can, to try to regain your thoughts, $Charlie seems to appreciate it too, $gtheyre actively worried to see if you’ll faint. Which isn’t an odd thing to expect. Essentially, the state of you showcases that. When you’re done, you head downstairs, feeling a sort of empty hunger that hurts your stomach. Your Dad is talking to someone on the computer, probably working. You attempt to be quiet as you pour yourself a bowl of cereal. $Charlie, who you’re so used to staying with you and making conversation, steps away and hides somewhere in the walls. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> close still, you feel $gthem, but you can’t see $gthem. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">>\ [[You wish you could undo certain things.|it is what it is]] <<else>>\ [[You don’t let that bother you.|it is what it is]] <</if>>\

While you’re eating, you lose yourself in thoughts. Normally you despise having to meddle in your mind, things always seem to overcomplicate. But this time, it’s nothing bad that comes crawling in the forefront, it’s a memory of a house. A big house, comfortable, homey. You probably saw it passing by the streets of Reading. Though you’re not sure why this one caught your eye, it’s yellow. It’s tall. It has a baby palm tree in the front yard. You assume that’s weird, you don’t think you see a house like that commonly in England. “Hello my $Child.” Your Dad approaches, headphones around his neck and eyes a bit red from looking at the screen. [[“Hello my Father.”]] [[“Finished with work?”]] [[“Hm.”]] [[“Hi Dad.”]]

<<set $funny += 1>>\ <<checkpersona>>\ You raise an eyebrow at the weird greeting but decide to play along. “Hello my Father.” You greet back. He chuckles to himself before sitting down next to you. Sensing a conversation incoming, you stop eating. “So, how are you feeling today?” He asks. <<if _persona is "kind">>\ “Feeling better, I think sleep did me good.” You answer. “That’s great...” He nods gingerly.\ <<elseif _persona is "mean">>\ “Take a guess.” You mutter. “Yep.” He gulps.\ <<elseif _persona is "funny">>\ “Not depressed at all.” You blink at him. “Glad you still got some humour in you.” He smiles, though frowns when your eyes turn downcast again.\ <<elseif _persona is "shy">>\ “Alright… I guess.” You shrug. “Better than bad.” He replies, trying to stay positive.\ <<elseif _persona is "stoic">>\ “Meh.” You say. “Fair enough.” He replies.\ <<else>>\ “Doing better.” You smile at him. “I’m glad…” He replies. \ <</if>>\ Then a piece of silence lodges itself into the conversation before his eyes fall on the rest of your face, no longer making eye contact. “You’re a bit pale. You should get some air today, go on a walk.” At the mention of a walk, $Charlie peeks $gtheir head from the adjacent wall, the comparison to a dog doesn’t escape you. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">>You try not to laugh at that mental image.<</if>> Nodding to your Dad instead, you're happy he smiles, the worry in the crease of his forehead easing. You hate when he worries so much, you don’t think he deals well with [[stress.]]

<<set $kind += 1>>\ <<checkpersona>>\ Swallowing the mouthful in your mouth, you nod over to the living room. “Done with work?” “Taking a break. It puts a strain in my eyes.” He answers, though the unsaid distaste of socialising with people hangs in the air. Even so, he smiles down at you as he sits next to you. Sensing a conversation incoming, you stop eating. “So, how are you feeling today?” He asks. <<if _persona is "kind">>\ “Feeling better, I think sleep did me good.” You answer. “That’s great...” He nods gingerly.\ <<elseif _persona is "mean">>\ “Take a guess.” You mutter. “Yep.” He gulps.\ <<elseif _persona is "funny">>\ “Not depressed at all.” You blink at him. “Glad you still got some humour in you.” He smiles, though frowns when your eyes turn downcast again.\ <<elseif _persona is "shy">>\ “Alright… I guess.” You shrug. “Better than bad.” He replies, trying to stay positive.\ <<elseif _persona is "stoic">>\ “Meh.” You say. “Fair enough.” He replies.\ <<else>>\ “Doing better.” You smile at him. “I’m glad…” He replies. \ <</if>>\ Then a piece of silence lodges itself into the conversation before his eyes fall on the rest of your face, no longer making eye contact. “You’re a bit pale. You should get some air today, go on a walk.” At the mention of a walk, $Charlie peeks $gtheir head from the adjacent wall, the comparison to a dog doesn’t escape you. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">>You try not to laugh at that mental image.<</if>> Nodding to your Dad instead, you're happy he smiles, the worry in the crease of his forehead easing. You hate when he worries so much, you don’t think he deals well with [[stress.]]

<<set $stoic += 1>>\ <<checkpersona>>\ Without raising your head, you simply hum in response, lacking the energy to acknowledge any sort of interaction. Though when your Dad sits down next to you, you sense that you won’t have a choice about this, so you stop eating for now. “So, how are you feeling today?” He asks. <<if _persona is "kind">>\ “Feeling better, I think sleep did me good.” You answer. “That’s great...” He nods gingerly.\ <<elseif _persona is "mean">>\ “Take a guess.” You mutter. “Yep.” He gulps.\ <<elseif _persona is "funny">>\ “Not depressed at all.” You blink at him. “Glad you still got some humour in you.” He smiles, though frowns when your eyes turn downcast again.\ <<elseif _persona is "shy">>\ “Alright… I guess.” You shrug. “Better than bad.” He replies, trying to stay positive.\ <<elseif _persona is "stoic">>\ “Meh.” You say. “Fair enough.” He replies.\ <<else>>\ “Doing better.” You smile at him. “I’m glad…” He replies. \ <</if>>\ Then a piece of silence lodges itself into the conversation before his eyes fall on the rest of your face, no longer making eye contact. “You’re a bit pale. You should get some air today, go on a walk.” At the mention of a walk, $Charlie peeks $gtheir head from the adjacent wall, the comparison to a dog doesn’t escape you. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">>You try not to laugh at that mental image.<</if>> Nodding to your Dad instead, you're happy he smiles, the worry in the crease of his forehead easing. You hate when he worries so much, you don’t think he deals well with [[stress.]]

<<set $sunshine += 1>>\ <<checkpersona>>\ “Hi—” You realise you’re speaking with your mouth full so you swallow quickly and smile up at him. “Sorry, hi Dad.” He just chuckles at you and sits down next to you. Sensing a conversation incoming, you stop eating. “So, how are you feeling today?” He asks. <<if _persona is "kind">>\ “Feeling better, I think sleep did me good.” You answer. “That’s great...” He nods gingerly.\ <<elseif _persona is "mean">>\ “Take a guess.” You mutter. “Yep.” He gulps.\ <<elseif _persona is "funny">>\ “Not depressed at all.” You blink at him. “Glad you still got some humour in you.” He smiles, though frowns when your eyes turn downcast again.\ <<elseif _persona is "shy">>\ “Alright… I guess.” You shrug. “Better than bad.” He replies, trying to stay positive.\ <<elseif _persona is "stoic">>\ “Meh.” You say. “Fair enough.” He replies.\ <<else>>\ “Doing better.” You smile at him. “I’m glad…” He replies. \ <</if>>\ Then a piece of silence lodges itself into the conversation before his eyes fall on the rest of your face, no longer making eye contact. “You’re a bit pale. You should get some air today, go on a walk.” At the mention of a walk, $Charlie peeks $gtheir head from the adjacent wall, the comparison to a dog doesn’t escape you. <<if $ghost is "like" or $ghost is "crush">>You try not to laugh at that mental image.<</if>> Nodding to your Dad instead, you're happy he smiles, the worry in the crease of his forehead easing. You hate when he worries so much, you don’t think he deals well with [[stress.]]

“And if you don’t mind me asking…” He starts again, instead of stressed, he looks awkward. Like he doesn’t feel comfortable bringing this up. “How are you and $Charlie?” It’s said in the same tone as if he would’ve been asking about a partner or a really close friend, fleetingly, you’re even lost for words. Furthermore, you can sense $Charlie’s gaze on you, having surfaced from the walls, $gthey watch$ges the interaction with guilty interest. But before you can even respond, your Dad sighs. “Sorry, it must make you uncomfortable, talking about your ghost… I know for me it always was. But for you even more so, after everything. We’ve just been worried.” [[“What do you mean ‘for you it always was’?”]] [[“I appreciate it Dad.”]] [[Go back to eating.]]

You stare at him, thinking about what he said. “What do you mean? When you said ‘for you it always was’?” Your Dad smiles ruefully. “It was a long time ago.” He scratches the top of his lips, where his moustache is. “People change.” Recognising that he doesn’t wish to speak of it, you take another spoon of cereal into your mouth. Seeing as neither of you wish to speak about a certain topic, your Dad relents and stands. “Well, I gotta go back to work. But go have a walk in the neighbourhood, it will do you some good, it’s quiet outside.” With that, he leaves you to eat. [[Your brain goes hushed while you munch.]]

Feeling that the best way to deal with a difficult conversation you don’t want to have is to politely avoid, you nod at him. “I appreciate the patience, Dad.” You let the intention of reluctance linger, hoping he understands your meaning. At his pursed lips, that in the motion are hidden by his moustache, you realise he’s probably already given up, at least for now. He stands and nods at you. “Alright, I’m going back to work. But go have a walk in the neighbourhood, it will do you some good. It’s quiet outside.” With that, he leaves you to eat. [[Your brain goes hushed while you munch.]]

<<set $mean += 1>>\ He must know how difficult it has been for you. I mean, he’s acknowledging it. So, you don’t feel so guilty when you ignore the initial question and go back to eating. Hoping that he understands not yet, to wait, to wait forever if he has to. You’re not sure when you’ll be ready to talk about it again, but a part of you envisions a future where these silences won’t be forced. And your Dad seems to understand. He scratches at a spot above his lips, in his moustache, and stands. “Okay. I will go back to work. But go on a walk in the neighbourhood, it will do you some good, it’s quiet outside.” With that, he leaves you to eat. [[Your brain goes hushed while you munch.]]

Passing by the living room on your way out, you hear your Dad quietly speak to some people on a call, something about a meeting, you’re not sure. Since his desk is right next to the doorway, he sees you go and gives you a wink as his universal sign for good luck. You pull your scarf closer to you and open the door. $Charlie follows at a safe distance, still in sight but out of earshot since $gthey $gwere nagging at you to stay home. You didn’t feel sick anymore, and when you insisted that you needed some space to breathe, $gthey took it literally. [[Giving you your space.]]

The cold air of the outside world is like something you have never felt before, so cold that it makes you shiver underneath your warm clothes more than usual, you half expect it to snow at this rate, but there isn’t even a hint of frost on the grass outside. You really hope you aren’t sick. Still, you continue walking, down the road but only a few blocks away from your house. There’s this instinct in you to go farther, to look at each house closely, inspect it for any sort of familiarities. You start to think that the memory of that house you must’ve seen was what you dreamt about, since the memory is becoming more foggy as time passes. As you cross the road to the other side of the street, you feel $Charlie float up to you. “$Mx $engname.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> whisper$gs. You glance at $gthem and see $gthem look up at the house in front of you. You track $gtheir gaze and see that on the lower roof of this house, sits a person. [[“It’s them.”]]

$Charlie mutters, half excited, half terrified. The house isn’t big per say, in fact, it’s smaller than your own. It still has two floors, though the first floor is bigger than the second, making it so there’s a smaller roof on the leftover ceiling of the first floor. That’s where the <<nobr>> <<cycle "$lboy" autoselect>> <<option "boy">> <<option "girl">> <</cycle>> is. Sitting like it's not at least a good 10ft off the [[ground.]] <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $lboy === "girl">> <<set $lhe to "she">> <<set $lhes to "she's">> <<set $lhis to "her">> <<set $lhim to "her">> <<set $lhiss to "hers">> <<set $lMr to "Ms.">> <<set $lSon to "daughter">> <<set $lhimself to "herself">> <<set $Lou to "Louis">> <<set $lguy to "girl">> <<elseif $lboy === "boy">> <<set $lhe to "he">> <<set $lhes to "he's">> <<set $lhis to "his">> <<set $lhim to "him">> <<set $lhiss to "his">> <<set $lMr to "Mr.">> <<set $lSon to "son">> <<set $lhimself to "himself">> <<set $Lou to "Lewis">> <<set $lguy to "guy">> <</if>> <</nobr>> A $lboy with reddish brown hair, <<if $lboy is "boy">>like a messy mop with shorter sides, reaches just below his ears, like a mullet.<<else>>messily put into two short braids to the side of her face, one a bit longer than the other.<</if>> <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> skin isn’t pale, but isn’t dark either, $lhe has the sort of healthy glow of a European traveller. And though you can’t see much from this angle, $lhes fiddling with something in $lhis hands, $lhis outfit much unprepared for this weather, wearing only a sweater too big for $lhim and long jeans that hide $lhis shoeless feet. At least $lhes wearing socks. “Hey.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> speaks. You have to crane your neck to look up at $lhim, barely seeing $lhis face. “Can you move a bit farther away, just for a second.” Fully knowing that you’re trespassing $lhis property, you back away a few [[metres.]]

When you look around to see if $Charlie’s with you, you see $gthem hiding near a bin. It hits you then that by what $Charlie said and how $gtheyre acting, this must be yet another spiritmate. You don’t think $lhes noticed $Charlie, $lhe raises something to $lhis face instead and after a few seconds, brings it back down. Then, waves you over. Overthinking a bit about how to deal with this discovery, you approach $lhim. “Thanks.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, looking over at $lhis handheld device once again. [[“You’re welcome…?”]] [[“For what?”]] [[“What’s that on your hand?”]]

You blink up at $lhim, “You’re welcome…?” You slowly shrug. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles distractedly, $lhis voice holds the sort of rasp of someone who just woke up. Then $lhe glances down at you. “Wanna come up?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. “You want me to jump up there?” “No no, that’s dangerous. There’s a ladder on that side.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the side of the roof. And indeed, when you pass the corner, there is a ladder that reaches the roof of the first floor. Seeing as you’ll have to talk to $lhim eventually, and now seems like a good time as any, you climb up, careful not to lose balance. When you reach the dark shingles of the roof, you’re surprised to see it’s not so hard to crawl up here. You expected to have some difficulty since the roof is slanted, but it’s actually pretty easy to make your way to the stranger. Instead of watching you climb, $lhe stares at what $lhes holding. [[It’s a camera.]]

Raising your shoulders in a sort of questioning gesture, you blink up at $lhim. “For what exactly?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> just chuckles distractedly, still looking at the device in $lhis hand. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice holds the sort of rasp of someone who just woke up. “Come see.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “How?” “Use the ladder on that side.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the side of the roof. And indeed, when you pass the corner, there is a ladder that reaches the roof of the first floor. Seeing as you’ll have to talk to $lhim eventually, and now seems like a good time as any, you climb up, careful not to lose balance. When you reach the dark shingles of the roof, you’re surprised to see it’s not so hard to crawl up here. You expected to have some difficulty since the roof is slanted, but it’s actually pretty easy to make your way to the stranger. Instead of watching you climb, $lhe stares at what $lhes holding. [[It’s a camera.]]

You can’t really see what $lhes holding but you assume it’s something small. You ask anyways, “What are you holding?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> just chuckles distractedly, still looking at the device in $lhis hand. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice holds the sort of rasp of someone who just woke up. “Come see.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “How?” “Use the ladder on that side.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the side of the roof. And indeed, when you pass the corner, there is a ladder that reaches the roof of the first floor. Seeing as you’ll have to talk to $lhim eventually, and now seems like a good time as any, you climb up, careful not to lose balance. When you reach the dark shingles of the roof, you’re surprised to see it’s not so hard to crawl up here. You expected to have some difficulty since the roof is slanted, but it’s actually pretty easy to make your way to the stranger. Instead of watching you climb, $lhe stares at what $lhes holding. [[It’s a camera.]]

“Look. You’re a great model.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> shows you the camera. It’s a sort of vintage camera you assume, though not super old as it still has a screen in the centre of it. Peering at it, you see yourself. Far away, standing in the middle of your empty grey neighbourhood with your hands in your pockets. Your face is slightly obscured by your scarf, though your hair can still be seen. There’s a sort of feeling of disconcert attached to the picture. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> zooms in on you after pressing some buttons. “I hope you don’t mind I took a picture of you, though your face can’t be seen much. You just looked so solemn down there, almost like a ghost.” <<print $lhes.toUpperFirst()>> grinning down at the screen, but then presses the delete button. “I can delete it if you want?” The confirmation message shows up on screen. [[Delete it]] [[Keep it]]

<<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "funny">>\ “Not my best angle, please delete it.” You say. “As you wish.”\ <<elseif _persona is "mean" || _persona is "stoic">>\ “Delete it.” You say. “Understood.”\ <<else>>\ “Yeah, if you wouldn’t mind deleting it.” You say. “Of course not.”\ <</if>>\ <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> presses the confirmation button and after a few seconds, the picture is gone. Then, $lhe places the camera down, next to $lhim. Takes a deep breath and looks at you. You’ve never met anyone who’s so comfortable with eye contact as $lhe is, it’s as if $lhe doesn’t even know $lhes staring into [[your eyes.]]

<<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "kind" || _persona is "shy" || _persona is "stoic">>\ ”Keep it honestly.” You say. <<else>>\ “Meh, you can keep it.” <</if>>\ “Thanks.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> presses the deny button with a genuinely happy smile, and after a few seconds $lhe places the camera down, next to $lhim. Taking a deep breath, $lhe looks at you. You’ve never met anyone who’s so comfortable with eye contact as $lhe is, it’s as if $lhe doesn’t even know $lhes staring into [[your eyes.]]

It does let you finally see $lhis face. Rounded, but with a prominent chin, it gives $lhim a much younger look than $lhe must be, especially at $lhis size. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> seems very tall. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> has one piercing as well, a small hoop on the right of $lhis nostril, gold. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes are a similar colour, amber-like, reminding you of the sun you rarely see. “So? You’re the so-called troubled neighbour…” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> starts and you baulk at $lhis direct approach. “What?” “Your parents came by to visit, as well as your little sister. I have one of those too.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs as $lhe indicates with $lhis hand the size of $lhis younger sibling. “About this size,” It reaches $lhis waist, “a little gremlin. Either way, when your sister came over, we got to talking and she told me we might never meet. She said you were going through a rough patch.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> stares you up and down as if assessing the damage of a prized good, the slow smile in $lhis face warm instead of the sort of calculating look you expected. “I can see that.” [[“Are you saying I look troubled?”]] [[“That obvious, huh?”]] [["Give " + $lhim + " a side-eye."|Give him a side-eye.]] [[Just chuckle nervously.]]

You furrow your brow at $lhim. “Are you saying I look troubled?” “Just tired.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> sighs, then indicates to the view with $lhis eyes, “It’s pretty easy to forget to breathe, being tired starts to become something normal, and then you lose sight of what is actually out there. I mean, look at this street.” It’s empty, grey, foggy, cold. Every house looks identical, the minimal grass that exists in some houses’ yards has lost its green, and there is no light from any windows. Your house, which stands a few blocks away, is visible, but it doesn’t look like your house at all. “It’s breathing. Can you tell?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the street, to the fog. You watch for a few seconds, the fog lifts and returns, the street expands only to hide again. It is like breathing. In and out. [[In and out.]]

Sighing, you lower your head, defeated. “That obvious, huh?” You ask, with a pitying smile. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> shrugs. “You just look tired.” Then indicates to the view with $lhis eyes, “It’s pretty easy to forget to breathe, being tired starts to become something normal, and then you lose sight of what is actually out there. I mean, look at this street.” It’s empty, grey, foggy, cold. Every house looks identical, the minimal grass that exists in some houses’ yards has lost its green, and there is no light from any windows. Your house, which stands a few blocks away, is visible, but it doesn’t look like your house at all. “It’s breathing. Can you tell?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the street, to the fog. You watch for a few seconds, the fog lifts and returns, the street expands only to hide again. It is like breathing. In and out. [[In and out.]]

Seeing as $lhe gauged you with a scan, you give $lhim a side-eye, inquiring with a warning as to why $lhe did that. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> shakes $lhis head. “Sorry, you just look tired.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> does look apologetic, then indicates to the view with $lhis eyes, “It’s pretty easy to forget to breathe, being tired starts to become something normal, and then you lose sight of what is actually out there. I mean, look at this street.” It’s empty, grey, foggy, cold. Every house looks identical, the minimal grass that exists in some houses’ yards has lost its green, and there is no light from any windows. Your house, which stands a few blocks away, is visible, but it doesn’t look like your house at all. “It’s breathing. Can you tell?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the street, to the fog. You watch for a few seconds, the fog lifts and returns, the street expands only to hide again. It is like breathing. In and out. [[In and out.]]

Gulping at $lhis judgement you chuckle nervously, trying to find some humour in it. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles too, but not maliciously. “Sorry, you just look tired.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, then indicates to the view with $lhis eyes, “It’s pretty easy to forget to breathe, being tired starts to become something normal, and then you lose sight of what is actually out there. I mean, look at this street.” It’s empty, grey, foggy, cold. Every house looks identical, the minimal grass that exists in some houses’ yards has lost its green, and there is no light from any windows. Your house, which stands a few blocks away, is visible, but it doesn’t look like your house at all. “It’s breathing. Can you tell?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> points to the street, to the fog. You watch for a few seconds, the fog lifts and returns, the street expands only to hide again. It is like breathing. In and out. [[In and out.]]

Without noticing, you have started to take deep breaths. When you’re done assessing the view, you look back at $lhim. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> watches you carefully, though the corners of $lhis lips lift a bit at your more relaxed look. Not knowing what to say, you wait for $lhim to speak. There’s no rush, $lhis next words come natural. “I’m $Lou. It’s nice to finally meet you.” [[“Nice to meet you too.”]] [[“I can’t tell if you’re creepy or mysterious.”]] [[“Wow, thanks. I actually needed that.”]]

“I’m $engname. It’s nice to meet you as well.” You smile. “Cute name. Where are you from?” <<if $engname == $name>>\ “Oh thank you. I’m from Portugal.” You answer, feeling immediately embarrassed to have been complimented. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles. “$name...? Did I say it correctly?” [["Surprisingly " + $lhe + " did."->Surprisingly he did.]] <<else>>\ “Oh that’s not my real name, but thank you. I’m from Portugal.” You answer, feeling immediately embarrassed to have been complimented for a name that you picked. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles. “Would you rather I call you by that name or your real name?” [[My English name.]] [[Real name.]] <</if>>\

You eye $lhim curiously. “I can’t tell if you’re being creepy or mysterious…” You mutter. “Both?” “Are you admitting to being creepy?” “Not in the creep sort of way, but creepy sounds kinda endearing.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> muses, then baulks for a second. "...Do I really sound like a creep?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, honestly looking a bit hurt. Though there’s a bit of playful energy there. You shake your head. “Just your whole sitting on the roof with the camera and then knowing exactly what to say to calm me down…” “Then would it be creepier if I said I knew your name?” “You do?” You ask, suddenly hyper-aware of $lhim. But to be fair, $lhe did meet your parents and your sister, it’s quite probable that they told $lhim [[your name.]]

“Wow thanks.” You sigh. “I don’t know how you did it but I really needed those deep breaths.” “I think everyone should have those moments from time to time. I’m glad I could help you get yours.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> nods. “Thanks. Sorry, my name is $engname.” You introduce yourself, feeling a bit silly for just dismissing $lhis introduction. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> gaze fixes on your attentively. “It’s a cute name.” <<if $engname == $name>>\ “Thanks.” You reply awkwardly, unused to getting compliments for your name. <<else>>\ “It’s not my real name.” You feel inclined to confess, as getting a compliment from a name you picked feels sort of weird. <</if>>\ “Where are you from?” “Portugal.” The smile $lhe sends you makes you feel more comfortable opening up to $lhim. \ <<if $engname == $name>>\ “$name...? Did I say it correctly?” [["Surprisingly " + $lhe + " did."->Surprisingly he did.]] <<else>>\ “Do you prefer if I call you by that name or your real name?” [[My English name.]] [[Real name.]] <</if>>\

<<set $lou_realname to false>>\ <<set $louname to $engname>>\ You don’t want $lhim to start butchering your name. “Just use my English name.” “No worries, I like it.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “Though your little Sister’s name, Inês, I prefer her English name, her explanation was very… odd, as to why she preferred it.” You’re surprised $lhe said her name so fluently. “Where are you from?” You end up asking. “Would you believe me if I said England?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> twists $lhis body to be facing you more, playfully leaning forward. You raise a questioning eyebrow, “You’re English, born and bred?” “Have a French Uncle, but that’s about it. I’ve travelled quite a lot, never been to Portugal though. Maybe you can take me there one day?” My god, $lhes blunt. By the way $lhes peering at you through $lhis lashes, you can safely assume $lhes flirting in some way. <<linkreplace "Romance Options♡">> [[“Would love to.” ♡]] [[“W-What…? When?” ♡]] [[“I don’t really have the money for trips.” ♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“Woah there, you don’t beat around the bush do you?”]] [[“Haven’t been in Portugal in a very long time.”]] [[“Why haven’t you gone there yet?”]]

<<set $lou_realname to true>>\ <<set $louname to $name>>\ Well, $lhes the first person to ever ask, so you take the chance. “My real name if you can. It’s $name.” “Cute too. It suits you.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “$name. Did I say it right?” Surprisingly $lhe did. “Yes… Where are you from?” “Would you believe me if I said England?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> twists $lhis body to be facing you more, playfully leaning forward. You raise a questioning eyebrow, “You’re English, born and bred?” “Have a French Uncle, but that’s about it. I’ve travelled quite a lot, never been to Portugal though. Maybe you can take me there one day?” My god, $lhes blunt. By the way $lhes peering at you through $lhis lashes, you can safely assume $lhes flirting in some way. <<linkreplace "Romance Options♡">> [[“Would love to.” ♡]] [[“W-What…? When?” ♡]] [[“I don’t really have the money for trips.” ♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“Woah there, you don’t beat around the bush do you?”]] [[“Haven’t been in Portugal in a very long time.”]] [[“Why haven’t you gone there yet?”]]

“I don’t know actually.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, chuckling. “Your parents didn’t talk to me much and your little sister, no matter how much she talked about you, she never actually mentioned your name. Or maybe she did… she speaks pretty fast. It was hard to keep up.” That you believe. “It’s $engname.” “Cute name.” <<if $engname == $name>>\ “Thanks.” “Where are you from?” <<else>>\ “Thanks, not my real name though.” “Oh? Where are you from?” <</if>>\ You halt just for a bit. “Portugal.” You reply. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> looks at you attentively, paying attention to everything you say. You really can’t tell if the attention is too much or charming. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> smiles. \ <<if $engname == $name>>\ “$name...? Did I say it correctly?” [["Surprisingly " + $lhe + " did."->Surprisingly he did.]] <<else>>\ “Would you rather I call you by your real name or the name you gave me?” [[My English name.]] [[Real name.]] <</if>>\

<<set $louro +=1>> \ Smiling encouragingly at $lhim, you tilt your head just a bit to accept $lhis offer. “Would love to, just say when.” “Mum’s?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. “Mums?” You ask, suddenly out of it from the weird response. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs. “It means ‘Promise?’” Despite the interruption (at least to you), $lhis smile still holds the same flirtatious slope. The word ‘Promise’ slow with pause. You can’t help but release a breathless laughter, $lhis gaze almost intoxicating, $lhis attention addicting. “Maybe.” You say, finding it hard for the first time to come up with something smarter to say. And just like that, $lhe leans back again, leaving your space with a roguish shine in $lhis eyes. The silence returns, still unhurried and full of ease. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

<<set $louro +=1>> \ Not fully comprehending why $lhe would flirt with you so easily, you stammer out in answer, “W-What…?” Not knowing what to reply that with, you rush out a “When?” which makes $lhim chuckle. You’re not pulling away from your position as $lhe scoots just a bit closer, subtle enough, with little movement so $lhe doesn’t fall or accidently hurt $lhimself on a shingle. Which you assume would break the mood. Whatever mood this is? Why do you not want it broken? Are you enjoying this? “Right now if you want?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. You can’t believe you manage to choke on air but you do. The sounds of bewilderment that almost come out of you are muted by the sudden loss of words. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> face is not super close but is close enough that you can confidently say this is no longer a normal conversation. By your lack of answer, $lhe leans back away from you. Not disappointed but actually the opposite, interested, curious. “Think about it.” Is all $lhe says, leaving you with the silence of free-thinking, feeling flustered just from the thoughts coming up to your brain. $Lou is good at this, you can tell by the little proud smile $lhe wears while the silence stretches. You stay like that for awhile. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

<<set $louro +=1>> \ Not wanting to deny wanting a trip like that with someone like $Lou, but feeling completely shocked that someone you just met would say something like that, teasing or not, you try to come up with a sort of sensible answer. “I don’t really have the money for those types of trips. Can’t you just do it since you already travel quite a bit?” Without noticing, you had leaned just a bit forwards. Slightly encouraging this train of thought, at least to $Lou, as $lhis smile grows. You can’t help but ignore the sort of meaning behind $lhis and your words, finding it too embarrassing to even think about. $Lou replies with the same sort of disregard. “I might, but it would be nice to have a tour guide.” Now rolling your eyes, you cross your arms. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> leans back on social cue. “Oh so you just want me there to be your tour guide.” “Why? What would two people who just met be like on a trip to another country, just them two?” “Are you implying it has to be a partnership?” “I’m implying that I’d like to take you out. If you’d let me.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> finally concedes. Not knowing what to say to that, you simply turn away, still with your arms crossed. “Maybe.” You mutter, hoping that $lhe didn’t hear it but also hoping $lhe heard it and won’t ask further. No matter which one, the conversation ends there and the silence stretches. You let the feelings in your gut linger a bit longer as $Lou hums to $lhimself for a few seconds. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> looks satisfied. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

You lean back a bit and $lhe immediately tilts back to $lhis original position. “Woah there,” You raise your hands, $lhe sends an apologetic nod. “you don’t really beat around the bush, do you?” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Just wanted to shoot my shot, as they say.” “You certainly did.” “Do you want me to… never do something like that again?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, kindly. There’s only a slight awkwardness, probably from shame. [[“I don’t mind.”]] [[“Yes please.”]]

You shake your head in thought, not denying what $lhe said, just recalling the last time you were there. “Haven’t been in Portugal in a very long time, not gonna lie.” “Why not?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, instead of pursuing $lhis initial dialogue, $lhe now looks curious. “Dunno, parents haven’t said anything about it. They’re the ones who usually decide when we go on a trip.” You shrug. “Can’t you go by yourself?” You don’t know actually. You have never travelled by yourself, though you doubt you’re old enough to go without parental permission. Besides, it’s not like you have the money to do so. Shrugging once again in answer, $Lou drops the subject. Rather, $lhe leans back in thought, humming something to $lhimself as the silence fills the conversation. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

Curious, and not at all trying to avoid $lhis question, you ask, “Why haven’t you gone there? You did say you travel, Portugal is pretty close.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> looks up at the sky, leaning back on $lhis hands. “I don’t know, didn’t think about it. I’ve mostly been in France, Netherlands, South Africa, even the U.S. When I say I travel a lot, I just go to the same countries here and there.” “Why not expand your horizon?” “Hard to find connections.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, then points to $lhis camera. “I normally travel on business, so if I don’t have anyone waiting for me there, it’s harder for me to get a ticket.” <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> face turns sollem, like this is something unpleasant to confess. You frown back at $lhim and $lhe looks back at the sky. Seems like $lhe doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. You let the silence stretch on as $lhe thinks and you mull over what $lhe said. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

You shake your head. “No no, it’s okay, I don’t mind it.” “Alright, I’m glad.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> replies. “I tend to say the first thing that comes to mind, so I don’t really think about things before they’re out of my mouth.” “I understand.” You try to dispel the awkwardness. $Lou smiles and takes a nervous deep breath, the first you have seen $lhim take. Before $lhe just seemed so calm, now you’re seeing the way $lhe breaks and recovers. It’s like $lhe knows $lhes getting anxious so $lhe knows exactly what to do. You kinda envy that. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

<<set $lou_stopflirt to true>>\ You nod, letting $lhim down easily. “Yes please, kinda awkward for me, you know?” “No worries. I’ll be calm.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> replies. “Sorry either way, I tend to say the first thing that comes to mind, so I don’t really think about things before they’re out of my mouth.” “I understand.” You try to dispel the awkwardness. $Lou smiles and takes a nervous deep breath, the first you have seen $lhim take. Before $lhe just seemed so calm, now you’re seeing the way $lhe breaks and recovers. It’s like $lhe knows $lhes getting anxious so $lhe knows exactly what to do. You kinda envy that. [[“By the way are you studying at Prospero & Ariel School?”]]

<<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, breaking the silence. You nod, and $lhis smile turns wide. “Great. I’m starting there tomorrow, it’s good that I already know someone at least.” You doubt $Lou would have difficulty making friends. <<print $lhes.toUpperFirst()>> fit, laidback and honestly, just a nice person to be around. Always with the same relaxed tone when speaking. Even now, when $lhe looks excited, $lhe hasn’t raised $lhis voice once. “But I won’t be at school this week.” You remind yourself. “Skipping?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks, almost thrilled. “No, just sick.” “And you’re here outside in this cold? No wonder you look so pale.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> notes. “Well, I’m your neighbour, you can always visit when you fancy a chat. And if you’re down, there’s an anti-ghost protest in town that I’m going to on the weekend. Well, not this weekend, but next weekend, if you wanna come along?” [[“An anti what?”]]

You’ve heard of anti-ghost movements, there’s quite a few people that dislike ghosts, that exorcise those tethered to themselves. Part of the reason — at least to your knowledge — is that of personal freedom. Some see the ghosts tethered to them as a violation of their privacy. You understand that much, but you didn’t know they were organised like so, to form protests in this day and age. You assumed that was outdated thinking. Is $Lou one of them? Does $Lou hate ghosts as well? “Yeah, it’s kinda like a small thing. They get together in the town centre and just go wild you know? Signs, shirts, hats, very loud, all that you need for a protest.” $Lou explains, as if you don’t know what a protest is. But $lhe continues with a shrug. “Just thought it would be nice to take pictures, anger is a really nice emotion to capture on camera.” “Oh.” You mutter. So $Lou is not there to join or fight against, $lhes just there to pursue more of $lhis passion. [[“Sure, I can go.”]] [[“I should study on the weekend.”]]

<<set $louhangout to true>>\ You don’t see the harm in going, it would be nice to get to know $Lou better too. So, you nod. “Sure, I don’t mind going.” $Lou smiles, blinking slowly at you. “Thanks.” You’re glad to have made a friend. This is a good step forward, the more connected you feel with people the better. You didn’t even need $Charlie here with you, to help you navigate the conversation, in fact, you kinda like it that $Lou doesn’t know about $Charlie, yet at least. You’re sure you’ll have to bring it up eventually. [["Saying bye to " + $Lou + ", you go back home."->Saying bye to Lou, you go back home.]]

<<set $louhangout to false>>\ Since you’re going to be missing classes this whole week, it would be smart to stay caught up and study on the weekend. So, you shake your head. “Sorry, I have to study on the weekend.” “Bet.” $Lou chuckles, looking away. “It’s alright, maybe I’ll come visit you after.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> fiddles with $lhis camera again and you find yourself relieved to not have made $lhim upset. You’re glad to have made a friend. This is a good step forward, the more connected you feel with people the better. You didn’t even need $Charlie here with you, to help you navigate the conversation, in fact, you kinda like it that $Lou doesn’t know about $Charlie, yet at least. You’re sure you’ll have to bring it up eventually. [["Saying bye to " + $Lou + ", you go back home."->Saying bye to Lou, you go back home.]]

$Charlie catches up with you when you’re inside. Seeing as your Dad is no longer at his desk, you feel reluctant to go and find him, opting to go back to your room instead. You shiver when you enter your room, an unpleasant feeling vibrating against your skin. “I did not think $lhe would be so close, the coincidence of $lhim being your neighbour is truly baffling! Very odd but also good, I think.” $Charlie says, suddenly much less on edge than before, $gthey even make$gs eye contact with you. “Why didn’t you come out to talk to $lhim?” “I did not want to do that without your permission. I should let you make friends with who you wish, not because they are your spiritmate.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> repl$gy honestly. You’re a bit shocked to hear that, especially coming from $Charlie, who’s always been rather controlling of your interactions with others. But the excitement $Charlie suddenly showcases, as $gthey go$ges on a rant about $Lou as a child, makes you grow a bit fond of $gthem for having learnt of your preference and giving you time, for withholding $gthemselves. [[“We must formulate a plan!”]]

$Charlie suddenly says, high in the air, poised with $gtheir hands in front of $gthem. “I believe it is only fair as an apology from me to tell you who all of your spiritmates are.” [[“Yes, as you should’ve done long ago.”]] [[“Haven’t I met them all already?”]] [[“Dish.”]]

<<set $mean +=1>>\ <<set $stoic +=1>>\ You cross your arms. “Yes, only fair of course. After keeping me in the dark for most of my life. Thank you $Charlie.” The ghostly shape of $Charlie physically shrinks a bit, $gtheir shoulders rising and biting $gtheir lip. “Well— you are correct of course, I should have told you many years ago. It is entirely my fault and I will fix this. This is a good step forward?” “Hm.” You scoff a bit, letting $gthem sweat before smiling. “I guess it is.” $Charlie lets out a big sigh and floats forward, relaxing again. “Good!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> land$gs on the floor soundlessly. “You have only one spiritmate that you have not met, but since I do not know who they are, we have to do a search next week!” “Wait. You don’t know who they are?” You ask, [[confused.]]

<<set $kind +=1>>\ <<set $shy +=1>>\ You hold up a hand and count on your fingers. $Ima, Archie, $Lou… Isn’t that all of them? “Haven’t I met them all already?” You ask. $Charlie shakes $gtheir head. “Of course not! I said you had four spiritmates, or did you forget?” The way $gthey pitch$ges $gtheir voice just a bit to sound sassy makes you blink at $gthem. “But the fourth one is a special one I can tell, we must do a search for them!” “Wait. You don’t know who they are?” You ask, [[confused.]]

<<set $funny +=1>>\ <<set $sunshine +=1>>\ You extend a hand, “Dish.” You say. $Charlie looks at your hand for a second, before looking around for something. “There is no dish in here $Mx $engname.” “No I mean, tell me.” It’s kinda stupid that you expected $gthem to know. But your ghost does a double take and smiles, nodding. “Of course! You already know $iMs $Ima, $aMs Archie and $lMr $Lou, now comes the mysterious number four. Whom I do not know. But we must do a search for them and then you will know them all!” “Wait. You don’t know who they are?” You ask, [[confused.]]

<<checkpersona>>\ You know $Charlie is connected to all $gtheir spiritmates, $gthey know$gs where each one is, what each one is feeling, etc. So, how does $Charlie have no clue where or who the last spiritmate is. Is this another trick? Is $Charlie hiding something from you again? “I do not know anything about them, which is exciting! I get to know them better when we meet them.” $Charlie claps $gtheir hands in a joyous gesture. <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "mean">>\ “$Charlie, pardon my French, but what the fuck?” “Oh but that wasn’t French—” “$Charlie!” “Right!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> become$gs flustered, eyes darting around the room.\ <<elseif _persona is "kind" || _persona is "sunshine">>\ “Your enthusiasm is adorable but this does complicate things.” $Charlie blushes, “Oh thank you—” “How do you not know them anyways?” “Right.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> stand$gs up straighter.\ <<else>>\ “Wait, I don’t understand.” “It is nerve-wrecking, yes?” “No, I mean, how do you not know?” “Riiiight…” $Charlie gulps.\ <</if>>\ “The connection between this one is blocked. I do not know why, but it might have been done on purpose. Though I theorise if we get close enough, I will be able to feel it!” There’s a lie that $Charlie tells and then there’s a theory that $Charlie spouts haphazardly. [[Both aren’t very different.]]

“And how do you expect to get close if you don’t even know where they are?” You ask. $Charlie nods confidently, as if $gthey knew you were going to ask that. “They are a student!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs very excitedly, one finger up as a revelation. “A student?” “Yes! All of your spiritmates have similar ages to you so they must be a student.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> continue$gs to look very proud of $gthemselves. “So we look through the school for them!” God have mercy. [[“How do you know they study at my school?”]] [[“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY STUDENTS THERE ARE IN THE WORLD?!”]] [[“Of course! We’ll just look through all 2 Million students in the United Kingdom!”]]

“The school? You mean my school? How do you even know they go there?” You ask, trying to rationalise with $Charlie. The ghost however just looks confused, frowning with a furrow to $gtheir delicate features. “Where else would they go? There is only your school.” “There is only my school? In the whole country?!” You question, growing more and more bewildered the more $Charlie speaks. “$Charlie, my school is one of four schools in Reading alone.” “Oh.” $Charlie says. [[“I did not think that far.”]]

You take a deep breath, sort the screaming thoughts inside your head, and drag one hand down your face as if it would clean the recent memory of $Charlie hacking away your patience. Instead, you glance at $Charlie with wide eyes and start, “Do you have ANY idea how many students there are IN THE WORLD?!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> start$gs counting on $gtheir ghostly fingers. “Well, there is you, $Ima, $Archie, $Lou, your parents and little Nessa, there is also Mrs. Kirlian, all the students in your school, $Ima’s Mo—” “$Charlie! Do you really think there is only us in this world? In the entire round planet?!” “The world is round…?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> can’t be. Surely, $gthey can’t be this stupid. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> learned this in primary! You take another deep breath and calm your nerves. “There are billions of students in the world, $Charlie. Billions.” “Oh.” $Charlie says. [[“I did not think that far.”]]

You clap your hands, imitating $Charlie’s cheerful state. “Of course! What a great plan! We’ll just look through all 2 Million students in the United Kingdom, until you feel like we’re close. Go to London, Liverpool, York, maybe even Newcastle!” “Really? We will travel and see all those places?” $Charlie asks excitedly, totally forgetting about the so-called plan. You lose your smile and turn serious, given that $Charlie doesn’t seem to understand sarcasm. “No $Charlie. There is no way we will find them like that. There are billions of people to go through.” “Oh.” $Charlie says. [[“I did not think that far.”]]

Of course $gthey didn’t, if $gthey did maybe your life would’ve been easier. You try to remember that $Charlie is young, and despite growing up with you, $gthey will forever maintain this level of maturity. Never anticipating the future, getting $gtheir hopes up, feeling first, thinking never. That’s always been $Charlie’s attitude. Even when $gthey got so excited about being an adult, only for $gthem to stop ageing at 18. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> didn’t think about that, even though you both knew: all ghosts stop ageing at the age they died with. It just didn’t cross $Charlie’s mind whenever $gthey made those promises. Perhaps that’s part of the reason $Charlie lies so much, they’re not really lies, it’s just $gthem being absent-minded. But here, you look at $gthem. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> squint$gs $gtheir eyes in thought and float$gs around the room, turning upside down from time to time, only to giggle and then go back to thinking. [["You can’t be mad at " + $gthem + " for it."->You can’t be mad at them for it.]]

“Oh! I know! Why not talk to Mrs. Kirlian?” $Charlie hops. Or does the best imitation of a hop while mid-air. “How would she know?” You ask, tiring of this pointless back-and-forth. “Because she is a professional?” $Charlie shrugs. You scowl at $gthem and $Charlie’s expression immediately dons a tone of disappointment. “Oh please, won’t you at least try?” [[“I’ll try. For you.” ♡]] [[“I’ll try, I do wanna meet my spiritmate as well.”]] [[“Fineeeeee…”]] [[“Alright. What’s the worst that could happen.”]]

<<set $charliero +=1>>\ You roll your eyes but end up letting a smile loose. Small, but you feel your heart warm at the way $Charlie reasonably lights up. “I’ll try.” You meet $Charlie’s expectant gaze. “For you.” “Yes!” $Charlie cheers, overcome with satisfaction, $gthey envelope$gs you in a hug. <<if $platonicaffection is "lots">> It makes you giddy given that you two haven’t touched like this for a while.<<else>>It makes you tense up at the sudden touch.<</if>> But it’s cut short as $Charlie pulls away and turns awkward. “Sorry, I did not mean to do that. It just happened, I could not control myself.” “It’s okay $Charlie.” You nod. You’re happy that the gap between you two seems to shorten just a bit. Perhaps the good news of a new spiritmate and the opportunity of finding yet another one, has made things more hopeful. Or maybe, there’s something inside you that finally unclogged itself. Your soul feels lighter, more free. [[The rest of day follows a similar pattern.]]

You roll your eyes, but realise you would say yes regardless and nod. “I’ll try. I do wanna meet my spiritmates after all.” “That’s the spirit!” $Charlie cheers, jumping around the room in elation. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look at you with stars in $gtheir eyes, $gtheir old self returning for the short seconds you have like this. With no awkwardness. You’re happy that the gap between you two seems to shorten just a bit. Perhaps the good news of a new spiritmate and the opportunity of finding yet another one, has made things more hopeful. Or maybe, there’s something inside you that finally unclogged itself. Your soul feels lighter, more free. [[The rest of day follows a similar pattern.]]

You think for a second, battling the pros and cons of such a decision inside your head. When you see no way out of this, you roll your eyes and drop your shoulder. “Fineeeeee…” You groan. “Yes!” $Charlie cheers, doing a happy dance in the middle of the room. You physically attempt to not cringe at $gthem but find a sense of warmth when $gthey look$gs at you, happy and back to $gtheir old self. The cloud that haunted $gthem is gone for this short moment you have as $gthey smile$gs at you. You’re happy that the gap between you two seems to shorten just a bit. Perhaps the good news of a new spiritmate and the opportunity of finding yet another one, has made things more hopeful. Or maybe, there’s something inside you that finally unclogged itself. Your soul feels lighter, more free. [[The rest of day follows a similar pattern.]]

You shrug. “Alright, I don’t see why not. What’s the worst that could happen?” You ask rhetorically. “Yes!” $Charlie cheers, moving around the room in elation at the news of going through with this. You can’t help but smile at $gtheir antics, relieved to find that old $Charlie was never really gone, just hidden. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> smile$gs at you. You’re happy that the gap between you two seems to shorten just a bit. Perhaps the good news of a new spiritmate and the opportunity of finding yet another one, has made things more hopeful. Or maybe, there’s something inside you that finally unclogged itself. Your soul feels lighter, more free. [[The rest of day follows a similar pattern.]]

It isn’t until the next day, in the evening, that you are called down by your Father. “Never had this happen before.” He had said, jokingly but not untruthful. When you came down, there were two people waiting for you at the door. $Ima and Archie. Still in their uniform. “What are you two doing here?” You asked, shocked. $Charlie, who was behind you, was silent, but $gtheir form slowly floated towards them, undoubtedly meaning $gthey $gwere happy they were here. “Visiting you duh!” $Ima said. Your dad invited them inside and closed the door. “Now are you going to invite us to your room or are we going to hang in the kitchen?” You glanced at the stairs and $Ima’s face immediately fell. “I’ll carry you up, you’re a literal stick.” Archie offered. <<if $archierelation is "closer">>It hadn’t come to you but you realised Archie had been in a much different mood than before. Besides the obvious happenstance,<<else>>It suddenly startled you to hear Archie’s voice, as if $ashe wasn’t there the whole time. You try not to feel awkward, but at least<</if>> [[Archie was no longer avoiding you both.]]

So, you folded $Ima’s chair and walked upstairs with it, while Archie carried $Ima up, the two of them bickering the whole time, though full of laughter. Perhaps they bonded while you were in the hospital, it was for quite a while after all. You missed out on it. [[Finally, you enter your room and close the door.]]

$Ima, on $iher chair, sighs heavily and glances at $Charlie. It’s a brief smile $ishe sends, but seems to reassure $Charlie heavily. Archie on the other hand, sits down on top of your desk and stares out the window instead, $aher previous joyful mood gone. You assume they didn’t just come here to visit, but to talk about what happened. So you start. “Thanks for coming, I know things have been… weird.” You pause, trying to come up with an explanation, an apology, something worth their role in $Charlie’s life. But nothing comes up. $Charlie clears $gtheir throat despite it being impossible to have need to. Though $gthey say$gs nothing for a few seconds, $gtheir eyes linger on Archie’s stoic form. Then with a breath, $gthey say$gs, “I am very sorry for what I said $aMs $Archie.” [[Oh. This isn’t at all about you.]]

“It was an impulsive thing to say and I was feeling a lot of different emotions, I did not mean for it to come out the way it did.” “But you still meant what you said.” Archie replied, eventually turning $aher face to look at $gthem. “Maybe you didn’t mean for it to come out like a brat, but the words, the meaning, you meant all of that.” There’s silence. This is far beyond your understanding. Sure you know that $Charlie often says things $gthey regret$gs later, but whatever $gthey said to Archie this time, must’ve really hurt. Though, knowing Archie, it isn’t very hard to upset $aherm. Then again, the Archie you know, would’ve never come here to talk about it. Perhaps it’s $Ima’s influence. You glance at the dark skinned $igirl, who’s staring at Archie with a worried frown, then at $Charlie with the same expression. You meet $iher eye and $ishe gives you a tired smile. [["“What did you do this time " + $Charlie + "?”"->“What did you do this time Charlie?”]] [[“Is anyone going to fill me in?”]] [[“What happened?”->what happened]]

Shutting your eyes lightly so you don’t induce a headache with the force of it, you look at $Charlie, who at your attention, immediately turns abashed. “What did you do this time $Charlie?” “I did not do anything untoward if that is what you are implying.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> fix$ges the frills in $gtheir outfit. “I may have said some hurtful things however while you were… indisposed.” “Like what?” “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> said it was my fault you were in there.” Archie replies. [["“" + $Charlie + "!” You scold."->“Charlie!” You scold.]]

You sigh, “Alright, is anyone going to fill me in or are we just going to keep throwing vaguely serious statements around?” $Charlie flushes. “It is not so serious. I only did not think through my arguments when I last spoke with $aMs $Archie, which happened during your lack of presence. I could have put it in a more polite manner, that is all.” “For God’s sake $Charlie, what did you tell $aherm?” “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> said it was my fault you were in there.” Archie replies. [["“" + $Charlie + "!” You scold."->“Charlie!” You scold.]]

You glance at both of them in the same concerned state. “What exactly happened?” “It is only a misunderstanding. I said some hurtful things apparently, which led to resentment, which was not my intention. I only meant to have some words with $aMs $Archie.” $Charlie explains vaguely, clearly perturbed. “And what did you say?” “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> said it was my fault you were in there.” Archie replies. [["“" + $Charlie + "!” You scold."->“Charlie!” You scold.]]

“<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> had been very aggressive with you as of late, when you did not deserve the treatment, $ashe made you feel guilty!” $Charlie accuses. “Bullshit! All I did was speak my mind, whatever $engname was going through had nothing to do with me!” Archie fires back. “It certainly would not hurt if you were nicer.” $Charlie mutters. “This is why I didn’t want to have nothing to do with $engname, it’s because of you! If anything, what happened was your fault!” “You take that back!” “Alright guys!” $Ima stops the argument, raising $iher voice to a squeak. “It was no one’s fault.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, and though the words are meant for both of them, $ishe looks at you as if to include you in the absence of guilt. “It was an accident, and $engname is all better now. If we want this to work, we gotta start liking each other.” “But—” “Starting with apologies.” $Ima interrupts $Charlie, sending $gthem a warning look. $Charlie has the guts to [[look embarrassed.]]

“Archie, why don’t you say what you wanted to say.” $Ima says, smiling gently at the bigger one in the room. Archie hops off the table and stretches awkwardly, $aher uniform taunt. “$engname.” Archie starts, looking at you in the eye<<if $archierelation is "awkward">>, you try not to look away.<</if>> “Whatever happened in that toilet, whatever we talked about before, I’m sorry if I said something that hurt you or made you think I didn’t like you. I just…” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> spares a glance at $Charlie, still anger in $aher eyes, before looking back at you. “I don’t like ghosts very much.” <<if $archierelation is "closer">>Well, you can certainly understand that much. Besides, the least you can do for Archie after everything $ashe did for you is forgive $aherm. So you nod. “Thanks Archie.” You smile and $ashe smiles back.<<else>>Well, that isn’t exactly what you were expecting. You expected some sort of embarrassment to come crawling at you, but instead, there’s a lingering sense of comfort, like the elephant in the room has been kindly told to leave. So, you nod. “Thanks Archie.” You sigh and $ashe smiles at you.<</if>> “Now, $Charlie, why don’t you apologise to Archie as well.” $Ima says. $Charlie crosses $gtheir arms. “I already did.” “No, you apologised for the way Archie reacted, not for what you said.” Archie’s expression is sour when $Charlie looks at $aherm, and there’s a moment when $Charlie even looks afraid, and a bit regretful. [[“I apologise for what I said.”]]

Archie doesn’t seem to believe the sincerity of it but lets it drop for the sake of it. More likely because $Ima seems keen on getting all of this discussion out of the way. Speaking of the $igirl, $ishe folds both of $iher hands on $iher lap after rolling forward, closer to you, as you’re sitting on your bed. “Now it’s my turn I guess.” $Ima breathes out. “I’m sorry for not really noticing what you were going through. In the class we had before, I could tell that you were feeling sad and I got scared. I thought not talking about it would help but I guess it didn’t. For that, I’m a terrible friend.” [[“You have nothing to apologise for.”]] [[“It did help though.”]] [["“Thanks " + $Ima + ".”"->“Thanks Ima.”]]

“$Ima.” You shake your head. “You have nothing to apologise for, it was my problems, I had to deal with them. I can’t just assume that you're a psychic.” You chuckle. “I know, it’s just— Friends are supposed to be able to talk about those things, that’s what they’re for.” $Ima says, genuinely distressed over it. “If I can’t do that for you, then why would you want to be my friend?” “Oh $Ima…” You mumble, feeling bad for $iherm. $Charlie and Archie also seem to grow sad at that. “You don’t need to do anything to be a good friend, just be yourself, we like you as you are.” “Yeah, besides, your natural self is already really nice, so it’s not like you need to do any extra effort.” Archie attempts to add to the consolation. $Charlie too, floats forwards. “I do really like you $iMs $Ima. You are one of my greatest friends.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. If it were anyone else saying it, you wouldn’t believe them considering how long $Charlie has known $Ima for, but knowing $Charlie and how easily $gthey get$gs attached, you don’t see that as far from the truth. $Ima seems lost for words. [[$iher.toUpperFirst() + " eyes getting a bit teary."->Her eyes getting a bit teary.]]

You shrug at $iherm. “It did help though, sometimes you don’t really need someone to talk to, just a distraction. And you did give me that. What happened after that was out of your control.” You explain. “But what if you need someone to talk to? I can’t just give you a distraction when that’s not what you need. Other people would be better friends than I.” $Ima says, genuinely distressed over it. “Why would you even want to be my friend then?” “Oh $Ima…” You mumble, feeling bad for $iherm. $Charlie and Archie also seem to grow sad at that. “You don’t need to do anything to be a good friend, just be yourself, we like you as you are.” “Yeah, besides, your natural self is already really nice, so it’s not like you need to do any extra effort.” Archie attempts to add to the consolation. $Charlie too, floats forwards. “I do really like you $iMs $Ima. You are one of my greatest friends.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. If it were anyone else saying it, you wouldn’t believe them considering how long $Charlie has known $Ima for, but knowing $Charlie and how easily $gthey get$gs attached, you don’t see that as far from the truth. $Ima seems lost for words. [[$iher.toUpperFirst() + " eyes getting a bit teary."->Her eyes getting a bit teary.]]

“Thanks $Ima, I appreciate it.” You think for a second, trying to find the right words for what to say next. “But it’s okay.” Is all you can say. “Well not really. I understand if you don’t want to be my friend anymore, I don’t really fall into what makes someone a good friend.” $Ima says, distressing over it. “Not just to you, to everyone, how can I be anyone’s friend when I get scared if my friend’s upset?” “Oh $Ima…” You mumble, feeling bad for $iherm. $Charlie and Archie also seem to grow sad at that. “You don’t need to do anything to be a good friend, just be yourself, we like you as you are.” “Yeah, besides, your natural self is already really nice, so it’s not like you need to do any extra effort.” Archie attempts to add to the consolation. $Charlie too, floats forwards. “I do really like you $iMs $Ima. You are one of my greatest friends.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs. If it were anyone else saying it, you wouldn’t believe them considering how long $Charlie has known $Ima for, but knowing $Charlie and how easily $gthey get$gs attached, you don’t see that as far from the truth. $Ima seems lost for words. [[$iher.toUpperFirst() + " eyes getting a bit teary."->Her eyes getting a bit teary.]]

<<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> quickly removes $iher glasses and rubs at $iher eyes with the arm of $iher school sweater. “Wow, sorry, bit dusty in here, isn’t it?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs, then cleans $iher glasses to distract $iherself. “Might need some sprucing up.” [["You three don’t believe " + $iherm + " for a bit."->You three don’t believe her for a bit.]]

After that, you three talk about classes, mainly all that you’ve missed, which $Ima offers you some of $iher notebooks for you to study from. Archie offers the other side of school, the bad part, $ashe goes in complaints about classes, workload and the teachers, surprisingly not a lot about classmates. $Charlie and you listen attentively, the ghost offering quippy and silly remarks here and there. It isn’t long before it gets dark. “Christ, I know it’s not winter yet but it really got dark quickly.” $Ima mentions. Archie just laughs and points at $Ima’s own watch. “Probably because it’s almost 9, time passed by fast.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says contentedly. “We should get going.” “Aww already?” $Charlie says. Archie reaches around $Ima’s wheelchair with familiarity, “Yeah, we have school tomorrow, unlike some people.” Archie says. You’re not sure if that was said in a teasing matter or if Archie is quite literally taking a dig at you having severe health problems. $Ima just wacks Archie with $iher elbow which causes $aherm to wince. “What $ashe means is, we hope you get well soon. We’ll come back tomorrow if we can as well.” And with that, they leave with a goodbye, your Dad offering to drive them home only for him to get rejected. You watch from the window as Archie and $Ima talk animatedly, walking away into the fog. [[You completely forgot to tell them sorry too.]]

You really need to get better at apologies. You also didn’t tell them about $Lou and even the treasure hunt for the last spiritmate. But that’s because it escaped your mind. Hopefully, you’ll be able to tell them that and more when they return throughout the week. [[You sleep well that night.]]

The rest of the week passes by in a blur. The tension between you and $Charlie eases and your friends visit from time to time too— well, almost every day if they could, it seems. You don’t see $Lou at all this week, not even when you pass by $lhis house again, it’s devoid of people, and you don’t want to bother knocking. You’re in a much better mood as the week ends, even when $Ima mocks you for not having a phone, which Nessa joins in considering she has one. You explain to them that you don’t have money for one, which makes Nessa shut up and walk away. It’s a friendly reminder that she’s the spoiled one. Later you even ask your parents for one, but they gently refuse, saying you have to pay for your own stuff. Since you don’t want to end the week arguing with your parents, you don’t tell them of the hypocrisy of giving Nessa whatever she wants. [[Finally, you have school again.]]

<<set $louknows to false>>\ “I did not think I would miss the school, but I do.” $Charlie says, entering the gates of the school with arms open wide, staring at it like it’s all brand new. “Considering we only attended for less than a week, that’s impressive.” You reply. Entering further into the building, you meet with $Ima. Glancing around, you don’t see Archie anywhere. $Ima grins at you. “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> were late for $aher class. You missed assembly too.” //Good// You want to say. Because you don’t wanna see Professor Littlemore or Mrs. Kirlian. So this comes as a relief. Either way, you three head to the next class. Classes you actually have been looking forward to. The class you were most excited about is… <<if $esp is true>>[[ESP]] <</if>>\ <<if $ghosthunt is true>>[[Ghost Hunting]]<</if>>\ <<if $esp is false && $ghosthunt is false>>[[None]]<</if>>

<<set $louknows to true>>\ Though you know nothing about the class itself, the promises and the rumours has made you quite interested. You’re glad you signed up for it. It’s a bit difficult to find, but once you’re in a different building you just follow the incense smell. It leads to a room at the end of a pretty empty hallway<<if $firsthangout is "ima">>, you vaguely remember it from when you went to meet $Ima for lunch that one time<</if>>. You enter the classroom to find a very small room with very few people in it, you could probably count everyone using only two hands. They must have arrived a few minutes before you, and you’re damn glad you’re not super late, or else you’d have to endure everyone’s eyes on you. [[“Alright everyone sit down.”]]

Given that the Ghost Hunting class is at the end of the day, you try your best to not bore yourself to death in the rest of the classes, feeling your energy peak the closer you are to the last lesson. Eventually, you stand in front of the classroom, right next to the library. There’s students entering and conversation is flowing, the teacher doesn’t seem to be in yet. Before you can make yourself inside, you hear a familiar voice call your name from behind you. “$engname!” $Ima is accompanied by Archie, who also seems to be in a good mood. $Charlie waves back at them and Archie’s good mood sours subtly. You wait for them to reach you and nod over at them both [[when they do.]]

The heavily accented voice belongs to none other than the teacher, wearing what looks like a Mrs. Mcgonagall cosplay, just without the witchy hat. She’s tall enough for the windows at the top of the room to glow on her dark skin, making her look ethereal. You’re even more surprised when everyone sits down as if they had assigned seats, especially thinking there weren’t enough chairs for everyone. It probably helps that there are no tables so no one’s on top of each other — there’s even spare chairs. You glance and see two people you didn’t expect to see here. $Lou and Archie. $Lou’s sitting at the front, but on the corner. And Archie’s sitting almost at the back, safe for a few rows. You find your spot next to… [[Lou]] [[Archie]]

$Charlie shyly hides in the walls as you approach to sit next to $lhim, and $lhe doesn’t even seem surprised to see you. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> only glances at you with a sweet smile instead. “Hey.” “Hey.” You whisper back. “Now, last lesson we covered our five senses, and though this class won’t have as many interactive features—” “Booo!” Someone says and everyone laughs, even the teacher. “Yes, I know, no chocolate this time. But today we’re going to do something even better.” She grins mischievously, the sort of expression you didn’t expect a teacher to make, but it somehow suits her sharp features. “We’re going to break the rules.” There’s gasps all around, but happy scandalous giggles. You glance at $Lou, who’s staring at the wall instead. When you peer at it, you see $Charlie’s head, and $gtheir hand in a small wave. $Lou waves back confused. “No way…” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> mutters. [["“I see you’ve met " +$Charlie + ".”"->“I see you’ve met Charlie.”]] [["“" + $Charlie + " just come here and introduce yourself.”"->“Charlie just come here and introduce yourself.”]] [[“Who are you waving at?”]]

Squeezing through some people, you sit yourself on the empty chair next to Archie. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> glances up at you and offers you a charming smile. “How are you feeling?” “Good.” You mutter. “It is nice to see you $aMs $Archie.” $Charlie greets as well. The blonde $agirl narrows $aher eyes at $gthem and looks away, ignoring $gthem. $Charlie simply deflates, though shrugging a bit, realising this was bound to happen. When you look back at Archie, you see $aherm talking to a girl on the other side of $aherm. <<if $firsthangout is "archie">>It’s Jace.<<else>>It’s a very tall blonde girl, caked up in makeup.<</if>> Your eyes meet and she frowns. Before you can say anything though, [[the teacher continues.]]

<<checkpersona>>\ You tilt your head to whisper at $Lou. “I see you’ve met $Charlie.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> snaps $lhis head back at you with a deer-caught-in-headlights look. “$Charlie?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks and you nod. Meeting $Charlie’s eyes you motion for $gthem to come over, and $gthey timidly do$ges. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> wave$gs again. “Hello, it’s lovely to meet you, I am $Charlie.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look$gs down, acting odd. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> didn’t even introduce $gthemselves with the title and everything. “You’re… my ghost?” $Lou asks, then slowly glances at you. “And you’re my spiritmate…” <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "sunshine">>“Surprise…?” You say.<<elseif _persona is "kind" || _persona is "shy">>”Sorry we didn’t tell you before.” You say.<<else>>”Yup.” You say.<</if>> [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you two.]]

You roll your eyes and address $Charlie. “Just come over here and introduce yourself.” You’re not sure why $gtheyre being so shy all of a sudden. $Lou glances at you in shock as $Charlie slowly floats towards you two. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> wave$gs again. “Hello, it’s lovely to meet you, I am $Charlie.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look$gs down, acting odd. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> didn’t even introduce $gthemselves with the title and everything. “You’re… my ghost?” $Lou asks, then slowly glances at you. “And you’re my spiritmate…” <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "sunshine">>“Surprise…?” You say.<<elseif _persona is "kind" || _persona is "shy">>”Sorry we didn’t tell you before.” You say.<<else>>”Yup.” You say.<</if>> [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you two.]]

Wanting to play around a bit, you poke $Lou in the shoulder to grab $lhis attention. “You okay? Who are you waving at?” $Lou blinks and glances from you to $Charlie, who slowly starts to come out and join you with a frown. “Do not tease $lhim $engname.” “It was just a little bit.” You chuckle. $Lou is just staring at you two with a deer-caught-in-headlights look. $Charlie smiles timidly at $lhim as $gthey finally settle$gs. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> wave$gs again. “Hello, it’s lovely to meet you, I am $Charlie.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> look$gs down, acting odd. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> didn’t even introduce $gthemselves with the title and everything. “You’re… my ghost?” $Lou asks, then slowly glances at you. “And you’re my spiritmate…” <<if _persona is "funny" || _persona is "sunshine">>“Surprise…?” You say.<<elseif _persona is "kind" || _persona is "shy">>”Sorry we didn’t tell you before.” You say.<<else>>”Yup.” You say.<</if>> [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you two.]]

You realise the classroom is buzzing with conversation, and the teacher stares down at you and $Lou with a peaceful smile. “Are you two paired up then?” “Huh?” You ask, lost for context. “For the exercise. Are you two spiritmates?” She asks. “I guess.” $Lou replies, still trying to gather $lhis thoughts. “What’s the exercise? I wasn’t paying attention.” The teacher doesn’t seem fazed by that, only nods. “You two have to find another person that isn’t your spiritmate and talk about each other’s ghosts. Then, I’ll explain the rest.” She says, then walks away to another group of chatterboxes. You look at $Lou and $lhe looks at $Charlie, who shrugs bashfully. “Wait, before we do what Ms. Rhine said, I have a lot of questions.” $Lou starts. “Me too.” Archie adds, [[walking up to you three.]]

“What a joyous reunion. Hello $aMs $Archie.” $Charlie’s mood immediately changes into a more chipper one. Archie on the other hand, just grunts at $gthem and turns to $Lou. “You’re another spiritmate, huh? I’m Archie.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> saddles up to you, turning to you with a smile. “And how are you feeling?” “I’m better.” You answer distractingly. “$Lou is my neighbour by the way, we’ve met but $lhe hadn’t met $Charlie yet.” “Hiding again I assume.” Archie rolls $aher eyes. “I was just shy.” $Charlie replies back, tone low and embarrassed. There’s the tension again, and considering how $Lou frowns, you can tell it’s affecting $lhim too. Archie pats $Lou on the back, which makes $lhim smile a bit. “I have a friend, we can do the exercise with her and her spiritmate. Come on.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> indicates all of you to follow $aherm to the [[other end of the class.]]

In the midst of all the chatter, you’re surprised to see everyone pretty spaced out, it’s easy to see Archie’s friend when you get there. <<if $firsthangout is "archie">>It’s Jace. “Oh look who it is.” She says, glaring at you.<<else>>It’s a very tall blonde girl, caked up in makeup. ”This is $them?” She asks with a sort of disgusted look towards you.<</if>> “Jace, be nice, or I’ll drop you for Hamdi.” Archie warns. The girl glowers but doesn’t say anything further. $Lou waves at her and the other girl next to her, smaller, her big green eyes remarkable compared to her black hijab. “I’m new, hi. My name is $Lou.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> introduces $lhimself. “And I’m Char— oh wait.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> realise the girls cannot see or hear $gthem. “Almost forgot.” The girl, Jace, groans at $Lou and glances away. $Lou raises a brow and moves next to you instead. “At least she’s not only mean to me, I guess that’s a good thing.” You whisper at $lhim. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles. “I’m Zahra, it’s nice to meet you.” The other girl says, smiling meekly. “Archie has said a lot about you.” She looks towards you. “Barely.” Archie corrects. “Too much.” Jace grumbles. “Let’s just get this over with.” [["You spend the next half an hour talking about " + $Charlie + ", and the two girls talking about their ghost, Merry."->You spend the next half an hour talking about Charlie, and the two girls talking about their ghost, Merry.]]

Eventually, the teacher pipes up again to give more instructions. Since you’re a small class, you’re only separated into three groups, each one in the corner of a room. Then, Ms Rhine claps her hands in one short loud attention-grabbing sound. “Now for a little rule breaking.” She starts. “Do not tell anyone about this, including your friends outside of this class. This is our little secret.” There’s a few murmurs going around but the general consensus is that Ms. Rhine isn’t someone that would do something dangerous. [[So you trust the gossip.]]

“Now, last lesson we covered our five senses, and though this class won’t have as many interactive features—” “Booo!” Someone says and everyone laughs, even the teacher. “Yes, I know, no chocolate this time. But today we’re going to do something even better.” She grins mischievously, the sort of expression you didn’t expect a teacher to make, but it somehow suits her sharp features. “We’re going to break the rules.” There’s gasps all around, but happy scandalous giggles. Archie’s and the other girl’s voice rise a bit, but only because they’re arguing. “Just leave it.” Archie says, and the girl whispers something back. You hear them mention your name barely. [[“If you want to talk to me, I’m right here.”]] [[“Are you Archie’s friend? It’s nice to meet you!”]] [[“You guys are being too loud.”]]

You peer your head around Archie to look at the other girl straight. “You know, if you want to talk to me, I’m right here.” “No, that’s the problem, I don’t want to talk to you, or even be near you, you parasite.” She seethes. $Charlie gasps as Archie takes a deep breath, holding the bridge of $aher nose. “Now’s not the time you two.” “No no, I wanna know what’s her problem. We haven’t met at all, why do you even hate me so much?” You ask. $Charlie nods as well, clearly frustrated with the girl’s attitude as well. “Cause you’re ungrateful. Archie literally got suspended because of you, and—” “Jace.” Archie warns. The girl, <<if $firsthangout is not "archie">>who’s name is Jace, <</if>>glares at $aherm. “Archie, how can you even defend $them right now, since $theyve arrived you’ve been acting differently!” “Drop it! We are not arguing in the middle of the class.” Archie replies. “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s right,” Another girl next to Jace mutters. She’s smaller and has big green eyes, remarkable compared to her black hijab. “Ms Rhine hates bad energies, and you’re getting really angry, Jace.” “I don’t care! If Archie only liste—” [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you all.]]

Peeking around Archie so you can see the other girl, you smile. “Hi! Are you and Archie friends? It’s nice to meet you!” “Drop the act, weren’t you sad or something?” She replies dryly. $Charlie gasps as Archie takes a deep breath, holding the bridge of $aher nose. “Stop it.” “I was just saying hello…” You murmur, feeling the punch of her words impact you deeply. $Charlie pats you gently on the shoulder, though $gtheir gaze remains locked on the girl, angrily. “I didn’t ask for you to speak to me, leave us alone, you’ve already got Archie in trouble, who’s to say you’re not—” “Jace.” Archie warns. The girl, <<if $firsthangout is not "archie">>who’s name is Jace, <</if>>glares at $aherm. “Archie, how can you even defend $them right now, since $theyve arrived you’ve been acting differently!” “Drop it! We are not arguing in the middle of the class.” Archie replies. “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s right,” Another girl next to Jace mutters. She’s smaller and has big green eyes, remarkable compared to her black hijab. “Ms Rhine hates bad energies, and you’re getting really angry, Jace.” “I don’t care! If Archie only liste—” [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you all.]]

You look around and see a few curious eyes looking in your direction. “Guys, you’re being too loud.” “Shut up. No one asked for your opinion.” The girl says, agitated as she peers at you from behind Archie. $Charlie huffs at her, both angry and confused. Archie simply takes a deep breath, holding the bridge of $aher nose. “Let’s stop, okay?” “Yeah, half of the class is staring at us.” You remind them, watching as Archie glances around too, noticing the same thing. The girl doesn’t seem to care, her scowl deep as she stares at you. “They’re staring cause you’re here, leave. You’re going to get Archie in trouble, again, and this time she won’t be—” “Jace.” Archie warns. The girl, <<if $firsthangout is not "archie">>who’s name is Jace, <</if>>glares at $aherm. “Archie, how can you even defend $them right now, since $theyve arrived you’ve been acting differently!” “Drop it! We are not arguing in the middle of the class.” Archie replies. “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>>’s right,” Another girl next to Jace mutters. She’s smaller and has big green eyes, remarkable compared to her black hijab. “Ms Rhine hates bad energies, and you’re getting really angry, Jace.” “I don’t care! If Archie only liste—” [[The teacher clears her throat, her shadow standing over you all.]]

“Miss Jace.” The teacher says. Every spine in your group goes straight, even $Charlie. “Will you please stop squabbling, you are disturbing the class.” Jace looks like she might apologise, but seeing your eyes on her, she gulps and crosses her arms, looking at the floor. “We’re so sorry Ms Rhine, we’ll be quiet.” The other girl says. “It’s alright Zahra. So, you already seem grouped up, I’ll leave you to it.” The teacher smiles. “Wait.” Archie calls and the teacher waits, looking at Archie. “I didn’t hear what we had to do, could you repeat it please?” There’s a brief second where the teacher looks fondly exasperated, but she nods eventually. “Of course. People are meant to group up with others that are not their spiritmates and talk about each other’s ghosts. Then, I’ll explain the rest.” She explains. When you all nod, she walks away, the classroom going back into chattering. “Oh! An activity where I’m involved! This is great!” $Charlie claps gleefully. “Hi…?” A familiar ginger haired person suddenly walks up to you. It’s $Lou, who stares at $Charlie [[in shock.]]

$Charlie also stares slack-jawed at $Lou, as if it’s $gthem who’s staring at a ghost. $Lou glances at you and then Archie, and then the other two, then back to $Charlie. “Can this $lguy see $Charlie or is it just me?” Archie whispers to you. “Yeah, this is $Lou. We actually met before.” You say, and Archie makes a face of understanding. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> steps forwards and reaches out a hand to $Lou. “Well, welcome to hell $Lou. I’m Archie.” $Lou shakes $aher hand, though $lhis eyes are still glued on $Charlie, and $Charlie’s vice versa. You’re confused why $Charlie’s acting like this but you don’t know enough about $Charlie’s current mental state to be able to tell. Jace and Zahra glance from $Lou to Archie, without saying anything. You and Archie stare back at $Charlie, blinking and waiting [[in puzzlement.]]

“$Charlie. Are you going to say something or…?” You break the awkward silence. $Charlie startles with wide eyes and immediately laughs nervously. “Right, apologies. It is lovely to meet you $Lou, I am $Charlie.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> start. $Lou nods, raising an eyebrow. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes glance at you in question. “So $Charlie’s my ghost, and you’re my spiritmate?” “Yeah.” You nod. Archie steps forwards. “I’m your spiritmate too.” Saying that $Lou looks overwhelmed is a bit of an understatement. While $Charlie looks nervous and fiddling for a topic of conversation, Zahra actually steps next to $Lou and smiles. “I’m Zahra, and this is Jace.” “Nice to meet you both as well.” $Lou replies, smiling more confidently. Jace just rolls her eyes, groaning in distaste. $Lou takes a second of pause and looks back at the rest of you. “Well, I guess we can start then.” [["You spend the next half an hour talking about " + $Charlie + ", and the two girls talking about their ghost, Merry."->You spend the next half an hour talking about Charlie, and the two girls talking about their ghost, Merry.]]

“Now, I’m going to ask every ghost to sing a song they like. And you all are going to try to listen for the voice of your friend’s ghost, not your own.” The teacher explains. This seems a bit ridiculous, you’re not quite sure what holding a pencil up has to do with better hearing. Archie and Jace seem to mimic the same exasperation. $Lou only whispers to $Charlie “What song are you going to sing?” $Charlie whispers back with a wide smile, surprised that $Lou is speaking to $gthem. “Oh I have not thought of one yet, do you have any suggestions?” “Do you know any Grimes songs?” “Any what?” “Nevermind, how about twinkle twinkle little star?” $Lou recommends. $Charlie beams and nods rapidly, almost dropping $gtheir pencil. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> fumble$gs with a flustered giggle. Archie stands next to you as you watch $Lou and $Charlie interact. “Is it just me or is $Charlie acting… weird?” Archie mutters. [["“Yeah, since " + $gthey + " met " + $Lou + ", " + $gthey + " " + $ghave + " been more timid.”"->“Yeah, since they met Lou they’ve been more timid.”]] [["“No, this seems pretty normal for " + $gthem + ".”"->“No, this seems pretty normal for them.”]] [[“Yeah but that’s probably because of what’s been happening with me.”]] [[“Probably?”]]

“Now that you mention it…” You eye the way $Lou laughs quietly when $Charlie asks $lhim about the lyrics of the song, $gtheir hands shaking a bit as the pencil sways in the air. “<<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> $ghave been a bit more shy since $gthey met $Lou.” “Sounds to me like maybe $gthey $ghave a crush.” Archie shrugs. You glance at them with a deadpan look. “A crush?” “Yeah. Look at $gthem.” You turn back to see $Charlie struggling to meet $Lou’s eyes as $lhe talks. It could be either a crush, or fear, though it’s hard to tell when you can’t see that well when a ghost is blushing. “Merry is ready, is $Charlie ready?” Jace asks, [[stepping in.]]

You shake your head, staring as $Lou laughs quietly when $Charlie asks $lhim about the lyrics of the song, “Seems pretty normal $Charlie to me.” “Hm.” Archie just grunts. “Maybe.” $Charlie and $Lou just seem to be getting along, which is good, considering the tense relationship between $Charlie and Archie right now. “Merry is ready, is $Charlie ready?” Jace asks, [[stepping in.]]

“We are going to attempt to use our sixth sense. So for today we are including our ghosts in the activity. I’m going to give each group two pencils, then I want each ghost in this class to grab a pencil and hold it up.” She goes around and distributes pencils. $Charlie looks overjoyed to be involved, almost like a nursery kid, jumping up and down. When every group has a pencil, one by one, we see pencils levitate. It’s weird to say the least. There’s that unfamiliar feeling of this being something dangerous, there’s a reason why there’s a law against it, having ghosts interact with the physical plane is one of the many symptoms of poltergeists after all. $Charlie picks $gtheir pencil carefully, afraid to mess it up, and brings it to the top of $gtheir head. $Lou watches in amusement at the pure face of happiness $Charlie has. Next to Zahra, another pencil goes up, this time much more steady. “This is amazing.” $Charlie whispers, as if raising $gtheir voice would break everyones’ [[concentration.]]

You sigh. “Yeah but,” You watch as $Lou laughs quietly when $Charlie asks $lhim about the lyrics of the song, $gtheir hands shaking a bit as the pencil sways in the air. “It’s probably due to what’s been happening. It affected $Charlie pretty badly.” “I guess…” Archie shrugs, clearly not satisfied with that response. You continue observing $Charlie’s and $Lou’s interaction. $Charlie glances at the ground from time to time, nervous. It seems that $Charlie has been struggling talking to people, $Lou included, despite how well they’re getting along. “Merry is ready, is $Charlie ready?” Jace asks, [[stepping in.]]

You shrug, watching as $Lou laughs quietly when $Charlie asks $lhim about the lyrics of the song. “Probably?” Archie looks at you with a raised eyebrow. “You can’t tell?” “Nah. With $Charlie it’s always hard to tell.” You reply, seeing $Charlie and $Lou getting along even though $Charlie is indeed a weird individual. $Lou seems to like that about $gthem. “Merry is ready, is $Charlie ready?” Jace asks, [[stepping in.]]

“I’m ready!” $Charlie exclaims, ruffled at having heard $gtheir name. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> pencil high in the air. You nod over at Jace and she nods at Zahra. Said girl smiles. “Okay, so on the count of three, they’ll both start singing. Then we just have to pay attention?” “Whatever, just don’t be too loud Merry.” Jace says to her ghost. Archie chuckles. “She’ll have to be if we’re going to hear her. $Charlie is super loud.” Jace laughs too, eyeing the space where $Charlie is meant to be. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> ghostly body actually floats down slightly at being laughed at, but Zahra starts counting anyway. Probably in hopes they get this over with as fast as possible. “1… 2… 3!” $Charlie starts singing twinkle twinkle little star, very quietly. You try to pay attention and look at Merry’s invisible presence. [[You hear “where you are”]] [[You hear “when I get”]]

<<set $hearmerry to false>>\ “...where you are. Up above the sky so loud, like a diamond in the…” $Charlie mumbles, distracted and thinking about the lyrics. You still don’t hear Merry. Archie jumps up then. “Oh! I hear her!” “You do?” Zahra asks, excited. Archie nods, matching in feeling. “She sounds old.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> notes. Jace laughs. “You’re lucky she’s nice, or else she would’ve haunted you for that single comment.” “Don’t need any more haunting in my life, one ghost is enough.” Archie jokes. At that, $Charlie’s voice subsides almost below a whisper, $gtheir shoulders hunched and $gtheir eyes downcast. $Lou frowns. “It’s okay $Charlie.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> mutters, and then glances your way. [[“Yeah, don’t listen to them, just focus on singing.”]] [["“Archie, can you stop bullying " + $Charlie + " for one second.”"->“Archie, can you stop bullying Charlie for one second.”]] [[Look away.]] [[Shrug pitifully.]]

<<set $sixthsense +=5>>\ <<set $hearmerry to true>>\ “...when I get all steamed up, hear me shout.” A soft wobbly voice sings, distant, echoing. You feel like you almost see the silhouette of an old woman holding the pencil up and smiling down at Zahra, but it’s gone as soon as you blink. Only a gentle humming continues in your ears, melodically “I think I just heard her.” You say and Archie jumps up too. “Me too!” “You do?” Zahra asks, excited. You and Archie nod, pleased that you managed to do unlock your sixth sense. Archie turns to you. “Did she sound old to you?” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> notes. “Yeah.” You reply. Jace laughs. “You’re lucky she’s nice, or else she would’ve haunted you for that single comment.” “Don’t need any more haunting in my life, one ghost is enough.” Archie jokes. At that, $Charlie’s voice subsides almost below a whisper, $gtheir shoulders hunched and $gtheir eyes downcast. $Lou frowns. “It’s okay $Charlie.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> mutters, and then glances your way. [[“Yeah, don’t listen to them, just focus on singing.”]] [["“Archie, can you stop bullying " + $Charlie + " for one second.”"->“Archie, can you stop bullying Charlie for one second.”]] [[Look away.]] [[Shrug pitifully.]]

You nod at $Charlie too, smiling. “Yeah, don’t listen to them, just focus on singing a bit louder so they can hear you.” “Okay.” $Charlie says, taking a deep breath. “Twinkle twinkle little star,” <<if $hearmerry is false>>You attempt to focus again. [[You hear “Oh I wonder”]] [[You hear “tip me over”]]<<else>>[[$gthey.toUpperFirst() + " continue" + $gs + "."->They sing.]]<</if>>\

Turning to Archie, you glare at $aherm. “Can you stop bullying $Charlie for one second.” You say. Archie scrunches up $aher nose and furrows $aher brow. “I’m not!” “You are. You just keep giving snide remarks. Didn’t we clear this up with $Ima and everything.” You tell $aherm, hoping that the invoking of $Ima’s name will get $aherm to see reason. To $aher credit, $ashe does look a bit ashamed, but just groans and looks away. $Lou sends you a thankful nod as $Charlie smiles just as thankful. “Go on and sing now, a bit louder so they can hear you.” “Okay.” $Charlie says, taking a deep breath. “Twinkle twinkle little star,” <<if $hearmerry is false>>You attempt to focus again. [[You hear “Oh I wonder”]] [[You hear “tip me over”]]<<else>>[[$gthey.toUpperFirst() + " continue" + $gs + "."->They sing.]]<</if>>\

Not knowing what to do, you look away and pretend you don’t know what’s going on. Hoping that $Lou didn’t see that you noticed. God, you hate tensions like this, if it weren’t for this being a class you actually looked forward to, you probably would’ve asked to go to the toilet and bunked the rest. Regardless of your assistance, you hear $Lou encouraging $Charlie. “I like your voice $Charlie, you should keep going. Sing a bit louder too, I wanna hear your lyrics of the song.” “Am I saying them incorrectly?” $Charlie asks, lifting $gtheir head. “Meh, I like your version better.” $Lou chuckles. They smile at each other and when $Charlie peers at you, you can’t help but smile too, glad that $Charlie has $Lou as a friend. “Thank you. I will attempt to sing louder then.” $Charlie says, taking a deep breath. “Twinkle twinkle little star,” <<if $hearmerry is false>>You attempt to focus again. [[You hear “Oh I wonder”]] [[You hear “tip me over”]]<<else>>[[$gthey.toUpperFirst() + " continue" + $gs + "."->They sing.]]<</if>>\

Feeling saddened that this feud keeps going, the nerves on your brain pound, you hear your heart beat fast. This tension is making everything bad, including making $Charlie feel worse, and you don’t want $Lou to feel discouraged to be friends with $gthem. But you also don’t know what to do. With stuff like this, you just waited until they passed. You just shrug pitifully at them, deepening the frown on $Lou’s face. Regardless of your assistance, you hear $Lou encouraging $Charlie. “I like your voice $Charlie, you should keep going. Sing a bit louder too, I wanna hear your lyrics of the song.” “Am I saying them incorrectly?” $Charlie asks, lifting $gtheir head. “Meh, I like your version better.” $Lou chuckles. They smile at each other and when $Charlie peers at you, you can’t help but smile too, glad that $Charlie has $Lou as a friend. “Thank you. I will attempt to sing louder then.” $Charlie says, taking a deep breath. “Twinkle twinkle little star,” <<if $hearmerry is false>>You attempt to focus again. [[You hear “Oh I wonder”]] [[You hear “tip me over”]]<<else>>[[$gthey.toUpperFirst() + " continue" + $gs + "."->They sing.]]<</if>>\

“Oh I wonder where you are!” $Charlie sings a bit more loudly, which practically destroys your ability to be able to hear Merry, even if she was singing relatively loud. “Twinkle twinkle little star!” $Lou doesn’t even seem to be attempting to hear Merry, $lhe simply smiles at the much happier $Charlie instead before exchanging a satisfied smile with you. Archie scoffs at $Charlie’s singing as Jace jokes that she hears a seagull squawking. At least the rest of the class isn’t so bad, Zahra does mention that $Charlie has a lovely singing voice. You feel bad that you couldn’t hear Merry but the teacher reassures you’ll cover this again next class. The tension between Archie and $Charlie seems to ease, but only because $Charlie is completely focused on talking to $Lou, and Archie is happy to be talking with Jace. You kind of just, stand in the middle, awkwardly not knowing what to do. [[Class does end.]]

<<set $hearmerry to true>>\ “...tip me over and pour me out.” A soft wobbly voice sings, distant, echoing. You feel like you almost see the silhouette of an old woman holding the pencil up and smiling down at Zahra, but it’s gone as soon as you blink. Only a gentle humming continues in your ears, melodically. “I heard her!” You say. Zahra jumps up too. “I heard $Charlie too!” She squeals. “The sixth sense works!” Archie smiles at you both as pride fills you, knowing that something like this is even possible for you. $Lou doesn’t even seem to be attempting to hear Merry, $lhe simply smiles at the much happier $Charlie instead before exchanging a satisfied smile with you. Archie scoffs at $Charlie’s singing as Jace jokes that she hears a seagull squawking. At least the rest of the class isn’t so bad, Zahra does mention that $Charlie has a lovely singing voice. And $Charlie promises an encore next lesson, which the teacher actually mentioned as a repeated activity. The tension between Archie and $Charlie seems to ease, but only because $Charlie is completely focused on talking to $Lou, and Archie is happy to be talking with Jace. You kind of just, stand in the middle, awkwardly not knowing what to do. [[Class does end.]]

After all of that, the evening seems to turn out warmer. You’re a bit surprised, as you’re used to colder nights in Reading, especially with the current weather this past week. You make a mental note to see if it’s going to be cold tomorrow or not, you’ll take any excuse not to wear your sweater. “How are you feeling?” $Charlie asks, as you cross the hallway to go outside for the break. $Ima had told you to meet $iherm at the courtyard tables on your break, $ishe made it sound of utmost importance. You’re not sure what that means to $iherm. You shrug at $Charlie. “I feel… normal?” “Normal is good.” $Charlie says, almost hopefully. You nod, not disagreeing or agreeing with that statement. It’s rare for you to feel normal, but then again, you don’t know what your normal is. <<if $louknowns is false>>[[But you’ll take it.]]<<else>>[[But you'll take it it.->courtyard lou]]<</if>>

“Oh I wonder where you are!” $Charlie sings a bit more loudly, which practically destroys your ability to be able to hear Merry, though you hear the faints of her voice, humming with no lyrics. “Twinkle twinkle little star!” $Charlie continues. It could be a trick but you think you hear Merry hum twinkle twinkle little star too. $Lou doesn’t even seem to be attempting to hear Merry, $lhe simply smiles at the much happier $Charlie instead before exchanging a satisfied smile with you. Archie scoffs at $Charlie’s singing as Jace jokes that she hears a seagull squawking. At least the rest of the class isn’t so bad, Zahra does mention that $Charlie has a lovely singing voice. And $Charlie promises an encore next lesson, which the teacher actually mentioned as a repeated activity. The tension between Archie and $Charlie seems to ease, but only because $Charlie is completely focused on talking to $Lou, and Archie is happy to be talking with Jace. You kind of just, stand in the middle, awkwardly not knowing what to do. [[Class does end.]]

“Hi guys, did you both sign up for Ghost Hunting as well?” You ask. “Hell yeah! Being a PI has always been a dream of mine, gotta learn while I’m young.” $Ima replies. “What about you Archie?” You ask, turning your gaze on $aherm. Said girl is eyeing $Charlie unfavourably when answering. “Just thought it’d be useful. You never know.” $Charlie gulps, taken aback by the intensity of $aher stare. “Let’s get inside and try to get the front seats then!” $Ima says, leading the way. Archie grumbles something about not liking attention underneath $aher breath and $Charlie woops excitedly with $Ima as [[you all enter.]]

You all only step a few spaces in before $Ima stops you all, $iher gaze narrowed and focused on three kids on the front row, talking amongst themselves. “This is the 100th freaking time!” “And I’ve told you, I much prefer sitting in the back.” Archie notes. “Um what?” You ask, confused. $Ima glances at you and points out the kids, you glance and see nothing out of the ordinary. “These rapscallions have been stealing our seats since the first class. I called dibs the very first day, and they ignored it! They ignored the dibs!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> explains. “What is dibs?” $Charlie asks, joining in curiously. Archie waves $gthem away, not necessarily in a rude way, just to show that $gthey <<print $gdo>>n’t need to bother with it. “Well, let’s just go to the back, like usual.” Archie says, already walking a few steps away. $Ima grabs $aher arm before $ashe can. “No, if we get those seats, we are definitely being picked for the demonstrations. The teacher never sees us when we’re in the back. Don’t you want to be picked?” $Ima asks, only for Archie to shrug. [["Agree with " + $Ima + "."->Agree with Ima.]] [[Agree with Archie.]] [[“So dibs are actually when—”]]

<<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "kind">>\ “Yeah, I’ve always liked to be part of the class, maybe we can ask them to sit somewhere else just for today?” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. $Ima shakes $iher head. “Just for today?! Those seats were rightfully ours!” $Ima protests. $Charlie swoops in happily. “Yes! They were ours!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You nod tentatively. “Great idea Archie. We can just take the seats in the middle, they are empty and we have a higher chance to be visible!” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "mean">>\ ”Yeah, let’s kick them out, what’s stopping us?” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. ”Yes! Take back our seats!” $Ima exclaims. $Charlie swoops in happily. ”Yey! Our seats!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You grumble. ”Boooh, party pooper.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You roll your eyes at Archie as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "funny">>\ ”Lovely, let’s just sit on their laps then, it will make them so uncomfortable they’ll have to leave. How about it?” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. ”Great, you pick me up and throw me at them.” $Ima adds. $Charlie swoops in happily. ”I shall help!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You shrug. ”I guess that’s fine too.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and $Charlie laugh as $Ima mumbles underneath $iher breath, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "shy">>\ ”Maybe we could ask them nicely? Just for today?” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. $Ima shakes $iher head. “Just for today?! Those seats were rightfully ours!” $Ima protests. $Charlie swoops in happily. “Yes! They were ours!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You smile. ”Yes, that sounds good too.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "stoic">>\ ”Alright, let’s ask them to move.” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. ”I’m right behind you.” $Ima says. $Charlie swoops in happily. ”Me too!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You shrug. ”Sure.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie watch as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<else>>\ ”Okay! I’ll ask them to leave, then we can all sit there, okay?” You inquire, eyeing the seats and the other people there with interest. ”Be forceful! Those seats were ours first, remember that.” $Ima adds. $Charlie swoops in happily. ”Be fierce!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You gasp. ”That’s perfect! Then we don’t have to kick anyone out and still be near the front. Perfect.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and $Charlie laugh as $Ima mumbles underneath $iher breath, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <</if>>\

<<checkpersona>>\ <<if _persona is "kind>>\ “As much as that sounds great $Ima, those seats are already taken. I agree with Archie, I think we should sit in the back like you usually do.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <<elseif _persona is "mean>>\ ”Doesn’t matter, I agree with Archie, let’s just sit in the back.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <<elseif _persona is "funny>>\ ”We are not about to start World War 3 over some seats, I’m with Archie, let’s just quietly sit in the back.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <<elseif _persona is "shy>>\ ”I agree with Archie, I would feel more comfortable sitting in the back.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <<elseif _persona is "stoic>>\ ”I’m with Archie.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <<else>>\ ”Yeah, the back is still fun! We can talk without being spotted.” You concur, peering at the empty seats almost literally around the rest of the class. <</if>>\ Archie nods over at you with a smile. “Don’t fix what ain’t broken or whatever it was.” “It is broken, you two! I claimed ownership before they sat those butts there. That seat was ours!” $Ima protests. $Charlie swoops in happily. “Yes! They were ours!” “Jesus Christ, guys. How about the middle?” Archie offers. You nod tentatively. <<if _persona is "kind>>\ “Great idea Archie. We can just take the seats in the middle, they are empty and we have a higher chance to be visible!” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "mean>>\ ”I guess.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "funny>>\ ”I love a good compromise.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "shy>>\ ”Yes, that’s a good idea Archie.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<elseif _persona is "stoic>>\ ”Fine by me.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <<else>>\ ”Middle is fun too.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and Archie exchange a look as $Charlie prattles on to $Ima, you all head to the [[middle seats.]] <</if>>\

You ignore them in favour of explaining to $Charlie what dibs are. $Charlie nods while you do so, intaking all of the information while Archie and $Ima discuss what seat to take. When you finally finish, you glance over at them to see $Ima raise her hand. “Those seats were ours!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> protests. You and $Charlie blink at $iherm, not being caught up. Archie just holds $aher forehead tiredly. “How about this? We sit in the middle. They’re empty and we have a higher chance of being seen than in the back.” Good suggestion or not, $Ima seems to breathe out in defeat and agree. You and $Charlie exchange a look as $Ima mumbles underneath $iher breath, you all head to the [[middle seats.]]

The teacher enters the classroom after a few good minutes, undoubtedly late. He’s not a tall guy, but he seems fit enough to be able to take down someone who is taller than him, given by his hard gaze, you would assume he wouldn’t actually hesitate. You’re surprised he isn’t cold either, only wearing what looks like a sports t-shirt and some mid-calf shorts, his light beige skin visibly redden by the freezing winds outside. “I’m glad to see everyone present.” He says, looking around at everyone with his steely grey eyes. “Today’s class is going to be demanding, so if you don’t think you'll be able to do anything today, just sit this one out.” It isn’t said in a kind tone whatsoever, in fact, he’s glaring at those who slump in their seats. You can’t help but straighten up. $Charlie is tense too, despite not having the teacher’s attention. $Ima pokes your arm and leans in to whisper. “His name is Mr Price. He’s proper hard on everyone, and very sexist. Whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with him if you don’t want to be singled out.” “And please don’t smile at him.” Archie whispers too, $aher eyes watching the teacher with [[vexation.]]

Mr Price continues on with the lesson, his speeches mainly about perseverance and determination, the mere mention of being weak seems to trigger him, his voice loud enough to be able to boom across the hallway outside of the classroom. Despite all of this, the students in this class seem either unbothered or incredibly disconcerted, you haven’t seen a single person pay attention vehemently to his teachings. After a good hour or so, he stands in the middle of the class, scratching at a spot in his short buzz cut, while he talks, he returns to scratch at that spot quite a lot. It’s hard to not let your eyes fall on it. “Pair up like usual, we’re doing some warm ups.” Everyone starts standing up, $Charlie rushing to your side even though $gthey $gwere only a few feet away. “What are we doing?” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> ask, only for you to shrug. Archie and $Ima are standing next to each other, seemingly having paired up or discussing pairing up, or perhaps it was natural for them to gather like so. While you look at them, both of them turn their faces to glance your way too. [["Archie asks you to pair up with " + $aherm + "."->Archie asks you to pair up with her.]] [[$Ima + " asks you to pair up with " + $iherm + "."->Ima asks you to pair up with her.]]

“Come over here.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> calls you, and you walk over to the duo. “Since you’re new to this and all, I was thinking you pair up with me. $Ima says she’s going to try to infiltrate that group.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> points at the trio that were previously sat in your seats. Two of them seem to be laughing together, while one of them stands off to the side a bit awkwardly. $Ima gives you a wink. “If I can charm one of them to my side, the takeover will be easier.” “You literally make no sense sometimes $Ima.” You say. “I get that a lot.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> beams, already pushing $iherself in their direction. $Charlie waves $iherm away as you face Archie. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a deep breath. “Warm ups are easy, okay? Just stretching and stuff.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, and you nod. Considering you know Archie is normally an athletic person, you have a clear idea that $ashe must be used to this type of stuff. The teacher stops at every group here and there to guide them or scold them, but he steers clear of your group, [[at least for now.]]

“$engname, come on!” $Ima calls you over, waving $iher arm around. You approach them both, eyeing $iherm and then Archie, who gives you an easy-going smile. “Me and you are going to pair up.” “What about Archie?” You ask. Said blonde $agirl shrugs and motions behind $aher with a tilt of $aher head. There’s about four people watching Archie with interest. “Don’t worry, I’ll find someone.” Despite the haughty words, $aher tone is dismissive, indifferent. $Ima laughs out loud, patting Archie’s arm as if wishing $aher well. “That is so cool…” You hear $Charlie whisper underneath $gtheir breath, staring at Archie as $ashe waves and moves to the group behind $aherm. The students there stop talking amongst themselves and practically break into wide smiles at $aher presence. You shake your head and look back at $Ima. “Let’s get started then.” You [[say.]]

“Let’s start with toe touches.” Archie says, bending at the waist and touching the tips of $aher shoes with $aher fingers. You baulk a bit at the show of flexibility. $Charlie seems impressed too, landing on the floor lightly and trying to mimic the action. It’s clumsy and no way close to what Archie did. [[You push yourself to do the same.]] [[You relax and attempt to do the same.]]

Grunting in discomfort, you bend as well and basically dangle in the middle of the air, hands reaching out to touch your shoes. You can envision yourself doing it, the floor so close, but your body seems in disagreement, unable to stretch anymore than reaching just below your knees. “Why is this… so hard…?” You mutter. Archie lifts $aherself up and sighs, watching you. “Probably because you’re not used to it.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> notes. You stand upright again, staring at the tip of your school shoes, then launch yourself again to try. Regardless of your efforts, you continue to dangle on the same spot. “Look look! I did it!” $Charlie exclaims. You and Archie both glance at $gthem only to see $Charlie crouched down on the floor and holding $gtheir feet comfortably. You’re not sure if this is an attempt at being funny or if $gthey really think$gs $gthey tricked the system in some way. Archie scoffs and looks away, not even amused. [["“" + $Charlie + ", you’re not meant to crouch down.” You laugh."->“Charlie, you’re not meant to crouch down.” You laugh.]] [["“Good job " + $Charlie + ".”"->“Good job Charlie.”]] [["“Knock it off " + $Charlie + ", some of us are trying.”"->“Knock it off Charlie, some of us are trying.”]]

<<set $spiritualcombat +=5>>\ Taking a deep breath, you bend at the waist and reach down to touch your toes. Given your relaxed state, your body seems more limp, less tense, and soon enough, when you push past a bit of the discomfort, your fingers graze your shoes. “I did it, did you see?” You mutter. Archie lifts $aherself up and sighs, watching you. “Nice, you’re doing great, try and hold your toe instead.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> incentivizes. You stand upright again, staring at the tip of your school shoes, and take another deep breath, lowering yourself slowly to try again. You relax and relax, and push again further, now familiar with the ache. Your toes are in your hands and you grab them, smiling down at the floor. “Yes!” “Good job!” Archie claps for you. “Look look! I did it!” $Charlie exclaims. You and Archie both glance at $gthem only to see $Charlie crouched down on the floor and holding $gtheir feet comfortably. You’re not sure if this is an attempt at being funny or if $gthey really think$gs $gthey tricked the system in some way. Archie scoffs and looks away, not even amused. [["“" + $Charlie + ", you’re not meant to crouch down.” You laugh."->“Charlie, you’re not meant to crouch down.” You laugh.]] [["“Good job " + $Charlie + ".”"->“Good job Charlie.”]] [["“Knock it off " + $Charlie + ", some of us are trying.”"->“Knock it off Charlie, some of us are trying.”]]

Laughing at the look of pure happiness in $Charlie’s face, you shake your head. “You weren’t meant to crouch down to touch your feet, that’s too easy.” “Is it not meant to be easy?” $Charlie asks. Glancing over at a very non-interested Archie, you smile. “Only if you’re Archie I guess.” Saying that, you see Archie hiding $aher face. $Charlie giggles quietly before standing up. Archie turns back to you with a tranquil look on $aher face. “Let’s try touching your toes while you’re sat down, I’ll help you this time.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> suggests, sitting down and stretching $aher legs in front of $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> leans forward, $aher chest practically lying on the floor as $ashe reaches out to hold the tips of $aher shoes, this time more easily than the previous exercise. There’s no point in being shocked anymore, you simply sit down beside $aherm and $ashe watches you carefully. From the corner of your eye you see $Charlie copying you. [[Focus on letting your chest touch the floor.]] [[Focus on reaching your feet.]]

You give $gthem a thumbs up. “Good job $Charlie.” You say, as $gthey beam at you, too joyful for such a simple task. “Thank you.” $Charlie says. Archie turns back to you with a tranquil look on $aher face. “Let’s try touching your toes while you’re sat down, I’ll help you this time.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> suggests, sitting down and stretching $aher legs in front of $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> leans forward, $aher chest practically lying on the floor as $ashe reaches out to hold the tips of $aher shoes, this time more easily than the previous exercise. There’s no point in being shocked anymore, you simply sit down beside $aherm and $ashe watches you carefully. From the corner of your eye you see $Charlie copying you. [[Focus on letting your chest touch the floor.]] [[Focus on reaching your feet.]]

Finding annoyance at $gtheir constant playful nature, especially when you were trying so hard, you can’t help but think $Charlie is trying to mock you. “Knock it off $Charlie, some of us are actually trying. If you’re just going to play around, you can do it somewhere else.” You say. $Charlie’s smile fades away, and is replaced by a guilty frown instead. “My apologies.” Archie turns back to you with a tranquil look on $aher face. “Let’s try touching your toes while you’re sat down, I’ll help you this time.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> suggests, sitting down and stretching $aher legs in front of $aherm. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> leans forward, $aher chest practically lying on the floor as $ashe reaches out to hold the tips of $aher shoes, this time more easily than the previous exercise. There’s no point in being shocked anymore, you simply sit down beside $aherm and $ashe watches you carefully. From the corner of your eye you see $Charlie copying you. [[Focus on letting your chest touch the floor.]] [[Focus on reaching your feet.]]

Letting your mind calm, you glance at the ground below you, between your stretched legs. Even though they’re not fully stretched, being unable to resist bending a bit at the knee. You ignore it for now and just lower yourself down, focusing on resting on the floor, almost like gravity. You sense Archie stand up and move behind you. <<print $aher.toUpperFirst()>> hand rests on your back. “Want me to help you? [[Yes]] [[No->right no archie]]

You stare at your feet, far out of your reach. Attempting to keep your legs straight is hard, as your knees always seem to bend no matter how much you stretch them. Yet, you focus. Lowering yourself down and reaching out to touch your shoes. Sensing Archie stand up and move behind you, you tense when $aher hand rests on your back. “Want me to help you?” [[Yes]] [[No->wrong no archie]]

<<set $spiritualcombat +=5>>\ At your nod, $ashe presses down with both hands on your back. Gentle at first, and you’re hopeful you’re about to touch the floor. But then, all your muscles start hurting. “Ow ow ow wait stop.” “$engname if you want to do this, you got to push past the pain.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, only halting in $aher movement slightly. Your knees bend and you try to sit up again, but $aher pressure is stopping you from doing so. $Charlie sits up as well, and though you don’t see $gthem, $gthey stand$gs behind you too. You shake your head. “I don’t think I can do this.” “Yes you can, just focus. I’m going to put my weight on you for only a second, and you’re going to touch your toes. Keep your legs straight.” Archie explains. $Charlie moves into your sight to press your knees down, keeping your legs straight. Though it’s a discomfort, you take a deep breath, and nod. “Okay… One. Two. Three!” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> practically lays down on your back, $aher chest pressing heavily against the rest of your body. You yelp, feeling your muscles stretch and twitch as you're pushed forward. You reach out and touch your feet, holding them. “I did it!” “Hold them!” Archie says, not letting go. You wince and continue holding it down. $Charlie stares at you in astonishment. “You are doing it!” $Charlie cheers, still holding onto your legs. “Just hold on for 5 seconds.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, glancing back at Archie. Despite your pain and discomfort, it starts to become numb, and you suddenly feel like this isn’t very hard. $Charlie counts five seconds for you and then you all let go. You’re practically launched backwards, laying down on your back with a groan. Archie and $Charlie stand over you proudly. [[“Good job.”]]

<<set $spiritualcombat +=5>>\ You shake your head, right now, you just need to focus. You feel Archie’s hand lift from your back, $aher presence still there. You take another deep breath and keep lowering yourself, feeling your muscles starting to hurt. Grunting and groaning a bit at the pain, you falter. “You have to push past the pain.” Archie says from behind you. You close your eyes and do like $ashe said, pushing yourself. Opening your eyes again, you see the floor close to your face. You also see $Charlie stand and move to watch you. You’re so close to the floor, just a little more push. But your body is refusing to budge even more. “I don’t think I can do this.” You say. “Yes you can, just focus. Keep your legs straight, focus on meeting the floor head on.” Archie encourages. Your eyes narrow against the floor, and you stretch your legs to keep them straight, when you’re practically levelled with the floor, you reach your hands to touch your toes. You manage to grab your shoes. “I did it!” “Hold them!” Archie says. You wince and continue holding it down. $Charlie stares at you in astonishment. “You are doing it!” $Charlie cheers, floating near you but not close enough to distract you. “Just hold on for 5 seconds.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say, glancing back at Archie. Despite your pain and discomfort, it starts to become numb, and you suddenly feel like this isn’t very hard. $Charlie counts five seconds for you and then you let go. You’re practically launched backwards, laying down on your back with a groan. Archie and $Charlie stand over you proudly. [[“Good job.”]]

You shake your head and focus, you just have to reach your feet, it can’t be that hard. Archie releases you and you still feel $aher eyes on you, watching you attentively. You grunt, pushing yourself further until you’re airs away from your feet. “C’mon, c’mon…” You mutter, swinging your fingers to try and grasp them. But the closer you get, the more your knees bend, attempting to make up for the effort of you reaching out. It’s hard to focus on keeping them straight and touching your toes. $Charlie eventually stands and floats towards you to watch as well. “Keep your legs straight.” Archie adds. “I’m trying.” You say, grunting as your muscles start hurting even more. You try and try and try, but all you feel is discomfort as you keep dangling just out of reach of your feet, your knees trembling at the sheer force of being unable to keep straight. Eventually, you let out a sigh and give up. Practically launching yourself backwards, laying down on your back with a groan. Archie and $Charlie stand over you with pity. [[“That was terrible.”]]

Mr Price says, his round head poking out into your vision. You quickly sit up, and Archie then helps you stand. Your muscles are sore, and you feel defeated. The teacher frowns at you, a deep unsettling scowl. “Terrible form too. Why didn’t you help $them, Archie?” Before Archie can say anything, you answer. “<<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> offered it, but I refused it.” You say, earning a hum from said blonde $agirl. The teacher shakes his head. <<if $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "girl">>“You women… help each other other, or else you won’t get anything done.”<<elseif $agirl is "boy" && $teen is "girl">>”Sometimes, you have to have the help of a man, especially regarding physical activities. They know how it's done.”<<elseif $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "boy">>”I get not wanting to accept help from a girl, but regarding flexibility, you have to. They’re naturally good at this.”<<elseif $agirl is "boy" && $teen is "boy">>”This isn’t a competition, you two are men, so act like it. You have to help each other out, you can’t be weak.”<<elseif $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "teen">>”You should’ve asked Archie for help, she’s a girl, she’s naturally flexible.”<<else>>”Should’ve let Archie teach you, men are good at this and know what they’re talking about, especially someone like Archie.”<</if>> He says, his tone condescending. You furrow your brow at him as Archie takes a deep breath, crossing $aher arms. “When are we actually going to start class? This was meant to teach us how to fight ghosts, wasn’t it?” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. “Yes, and you will. But warming up is important too.” He crosses his arms too, mimicking Archie’s demeanour. “Besides, <<if $agirl is "boy">>you’re not ready for the combat part yet,<<else>>some of you are still too weak for that sort of activity,<</if>> we’ll talk more about it in the next class.” You think to yourself, if it weren’t for Archie here, you probably wouldn’t be in this class. Later on, you didn’t even get picked for demonstrations. [[Maybe it wasn’t your seats after all…]]

Mr Price says, his round head poking out into your vision. You quickly sit up, and Archie then helps you stand. Your muscles are sore, but you do feel satisfied. The teacher smiles at you, and it looks wrong on his face. “I’m not surprised you did it, with Archie helping you and everything.” “Yeah, I probably wouldn’t have done it without $aherm.” You say, earning a chuckle from said blonde $agirl. The teacher nods. <<if $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "girl">>“I thought this exercise would suit you, Archie has always been good at warm ups. Women tend to be more flexible, and she does a good job at that.”<<elseif $agirl is "boy" && $teen is "girl">>”It’s good that you have a man to teach you, especially someone like Archie. Girls tend to group together and then get nothing done, so I’m content with your progress.”<<elseif $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "boy">>”Get a girl to teach you how to be flexible, huh? In no time you’ll be ahead of Archie, you’ll see.”<<elseif $agirl is "boy" && $teen is "boy">>”Good progress you two. I’ve always said, men get things done quicker and better.”<<elseif $agirl is "girl" && $teen is "teen">>”Glad you had her to help you, Archie has always been good at warm ups. Women tend to be more flexible, and she does a good job at that.”<<else>>”It’s good that you have a man to teach you, especially someone like Archie. Some girls around here are too lazy to even attempt to do anything.”<</if>> He says, his tone condescending. You furrow your brow at him as Archie takes a deep breath, crossing $aher arms. “When are we actually going to start class? This was meant to teach us how to fight ghosts, wasn’t it?” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. “Yes, and you will. But warming up is important too.” He crosses his arms too, mimicking Archie’s demeanour. “Besides, <<if $agirl is "boy">>you’re not ready for the combat part yet,<<else>>some of you are still too weak for that sort of activity,<</if>> we’ll talk more about it in the next class.” You think to yourself, if it weren’t for Archie here, you probably wouldn’t be in this class. Later on, you didn’t even get picked for demonstrations. [[Maybe it wasn’t your seats after all…]]

After all of that, the evening seems to turn out warmer. You’re a bit surprised, as you’re used to colder nights in Reading, especially with the current weather this past week. You make a mental note to see if it’s going to be cold tomorrow or not, you’ll take any excuse not to wear your sweater. “How are you feeling?” $Charlie asks, as you cross the hallway to go outside for the break. $Ima had told you to meet $iherm at the courtyard tables on your break, $ishe made it sound of utmost importance. You’re not sure what that means to $iher. You shrug at $Charlie. “I feel… normal?” “Normal is good.” $Charlie says, almost hopefully. You nod, not disagreeing or agreeing with that statement. It’s rare for you to feel normal, but then again, you don’t know what your normal is. <<if $louknowns is false>>[[But you’ll take it.]]<<else>>[[But you'll take it it.->courtyard lou]]<</if>>

$Ima seems sort of excited to be paired up with you, but you find it hard to believe that it’s because of the exercise itself, you have a suspicion that $ishe just likes being with you. You don’t mean that in a good way either, the glint in $iher eyes says a different story. “Okay so warm ups!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> claps $iher hands. “I know everything about them, my physiotherapist tells me to do them literally every morning. So I’m practically a pro.” “I have never done them.” You note, feeling lazy. <<if $ghost is "like" || $ghost is "crush">>“That is not true, you make me warm with your presence.” $Charlie adds. You and $Ima glance at $gthem, unsure if you should cringe or laugh. “Thanks Charlie.” You end up chuckling. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> nod$gs back at you with a smile. $Ima holds a hand up, attempting to diffuse the playful banter and make it serious.<<else>>”Me neither.” $Charlie adds, as if this is something $gthey even need$gs to do. You and $Ima glance at $gthem in confusion. ”You don’t have to.” You reply. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> frown$gs and shake$gs $gtheir head. But before $gthey can rebut with something stubborn, $Ima holds a hand up, attempting to diffuse the discussion and make it serious.<</if>> Even though by $iher glare, you can tell $ishe’s not taking this very seriously too, and is [[just being silly.]]

<<if $ghost is "like" || $ghost is "crush">>“That’s sweet and all, but this isn’t anything about that.<<else>>This isn’t for the weak of heart $Charlie.<</if>> This is harsh, cruel, and most of all… painful.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies. “It’s going to push your body to your limits, force you to suffer, that is what warm ups are. Stretching.” “Why are we doing this again?” You ask. “It does sound dangerous.” $Charlie adds too. “It’s brutal!” $Ima exclaims. “Now come on, touch hands on your back!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> demonstrates by turning at the waist and reaching one arm over $iher shoulder and the other below, attempting to hold hands behind $iher back. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> gets one finger interlocked and lets out a yelp of joy. “See?! Now do it!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> looks like $ishe’s enjoying it but $ishe actually grimaces and lets go. [[Push yourself do it.]] [[Relax and do it.]]

You copy $iher movements, watching $Charlie do the same out of the corner of your eye. You grunt in effort and even arch your back, but your hands seem almost impossible to make contact. It’s like if you were to bend your elbows more, you’d probably damage your whole body. At least that’s what it feels like. “This is… harder than it looks…” You mutter, gritting and trying your hardest to just get a graze of your hand. At some point your back starts to hurt and $Ima rolls around you, pretending to analyse your form. “Sloppy and ugly. You have to think to yourself ‘I’m an alien and have no bones’, you have to have the mindset.” “That does not seem very pleasant.” $Charlie says, grunting in $gtheir own effort as well. You don’t try to look and see how $gtheyre doing as well, but a glimpse at $gtheir position and you can tell $gtheyre struggling even more than you. I guess, a ghost does have ghost bones. Attempting to do this seems impossible. “$Ima, this is literally impossible for me.” “Quitter talk!” $Ima shouts. “No, I can’t do this.” You grunt. “Not with that attitude!” “Why are you shouting?” $Ima blushes slightly and smiles. “Sorry, got lost in the role.” $Charlie then gasps and you two look at $gthem. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> beaming at you two from ear to ear, $gtheir hands grasped together in front of $gthem instead of behind $gthem. As if $gtheyre holding hands with themselves. “Look, I did it!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> declare. [["“It’s supposed to be on your back " + $Charlie + ".” You laugh."->“It’s supposed to be on your back Charlie.” You laugh.]] [["“Good job " + $Charlie + ".”"->gj charlie]] [[“Stop playing around, some of us are actually trying.”]]

<<set $spiritualcombat +=5>>\ You let yourself be more limp, since you think if you’re tensed up, your muscles are never going to obey you and do that. Then, you copy what $ishe did, taking a deep breath before doing so. $Ima watches you carefully as you naturally graze your own hand behind your own back, your body only arching a little bit at the stretch. “Oh wow!” $Ima exclaims, genuinely impressed. You grin to yourself but try to focus on actually grabbing your own hand. It’s hard. Very hard. $Charlie attempts to do the same out of the corner of your eye and you try not to distract yourself watching $gthem struggle$gs to even touch $gtheir own shoulder. $Ima pushes $iher wheelchair to move around you, pretending to analyse your form. “You’re so close, just grab your hand.” “Easier said than done $Ima.” You reply, grunting and poking your hand with your other hand. It’s so close, you just have to grab it. “Like a soldier, focus!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “I’m trying…” “Try harder!” “Why are you shouting?” $Ima blushes slightly and smiles. “Sorry, got lost in the role.” $Charlie then gasps and you two look at $gthem. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> beaming at you two from ear to ear, $gtheir hands grasped together in front of $gthem instead of behind $gthem. As if $gtheyre holding hands with themselves. “Look, I did it!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> declare. [["“It’s supposed to be on your back " + $Charlie + ".” You laugh."->“It’s supposed to be on your back Charlie.” You laugh.]] [["“Good job " + $Charlie + ".”"->gj charlie]] [[“Stop playing around, some of us are actually trying.”]]

Laughing, you stop what you’re doing and turn to $gthem. “It’s supposed to be on your back $Charlie, like $Ima did, behind you.” “Oh.” $Charlie says, surprised. Knowing $gthem, $gthey probably thought $gthey somehow tricked the exercise in some way. But $Ima laughs too and approaches $Charlie. “I’ll give you points for creativity.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says. $Charlie jumps in joy like a child, still holding $gtheir own hands and throwing them in the air in celebration. $Ima turns to you again and clears $iher throat, attempting to regain $iher previous serious demeanour $ishe was acting out. “Time for the big test.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> grins. “Sit ups.” And like some sort of transformer, $ishe pushes some sort of lever on $iher wheelchair and the back of it extends down, forcing $iherm to fall down in a lying position. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a deep breath and starts sitting up and lying back down, in quick succession. “Wow.” $Charlie murmurs in amazement. You share in that amazement. It’s true you have seen sit ups before, you are no stranger to physical activity, middle school made sure of that. But you have never seen someone do it that fast, and so effortlessly. Even though… After 5 sit ups, $Ima groans and slows down, trembling and grunting. When $ishe finishes the sixth one, $ishe plops back down and breathes heavily. Well, perhaps it is not that impressive. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> pulls the lever again and is flung back into the sitting position, the chair back to normal. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> smiles at you as if $ishe’s not tired, taking quick short breaths. [[“So… your turn.”]]

You scowl at $gthem and stop what you were doing, irritated with $Charlie’s behaviour. “You know $Charlie, you can stop fooling around if you’re not going to take this seriously, some of us are actually trying.” “Oh. Sorry.” $Charlie bites $gtheir lip, letting go of $gtheir hands and slumping sadly. $Ima shakes $iher head at you. “I for one think you have great promise $Charlie.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, smiling at the ghost. You roll your eyes, tired of entertaining $gtheir childish attitude. $Ima laughs when $Charlie jumps in joy, throwing $gtheir arms up in celebration. $Ima turns to you again and clears $iher throat, attempting to not break from $iher serious demeanour $ishe was acting out. “Time for the big test.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> grins. “Sit ups.” And like some sort of transformer, $ishe pushes some sort of lever on $iher wheelchair and the back of it extends down, forcing $iherm to fall down in a lying position. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a deep breath and starts sitting up and lying back down, in quick succession. “Wow.” $Charlie murmurs in amazement. You share in that amazement. It’s true you have seen sit ups before, you are no stranger to physical activity, middle school made sure of that. But you have never seen someone do it that fast, and so effortlessly. Even though… After 5 sit ups, $Ima groans and slows down, trembling and grunting. When $ishe finishes the sixth one, $ishe plops back down and breathes heavily. Well, perhaps it is not that impressive. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> pulls the lever again and is flung back into the sitting position, the chair back to normal. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> smiles at you as if $ishe’s not tired, taking quick short breaths. [[“So… your turn.”]]

Still in your own weird position, you smile and nod at $Charlie. “Good job $Charlie, you’re doing great.” “Thank you!” $Charlie says, overjoyed at $gtheir own accomplishment. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> must truly think $gthey somehow tricked the exercise into success. $Ima laughs quietly. “Truly, a prodigy.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says in false earnestness. $Charlie jumps in joy like a child, still holding $gtheir own hands and throwing them in the air in celebration. $Ima turns to you again and clears $iher throat, attempting to not break from $iher serious demeanour $ishe was acting out. “Time for the big test.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> grins. “Sit ups.” And like some sort of transformer, $ishe pushes some sort of lever on $iher wheelchair and the back of it extends down, forcing $iherm to fall down in a lying position. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a deep breath and starts sitting up and lying back down, in quick succession. “Wow.” $Charlie murmurs in amazement. You share in that amazement. It’s true you have seen sit ups before, you are no stranger to physical activity, middle school made sure of that. But you have never seen someone do it that fast, and so effortlessly. Even though… After 5 sit ups, $Ima groans and slows down, trembling and grunting. When $ishe finishes the sixth one, $ishe plops back down and breathes heavily. Well, perhaps it is not that impressive. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> pulls the lever again and is flung back into the sitting position, the chair back to normal. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> smiles at you as if $ishe’s not tired, taking quick short breaths. [[“So… your turn.”]]

You blink at $iherm and nod, sitting down on the actually clean wooden floor. You glance at $iherm for further instructions, but $ishe just nods at you encouragingly. $Charlie watches over you as well. You rest both your hands on your shoulders, crossing your arms as if you’re a vampire, and lay down on your back. [[Do it fast.]] [[Do it slowly.]]

You sigh out and immediately stand up, laying back down and repeating the motion. $Ima cheers loudly as if $ishe’s surprised $iherself that you’re doing it the same way $ishe did, and $Charlie gasps happily, just happy that you can do it too. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> even rush$ges to lay down beside you and copy your movements, though slower than you. Taking rapid gulps of air, you feel your abdomen struggle to follow your movements, but you continue, already passing the sixth one. “You’re a natural! I’m so impressed right now I can’t stop smiling.” $Ima says. That in itself gives you a huge confidence boost, and when you start to slow down, you gather the energy to keep going fast. You gasp as your stomach starts twitching in effort, and your muscles hurt. Your feet lift from the floor as you slow down, your body unable to meet the demand of the 10th sit up. $Charlie stops what $gthey $gwere doing and watches you. $Ima also holds $iher breath, staring at you in anticipation. “Want me to hold your feet?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. [[Yes.]] [[No.->wrong no ima]]

Taking a deep breath, you slowly start to stand up, take a deep breath everytime you complete one. It’s easy at first, but at the third one, it already starts to strain your abdomen. $Ima however, encourages you to go faster. At this point, you don’t even think you can. “Speed is key.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “You were fast and you only did 5 of them.” You point out. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> gasps in mock offence. “It was actually 6.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> corrects. $Charlie chuckles and uses this moment of your distraction to lay down beside you and mimic your actions. <<print $gtheir.toUpperFirst()>> form is practically perfect compared to your own trembling one, you feel like you’re about to break. Taking big gulps of air as you continue, your body cries out in pain. “Come on, don’t stop now.” $Ima jokes, poking you psychologically into doing more. Your stomach is literally twitching at one point, you don’t know if you can entertain the idea of more. Your feet lift from the floor as you slow down, your body unable to meet the demand of the 10th sit up. $Charlie stops what $gthey $gwere doing and watches you. $Ima also holds $iher breath, staring at you in anticipation. “Want me to hold your feet?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. [[Yes.]] [[No.->wrong no ima]]

<<set $spiritualcombat +=5>>\ You nod in a hurry, attempting to speak now would actually just make you drop to the ground. So you hold your position, mid sit up, struggling to lift more of your body as $Ima literally throws $iherself at your feet, out of $iher wheelchair. “I got you!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, on the floor as $ishe leans all of $iher upper body strength on your feet. Immediately it makes it easier for you. Smiling, you manage to do the whole sit up and meet $iher eyes at your feet. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> beams at you proudly. “Come on! Do another one!” “Yes, another one!” $Charlie rallies. Dropping back down, in a lying position, you try not to lay there for too long to take a deep breath, instead, you rush back into doing another sit up, this one even more difficult than the previous one. Your whole body trembles and your feet struggle to be released from $Ima’s grip, but $ishe holds on strong, and you grumble, pushing your whole body to sit. $Charlie is practically hovering over you, eyes brimming with hope and tension. You start to see $Ima’s messy coily hair above your knees and $iher voice pipes up too. “You got this, you got this. Just a little bit more…” Muscles hurting and pulsating, you ignore it all in favour of doing just this last one. That thought pushes you further, and if it weren’t for $Ima holding you down, you wouldn’t have been able to do this. Eventually, you sit up, regaining your balance and panting in exhaustion. $Ima lifts $iherself from your feet and hits your legs in excitement. “You did it!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs. “I did it!” You cheer. $Charlie claps enthusiastically too, whooping happily. If you didn’t know both of them, this would seem like too much celebration for something so trivial, but it does seem like the appropriate reaction from them. Besides, you’re a little bit proud of yourself. [[“Good job.”->exercise good]]

You shake your head, attempting to focus on reaching your knees. You also try to ground your feet, unable to say anything in this moment of exertion. Why does the ground seem so out of reach, can your feet just stand still for a second? “You got this!” $Ima says, leaning forwards to peer at you. You exhale and push yourself, muscles in pain, your abdomen practically pulsating. Despite your best efforts, the fact that your feet are constantly hovering over the floor, makes you unbalanced. You can’t move from your position, mid sit up. There’s a moment of consideration, where you attempt one more time to put your feet in the ground. But focusing on that instead, makes you lean back a bit and suddenly, you lose all strength and lay down on the floor, panting for breath. “So close…” $Ima laments, rolling around you to glimpse at your tired expression. $Charlie also ‘awws’ gently, mourning for your missed attempt. Nothing of that matters when you feel your whole body hurting and yourself light-headed. You rest for a few seconds on the floor. [[“That was terrible.”->exercise bad]]

Mr Price says, his round head poking out into your vision. You quickly stand up. “Little help here.” $Ima says, hands reaching out. You help $iherm back into $iher chair and $ishe smiles. Your muscles are sore, and you feel defeated. The teacher frowns at you, a deep unsettling scowl. “Terrible form too. You do know this isn’t time to fool around, right?” “Fret not Mr Price. I take this very seriously.” $Ima says, clearly mocking the teacher. He breathes out irritably, shaking his head. <<if $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "girl">>“You women are all the same, think exercise is a joke, time to gossip and chit-chat. You have to keep your bodies in shape.”<<elseif $igilr is "boy" && $teen is "girl">>”I expected better from you $Ima, don’t let the girl distract you, focus on getting better.”<<elseif $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "boy">>”Of course you would say that, don’t drag $engname into your little lazy girl circle, $they $have to focus on bettering $themselves.”<<elseif $igirl is "boy" && $teen is "boy">>”This is no way to act like men, behave yourselves and focus on working out, you cannot be weak.”<<elseif $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "teen">>”Of course, I should’ve expected that from you. Girls are all lazy like that.”<<else>>”If you want to be a real man, you have to take this more seriously.”<</if>> He says, his tone condescending. You furrow your brow at him as $Ima sneers silently, $iher mood destroyed. “Wow gee thanks Mr Price.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, rolling $iher eyes. “Either way, when are we actually getting to the action? Poltergeists and stuff!” “Yes yes, you will get there. But warming up is important too.” He crosses his arms, turning cold. “Besides, <<if $igirl is "boy>>you’re not ready for the combat part yet,<<else>>some of you are still too weak for that sort of activity,<</if>> we’ll talk more about it in the next class.” You think to yourself, if it weren’t for $Ima here, you probably wouldn’t be in this class. Later on, you didn’t even get picked for demonstrations. [[Maybe it wasn’t your seats after all…]]

Mr Price says, his round head poking out into your vision. You quickly stand up. “Little help here.” $Ima says, hands reaching out. You help $iherm back into $iher chair and $ishe smiles. Your muscles are sore, but you do feel satisfied. The teacher smiles at you too, though it looks wrong on his face. “You continue to surprise me $Ima.” “Yeah, $ishe really helped me there.” You say, earning a small cheer from said freckled $igirl. The teacher nods. <<if $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "girl">>“Warms up are easy for people like you two. So I’m not that surprised you did well.”<<elseif $igirl is "boy" && $teen is "girl">>”Despite the wheelchair, it’s good to have a man’s touch in this. Stick with $Ima and you’ll go far.”<<elseif $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "boy">>”It’s good that you let $Ima help out, it’s good that you can be useful like that. Having a girl support you really helps, doesn’t it?”<<elseif $igirl is "men" && $teen is "men">>”Men get it down huh? Not even a wheelchair can stop you two, good job! You should see the girls hahaha!”<<elseif $igirl is "girl" && $teen is "teen">>”At least you could be useful $Ima, nothing like a good support for a good warm up.”<<else>>”I’m proud of you $Ima, but next time show $engname how it’s really done, you got a reputation to uphold as a man.”<</if>> He says, his tone condescending. You furrow your brow at him as $Ima sneers silently, $iher mood destroyed. “Wow gee thanks Mr Price.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says, rolling $iher eyes. “Either way, when are we actually getting to the action? Poltergeists and stuff!” “Yes yes, you will get there. But warming up is important too.” He crosses his arms, turning cold. “Besides, <<if $igirl is "boy>>you’re not ready for the combat part yet,<<else>>some of you are still too weak for that sort of activity,<</if>> we’ll talk more about it in the next class.” You think to yourself, if it weren’t for $Ima here, you probably wouldn’t be in this class. Later on, you didn’t even get picked for demonstrations. [[Maybe it wasn’t your seats after all…]]

As you get outside, a sudden chill runs through you. It’s not necessarily cold, so you don’t know where it came from. Regardless, you don’t think much of it as you make your way to the courtyard tables, knowing full well how many students are going to be there. It’s the sort of thing you see in American TV shows, social cliques in their own groups. Though it makes you a bit happy knowing you have your own group now. Stocky wooden tables with benches crowd the courtyard when you reach there. It’s full of students, chatting loudly and perching themselves on the tables. Though it’s not that sunny, the setting sun casts a shadow on the area, as it’s below a stone pavilion. You see $Ima’s arm wave from a table on the corner, just outside of the pavilion. “$engname! Here!” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> shouts. Some students around the courtyard turn to look at the sound. [["“" + $Ima + "!”"->“Ima!”]] [[Wave back.]] [[Just go there.]]

“$Ima!” You shout back, waving at $iherm and running towards the table $ishe’s sat at. You see Archie smile your way from $aher seat. $Charlie follows happily too. When you get there you’re a bit breathless despite the short distance, but you plop yourself down. “What’s up?” “Me and Archie were talking and we have something we’d like to ask you.” $Ima starts, though you spot Archie from the corner of your eye, crossing $aher arms. You’re unsure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. You nod for $iher to continue. “So… this is entirely up to you. And we want to let you know you’re in no way pressured to be on board. We’re fine with whatever you decide. In fact, if you’re unsure, that’s fine too! We’ll just do the ol’ ga—” “$Ima.” Archie interrupts. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of nervous look, $iher finger tapping at the wooden table in an unsteady rhythm. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in soft concern before turning to you. “We want to find our other spiritmates, but we wanted to ask you first.” “Yes! It’s entirely up to you! After all, you need $Charlie more than any of us and—” “It is okay $iMs $Ima.” $Charlie is the one now to interrupt. When said $igirl stops rambling and takes a deep breath, $ishe smiles sadly at you, an unspoken fear in $iher eyes. Archie is also waiting for you, in no way rushed or nervous like $Ima is. $Charlie is the last to turn to you, wanting to ask a question, but [[never saying it out loud.]]

You wave back, trying not to be as extroverted as $iherm might be a good call to not annoy anyone else here. But then again, you don’t think they’d share the same courtesy to you. $Charlie on the other hand, belts out $Ima’s name and rushes towards $iherm, you walk behind $gthem until you reach the table. Archie is there too, and smiles at you when you sit down. “Hey.” You greet both with a nod. “Me and Archie were talking and we have something we’d like to ask you.” $Ima starts, though you spot Archie from the corner of your eye, crossing $aher arms. You’re unsure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. You nod for $iher to continue. “So… this is entirely up to you. And we want to let you know you’re in no way pressured to be on board. We’re fine with whatever you decide. In fact, if you’re unsure, that’s fine too! We’ll just do the ol’ ga—” “$Ima.” Archie interrupts. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of nervous look, $iher finger tapping at the wooden table in an unsteady rhythm. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in soft concern before turning to you. “We want to find our other spiritmates, but we wanted to ask you first.” “Yes! It’s entirely up to you! After all, you need $Charlie more than any of us and—” “It is okay $iMs $Ima.” $Charlie is the one now to interrupt. When said $igirl stops rambling and takes a deep breath, $ishe smiles sadly at you, an unspoken fear in $iher eyes. Archie is also waiting for you, in no way rushed or nervous like $Ima is. $Charlie is the last to turn to you, wanting to ask a question, but [[never saying it out loud.]]

Attempting not to cringe and hide from the sudden eyes on you is harder than you think, especially considering that’s your natural reaction to attention. Nevertheless, you can’t do anything but follow an excited $Charlie to the table. Archie is there too, and sends you a pitying smile when you sit down, still embarrassed. “Hi…” You greet them both. “Me and Archie were talking and we have something we’d like to ask you.” $Ima starts, though you spot Archie from the corner of your eye, crossing $aher arms. You’re unsure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. You nod for $iher to continue. “So… this is entirely up to you. And we want to let you know you’re in no way pressured to be on board. We’re fine with whatever you decide. In fact, if you’re unsure, that’s fine too! We’ll just do the ol’ ga—” “$Ima.” Archie interrupts. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of nervous look, $iher finger tapping at the wooden table in an unsteady rhythm. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in soft concern before turning to you. “We want to find our other spiritmates, but we wanted to ask you first.” “Yes! It’s entirely up to you! After all, you need $Charlie more than any of us and—” “It is okay $iMs $Ima.” $Charlie is the one now to interrupt. When said $igirl stops rambling and takes a deep breath, $ishe smiles sadly at you, an unspoken fear in $iher eyes. Archie is also waiting for you, in no way rushed or nervous like $Ima is. $Charlie is the last to turn to you, wanting to ask a question, but [[never saying it out loud.]]

This is your decision, but it’s not really. They made it your decision. Sure, it’s true that you do need $Charlie, at least for now, but it doesn’t seem fair to deprive $Ima, Archie and I guess, $Lou from the last spiritmate. If you wanted to, you mean. After all, you’re looking for them too, as far as you’re concerned, you’re okay with this. So why… is there a part of you that is panicking? “Actually, there is something we need to tell you.” $Charlie starts. Whatever question $gthey wanted to ask you seems like it wasn’t needed. Or maybe $gthey decided $gthey didn’t need your answer. Both $Ima and Archie glance at $Charlie, though Archie tenses visibly. $Charlie takes a small peek at you and continues. “We actually have found another one of your spiritmates.” Oh yeah, you needed to tell them. Though you’d like for $Lou to be here for that. You nod at them both. “Yeah, $Lou, $lhe’s actually my neighbour.” At your addition, $Charlie seems to relax. It was as if $gthey had thought $gthey $gwere going to get scolded for telling the truth. You’d like to think this is a change for the better, after all, $Charlie lies as naturally as $gthey breathe$gs. “Huh, small world.” $Ima says. “Indeed.” Someone behind you speaks up. [[A familiar raspy voice.]]

Turning around to see $Lou is not a surprise itself, what is surprising is $Charlie’s gasp as $gthey flit$gs to hide behind $Ima. $Lou blinks slowly before looking back at you. “You failed to mention you were my spiritmate.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, in a teasing tone. You grimace. “Sorry, it just didn’t come up and… yeah. Sorry.” You attempt. $Lou shakes $lhis head, sitting down next to you in the most uncomfortable way possible. Well, $lhe looks comfortable at least, you can’t imagine how. Archie is the first to speak to $Lou. “Hey.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> reaches $aher hand for a handshake of some sort but $Lou chuckles and high fives $aherm, turning $lhis hand into a fist and waiting for a fistbump instead. You see a hidden grin escape Archie as $ashe folds and does the same. They fistbump before $Lou turns to $Ima. “Hi, love your glasses.” $Lou starts. $Ima narrows $iher eyes at $lhim, $iher posture slouching slightly and showing a sliver of ghostly hairs from $Charlie. You still don’t know why $gtheyre hiding, $Lou has already clearly seen $gthem. “Thanks.” $Ima says. “What’s your last name?” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> suddenly asks. Then continues on a volley of questions. “Your birthday? Your favourite colour? Your favourite season? Do you like milk with cookies or do you prefer chips with milkshake? What’s your favourite pizza topping? Do you eat the bread crust or—” “$Ima please breathe.” You say. $Lou only laughs. “$Lou Tyler Hayes. February 13th. Green. Spring. Both. Mushrooms. I love all of the bread.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> answers. $Ima leans forward, curious but trying to keep calm and civil. $Lou smiles at $iherm. “Does that answer everything?” [["“Yes it does.” " + $Ima + " says."->“Yes it does.” Ima says.]]

There’s a brief silence as $Lou attempts to see $Charlie, everyone stares at $Charlie awkwardly. You cough, aiming to get $gtheir attention. It does startle $gthem, and after a few more seconds, $Charlie comes out of $gtheir hiding, fiddling with $gtheir fingers and smiling nervously at the ground. “Hello…?” $Lou greets. “Hello…” $Charlie says back, right below a murmur. You squint at $gthem. Where’s the whole introduction, the flourish, the drama? Why is $Charlie acting shy all of a sudden? <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> anything but shy. You look at Archie to see $aherm look both confused and disgusted at what’s happening. $Ima on the other hand, looks at $Charlie and says exactly what you’re thinking. “What’s wrong with you? Didn’t you say you already met $lhim?” “No, that is to say, $engname met $lhim. I was only watching.” $Charlie responds. $Lou looks in your direction for confirmation and you nod, shrugging minimally to indicate you had no control over that. “What’s your name?” $Lou asks, turning back to pay attention to $Charlie. The ghost gulps, taking a glimpse to look at $Lou before fumbling and visibly flushing (at least to a ghost’s capability). <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> whisper$gs something, unable to be heard through all the different sounds in the courtyard. This is beyond bizarre. [["Introduce " + $Charlie + "."->Introduce Charlie.]] [["Question " + $Charlie + " on their behaviour."->Question Charlie on their behaviour.]] [[Wait to see where this goes.]]

“<<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> $Charlie.” You say, forcing $Lou to look at you instead. “$gNoble $Charlie Leighton of the Leighton Estate, $gchild of Duchess Penelope.” You say from memory, having heard it plenty of times. $Lou looks impressed, if not a bit amused. “That’s cool. I never met an heir.” $Lou replies, tilting $lhis head. $Charlie’s eyes widen as $gthey stare$gs at $Lou, as if $lhe had said something incredibly shocking. There’s silence again as everyone waits for $Charlie to say something, when all that is exchanged is glances, Archie stands. “Great talk everyone. $Ima and I have the same class now, so we’re going to go.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, placing $aherself behind $Ima’s chair, and with $iher permission, taking $iherm away. $Ima waves at you all as $ishe goes, saying something loudly towards $Lou that you don’t quite catch. Your attention is on $Charlie, since you’re still not sure why $gtheyre [[acting this way.]]

“Seriously $Charlie, what’s going on with you? Are you feeling sick?” You ask. You’re not sure what sick is to a ghost but if $Charlie’s not sick then something is definitely wrong. $Charlie looks up at you with visible surprise. “I am alright.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, $gtheir eyes accidentally falling on $Lou before $gthey stare$gs at the ground again. $Lou releases a short breath. “Well, $Charlie,” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> starts, emphasising the name, and catching said ghost’s attention immediately. “it’s great to finally meet you.” $Charlie’s reply is a not-all-there smile before mumbling again. Silence comes in the wake of its awkwardness. When all that is exchanged is glances, Archie stands. “Great talk everyone. $Ima and I have the same class now, so we’re going to go.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, placing $aherself behind $Ima’s chair, and with $iher permission, taking $iherm away. $Ima waves at you all as $ishe goes, saying something loudly towards $Lou that you don’t quite catch. Your attention is on $Charlie, since you’re still not sure why $gtheyre [[acting this way.]]

Curiously, you’re oddly entertained by this display of humility from $Charlie. As someone who is always trying to get people’s attention, who says the first thing to mind, who quite literally, has no shame, $gtheyre suddenly hyper-aware of $Lou’s perception of $gthem. One that is slowly evaporating to confusion. $Ima clears $iher throat to dispel it, but it only seems to bring more focus to it. “$Charlie.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> whispers, probably thinking $Charlie is in some way unaware of the mood $gthey $gare causing. You have to look away to not laugh at the sheer mortification on $Charlie’s face, $gtheir eyes wide. “It’s great to finally meet you $Charlie.” $Lou replies, tilting $lhis head down to try and get $Charlie to look at $lhim. The ghost does, rapidly looking up at being addressed before giving an even more awkward smile. Desperately clinging to the stoicism of everyone else, you try not to break it, despite the hilarity of the situation. Silence stretches on as everyone waits for $Charlie to continue the conversation. When all that is exchanged is glances, Archie stands. “Great talk everyone. $Ima and I have the same class now, so we’re going to go.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, placing $aherself behind $Ima’s chair, and with $iher permission, taking $iherm away. $Ima waves at you all as $ishe goes, saying something loudly towards $Lou that you don’t quite catch. Your attention is on $Charlie, since you’re still not sure why $gtheyre [[acting this way.]]

$Lou and $Charlie talk while you walk in front of them, leading both of them to the inside of the school. Well, $Lou is mostly talking, $Charlie just listens, for the first time. Truly, you don’t know how to react to this version of $Charlie, mumbling and with bright cheeks. <<print $gtheyre.toUpperFirst()>> quiet as $Lou talks about $lhis cats, Leo and Leo Jr. You only heard that, the rest harmonises with the chatter of other students as they pass you, with the running footsteps of those who are late. You lose yourself in your head. //Finally.// Huh? That didn’t sound… like your inner voice. //Because it’s not.// Because it sounds rough, tired, resentful, and most of all… older. [[What the hell—]]

“$Ima!” You shout back, waving at $iherm and running towards the table $ishe’s sat at. You see Archie smile your way from $aherm seat. $Charlie follows happily too. When you get there you’re a bit breathless despite the short distance, and it takes you a while to notice another person sitting with $Ima and Archie. Someone who made $Charlie stop immediately. “Look who we found!” $Ima says, waving jazz hands at the familiar tall person. $Lou. Who waves kindly at you and then $Charlie. “Hi.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “<<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> said $lhe was your neighbour and also our spiritmate! You three already met $lhim but I hadn’t! I was over the moon when I found out, can’t believe I was the last one to find out. So, I invited $lhim to our table.” “This isn’t our table.” Archie comments. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of annoyed look, though it’s mischievous. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in mock affront before turning to you. “Whatever, we have something we should talk about.” “Yes! Sit sit.” $Ima says. You sit down, waiting for whatever this talk is about to start. But everyone waits, when you look up you realise why. $Charlie is still staring at $Lou, [["surprise still on " + $gtheir + " face."->surprise still on their face.]]

You wave back, trying to not be as extroverted as $iherm might be a good call to not annoy anyone else here. But then again, you don’t think they’d share the same courtesy to you. $Charlie on the other hand, belts out $Ima’s name and rushes towards $iherm, you walk behind $gthem until you reach the table. Archie is there too, and smiles at you when you sit down. But so is someone else, someone that makes $Charlie halt immediately. “Look who we found!” $Ima says, waving jazz hands at the familiar tall person. $Lou. Who waves kindly at you and then $Charlie. “Hi.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “<<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> said $lhe was your neighbour and also our spiritmate! You three already met $lhim but I hadn’t! I was over the moon when I found out, can’t believe I was the last one to find out. So, I invited $lhim to our table.” “This isn’t our table.” Archie comments. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of annoyed look, though it’s mischievous. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in mock affront before turning to you. “Whatever, we have something we should talk about.” “Yes! Sit sit.” $Ima says. You sit down, waiting for whatever this talk is about to start. But everyone waits, when you look up you realise why. $Charlie is still staring at $Lou, [["surprise still on " + $gtheir + " face."->surprise still on their face.]]

Attempting not to cringe and hide from the sudden eyes on you is harder than you think, especially considering that’s your natural reaction to attention. Nevertheless, you can’t do anything but follow an excited $Charlie to the table. Archie is there too, and sends you a pitying smile when you sit down, still embarrassed. It takes you a second to realise it’s not just $Ima and Archie, but a certain someone that makes $Charlie stop immediately. “Look who we found!” $Ima says, waving jazz hands at the familiar tall person. $Lou. Who waves kindly at you and then $Charlie. “Hi.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “<<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> said $lhe was your neighbour and also our spiritmate! You three already met $lhim but I hadn’t! I was over the moon when I found out, can’t believe I was the last one to find out. So, I invited $lhim to our table.” “This isn’t our table.” Archie comments. $Ima glances at $aherm with a sort of annoyed look, though it’s mischievous. Archie’s brow furrows at $iherm in mock affront before turning to you. “Whatever, we have something we should talk about.” “Yes! Sit sit.” $Ima says. You sit down, waiting for whatever this talk is about to start. But everyone waits, when you look up you realise why. $Charlie is still staring at $Lou, [["surprise still on " + $gtheir + " face."->surprise still on their face.]]

“Um… $Charlie, are you okay?” You ask. Realising you’re talking to $gthem, $Charlie gasps as $gthey flit$gs to hide behind you. $Lou blinks slowly. “$Charlie, you okay buddy?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says, in a friendly tone. There’s a brief silence as $Lou attempts to see $Charlie, everyone stares at $Charlie awkwardly. You cough, aiming to get $gthem to stop hiding behind you. It does, startling $gthem, and after a few more seconds, $Charlie floats from behind you, fiddling with $gtheir fingers and smiling nervously at the ground. “Hey…?” $Lou greets. “Hello…” $Charlie says back, right below a murmur. You squint at $gthem. This is happening again, just like in the class. You look at Archie to see $aherm giving you a ‘I told you so’ look. $Ima on the other hand, looks at $Charlie and says exactly what you’re thinking. “What’s wrong with you? Didn’t you two already meet?” “Of course!” $Charlie exclaims. $Lou looks in your direction, $lhis eyes signalling confusion. You shrug minimally to indicate you don’t know either. “Did I say something to upset you?” $Lou asks, turning back to pay attention to $Charlie. The ghost shakes $gtheir head rapidly, staring at $Lou before fumbling and visibly flushing (at least to a ghost’s capability). <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> whisper$gs something, unable to be heard through all the different sounds in the courtyard. This is beyond bizarre. [["Question " + $Charlie + " on " + $gtheir + " behaviour."->lou court question]] [[Wait to see where this goes.->lou court wait]]

“Seriously $Charlie, what’s going on with you? Are you feeling sick?” You ask. You’re not sure what sick is to a ghost but if $Charlie’s not sick then something is definitely wrong. $Charlie looks up at you with visible surprise. “I am alright.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> say$gs, $gtheir eyes accidentally falling on $Lou before $gthey stare$gs at the ground again. $Lou releases a short breath. “Well, $Charlie,” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> starts, emphasising the name, and catching said ghost’s attention immediately. “it’s nice to see you again.” $Charlie’s reply is a not-all-there smile before mumbling again. Silence comes in the wake of its awkwardness. When all that is exchanged is glances, Archie stands. “Great talk everyone. $Ima and I have the same class now, so we’re going to go.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, placing $aherself behind $Ima’s chair, and with $iher permission, taking $iherm away. $Ima waves at you all as $ishe goes, saying something loudly towards $Lou that you don’t quite catch. Your attention is on $Charlie, since you’re still not sure why $gtheyre [[acting this way.]]

Curiously, you’re oddly entertained by this display of humility from $Charlie. As someone who is always trying to get people’s attention, who says the first thing to mind, who quite literally, has no shame, $gtheyre suddenly hyper-aware of $Lou’s perception of $gthem. One that is slowly evaporating to hesitance. $Ima clears her throat to dispel it, but it only seems to bring more focus to it. “$Charlie.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> whispers, probably thinking $Charlie is in some way unaware of the mood $gthey $gare causing. You have to look away to not laugh at the sheer mortification on $Charlie’s face, $gtheir eyes wide. “It’s great to see you again $Charlie.” $Lou replies, tilting $lhis head down to try and get $Charlie to look at $lhim. The ghost does, rapidly looking up at being addressed before giving an even more awkward smile. Desperately clinging to the stoicism of everyone else, you try not to break it, despite the hilarity of the situation. Silence stretches on as everyone waits for $Charlie to continue the conversation. When all that is exchanged is glances, Archie stands. “Great talk everyone. $Ima and I have the same class now, so we’re going to go.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says, placing $aherself behind $Ima’s chair, and with $iher permission, taking $iherm away. $Ima waves at you all as $ishe goes, saying something loudly towards $Lou that you don’t quite catch. Your attention is on $Charlie, since you’re still not sure why $gtheyre [[acting this way.]]

“W-Wh—” You attempt to speak, but your mouth shuts before you can finish. You want to stop and ask $Charlie what’s going on, who’s this old man inside your head. //Not an old man, I’m not that old.// But your feet keep moving, your head looking straight, your posture relaxed. You’re being possessed, controlled as you make your way across the school’s hallways. $Lou and $Charlie’s voices subside, your body independently heading outside again, faster, hurriedly hiding in blind spots of the courtyard. You don’t think $Lou or $Charlie noticed. With $Charlie gone, you might get— //I’m already possessing your body, kid. If any other poltergeist tries to, I’ll kick them out.// This isn’t a normal possession, this is beyond normal. The last possession put you into a black void of muffled sounds and voices, of shapeless figures whispering in your mind, of blindness to your own self as you imagined what time must feel like. This is different. You can see and… Your fist closes. And you can move. //I’m not a bad guy. Just hear me out.// He says, he, you? It’s not you, but there’s a sense of identity as he speaks inside your mind. //Inside our mind.// You don’t like that. [[Scream.]] [[Hear him out.]]

Your throat hurts, your chest hurts, you can feel your breaths speeding up as you realise what’s happening, but it hurts even more when your lungs constrict, as if they’re trying to stop you from losing air so quickly. Your body is betraying you. You need to scream. //Calm down.// You need to scream right now. //I’m not going to hurt you.// Light-headed, hunched down, you get control back and gasp. //Please don’t scream.// “WHO ARE YOU?!” You shout. No students are nearby, no one is, whoever this voice inside your head is, they made sure you were alone. //Don’t shout. Just calm down, take deep breaths. I’ll explain everything.// Why can’t you just be normal for once? Happy for once? Independent for once? Why must the world be after you so violently? You heave, the air that leaves you making your lips dry, you blink rapidly, your ears ringing as it blocks out the sound of the wind. It’s just like you’re stuck in your own mind again. //Deep breaths.// The voice says. You inhale and exhale slowly without realising. At this point, you’re not sure if it’s him doing it, or if it’s you. //It’s us.// [[You need an explanation.->alex talk]]

You stand in silence, watching no one around you, watching the ground below you move away from your feet the longer you stare at it. //Focus, don’t freak out.// Easier said than done, you take a deep breath that moves your whole torso, slowly. It’s not that you’re freaking out, it feels sort of like you’re just delaying it, pressing the snooze button. But you nod, or however you communicate with this entity inside your mind. [[You desperately need him to start talking.->alex talk]]

//I’m Alexander, I possessed you a few weeks ago. I’m the reason we were in the hospital. I’m a ghost.// No, he’s a poltergeist. //Whatever you want to call me. I need your help.// “To do what?” You ask out loud, finding your voice again, your breath and your limbs. He gave it back to you. //I’m not your enemy. There’s a group hunting after every ghost out there, I saw it. They took my Wife and my Daughter.// Our… no. His. Your heart aches. You feel some sort of care towards these unnamed people. Towards… //Katherine and// Emma. //I need to find them, and I need them back. Whoever this group is, they took them from me.// A ghost family. This is the first you’ve heard, but I guess it makes sense, if they all died at the same time, or found each other in the afterlife, it would make sense they stayed together. But all ghosts are tethered to people, if they’re not… they’re poltergeists. //I wasn’t tethered. I wasn’t like $Charlie. After I died, all I saw was that big light trap and Kat and my little Emma being pulled towards it. They were resisting it,// they were in pain. You need to help them. [[This is stupid.]] [[This is awful.]]

“This is stupid. I’m talking to a voice inside my head, a poltergeist.” You shake your head, finding some sort of sick hilarity in this. //I’m not a poltergeist.// “You are, you are and I’m going to find a way to exorcise you. I’m sure if I report this to a Ghost-Hunter they’ll perform an exorcism right away.” //You can’t do that.// “I can. And I will.” You state, starting to walk away, confident that you can get this problem solved quickly. It pays now to have a paranoid family, and an equally paranoid faculty. //I’m sorry $engname—// “Don’t say my name.” Your stomach churns. //I didn’t want to do this.// “Don’t you dare control me again.” //You’re dead.// You stop moving. Not controlled, you just stop where you are. “What?” //We both are.// A silence fills your mind. //You died when I first possessed you. I’m so sorry. I’m the only thing keeping you alive. Keeping us alive.// No. There’s no way. “You’re lying.” //I’m not, but do you really want to risk it? If you kick me out…// [[So your wish actually came true that day…?]]

“This is awful.” You say through gritted teeth, clenching the sweater where your heart is, feeling a sharp pain almost dig itself in your organ, deep inside your ribcage. You grunt, closing your eyes. In the absence of sight, you see behind your eyelids a redheaded woman, tall with a long neck, long legs, and pretty hands, a golden ring on one of them. You see her smile, but no face. //My Katherine.// The man’s voice comes back, inside your head, rattling every thought that you have with an echo of sadness. It juts itself in between all the remorse and grief you feel, hand still in your heart, you feel it pound. You feel it pound once. “Why… is it…” You can’t form words, there’s panic in you, yet your heart isn’t pounding anymore. There was only one beat. //Wait.// Wait a bit longer, listening. Then, another beat. Your heart is alive. Just beating very slowly. //I’m sorry $engname. I didn’t want you to find out yet but…// “I’m sorry.” You repeat his words out loud, a sense of realisation hits you. A memory, a thought. Not yours, but from him, it rattles around your head, louder the more it bounces around. Louder and louder and louder, before all you can hear is his voice saying it. //You’re dead.// You stop moving. Not controlled, you just stop where you are. “What?” //We both are.// A silence fills your mind. //You died when I first possessed you. I’m so sorry. I’m the only thing keeping you alive. Keeping us alive.// No. There’s no way. “You’re lying.” //I’m not, but do you really want to risk it? If you kick me out…// [[So your wish actually came true that day…?]]

It’s some sort of sick joke, surely. You’re still breathing, your heart is still beating (albeit slowly), you still have your mind… well, part of your mind. How can you be anything but alive right now? It can’t be real, it just can’t. Maybe this is a nightmare, or an hallucination as part of the trauma you have suffered the past few days, it’s not like it’s been sunshines and rainbows, maybe this is a side-effect to something they did at the hospital, to you. “I’m dreaming.” //You’re not.// The touch of reality is at your fingertips, as if the fabric of time itself is material, and the twitch of your hand touches it, feeling the softness of it, the fragility of the air around you. You think with a blink of an eye, everything will be gone, and you’ll wake up in bed, or worse yet, in the hospital. But you blink, and the green of the courtyard, swaying in the wind is still there, and the heavy clouds finally hiding the sun’s brief and rare visit, everything is still here. You’re still here. A walking, talking, corpse. //I really need your help. Please. I just need to save them.// We need to save them. Since when are you a hero? Since when do you care about anything other than your freedom to live in peace? “No…” Your voice is strange to your own ears, your throat is closing up and your eyes are watering. How can life be so cruel? This isn’t fair. This isn’t fair at all. You don’t deserve this. But wasn’t this your decision? Didn’t you die because you chose to push those who could help you away? This is all your fault. //This is all my fault.// [[“There you are!”]]

You gasp, coming back to reality as if you had fallen from the skies themselves. Your face turns to the voice, $Charlie, who stands with $Lou looking at you. $Charlie’s worried, $gtheir brows furrowed and there’s a question at the tip of $gtheir tongue. “You were not possessed were you?” $Charlie asks, a heavy sense of guilt making $gthem hesitate to ask. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> forgot about you for those short moments, and even though you were not in danger, you feel like the weight of the world was this close to crushing you. And possibly, still is. But as much relief as it brings to see $Charlie come back to you, remembering you. It’s $Lou’s approach that makes your thoughts stall in their guilt-tripping. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> steps towards you and there’s no pity in $lhis eyes, just a sense of comfort that radiates from a place you can’t describe. Perhaps it’s your bond. “Are you okay?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> asks. There’s a tug in your chest, so heavy you almost stop breathing. [[And then you can’t help but start crying.]] [[And then nothing comes out of your mouth.]]

You try to not break down, you try to hold on for a little while longer, to be okay for just a few more minutes. But it’s like a tidal wave, and then you can’t stop the tears from coming out. You flinch at your own barrage of emotions that just spill out, like a truck that hits you, of all that you have lost, of all that has changed. It’s too much for your own body. $Lou rushes quickly towards you, and so does $Charlie. But while $Charlie’s eyes are wide in fear, $Lou looks almost understanding about what has happened, even though $lhe doesn’t even know half of your problems, or your condition. “Please tell me you are okay.” $Charlie pleads, though $Lou is the one to look into your eyes, ready to offer comfort should you need it. <<if $platonicaffection is "lots">>You lower your head as your vision becomes unfocused, locked in this expression of incredulity. $Lou wraps $lhis arms around you, just rubbing softly on your back in silence<<elseif $platonicaffection is "some">>You almost stumble to fall, but $Lou is grasping your shoulders so you don’t fall. You barely notice it, your vision unfocused, locked in this expression of incredulity. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands are there though, just holding you steady.<<else>>You lower your head, stepping back and $Lou gives you your space, though standing close enough, watching as your vision unfocuses, locked in this expression of incredulity.<</if>> There’s something about the way $Lou stares at you. Of course you’re aware of $Charlie hovering over you in worry, but nothing is like this warm blanket around your very soul that you think comes from $Lou. You’re not sure how $lhe’s doing it, but no one has been able to give you this, no other has been able to reach into your soul and make you feel the way $lhe does. And you’re sure $Lou isn’t [[even conscious of it.]]

“I’m…” You seek for the right words, for any words to express the myriad of feelings inside your mind, the ones filling your limbs with lead, making your legs shake. You stumble forwards and $Lou is the first to catch you, rushing to grab your shoulders. You’re paralysed basically, even though Alexander is no longer controlling you, you feel like a third-party is, manipulating the whole of your body to remain rigid, still and unmoving. The shock makes its waves from the bottom to the top of your body, your head pounding loudly against your skull. But while $Charlie’s eyes are wide in fear, $Lou looks almost understanding about what has happened, even though $lhe doesn’t even know half of your problems, or your condition. “Please tell me you are okay.” $Charlie pleads, though $Lou is the one to look into your eyes, ready to offer comfort should you need it. <<if $platonicaffection is "lots">>You lower your head as your vision becomes unfocused, locked in this expression of incredulity. $Lou wraps $lhis arms around you, just rubbing softly on your back in silence<<elseif $platonicaffection is "some">>You almost stumble to fall, but $Lou is grasping your shoulders so you don’t fall. You barely notice it, your vision unfocused, locked in this expression of incredulity. <<print $lhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands are there though, just holding you steady.<<else>>You lower your head, stepping back and $Lou gives you your space, though standing close enough, watching as your vision unfocuses, locked in this expression of incredulity.<</if>>\ There’s something about the way $Lou stares at you. Of course you’re aware of $Charlie hovering over you in worry, but nothing is like this warm blanket around your very soul that you think comes from $Lou. You’re not sure how $lhe’s doing it, but no one has been able to give you this, no other has been able to reach into your soul and make you feel the way $lhe does. And you’re sure $Lou isn’t [[even conscious of it.]]

<<set $alexandermet to true>>\ The time that passes after that is spent in a radio silence that resembles the limbo of death. In some weird way, you can safely say that is what it is. After all, you’re dead. Despite the sheer terrifying notion of that, and the breakdown thereafter, you don’t think it has fully sunk in yet. Classes become the background noise you need to filter out the bad thoughts. You’re thankful you had already finished half of the day, and even more thankful when the sun is only peeking over the horizon yet, and the bell rings to signify the end of the school day. You, or to be more precise, Alexander, decide to gather $Lou, $Charlie, $Ima and Archie to tell them of what is going on, and help you make your decision. Because you’re not even sure yourself. Quite literally, a part of you wants to help this poltergeist, and another part of you is deadly afraid to even talk to him. //Because I am a part of you now.// Everyone settles in one of the many hidden alcoves of the school grounds, outside of the buildings, courtesy of $Ima’s findings. You all sit down, heavy in silence and dreading whatever [[new bad thing that has happened.]]

“Okay, I hate silence so much, but also I’m terrified of that look on your face. So this is quite literally the worst thing.” $Ima is the first to say, having not stopped pulling a stray stitching from $iher jumper. Archie, always relaxed and with $aher arms crossed, leaning on the wall, is staring steadily at you. “Whatever you have to say, we can take it.” <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> says. You assume $ashe’s not imaginative enough to think of the worst possible thing to happen. Though you sense distraction from $aherm, as $aher eyes sometimes glance over at $Charlie, who’s floating back and forth, trying not to breathe very loudly. $Lou stays in silence, just waiting patiently for when you decide to tell them what has been hanging over you. You appreciate $lhis composure. [[Just say it, no sense beating around the bush.]] [[Hesitate, for you are still reeling from the news itself.]]

“I’m dead.” You state. The looks everyone gives you is much less than you expected. They’re all confused, except for $Charlie who seems about to explode due to $gtheir overthinking mind. So you continue. “I’m currently being possessed by a poltergeist—” //Not a poltergeist.// “—named Alexander, and this possession apparently killed me. The only reason I’m alive is because he’s still here.” “What?” Archie asks, $aher expression almost offended. “Are you sure?” “Of course I’m sure. I can hear his voice in my head. And he… controlled me during break time.” You confess. //Sorry about that.// “What? When? I didn’t even notice!” $Ima exclaims. “No, not when we were together. After.” $Charlie flies towards you with an almost fearful angry face, as if $gtheyre trying to be scary but do$gesn’t quite know how to pull it off. “You Alexander, get out of $Mx $engname’s body! It is not your body and $they $do not want you there!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> order$gs, pointing a finger at you. “$Charlie, $louname said that the only reason $theyre still alive is because this poltergeist is still inside $them, I don’t think leaving would be good.” $Lou replies. //I feel like I can’t leave even if I tried.// That isn’t a very [[comforting thought.]]

Fiddling with your own fingers, trying to will the words to life as you search your mind for what you actually want to say. Because the truth of it all is that you’re still questioning the reality of it. //It is real.// “I found out…” You begin. Everyone stares at you as you close your mouth when nothing else comes out. //I can speak for you.// No, you have to do this yourself. “You’re okay, right?” Archie asks, worry evident in $aher eyes. $Charlie continues pacing, though slowing down as $gthey watch$ges you gathering your thoughts. You shake your head, unsure how to reply to that. “I found out that I…” You take a deep breath, forcing yourself to make it click, to make it make sense. “That I’m dead.” They’re all confused, except for $Charlie who seems about to explode due to $gtheir overthinking mind. So you strive to explain. “I’m currently being possessed by a poltergeist—” //Not a poltergeist.// “—named Alexander, and this possession apparently killed me. The only reason I’m alive is because he’s still here.” “What?” Archie asks, $aher expression almost offended. “Are you sure?” “Of course I’m sure. I can hear his voice in my head. And he… controlled me during break time.” You confess. //Sorry about that.// “What? When? I didn’t even notice!” $Ima exclaims. “No, not when we were together. After.” $Charlie flies towards you with an almost fearful angry face, as if $gtheyre trying to be scary but do$gesn’t quite know how to pull it off. “You Alexander, get out of $Mx $engname’s body! It is not your body and $they $do not want you there!” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> order$gs, pointing a finger at you. “$Charlie, $louname said that the only reason $theyre still alive is because this poltergeist is still inside $them, I don’t think leaving would be good.” $Lou replies. //I feel like I can’t leave even if I tried.// That isn’t a very [[comforting thought.]]

<<if $lou_realname is true>>\ “Wait, $louname?” $Ima asks, confused. “That’s me, it’s my Portuguese name.” You clear it up. $Ima ‘ohhh’s before shaking $iher head again. “Okay, sorry, anyways. \ <<else>>\ "Wait. \ <</if>>\ Isn’t this a good thing then? If Alexander is keeping you alive that’s good! Besides, he’s letting you control, so I’m assuming he isn’t a bad poltergeist… Unless he’s controlling you right now and forcing you to say all of this to us?!” “No, $engname is in control.” Archie says, as if knowing you well enough to be able to tell the difference. You wouldn’t doubt it if $ashe did, after all, $ashe knew you since you were a child, ignoring the years you two were apart, besides $Charlie, $ashe’s probably the one to know you better than yourself. “A good poltergeist…? I have never heard of such a thing.” $Charlie comments. //For the last time, I am not a poltergeist.// You roll your eyes at his inner voice. An untethered ghost is a poltergeist, that’s just the laws. //It wasn’t like that back then. Poltergeists are violent ghosts, current law seems to be a bit… quick to judge.// “You don’t say.” You mutter. “Can we speak to Alexander?” $Lou asks, far more curious than worried. You find it a bit hurtful that $Lou wants to speak to a being that is currently unauthorised to be inside your body, but you let it go as $Lou doesn’t seem to realise the implications. However, $Ima looks shocked that $Lou would ask that. [[“Sure.” You give control to Alexander.]] [[“I’m not okay with that.”]]

Taking a deep breath, you try to think of the worst that could happen. You might as well get used to this if you’re going to live with him. //Although that train of thought is my influence.// Well, you don’t quite know what are your thoughts and what are his thoughts sometimes, though you ignore that for now so you don’t spiral into an identity crisis at the moment. “Sure.” You say. $Ima holds the arm rests of $iher wheelchair to lean forwards. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. We don’t know the harm that could do.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “Or if we can trust him.” Archie adds. You nod, fully understanding that, but for a very obvious reason, you take the risk anyway. You’re already dead, the worst has already happened. There’s a second of pause before you feel yourself almost shrink in consciousness, as if your mind is withdrawing deep inside your body. Even though you can still see, and feel, you suddenly realise that you cannot breathe. Or to be more exact, you no longer have access to the automation of breathing. Instead of coming out as natural or forceful, it’s like someone is doing it for you, like a push and pull. It’s not… a bad feeling. “Hello, I’m Alexander, you can just call me Alex.” Your own voice says without your control. You feel your arms cross politely. [["Everyone’s back straightens and Archie uncrosses " + $gher + " own arms."->Everyone’s back straightens and Archie uncrosses her own arms.]]

You shiver at the idea of having your body out of control again. The feeling of hopelessness clinging to your mind much like Alexander’s own guilt it seems. Shaking your head, you look at $Lou with a frown. “I’m not comfortable with that.” “Of course you wouldn't.” $Ima replies, holding the arm rests of $iher chair to lean forwards. Although instead of looking at you, $ishe glares at $Lou. “We don’t know what that could do to you.” “Or if we can trust him.” Archie adds. You nod at both of them, glad that they understand and agree. $Lou on the other hand, looks a bit ashamed to have asked, $lhis eyes downcast before meeting yours with an apologetic smile. “Right. Sorry.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> says. “But I would like to know more about him. If you don’t mind me asking?” //I don’t.// “Alexander can speak to me, so if you have any questions, he can tell me.” You say. //For one, please call me Alex.// [[You prefer that name anyways.]]

At least this possession is not like that black void. //That is because this body isn’t mine, it’s ours. We share it.// You’re not sure if that’s kind or intrusive. “Alexander.” Archie starts. “You can just call me Alex.” “Alexander,” Archie continues, glaring. “why did you possess $engname? And why are you still possessing $them? I doubt it's out of the goodwill of your heart.” “It’s a bit more complicated than that. I didn’t mean to possess $engname, I was pulled here by $them. And as to why I’m still here; I wish I could say it is to keep $them from dying but in reality, I need $their help. All of your help actually.” You’re shocked to hear yourself say that. Or well, to hear Alex say that. You called him to you? To possess you? //Yes, I heard you and before I knew it, I was you.// “That’s weird.” $Ima replies. “Thank you.” $Charlie says, directly to you, to Alex. “For saving $them.” “No need to thank me, I am the reason $they died after all.” Alex says. You want to correct him, say it was actually your fault but there’s a hum in your brain distracting you, derailing you from that thought. “Yeah, you shouldn’t thank him.” Archie comments, narrowing $aher eyes at $Charlie, who quickly backs away. $Lou shakes $lhis head at the conversation, not out of disagreement but out of pensive nature. [["“And what do you need help with?” " + $lhe.toUpperFirst() + " asks."->“And what do you need help with?” He asks.]]

“My Wife and my Daughter are ghosts, like me. But they’re trapped in this… light.” Alex explains, sorrow feeling your voice and your chest. “It’s so odd to hear $engname’s voice talk about $their Wife and Daughter.” $Ima chuckles to $iherself, taking the problem very lightly. $Charlie hums in thought out loud, gathering attention to $gthemselves. “Light? As in, the light?” $Charlie asks. “What are you talking about?” Archie asks. “The light of God. Or, death.” $Charlie explains, looking at the sky. You never really considered $Charlie’s religion or $gtheir belief on life after ghosts. “I saw it too once, it was very…” “Real.” Alex finished for $gthem, as if he can visualise it right now at this moment. Suddenly, visions of this light come across your mind, as if a distant memory or a dream. One singular light, screams echoing from it, terrifying, intimidating. You fear it despite never having seen it. “Do you think this is some sort of metaphor for death? Like the choice between becoming a ghost or going to //heaven//?” $Lou asks. The way $lhe says ‘heaven’ makes you think $lhe doesn’t really believe in the idea, as if it's a mythical place. [[You believe in heaven.->yes god alex]] [[You believe in life after death.->meh god alex]] [[You don’t believe in anything.->no god alex]]

<<set $belief to "god">>\ To you, it’s real. Heaven is probably one of the only things you hope for nowadays. When everything seems to be hell itself, you imagine something better after life, something to look forward to. Though you think God has a cruel sense of humour for giving you the life you have. I guess there could be worse things. “I don’t think it’s that. It was very real. Like an actual place.” Alex answers, painting a picture in your mind of the smell and sounds that place would make. “I need to find it, to save the ghosts trapped there. Especially my family.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe you.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about you to trust you. What if this whole plan that you have is to like, takeover $engname’s body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even talk! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.]]

<<set $belief to "afterlife">>\ Heaven, reincarnation or some sort of place where the dead walk as if they’re alive, you’re not sure whatever it is, but you know there is life after death. Or well, after being a ghost. You feel like a part of your belief in this stems from craving a second chance, wanting to live again with a better life. “I don’t think it’s that. It was very real. Like an actual place.” Alex answers, painting a picture in your mind of the smell and sounds that place would make. “I need to find it, to save the ghosts trapped there. Especially my family.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe you.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about you to trust you. What if this whole plan that you have is to like, takeover $engname’s body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even talk! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.]]

<<set $belief to "nothing">>\ You hardly believe a ‘heaven’ is real. While a lot of people believe in the afterlife due to the discovery of ghosts, you remain stubborn that there is no way there is a higher power at play. Because surely, if there was, they would look down at you, at your life, and take pity, or be laughing at the cruelty they put you through. Both of those make you unnaturally angry, so you stay an atheist. “I don’t think it’s that. It was very real. Like an actual place.” Alex answers, painting a picture in your mind of the smell and sounds that place would make. “I need to find it, to save the ghosts trapped there. Especially my family.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe you.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about you to trust you. What if this whole plan that you have is to like, takeover $engname’s body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even talk! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.]]

Seems like two of your friends are for helping Alex, while the other two are against it. Regardless of all of that, you find this opportunity a good distraction from the actual main issue at hand, and that is that you died. You have no idea how you’re even going to tell your parents about that, or //if// you’re going to tell them. You half-expected to freak out more about it, but Alex’s presence in your body has made you grounded to the idea, as if it’s actually not as bad as it sounds. After all, figuratively speaking, you are still alive. “One step at a time.” You say out loud. Not Alex. You were too preoccupied to notice your self-awareness coming back, your field of vision sharpening, and the weird filter in your head gone. //I gave control back to you.// [[You noticed that now.]]

“This decision ultimately is $louname’s to make.” $Lou says, to the rest of your friends. Then turns to you. Seeing you touch your own hands, to feel your own skin underneath your fingertips, $Lou is attentive enough to realise you’re back to your own body. “So, $louname, what are we going to do?” You look at each of your friends, unsure. “I don’t know. I do want to help him, but also, not really. It’s a weird feeling.” “I bet.” $Ima replies. “Oh I know!” $Charlie floats up with $gtheir hand up, as if $gtheyre in class. “Since we are at an impasse, we could ask your other spiritmate?” “For that we would need to find them, genius.” Archie answers, exhaling in vexation. I mean, you would want to find them anyways, I guess this makes it a better time than any. Everyone glances at each other as if asking the same question, before Archie pushes $aherself off the wall with a sigh. “I guess we have a search to do.” [[And you start on your final intentional search for your spiritmate.]]

You’re glad he’s not taking control of your body forcefully. //That is because we share a body now.// Is this body even yours at this point? “Alexander.” Archie starts. “He said you can just call him Alex.” “Alexander,” Archie continues, glaring. “why did you possess $engname? And why are you still possessing $them? I doubt it's out of the goodwill of your heart.” //I’m not sure either. You called me here.// You’re shocked about that sole thought. Or well, to hear Alex say that. You called him to you? To possess you? //Yes, I heard you and before I knew it, I was you.// And why is he still here then? Does he plan on stealing your identity, your body? //No, I’ve said this before, I need your help. All of your friends’ help too.// “Well, he said I called him to possess me, which I don’t quite remember but it doesn’t matter. He’s staying because he needs our help.” You answer after a few seconds of silence. “That’s weird.” $Ima replies. “Thank you.” $Charlie says, directly to you, to Alex. “For saving $them.” “Yeah.” You say, agreeing with it. You regret that decision you did that day, it was stupid and you weren’t thinking straight. //I didn’t save you. I’m the reason you died.// No, you are. You made the choice. “You shouldn’t thank him.” Archie comments, narrowing $aher eyes at $Charlie, who quickly backs away. $Lou shakes $lhis head at the conversation, not out of disagreement but out of pensive nature. [["“And what do you need help with?” " + $lhe.toUpperFirst() + " asks."->what u need alex]]

“My—” You have to catch yourself before you speak, the words coming to you as if they were natural. “His Wife and his Daughter are ghosts, but they were pulled into this… light.” You explain, remembering from what he told you. You don’t recall this feeling of sorrow filling your chest though. “A whole ghost family.” $Ima chuckles to $iherself, taking the problem very lightly. $Charlie hums in thought out loud, gathering attention to $gthemselves. “Light? As in, the light?” $Charlie asks. “What are you talking about?” Archie asks. “The light of God. Or, death.” $Charlie explains, looking at the sky. You never really considered $Charlie’s religion or $gtheir belief on life after ghosts. “I saw it too once, it was very…” Suddenly, visions of this light come across your mind, as if a distant memory or a dream. One singular light, screams echoing from it, terrifying, intimidating. You fear it despite never having seen it. “Real.” You finish for $gthem, hearing Alex’s voice repeating the same thing inside your head. Everyone looks at you in confusion. “Do you think this is some sort of metaphor for death? Like the choice between becoming a ghost or going to //heaven//?” $Lou asks, breaking the silence. The way $lhe says ‘heaven’ makes you think $lhe doesn’t really believe in the idea, as if it's a mythical place. [[You believe in heaven.->yes god]] [[You believe in life after death.->meh god]] [[You don’t believe in anything.->no god]]

To you, it’s real. Heaven is probably one of the only things you hope for nowadays. When everything seems to be hell itself, you imagine something better after life, something to look forward to. Though you think God has a cruel sense of humour for giving you the life you have. I guess there could be worse things. //God had nothing to do with it.// A picture is painted in your mind, one with smells and sounds. Horrifying you. “I don’t think it was anything like that. Alex said his family was captured.” //It was awful.// “A place that he needs to find, where they were taken.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe him.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about him to trust him. What if he’s lying and this all a plan to steal your body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even let the victim take control! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.->no alex]]

<<set $belief to "afterlife">>\ Heaven, reincarnation or some sort of place where the dead walk as if they’re alive, you’re not sure whatever it is, but you know there is life after death. Or well, after being a ghost. You feel like a part of your belief in this stems from craving a second chance, wanting to live again with a better life. //God had nothing to do with it.// A picture is painted in your mind, one with smells and sounds. Horrifying you. “I don’t think it was anything like that. Alex said his family was captured.” //It was awful.// “A place that he needs to find, where they were taken.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe him.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about him to trust him. What if he’s lying and this all a plan to steal your body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even let the victim take control! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.->no alex]]

You hardly believe a ‘heaven’ is real. While a lot of people believe in the afterlife due to the discovery of ghosts, you remain stubborn that there is no way there is a higher power at play. Because surely, if there was, they would look down at you, at your life, and take pity, or be laughing at the cruelty they put you through. Both of those make you unnaturally angry, so you stay an atheist. //God had nothing to do with it.// A picture is painted in your mind, one with smells and sounds. Horrifying you. “I don’t think it was anything like that. Alex said his family was captured.” //It was awful.// “A place that he needs to find, where they were taken.” “We understand that, but we sure as hell don’t believe him.” Archie replies. Even though the words aren’t directed at you necessarily, you feel a tinge of hurt at that. $Ima nods, seemingly agreeing with the idea. “Yeah, we don’t know enough about him to trust him. What if he’s lying and this all a plan to steal your body?” $Ima adds. “Now, Alex seems to be trustworthy. He has kept $louname safe and most importantly, given $them freedom.” $Lou replies. “I don’t know anything about possessions, in fact, I never had them. But poltergeists don’t behave like that.” “That is true. Most poltergeists I have met don’t even let the victim take control! In fact, this is good, this means $engname does not need me to be present to be safe anymore.” $Charlie notes [[cheerfully.->no alex]]

Seems like two of your friends are for helping Alex, while the other two are against it. Regardless of all of that, you find this opportunity a good distraction from the actual main issue at hand, and that is that you died. You have no idea how you’re even going to tell your parents about that, or //if// you’re going to tell them. You half-expected to freak out more about it, but Alex’s presence in your body has made you grounded to the idea, as if it’s actually not as bad as it sounds. After all, figuratively speaking, you are still alive. “One step at a time.” You say out loud. Taking a deep breath. All your friends look at you, remorse in their eyes, sensing your own stress radiating off of you. [[//We’ll figure this out.//]]

$Ima compares it to a hot and cold treasure hunt, $Charlie being your compass. Archie jokes that this is the only time $ashe’s trusting $Charlie’s sense of direction, and you feel like $Charlie liked the joke, even though $gthey didn’t understand it. $Lou tries to keep you company, even though most of the time $lhe’s pulled into conversation by $Ima's and $Charlie’s chatty nature. Archie focuses on finding the spiritmate instead. Guessing random buildings and interrupting $Charlie’s speech about the colour of the sky to ask if $gthey feel$gs your spiritmate there. You hate it that you’re having fun. Feeling guilty that you are deviating from the actual purpose of this, ignoring the elephant in the room. [["You confess that to " + $Charlie + "."->You confess that to Charlie.]] [["You confess that to " + $Ima + "."->You confess that to Ima.]] [[You confess that to Archie.]] [["You confess that to " + $Lou + "."->You confess that to Lou.]]

When $Ima and $Lou go off on a tangent about the importance of routine (where $Lou likes being spontaneous and $Ima likes schedules), you meet $Charlie’s eyes and fall back to talk to $gthem in private. $Charlie’s attention is on you, though a bit anxious — you don’t blame $gthem — you also sense someone else’s eyes on you. From the head of the group, leading the search, is Archie, who glimpses back at you before looking away. You return to glance at $Charlie, and smile. “You know, this is actually fun.” You murmur. $Charlie breaks into an innocent smile when $gthey realise$gs it’s not bad news that is coming out of your mouth. <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> instinctively get$gs closer to you, shifting imaginary weight between $gtheir imaginary steps. “It is, is it not? Like an expedition!” $Charlie whispers. “Something like that.” You chuckle, then think quietly to yourself. “I’m just glad we’re all doing this together.” $Charlie relaxes. “Me too.” Warmth fills your belly, magically making its way into your chest and the rest of your body, like a fever.. You half-forgot what having friends was like, always having to worry about yourself or your own isolation. It had pushed you into unrealistically thinking you would be alone for the rest of your life, that living that long would be a miracle in itself (Ironically, you were right). This… is a nice change of pace. Even though [[the circumstances aren’t ideal.]]

Matching paces with $Ima’s chair, $ishe continues talking to $Charlie before realising you’re there. When $ishe does, $ishe smiles eagerly and slows down, letting $Charlie attempt to hold a conversation with $Lou as they go ahead. “Sorry, didn’t want to pull you away.” You say, walking behind the group with $Ima. Archie at the helm. $Ima’s red glasses nearly fly off at the force of $iher headshake. “You could have! I love talking to you.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> admits. Post noticing what $ishe said, $ishe looks embarrassed, but chuckles anyway and continues. “What’s up?” “Nothing. I’m just having fun.” You exhale, staring ahead and then at the sky. $Ima scoffs, fixing $iher glasses and dragging your attention back to $iherm, the unique smile $ishe has momentarily blinding you at how nice it is. <<print $iher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes even close when $ishe laughs next. “That’s good! I’m glad you’re having fun.” <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> replies, surprisingly a bit awkward before looking away from you, possibly out of embarrassment again. <<print $ishe.toUpperFirst()>> seems the type to say things $ishe regrets, even those that make more sense than the ones $ishe doesn’t show any shame for saying. Warmth fills your belly, magically making its way into your chest and the rest of your body, like a fever.. You half-forgot what having friends was like, always having to worry about yourself or your own isolation. It had pushed you into unrealistically thinking you would be alone for the rest of your life, that living that long would be a miracle in itself (Ironically, you were right). This… is a nice change of pace. Even though [[the circumstances aren’t ideal.]]

Passing by the talkative trio, you make your way to the head of the group, where Archie oversees your path, peering at the inside of buildings and making sure $ashe’s checked all corners. When you walk by $aherm, $ashe turns $aher face towards you and relaxes $aher serious expression. “You here to help?” “I can do my best but… no, I just wanted to say thank you.” You reply. Archie glances at you with a raised eyebrow. “For what?” “For taking this seriously. For being my friend. Believe it or not but I’m having fun.” At that, Archie laughs, caught-off-guard. <<print $ashe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn’t seem to know what to say to that, but $ashe at least smiles at you, not doing what $ashe was initially doing in favour of looking at you with a sympathetic expression. Warmth fills your belly, magically making its way into your chest and the rest of your body, like a fever.. You half-forgot what having friends was like, always having to worry about yourself or your own isolation. It had pushed you into unrealistically thinking you would be alone for the rest of your life, that living that long would be a miracle in itself (Ironically, you were right). This… is a nice change of pace. Even though [[the circumstances aren’t ideal.]]

At first you think of getting $Lou’s attention to talk to you at the back of the group, but for some reason, knowing both $Charlie and $Ima (who are still chatting animatedly with $Lou), you reconsider that. If $Lou is anything like them, $lhe’s not going to spot you. So you just approach $Lou’s side. However, before you even get close enough, $Lou glances back at you, noticing you. Well, I guess $Lou isn’t anything like the other two. You smile and wave $Lou over, and $lhe quickly ditches the conversation to join you in the back, following $Charlie and $Ima who talk loudly, not realising $Lou is no longer in the conversation. “Hey.” $Lou greets, walking close to you with bad posture. You try not to chuckle at the way $lhe peeks at you, $lhis long body forcing $lhis shoulders to hunch — or maybe that is really just $lhis bad posture. You saw the way $lhe sat. You nod at $lhim. “Hey, you’re not tired of $Charlie or $Ima are you?” “Nah, I like the things they say.” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> replied, shrugging. “What about you?” Copying $lhis shrug, you can’t help but smile. <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> repays the act by smiling when you do as well. “I’m having fun.” You confess, feeling the truth of those words. Light on your feet. $Lou exhales contently and turns to look at everyone else, watching them in turn, as a relaxing stride falls on you two. Warmth fills your belly, magically making its way into your chest and the rest of your body, like a fever.. You half-forgot what having friends was like, always having to worry about yourself or your own isolation. It had pushed you into unrealistically thinking you would be alone for the rest of your life, that living that long would be a miracle in itself (Ironically, you were right). This… is a nice change of pace. Even though [[the circumstances aren’t ideal.]]

“Oh! It is hot! Very hot!” $Charlie suddenly pipes up, interrupting any and all conversation. Archie points at the building ahead. “It’s the main building. Most of everyone is gone by now, I’m even surprised they’re still at school.” Archie says. “A fellow scholar I see.” $Ima nods. “Well, that’s where the Homework Club is. We could check it out.” “I don’t want to overwhelm them. Maybe one of us should go in with $Charlie?” $Lou suggests. Archie nods at that, probably grateful $ashe won’t have to be seen in that club in the first place. While $Ima just shrugs, indifferent. $Charlie goes to your side. “I think $Mx $engname should go with me.” <<print $gthey.toUpperFirst()>> reply. “No surprise there.” Archie mutters. The comment is ignored however, except for $Ima who hides a grin. You nod at $Charlie. [[“Alright, I’m ready to meet them.”]] [[“Alright, it’s not like I have a choice.”]]

You straighten up and stare ahead at the low building. “Alright, I’m ready to meet our spiritmate, whoever they are.” “That’s the attitude!” $Ima cheers. “Good luck.” $Lou waves. You and $Charlie head inside the building, the other three waiting outside. The building is empty as per usual at this hour, excluding the one staff member you see in the reception that you pass by, then you continue on your way, following $Charlie. You’re nervous and $Charlie is just a little bit giddy, attempting to focus on the energy $gtheyre feeling. After a few rooms that you two passed by, walking through the hallway, even you feel the sudden small sense of ‘another’ in front of the door you stop at. “The Homework Club.” You read the plaque at the door. You and $Charlie glance at the each other, [[before entering.]]

You sigh, staring ahead at the low building. “Alright, it’s not like I have a choice in the matter anyways.” “Now you’re getting it.” Archie says. “Good luck.” $Lou waves. You and $Charlie head inside the building, the other three waiting outside. The building is empty as per usual at this hour, excluding the one staff member you see in the reception that you pass by, then you continue on your way, following $Charlie. You’re nervous and $Charlie is just a little bit giddy, attempting to focus on the energy $gtheyre feeling. After a few rooms that you two passed by, walking through the hallway, even you feel the sudden small sense of ‘another’ in front of the door you stop at. “The Homework Club.” You read the plaque at the door. You and $Charlie glance at the each other, [[before entering.]]

The Homework Club is nothing other than a room with two rows of computers against opposite walls, and two big tables in the middle of the room. It’s small, and mostly empty. You also see another door that you assume is connected to the library. Speaking of the library, it’s the Librarian that runs the Homework Club, and she’s currently completely transfixed on a book she’s reading, the other few students that are around also focused on their computer screens. You thought they’d be at least half of a class here but there’s only three other students, two of them glancing your way as you enter and noticing it’s not anyone they know, going back to what they were doing. //It’s a quiet place.// Eerily quiet for some reason. Peering at $Charlie, you see $gthem staring holes into the back of one single student’s head. Said <<nobr>> <<cycle "$dboy" autoselect>> <<option "boy">> <<option "girl">> <</cycle>> squinting at the computer screen through thin glasses. You assume that’s your [[spiritmate.]]<</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $dboy === "girl">> <<set $dhe to "she">> <<set $dhes to "she's">> <<set $dhis to "her">> <<set $dhim to "her">> <<set $dhiss to "hers">> <<set $dMr to "Ms.">> <<set $dSon to "daughter">> <<set $dhimself to "herself">> <<set $Dom to "Dominique">> <<set $dguy to "girl">> <<elseif $dboy === "boy">> <<set $dhe to "he">> <<set $dhes to "he's">> <<set $dhis to "his">> <<set $dhim to "him">> <<set $dhiss to "his">> <<set $dMr to "Mr.">> <<set $dSon to "son">> <<set $dhimself to "himself">> <<set $Dom to "Dominic">> <<set $dguy to "guy">> <</if>> <</nobr>><<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>>'s not tall, at least from this perspective, yet $dhe sits cross legged, $dhis clothes seemingly baggy on $dhis body, though you’re unsure if that’s because of $dhis body or because $dhe picked a naturally baggy uniform. You’re not here to judge someone’s body, you couldn’t care less. You have more important things to address. Quietly, without disturbing anyone else, you and $Charlie make your way to $dhim. You manage to reach $dhis side and $dhe still hasn’t looked your way. You want $dhis attention yes, but you also don’t want to startle $dhim, so your hand sort of floats above $dhis shoulder. It’s $Charlie who takes the plunge — quite literally, as $gthey throw$gs $gthemselves to the corner of the [[student’s vision.]]

<<nobr>><<widget checkpersona>> <<if $funny > $kind && $funny > $mean && $funny > $shy && $funny > $stoic && $funny > $sunshine>> <<set _persona to "funny">> <<elseif $stoic > $kind && $stoic > $mean && $stoic > $shy && $stoic > $funny && $stoic > $sunshine>> <<set _persona to "stoic">> <<elseif $shy > $kind && $shy > $mean && $shy > $stoic && $shy > $funny && $shy > $sunshine>> <<set _persona to "shy">> <<elseif $sunshine > $kind && $sunshine > $mean && $sunshine > $stoic && $sunshine > $funny && $sunshine > $shy>> <<set _persona to "sunshine">> <<elseif $mean > $kind && $mean > $sunshine && $mean > $stoic && $mean > $funny && $mean > $shy>> <<set _persona to "mean">> <<else>> <<set _persona to "kind">> <</if>> <</widget>><</nobr>>

There wasn’t really a class you were excited about, considering that most of them were basic classes. This makes your return to school that much boring, but at least you managed to catch up with the material, and you have pages of revision worth weeks. [[Eventually, you’ll have to study.]]

<<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>> turns to $Charlie, turns back to the computer as if $dhe saw something inconsequential, before doing a double take and looking back at $Charlie. “Wh—” “Hey.” You say, not too loudly but definitely above a whisper. The $dboy jolts but doesn’t scream. //Thank god.// <<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>> holds $dhis hand to $dhis chest in surprise. “Who…? What?” <<print $dhis.toUpperFirst()>> dark green eyes widen behind the glasses, and $dhe reaches over and removes them. You assume $ddhe can see well without them. <<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>> stares at you and then squints at $Charlie, to see if $gtheyre real. “...A ghost?” “We have been looking for you everywhere.” $Charlie whispers. There’s a brief moment of pause, this $dboy still with wide eyes, staring at $Charlie, $dhis light brown skin glowing in concealed sweat, <<if $dboy is "boy">>as he pushes his already combed back hair back again.<<else>>as she pushes her bangs out of the way even though they’re nearly parted to the sides.<</if>> <<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>> definitely thinks this is a dream. Then, slowly, tears spark at the corner of $dhis eyes, making $dhis long lashes flutter. “My ghost.” <<print $dhe.toUpperFirst()>> whimpers, before covering $dhis mouth. [["“I thought I was cursed.” " + $dhe.toUpperFirst() + " cries."->next chapter]]

<<set $louname to $name>>\ “Yes… Where are you from?” “Would you believe me if I said England?” <<print $lhe.toUpperFirst()>> twists $lhis body to be facing you more, playfully leaning forward. You raise a questioning eyebrow, “You’re English, born and bred?” “Have a French Uncle, but that’s about it. I’ve travelled quite a lot, never been to Portugal though. Maybe you can take me there one day?” My god, $lhes blunt. By the way $lhes peering at you through $lhis lashes, you can safely assume $lhes flirting in some way. <<linkreplace "Romance Options♡">> [[“Would love to.” ♡]] [[“W-What…? When?” ♡]] [[“I don’t really have the money for trips.” ♡]]<</linkreplace>> [[“Woah there, you don’t beat around the bush do you?”]] [[“Haven’t been in Portugal in a very long time.”]] [[“Why haven’t you gone there yet?”]]

Please select your gender and your pronouns. <<nobr>>Gender: <<cycle "$teen" autoselect>> <<option "girl">> <<option "boy">> <<option "teen">> <</cycle>><</nobr>> <<nobr>>Pronouns: <<cycle "$pronouns" autoselect>> <<option "she/her">> <<option "he/him">> <<option "they/them">> <</cycle>><</nobr>> [[Continue->gender set]]

<<if $teen is "girl">><<set $gender to 1>><<set $person to "woman">><<set $Mx to "Ms.">><<set $Sibling to "Sister">><<set $Child to "Daughter">>\ <<elseif $teen is "boy">><<set $gender to 2>><<set $person to "man">><<set $Mx to "Mr.">><<set $Sibling to "Brother">><<set $Child to "Son">>\ <<elseif $teen is "teen">><<set $gender to 3>><<set $person to "person">><<set $Mx to "Mx.">><<set $Sibling to "Sibling">><<set $Child to "Child">>\ <</if>>\ <<if $pronouns is "she/her">><<set $they to "she">><<set $theyre to "she's">><<set $their to "her">><<set $them to "her">><<set $theyve to "she's">><<set $s to "s">><<set $are to "is">>\ <<elseif $pronouns is "he/him">><<set $they to "he">><<set $theyre to "he's">><<set $their to "his">><<set $them to "him">><<set $theyve to "he's">><<set $s to "s">><<set $are to "is">>\ <<elseif $pronouns is "they/them">><<set $they to "they">><<set $theyre to "they're">><<set $their to "their">><<set $them to "them">><<set $theyve to "they've">><<set $s to "">><<set $are to "are">>\ <</if>>\ It has been set. [[Return|$return]]