Chapter Text
As the final class ended, Stephen Ng groaned as he got up from his desk to go home. Drowning out the chatter from other obnoxious students exiting, he slung his bag across his shoulder, speed-walking towards off-campus. He could feel anxiousness coming off of him as he looked left to right on the crossing leading to an alley. It wasn't the safest way home but it was a shortcut. After turning at a sharp point to another alley, Stephen froze in place.
Thump
The sound of his heart became audible.
Thump
Another beat went by, time wasn't stopping for this.
Thump
What was this beautiful creature?
There stood a humanoid with large, feathery snowy-white wings and fairly long silver hair in what seemed like a ponytail, loose strands of it tucked behind dainty ears. A golden halo ringed the head. It wore a long white and golden robe, the colors shifting together as the clothing moved like oil on water. Eyes presented crystal blue, intent but soft and kind. It seemed almost angelic, more or less heavenly. Its build was shorter than Stephen's, a slender figure. Unaware of his presence, it moved slightly, taking in its surroundings. When it finally turned, it saw him.
"Um, hi...?"
Its eyes widened in obvious shock. Perhaps it was scared.
"...Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you or whatever.."
It took a step back.
"Uh, I'm Stephen. Stephen Ng. Um... you?"
At this point, Stephen's mind started to panic. After a few moments of silence, the beautiful creature opened its mouth to speak.
"I apologize, I was just frightened. I'm afraid I cannot reveal my name as of you are a mortal."
Stephen swallowed down his phlegm in his throat. So, it could speak English.
"Oh, I'm sorry that I scared you."
"It is alright."
"So, um, not to be rude but, what are you? You definitely don't seem human."
"I identify as a spiritual messenger. This is my first time encountering a human. I have only dealt with souls so far..."
Letting loose a nervous laugh, Stephen stared at his feet in uncomfortable tension.
"Is it normal for humans to see spiritual messengers or whatever?"
"No, I think this is a first."
"Ah."
"I let down my guard as I was wandering Earth. This planet is quite uncared for."
"You can say that... Do you have any place to stay?"
"No, not for the moment."
Stephen tensed at this, contemplating his choice.
"...You can stay with me."
"Do you possess a dwelling?"
"It's sort of like that."
"Well then, I suppose I will be staying with you."
Even if the conversation mostly consisted of Stephen asking the creature questions, he still felt a warm feeling in him like he made a friend.
"By the way, what pronouns do you prefer?"
"What do you mean of that?"
"Like, he, she, them..."
"Oh, those separate namings? I prefer 'he'."
"I see."
"You humans have many systems."
"It's what keeps us going."
The two walked home, discussing their lives and interests. By the time they got to Stephen's apartment, they were pretty much more than acquaintances or so Stephen thought.
It was a bittersweet feeling neither of them could shake from the beginning of their encounter.