“Seriously, will you please leave me alone, Marik?”

Marik follows me from morning till night. He’s being an annoying someone who won’t stop bothering me. Though Marik doesn’t talk much. He’s just following me.

“I can’t do that, Prim’s order is to look after you.”

“I’m not even a kid, you know?” I’m beyond irritated when he’s like that. What could I possibly do when I’m already dead? Do I look like someone who would make a scene?

“Plus Prim is slacking at his job. Now a fellow spirit is looking after me.” Well, I’m just glad Prim is not here or I might hear an earful. Prim asked Marik to be my guardian or more like a spy for him.

“We’ve been together since your first day. I think you’re immune.” Marik smiles apologetically at me.  

I sighed, “You know I won’t do anything.”

“Right. But I’m still following you.” He said. I surrender.

What can I do about it? Of course, I can’t outrun a fellow ghost.

Marik is walking past me, I just noticed how he always wears that red scarf. Not that we can actually change clothes here. It must have been an important item to him.

It’s still a mystery why he’s still here. I really don’t ask Marik anything about his death, It is common courtesy here in the spirit world. But I have to admit, I’m really curious.

How long has he been here?

Is he waiting for something? Someone?

From what I can see, Marik is not over 20 years old. He looks younger and he's good-looking, with silver-white hair and sad-looking dark blue eyes. I don’t know, I might be imagining things but he always has this far away look in his eyes. Like he’s expecting something from afar. He might be worried about something.

“What are you thinking, Ru?” he looks back at me and I don’t know what to answer him.

“Oh, I-I’m just thinking about what Prim said. I still can’t decide what to do.” I still can’t ask him. He looked away from me, and once again had that kind of look on his face.

“I can see that, And I do understand you,” he said as he hid his mouth on his scarf.

I’m worried about him, actually, he doesn’t talk much about himself either. I don’t know what he thinks.

Should I ask him something different, to let him talk?

I might be rude but when he feels uncomfortable, I’ll just apologize.

Here we go.

“How about you Marik? You’ve been here for a long time too, right? How many years exactly?” Let's start with that question. 

And I didn’t hear any answer from him. He remained silent for a few minutes.

I sighed.

“I’m sorry, I know you still don’t want to talk about it.” I gave up. He might be thinking I’m minding too much.

“N-no, It’s just… our situation is totally different, Ru.” he looks at me with a sad smile. 

“Is that so?” I can’t push him any further.

Looking at him makes me feel even sadder. I know there’s way more complication in his situation compared to mine.

I know someday he’ll tell me. Or maybe not.

Mona’s POV

Today is my birthday, and I can’t wait to celebrate it with my best friend, Rina!

I really looked forward to seeing her after a few months of being apart. And also, I’m worried about her.

I know she’s still not okay, I know she’s still grieving after Ru died. She just loves him so much. I felt sorry for both of them. They could have been happy together by now. 

I just remember that day, it was the worst. Rina was so hysterical and we couldn't stop her from crying. 

It pains me that I can’t do anything for her. I can’t help her when she needs it the most.

I can only console her, but I know deep down her heart is still breaking.

The coffee shop isn’t far from my home, that’s why I thought I would be the one to arrive first.

But I saw Rina was already inside wearing a pink dress. She looks so cute, and even way cuter if only she can smile.

Sighed.

“Rina,!” I called her out.

She looks up and a small smile spreads to her lips.

“Happy Birthday, Mona,” Rina said to me while giving me a gift.

“Aww, thank you, Rina, you didn’t have to,” I touched the small orange box she gave me.

“Since today is your best friend’s birthday, won’t you smile for me? Hmm?” I can’t stop myself from being selfish. I miss my best friend’s smile, her laughter, until when you’ll be like this Rina?

She looks at me and gives me the smile I asked for from her. Somehow I felt it was her genuine smile. But then I know she’s not okay.

“Kyaaah, I’m so happy you smiled for me,” I said.

“Let’s order now?” she asked me while giving me the menu.

“Let’s go!!!” 

I’m so sorry Rina, this is the only thing I can do for you. But I promise. I’ll stay with you from now on.