Work Text:
The Beginning
“I’m so sorry for your lost Pran.” Pran didn’t utter a word as he silently cry, looking at his lover sleeping peacefully inside a casket. His friend tapped him on the shoulder before going back to his seat.
“He’s still too young to die. Poor man.” A lady not far from him said, directed towards the two other ladies she was talking to. “Some accidents can never be avoided, especially on the road.”
“Pran.” Someone called. Pran looked away from the casket and looked at the woman who’s now standing next to him, eye shadowing sorrow and grief match to his own. “You haven’t been sleeping and eating properly, you know Nat would scold you for that.”
“That’s what I was hoping he would do auntie, to get up from his sleep and nag me.” Pran replied, wiping his tears away. “I’ve been waiting and waiting, but he wouldn’t budge.” The woman started crying again, as he hugged Pran.
“This may sound cold, but knowing that he died on the spot gave me a little comfort that at least my son didn’t suffer, didn’t suffer from the tremendous pain the accident caused. He’s in better hands now Pran, it may be hard for now, but we’ll be okay, you’ll be okay Pran.” The woman said, rubbing Pran’s back. “Now go get some rest.”
“Pran shakes his head. “No, I’m okay. I want to stay by his side before we say our final goodbyes to him tomorrow.”
The older woman looked at Pran in defeat. “Okay, I understand, but eat something at least.”
“I will eat later.” Pran said, attention now back to Nat. The older woman just shakes her head slightly before going to the kitchen.
“Nat, I’ve done everything I could to wake up from this nightmare even though I know I’m wide awake. You’re really gone.” Pran cried again, hugging the casket for comfort. He didn’t mind the look of pity people gave him as he let out the never-ending pain he’s feeling.
“Poor chil d .”
Infestation
Pran scampered around the house, getting ready for work. He picked up his bag and looked at the mirror and at the same time reached out for his car keys, feeling the key holder empty, he looked at it and frowned. “Where is it?” He asked himself and looked around the small table, before looking underneath. “There you are.” He muttered as he reached out for the keys. How did it even get there? He was sure he placed it onto the key holder when he got home last night. Shrugging, he hurriedly left home.
“Barely made it on time Pran.” His friend, Wai, said.
“Still made it, that’s what matters.” Pran said, rearranging his neck tie.
“Whatever you say.” Wai rolled his eyes as they enter the building. “How are you by the way?”
One look at his friend and Pran already know why he’s asking. Nat’s second death anniversary is in two days, and the day after that would be there supposedly fifth anniversary.
“Survived the first one, I’ll survive this one too.” Pran replied.
“Where are you going this time?” Wai asked.
“I’m staying at home for a change. You know how Nat loves staying at home.”
“Pran..”
“I’m okay, seriously.” Pran said, trying to convince his friend.
Thankfully, Wai didn’t pressed on and just nodded. “I’m one call away.”
“I know. Thanks Wai.” Pran tap his shoulder before sitting down. “Now time for work.” Pran started checking his email, trying not to think of anything else.
It’s going to be two years since Nat died and to say Pran is now okay is big lie, but no one has to know how he always cry to sleep every night, even though Wai knows without him saying anything.
Tan: Pran, we’re going to visit my brother today, do you want to go with us?
Pring : Pran, do you want to go somewhere?
Wai: Call me if it gets too much.
Pran set aside his phone and continue whisking the egg before pouring it in the pan, he stared at it as it sizzles before placing the lid on top.
Clink!
Pran jumped an inch, he then looked at the butter knife on the floor, still spinning. “That scared me.” He chuckles to himself, as he bend down to pick it up, someone chuckled not far from him making him freeze. He stayed still, listening, when laughters from the corridor broke out, making him sigh in relief. He finally stood up and looked around just to make sure that no one is there before giving his attention back to the stove.
The incident was soon forgotten, but unbeknownst to Pran, it was the start of his nightmare.
He started losing more things that belonged to Nat, some of them misplaced, some really gone, never to be found again. Pran didn’t think much of it, too busy to really think things through until one particular night. Pran stepped out of the bathroom after a quick shower before going to bed, he turned off the light in the bathroom and walk towards his closet, that’s when his eye caught something on the bed. His hands that were busy rubbing the towel onto his wet hair stopped, heart pounding a little too fast.
On the bed was a very well laid out set of clothes that belonged to Nat. He approached the bed and slowly picked up the shirt and hugged it.
“Nat, are you here?” He ask, looking around. “Your belongings being moved around, was that you trying to tell me that you’re here with me?”
There was silence, but that’s okay, because now, Pran knows he’s not alone. Nat has always been with him.
“Pran. You look different nowadays.” Pran commented. “Did something happen?”
“No, nothing.” Pran replied nonchalantly. “I look different, how?”
“You look like the Pran I knew from before, you look so much better.” Wai said.
“It’s because I am feeling better.” Pran admits. “Wha-” Pran swallowed the words he was about to say when Wai suddenly hugged him.
“Hearing that makes me so happy Pran.” Wai said cheerfully. “I’m so proud of you.”
Pran laughs, tapping Wai’s back. “Thank you. Nat helped me.”
“Nat?”
“Yes, because now I know that he’s always by my side.” Pran smiled.
Wai nodded. “Yes, guiding you. Now, let’s go out and celebrate!” Wai stood up, pulling Pran up along with him. “Let’s go to that bar you and I frequent.”
Pran carelessly toss his phone on the bedside table before dropping down the bed with a groan. It’s been awhile since he let loose and it sure does feel great. Head pounding and feeling his surrounding spinning, Pran slowly drifted off to sleep.
Thump!
Pran stirred slowly from his slumber, rolled onto his left and drifted off again.
Thump! Thump!
“Ugh. Shut up.” He groans.
THUD!
Pran sat up with a gasp, now in full alert as he looked around the room, listening. What was that? He asked himself. Pran took a deep breath and tried to relax himself.
Clang…clatter…clink!
Pran bolted out of his room in record time and went towards the kitchen, eyes wide in shock as he looked at his kitchen trashed, all utensils on the floor, the chair and table in disarray.
Pran turned on all the lights and searched the whole house for intruder, but aside from the kitchen, everything else was in place. So what the hell happened? If it’s not a burglar, then who did it? He thought as he went back to the kitchen to clean up even though his head is still very much throbbing.
Many more incidents similar to this one kept happening and Pran would be lying if he says he’s not scared, because he is, but he didn’t dare tell Wai or anyone else, because he knows they won’t believe him, hell he even second guesses what he’s been experiencing so far.
In the end, he let it be.
Oppression
Pran opened his eyes and could tell right away that he’s dreaming, he sat up and looked around the now becoming familiar room. He’s in his room yes, but everything’s placed the opposite to their original places. He looked at the dark corner of his room, his gut feeling telling him someone’s watching him. Pran’s heart started hammering in his chest, body frozen in place as he stared at the feet that was not in his previous dream.
Wake up. Wake up Pran. His eyelids suddenly felt heavy until he lost consciousness.
Pran gasp awake, his hand clutching on his chest as he heaved. “That damn nightmare again.” He muttered. Thank goodness it’s morning already, the sun shining giving him some kind of assurance.
He couldn’t help but looked at the same corner as his dreams and breathe a sigh or relief seeing a lampshade occupying the area. That lampshade will stay on every night.
“Hey Nat, are you there?” He called out. “What do you want to eat?” He asks, looking through the inside of his fridge. Pran heard the chair being pulled slightly away from the table just like when someone wants to sit, Pran closed the fridge and looked at it before smiling. “Just wait, this won’t be long.”
“Pran?” Wai called. “Are you okay?”
Pran scowled. “Yeah, why?”
“It’s just.. You don’t look good. Are you having trouble sleeping again?” Wai asks concernedly. Pran was getting better months ago, but now, his complexion deteriorated again. “What’s going on Pran?”
Pran looked at his friend and contemplated before looking away. “I just had a bad dream.” He said instead.
Yes, just a bad dream, but Pran knows it’s more than that. The presence watching him in the shadows looks like it’s getting closer and closer. First it was just the feet that are visible, but now, he can see half of its body, night by night, Pran dreads the idea of sleeping in fear of seeing it as a whole and what it might do to him.
“Hey Pran!” Wai tapped his back making Pran flinch in surprised. “I’ve been calling you for more than a minute. Let’s go home.”
Pran looked at his wristwatch and grimace.
20:35 PM
He needs to go home.
Home. A place you’re supposed to feel safe, but Pran doesn’t feel that anymore. He knows home is the most dangerous place to be in right now, but what can he do?
“Wai.” His friend looked at him. “Can you please stay the night?” Pran’s ears redden in embarrassment.
Wai smiled before nodding. “Of course Pran, let’s go.” Pran sigh in relief before following his friend. Maybe, just maybe, he won’t have nightmares tonight.
--
As usual, after sitting up, Pran can no longer move even an inch, he can’t even lift one finger. Tears started forming in his eyes as he looked at the man standing not far from him, its whole body now visible to Pran including the slitted mouth.
“Almost there.” Its eerie voice invaded Pran’s ears. It stretched out its slim hands, long bony fingers trying to reach him. “Almost there. Almost there. Almost there. ALMOST THERE!”
Pran screamed at the top of his lungs, trashing on his bed as he felt hands holding him.
“Pran! Wake up! Pran!” Pran forced his eyes opened revealing his friends worried look. “You’re okay, it’s okay.” Wai soothed and embraced him. Pran grab a handful of Wai’s shirt and let himself cry.
“Since when have you been dreaming about whatever this man is?” Wai ask. They’re now in the kitchen having some tea to help Pran relax and to finally talk what about what happened earlier.
“I can’t remember.” Pran said truthfully. “But it’s been months. I don’t know what to do Wai.”
“Your things moving around-”
“It all belongs to Nat.” Pran cuts off.
“So, are you saying Nat is doing all of this? But why?”
Pran shrugs. “I don’t know what to think anymore. I’m going crazy Wai.”
“Do you want to try asking a shaman? You know Don from HR? He has a friend who knows a shaman.” Wai suggested.
Pran shakes his head. “Most of them are scam. I’d rather go to the church directly.”
“Okay then, church it is. Wanna go back to sleep or watch movies until morning?” Wai grinned.
“I’ll choose the latter any day.” Pran grinned as well as they went to the living room.
Wai did accompanied Pran to the church, they were told to pray and the priest handed them both a bible to read at night. “It will help.” Is what they were told.
“Thoughts about the shaman?” Wai asked again when they returned to Pran’s place.
“Nope. Not yet.” Pran shakes his head. “I’ll give this a try.” He said, raising the bible.
“Okay. Are you going to be alright tonight? I can stay.” Wai said.
“Thanks Wai, but its okay.” Pran assured him. “For sure your boyfriend wants you home as well.”
Wai rolled his eyes. “Korn will live. Speaking of Korn, we’re celebrating his promotion next week, you should come.”
Pran nodded. “I will. Thanks Wai.”
“No problem, now then. Call me at whatever time if you need something, okay?” Pran nods again. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow Pran.”
“Drive safely Wai.”
As soon as Pran closed the door, drawers opening and utensils being moved can be heard in the kitchen.
“Tip toe through the window..”
Pran hugged the bible to his chest as he slowly walks towards the kitchen.
“By the window that is where I’ll be come..”
Nat’s voice. Nat’s favourite song, but unlike how nice it sounded while Nat sang it for him when he’s around, it sounded creepy and chilling.
“Tip toe through the tulips with me..”
“Nat?” Pran called in a shaky voice even before reaching the kitchen. The singing stopped, followed by pots falling to the floor making Pran ran the remaining distance, but alas, no one was there.
“ Psst !”
Pran ignored it and picked up the pot. He was about to stand up when he felt a hand shove him on to the floor, dropping the bible in the process.
Pran got up and was about to pick up the bible when it glide through the floor, away from him. Pran crawled towards it, but something grab his ankle and dragged him towards the living room.
“Help! Somebody help me!” Pran screamed as he tried to grab onto something when he just stopped. He didn’t waste time getting up and ran inside his room, slamming the door behind him. He waited for something to happen, but nothing, it was dead silent.
Pran started to relax when he heard a soft laugh behind him.
“Boo.”
Pran’s breath hitch before he lost consciousness.
Obsession
After that incident, Pran stayed in his room for a couple of days, curled up in bed, making sure he won’t fall asleep. What happened that night kept on happening and it’s getting worse and worse, he can only relax during the day, but he still refuses to sleep even just for a minute in fear of what might happen.
Wai: Hey Pran, do you still not want me to come over?
Pran: I’m fine Wai.
Wai: Fine, I’ll believe you just this once. By the way, you haven’t forgotten tonight, right?
Pran: I’ll be there.
Wai: Okay, see you later then.
Pran put his phone down and sigh. He doesn’t want Wai to come visit him in case it might put him in danger too. He can’t involve other people in whatever this is that’s toying with him.
With nothing else to do, Pran decided to take a shower and get ready for the party.
Even though he got ready early, Pran is still running late. He walked faster towards the bar they’re meeting up, bumping into people here and there.
“Hey!” He’s been getting this since earlier, but this time Pran’s movements halted and looked back at the person standing in the smoking area just outside the bar. Looking at the man, Pran’s body started feeling lighter and lighter until he almost fall down, but good thing he quickly reach out to the door.
The man stared at him for a few more seconds before looking away, and as soon as he does, Pran’s body felt heavy again. Shaking his head, he opened the door and went inside. He looked around the bar before spotting his friend waving at him.
“Pran!” Wai called, a big smile on his face. Pran waved back as he walked towards them. “You’re finally here!”
“Sorry, I’m late.” He said and Wai just waved it off. “Congratulations on your promotion Korn.”
Korn, with a bottle of beer on his hand, stood up and wrapped one of his arms around Pran’s shoulder. “Thanks dude. Glad you could make it.” Korn said, already a bit tipsy. “Listen Pran, I want to introduce you to my friend, who by the way is missing. Where is he?” Korn scowled and look around, before looking back at Pran again. “When he comes back.”
Pran smiles. “I’m sure your friend is lovely Korn, but no thanks.” He replied, already knowing the intention behind it.
“Dude, I’m not saying you should date him straight away, just get to know someone. Have one more friend, and besides, it’s not like you’re going to fall in love right away, though you might fall when you see him. He’s good looking, the best among all my friends.” Korn wiggles his brows.
“Okay drunkard, sit down.” Wai said, pulling his boyfriend away from Pran. “You too Pran, please sit.”
Before Pran could sit down, Korn stood up again. “Yo bro! Where have you been!?” He exclaimed. Pran and Wai looked at the man approaching them, his eyes glued on the phone, he only looked up when he reached the table, eyes immediately landing on Pran.
“You!” He glared, and just like earlier, Pran’s body became lighter again, and this time fell towards the man, who catches him with ease. “That sly demon.”
“When I said fall, I didn’t literally mean fall.” Korn commented, as he and Wai looked at Pran sleeping soundly.
It has been a while since the last time Pran slept so good that he inches even closer to the wall or something, that has a beating heart.
A beating heart?
“I’m cool with you sleeping for however long you want, but please stop drooling already.” The wall with a beating heart said. Pran snapped his eyes open and looked up before scampering away from the man, who he recognized from earlier.
Pran flushed “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine, how are you feeling?” The man asks.
“I’m, I’m feeling better. Thanks.” Pran replied.
The man nodded. “Then excuse me for a second, just need to check something.” Pran thought he would leave, but to his surprise, the man cupped his right cheek, before pressing their forehead together, his eyes close. Pran’s breath hitch, his heart pounding so loud at the close proximity, but he can’t find it himself to push the man away.
“Umm..”
“Stay still for a second.” The man said.
“Okay.” Pran replied silently, wishing and hoping the man couldn’t hear how loud his heart is beating.
“Just as I thought.” The man spoke after some time and lean away. “Close your eyes.” He ordered, and Pran immediately obliges. He heard the man murmur something before he felt the man’s lips press on his forehead, making Pran stiffen and his ears ringing. “There we go. Take care of yourself, okay?” Pran couldn’t say anything but nod. Gosh, what is wrong with him?
The man stood up, ready to leave, when Pran held onto his arm before standing up himself. “Umm, name.” Pran cleared his throat. “What’s your name?”
“Pat. Napat Jindapat. Yours?” The man said, hands reaching out to Pran.
“Parakul Siridechawat.” Pran replied, shaking Pat’s hand. “You can call me Pran.”
Pat smiled. “It was nice meeting you Pran. I’ll see you around.” He said before finally leaving, Pran couldn’t do anything, but follow him with his eyes.
The following nights, Pran slept like a log and is looking better than before. He’s not sure what happened, but he’s glad the nightmares stopped now and hopefully, it won’t come back, but all good things don’t last long. The nightmare he thought he could put behind him was over, but it was far from that.
Pran was just sleeping peacefully when a foul, rotten smell invaded his nostrils, Pran grimaced at the smell, the odour was so strong, its as if its just right next to him. Pran opened his eyes and what greeted him was the slitted mouth man hovering over him.
“Hello child.”
Pran again, couldn’t move his body no matter what he does. The demon placed his hand on Pran’s forehead and there, a series of memories started flooding Pran’s head.
The memory showed him Nat, on the day of his accident. It was just as he remembered it, but now, the slitted mouth man was there as well, attached to Nat’s back. The demon went inside the car with him, waving at Pran as well as the car takes off.
“Your soul is very rare child, and I want it. You wouldn’t let me have it, so I had to kill him. It’s your fault he died.”
Pran’s started crying, refusing to believe what the demon is saying, but with the memory so vivid, he couldn’t help but think, maybe it’s true. Pran opened his mouth to scream, but no sound was coming out. The demon then opened his mouth and a red thick liquid came out of it, and onto Pran’s mouth.
“Swallow.”
Pran couldn’t do a thing but swallow, when he did, the man smiled even wider and then started laughing. It was the last thing Pran saw before he woke up coughing uncontrollably, sweat and tears drenching him.
“I killed Nat. It’s all my fault.”
Possession
“Hey Korn. Where’s Wai?” Pat asked.
“Visiting Pran, he said he’s sleeping over. Why?” Korn replied, not looking away from his laptop.
“Call him, tell him to want to come over and bring me with you.” Korn’s fingers froze as he looked at his friend in disgust.
“Dude, you just met the guy and now you pull this kind of shit? That’s just creepy and weird.” Korn said and Pat wanted nothing but to beat him up.
“And here I was, thinking of lending you my cabin for the weekend so you can have an alone time with Wai.” Pat sigh in disappointment whilst Korn’s ears perked up. Gotcha.
“Fuck, where’s my phone?” Korn frantically search for his phone and when he found it, didn’t hesitate to call his boyfriend. “No takebacks Pat!”
Pat laugh until Korn was no longer in sight, before looking out the window. Sure, what he asked of Korn does sound creepy and weird, but it was not his intention. Sure, Pran is his type, but knowing what the guy has been through losing his boyfriend, Pat knows he doesn’t stand a chance. The reason he wanted to see Pran was to check if the guy was okay after what happened when they first met.
Back at the bar, when he said ‘hey’, it wasn’t actually directed at Pran, but was directed to the thing that attached itself on Pran’s back. It was his first time seeing that demon, but he heard all sorts of things regarding that entity from his family. He came from a long line of shamans and although he’s the very least interested in learning their ways, he still knows how to do this and that.
The slitted mouth man immediately detached itself from Pran and turned around, so he thought that’s that, so he made a mistake of looking away, when he looked back, the guy was already gone, and so was the demon.
He put away his cigarette and was about to go back inside when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and cursed before answering it.
“Hel-”
“DON’T FREAKING HELLO ME! I TOLD YOU WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT CLIENT COMING IN TONIGHT!” Pat pulled the phone away from his ears and waited for his sister to stop screaming before putting it back on his ear.
“AND I TOLD YOU I AM MEETING MY FRIENDS!” He shouted back.
“Hia! The ghost I exorcize today was a pervert!” His sister whined and Pat couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I’m sorry, I’ll make it up to you.” Pat said. “Right Paa, can I talk to my for a second?”
“Mom? Sure. Ma! Hia wants to talk to you!” There was a bit of shuffling on the other end before he could hear his mom’s voice. “Yes Pat?”
“Ma, I just saw the slitted mouth man.” He informed, making her gasp.
“What!? Where? And what did you do?” She asks.
“I just yelled at it like ‘hey!’ and it detached itself on some dude.” Pat shrug, even though his mom can’t see him.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“THAT’S IT!? YOU FOOL!” His mom yelled. “YOU THINK A SIMPLE HEY CAN MAKE THEM GO AWAY!? IF SO THEN OUR JOB WOULDN’T BE THAT DIFFICULT! GO FIND THE MAN RIGHT NOW AND BRING HIM HERE! OR BETTER YET, GET RID IF THAT DEMON RIGHT AWAY! GOODBYE!”
Pat was bewildered and just shakes his head before heading back inside the bar.
He barely knew the man’s face, how would he find him? But it really must be his fate to get rid of the demon, because it turns out, the man is friends with Korn. The demon wrapped its hands around Pran’s neck. “You!” He yelled again and just like that, the demon was gone. He noticed the guy closing his eyes and immediately catches him before falling on the floor.
“Pran!” Wai tried waking the guy up, but he continued sleeping.
“I’ll take care of him.” Pat easily carries Pran and brought him in a private room upstairs so he could sleep more. He stayed with him just in case the demon comes back. Wai would come from time to time to check on his friend and then go back down after making sure Pran is okay.
When he placed his forehead against Pran’s, he immediately saw how the demon torments the guy.
“Almost there. The soul’s going to be mine.”
He turned recited some spells and sealed it the best way he can to help Pran even just a little for the meantime.
It’s been a couple of days and he’s worried the spell he cast already wears off, so he needs to check on Pran, besides, after consulting his mom, he already knows he can irradicate the demon at this moment.
“Good news, Pran said he’s okay with us going there.” Korn informed him as soon as he came back in the living room.
Pat then stood. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.” He hurriedly left the house and Korn couldn’t do anything but follow his friend.
--
“Come in.” Wai opened the door widely and Pat can already feel the strong presence of the demon.
“Where’s Pran?” Pat immediately ask.
“In the kitchen.” Pat didn’t wait and navigate his way to the kitchen, and sure enough, Pran was there cooking.
“And tip toe through the tulips with me
Knee deep in the flowers we’ll stray
We’ll keep the showers away
And if I kiss you in the garden..”
“Nice voice.” Pat spoke. Pran stopped singing and only gave him a glance before getting back to what he’s doing. Pat moved closer to Pran to check his complexion. “How are you Pran?”
“I’m okay.” Pran replied, still not looking at him.
Pat hums. “Thank you for allowing us to come on short notice.”
“No problem. Umm, can you wait in the living room? I prefer to cook alone.” Pran said dismissively. Pat’s look lingered on him before nodding, but instead of going back to the living room, he looked around the house instead, touching things here and there. He then proceeds to go inside Pran’s room, but had to step back a bit, the room was surrounded by a very foul smell. Covering his, he went in, still touching everything.
“What are you doing in my room?” Pat looked at Pran who’s standing just by the door. “You’re not allowed in here.”
“Well, you’re not allowed to be in there as well, but there you are.” Pat replied.
“What are you talking about?” Pran frowned.
“You really think you could hide well? When you fucking smell?” Pat mock. “You can all sorts of things, but not your disgusting smell.”
Pat thought that Pran would still act differently, but his demeanour instantly change. Mouth forming into a creepy smile and eyes turning pitch black. “You don’t know my name child.”
“Mana.”
The demon shriek. “I’m not going to be killed by a Jindapat again!” He yelled and attack Pat with the kitchen knife he’s been holding behind him. Pat easily dodged, but the demon kept on charging at him.
“Hey Pat, are you he-” Korn walked in the room, only for the demon to send him flying outside the room. Wai hurriedly rounded the corner, shocked seeing Korn on the floor, head bleeding.
“Korn, are you okay?” Wai asks.
“Y-yes.” Korn replied with a groan before slowly standing up, with the help of Wai. “Pran, something’s wrong with Pran.”
Wai frowned. “Pran did this to you?”
“We need to help Pat, he’s in danger.”
“Pran, I know you can hear me. Fight him.” Pat spoke.
“Shut up!” The demon yelled, managing to graze Pat’s shoulder. “He’s gone. He’s long gone.” The demon then laugh.
The door opened again and the demon went back to acting like Pran. Before Wai or Korn could utter a word, the demon dropped the knife and ran towards Wai.
“Wai, help me!” It said. “He’s trying to hurt me.” The demon then went behind Wai’s back, as if to hide from Pat.
“What did you do to Pran?” Wai asks Pat.
Korn, who was beside him, grabbed Pran by the hand. “Get away from him!”
“Korn, no!” Pat yelled, but it was too late as Korn’s hand was twisted before, once again flew towards the wall, this time knocking him unconscious.
Wai was about to ran to aid Korn, but he froze in place when long, bony fingers wrapped around his neck, a putrid smell filling his nostrils. “Such a sweet, sweet soul.” The demon inhaled. “I want it so bad, but it would take a while breaking you.”
“P-Pran?” Wai called shakily, even though he knows it’s not his friend anymore.
“I’ll come back for you child, and until then, take good care of yourself for me.” He gave Wai a lick on his neck before running out of the room. Pat didn’t waste time and followed the demon to wherever it ran off to.
Wai’s legs turned to jelly and he fell on the floor before he could start breathing normally. He crawled towards his boyfriend and tried waking him up, but Korn is not budging. “You can continue sleeping for now, I need to know what’s going on.” Wai managed to throw a blanket over Korn before making his way out of the apartment. He looked both ways to determine where the two went and when he heard a door closing not far from him, he started sprinting towards the emergency exit and went up the stairs. There’s only one possible destination for the two and it’s the rooftop. He slammed the door open and saw Pran standing on the edge of the building, Pat not far from him.
“Oh my god Pran!” Wai yelled, attempting to move closer when Pat stopped him.
“Don’t.” Pat warned. “That’s not Pran, and one wrong moved could kill your friend.”
Even without explanation, Wai already know what’s going on. Pran telling him about ghosts, or Nat’s spirit in his house, it was easy to connect the dots. He should’ve insisted they go to a shaman, drag Pran to see one even if he’s so against it. But what is Korn’s friend doing? How come he looks like he knows all sorts of stuff?
“We need to ask someone for help.” Wai said.
“I’m the help you need.” Pat replied, even though he already texted his sister for assistance.
“Are you some kind of an exorcist wannabe?” Wai scoffs, but seeing Pat was serious, he frowned. “Are you actually?”
“I’ll answer you questions later.” Pat said, looking at Pran again. “Pran, you’re much stronger than him.”
The demon turned to face the two, a creepy smile plastered on it’s face. “He’s weak. He could no longer fight me, so I will now be taking him.” The demon stepped even more closer to the edge.
“No!” Wai yelled.
“Whatever he showed you! They’re all fabricated.” Pat spoke even louder. “All the memories are yours and yours alone Pran, he just altered it to make you mentally weaker.”
The demon lose control of the body for a minute before replaying the memory he showed Pran again and again and gained control. “You killed Nat Pran, you killed him.”
“Don’t listen to him Pran. You didn’t kill him, he didn’t kill Nat.” Pat countered. “The memory he showed you, there’s a big part missing.” Pat stepped closer. “He didn’t show you how he killed Nat, why do you think that is?”
The demon laugh. “Hahaha! Nat died because of you Pran, he wanted to die deep down because he couldn’t stand how weak and annoying you are. No one likes a needy person! Hahaha!”
“That’s not true.” Wai spoke. “Between you and Nat, he’s more clingy and needy and you know it best Pran.”
The demon stopped laughing and looked at Wai, it’s eyes changing between pitch black and its original colour.
“That’s it Pran. Fight him.” Pat encourage.
“Nat died because of me.” The voice that came out altered from Pran to Mana.
Pat shakes his head. “No he didn’t. Nat’s death was an accident Pran, just that, an accident. You didn’t kill him, this bastard didn’t kill him.”
“What do you mean by that?” Wai asks.
“You…should…just..continue…” The demon struggled. “crying…helplessly…it’s…useless…to fight!”
“Save me.”
“He didn’t show you how he killed Nat, simply because you didn’t have a memory of it.” Pat answered, walking slowly to where Pran is standing. “He couldn’t manipulate a memory you didn’t have in the first place.”
After Pat said that, Pran’s body stopped moving altogether, one eye still pitch black, but the other eye returned back to normal. Pat stepped up and stood in front of Pran, cupping his cheeks. “It’s over now.” He said, referring to the demon. “This time, I’ll make sure you’ll never come back.”
“You can’t-” Pat didn’t let the demon speak more as he lean down and captured Pran’s lips.
“Hey! What kind of exorcism is this?” Wai exclaimed. “Now you’re just taking adva-” Wai stopped midsentence as he noticed black smoke coming out of Pran and into Pat as their lips moved. “Is he seriously sucking that demon out?” He ask no one in particular and gagged.
“Hia! We’re here!” A woman blasted through the door. “HIA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”
Wai just glanced at her before looking at the two again.
“He’s trapping Mana within him.” A man said.
“But he already had Luci! I wanted that demon myself!” The woman whined. “By the way, we saw some random dude crawling up the stairs.”
Wai clicked his tongue. “Who cares about a random dude.” He said in annoyance before looking at the new arrivals fully. His eyes widens as he looked at who the random dude was. “That’s my boyfriend!” He exclaimed before running to Korn, who gave him a small smile. “Are you okay? Where does it hurt?”
Korn groaned. “I’m managing, by the way, what are they doing?” He asks, point at Pat and Pran.
Wai looked back at the two again and rolled his eyes when he notices his friend clinging to Pat for dear life as they continue to kiss. “Now they’re just enjoying themselves.”
Pat and Pran reluctantly pulled away from each other before they moved away from the edge. Pat gently tap Pran’s back, making the latter heave before throwing up a dark liquid.
“Let it all out.” Pat said as he continue to tap Pran’s back, he only stopped when nothing comes out anymore. The woman hurriedly ran towards Pran and made him drink some kind of water before hitting her brother’s shoulder.
“Selfish!” She exclaimed. “I told you I wanted Mana!”
“Ow! I’m sorry, I was running out of time.” He reasoned.
“Lies! You just wanted an excuse to kiss him! Shame on you.” She said and hit him again. Pat hurriedly ran back inside the building, his sister hot on his tail, leaving their cousin to help the three.
An hour later…
“Everything’s all good.” The woman, who introduced herself as Paa, spoke. “Hia, you need to come home, we need to purify you again.”
“I’ll be right behind you Paa, thank you for coming.” Pat said, kissing his sister’s head.
“Always.” She smiled. “Don’t be long.”
He watched his sister and cousin leave the apartment before looking back at Pran again. “You should take a week’s rest.” He spoke. “Eat lots of food and all sorts of stuff that could help you regain your strength.”
“Thank you.” Pran finally spoke. “Thank you so much for saving me. I owe you my life.”
Pat chuckles. “That’s too much, but no problem.” He then looked at his friend. “Korn, dude. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Fuck you man! I got thrown twice.” Korn groaned making him and Wai laugh.
“Just stay still. Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” Wai asks.
“Not now, maybe later.” Korn replied.
“Right, I better get going.” Pat said and looked at Pran again. “See you soon I guess.”
“How can I repay you?” Pran asks, grabbing his hand.
“You can buy me coffee when you get better.” Pat smiled cheekily.
“Just coffee?” Pran asks, eyes glinting.
“Hmm, let’s see.” Pat act as if he’s thinking. “Well, maybe we can get breakfast, and the some lunch, then coffee and end it with dinner, I guess.” He winks. “Let’s throw in some midnight snack too.”
“Just for one day?” Pran smiles.
“Is this flirting? Are they flirting?” Wai asks, and only got a groan as a reply. “They are flirting. That’s disgusting.”
“For the rest of our lives if it’s possible.” Pat replied, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
“We can discuss that over breakfast next week.” Pran said before turning his back on Pat to hide his wide smile even though Pat can already tell.
“Looking forward to it Pran.”
The End