Chapter Text
" ' Hey, did you know? This school has seven mysteries. If you learn the truth behind all seven of them ' something will happen ' they say ' "
" ' You don't know any of them? Okay, i'll tell you just one. The most famous story. No.7 of the Seven Mysteries, Vincent-San Of The Toilet ' "
Ingo peered into the girls bathroom, a little nervous at first
" ' In the third stall from the end of the girl's bathroom on the third floor of the old building... You'll find Vincent-San. They will grant one wish to anyone who summons their spirit. But in exchange, that person will have to give up something precious. To summon the ghost, you knock three times. ' "
Ingo cautiously walked over to the third stall, her hand shaking slightly before knocking " ' Vincent-San , Vincent-San . Are you there..? ' " Ingo pleaded, all he got in reply was a creek of a door. That was, until a voice rung out " ' Yesss! I'm here!! ' " It said, which startled Ingo before she looked back to only see the stall had opened, nobody there. oh good, I just imagined it! he thought, before a hand was placed on his shoulder, that voice once again speaking
" ' Over here.. ' " In which, Ingo swiftly turned around and put his hands up defensively " ' Noooo...!!! ' " he exclaimed, but her hands phased through the mysterious person's body, which practically terrified Ingo, causing him to duck down and shield himself
" ' pfft...hehehehe...ahahahahaa!!! ' "
that's a boy's voice..?! Ingo thought, before she could say anything, the male ducked down next to her
" ' Are you okay? ' " He asked, tilting his head slightly. But in reply, Ingo yelped and jumped back before speaking up again "' A see-through body..Ghostly orbs, A really old uniform..Horns and a tail..Y-you're..- ' "
" ' I'm a supernatural. No.7 of the School Mysteries ' Vincent-San Of The Toilet ' . Nice to meet you ! ' " Vincent said, grinning slightly
" ' You're Vincent-San!? N...No way! Where's your bob haircut and red skirt? And you're a boy! ' " Ingo argued, wish an accusing tone, but Vincent didn't seem bothered
" ' That stuff's just not in style anymore. You can call me Vincent-Kun if you want ' " He replied, his grin turning into an awkward smile
" ' Supernatural phenomena follow trends!? ' " Ingo exclaimed
" ' Yes I am a boy. But other than my gender, all the rumours you heard were true. For the right price, I will grant the wish of whoever summons me. You have a wish, don't you? So lets hear it. What do you want? ' " Vincent explained, giving Ingo room to answer
" ' And you're sure...You're not just some pervy creeper ghost? ' " Ingo asked, cautiously just to keep safe " ' Forget it.. Goodbye ' " Vincent said, slowly floating back to the stall " ' No! I was kidding! I think a boy Vincent-San is totally awesome! ' " Ingo blurted out, sweating a little " ' awesome...Okay, tell me your name and wish! I'm ready! ' "
He's surprisingly simple.. Ingo thought before speaking up " ' Yes sir! Kanashii Ingo from class 1-A of the high-school division! I want my crush to fall in love with me immediently! ' " She said proudly
" ' Ingo. Got it and your wish is romantic fulfilment.. and the other party's name? ' " Vincent asked " ' Minamoto-senpai . He's a second year ! He's handsome, smart...and nice to everyone. He's just amazing. He's the prince of the whole school! ' " Ingo rambled on, showing Vincent a picture too
" ' Got it. I'll grant your wish ' " Vincent then went through his pockets " ' Yay! So, how do you grant wishes Vincent-San? Do you have,like, special items or something? ' " Ingo asked, earger for his wish to be granted " ' I sure do. I have something incredible' " Vincent replied, still going through his pockets " ' Incredible!? ' " Ingo repeated, expecting something big. Vincent finally retrieved what he had wanted and held it out to Ingo " ' here ' " . It was a how to book on ask-out strategies " ' Now, now.. I think you already know this... but when you seek help from a supernatural being like me, you have to pay a suitable price ' " Vincent explained, leaning onto the window near the third stall. " ' If you want powers beyond human understanding, the price is going to be much greater. So we use this, which is much safer! ' " He added, still holding the book " ' But... what if i want those powers anyway? ' " Ingo replied, nervous but some confidence underneath " ' Well thennn... I don't have any magic items sorry! ' " Vincent replied bluntly " ' What!?? ' " Ingo exclaimed Is this really going to work? Vincent-San is a wish granting ghost, he must have granted tons of love wishes before I came along! She then thought, keeping her hopes up " ' let's see here... Method 78 . Make use of your special skills.. Do you have any special skills Ingo? ' "
Not too long later, the two end up in the School's garden. " ' It's a field! ' " Vincent observed, but Ingo was quick to correct him. " ' It's our school's practise garden! But, we aren't an agricultural school so it's small.. ' " he explained, tying his hair up to keep it out of her face. " ' Is this your special skill, Ingo? ' " Vincent then asked, peering over. " ' I'm in the gardening club. My special skill is plowing dirt! ' " Ingo declared, grabbing a ho. " ' ... dirt..? ' " Vincent questioned, his face filled with judgement and confusion. " ' What's with the face!? I grow flowers it's very feminine okay!? ' " Ingo yelled, but soon his anger subsided to something more solemn " ' ... But I guess..It really isn't very cute.. I started gardening because a boy I used to have a crush on said he liked feminine girls..I took up sewing and cooking too. I decided to tell him how I feel after I mastered all three.. ' " she said, her eyes drifting off as she leaned on the tool. " ' How long did you like this boy? ' " Vincent asked, genuinely curious about it. " ' From the moment I got into the middle school division. I confessed my love one month ago. It took me three years. But... ' "
" ' Huh? You love me? Who are you? Gross.. Besides you're so not my type. I mean, look at those chunky radish legs ' "
" ' But that was a whole month ago!! It totally doesn't bother me anymore!! ' " She then exclaimed, covering her face in embarrassment. Vincent didn't really believe what Ingo said about being unbothered by what happened " ' It does bother you, doesn't it? ' " He asked, but to no avail.. " ' No it does not!! ' " was the answer he got.. " ' I mean, I'm all about Minamoto-Senpai now. I'm going to date an amazing guy like senpai... and make that jerk see what he's missing!! ' " Ingo tried to cover it up, wafting his hand slightly. " ' hmmm... so in other words, you'll take anyone, huh? ' " Vincent asked, his smile returning again " ' O-Of course I won't!! Come on Vincent-San, don't be silly! ' " Ingo argued against, an awkward smile on her face but once again, Vincent refused to believe it " ' So you say, but I'm guessing you don't know much about this senpai of yours. ' " he stated, pointing fingers at Ingo, who replied with " ' Of course I do! ' "
" ' Then what's his given name? ' "
...
" ' hey, there's a bug..I'll keep it to feed it to the koi.. ' " Ingo finally said, dodging the question, which ticked off Vincent a little. " ' Ingo.. for crying out loud.. ' " He said before digging into his uniform and pulling out a note card, handing it to Ingo " ' Here.. ' " ... " ' A note card? ' " Ingo asked Why would he be carrying these? " ' You're gonna give something you made to your senpai. I call it, operation preseeeentttt!!! ' " Vincent explained, although Ingo was slightly off put Not very creative... he thought before saying " ' But I tried that before... ' " Ingo's voice came off more disappointed than happy " ' It might not turn out the same way. You wont know till you try! I'm betting you don't know that much about this guy anyway.. You have a skill, so you might as well use it, right? You worked really hard to get to this point... ' " Vincent explained, giving Ingo a soft smile, hoping to put some hope into her " ' Okay! I'll do my best! ' " she replied, clearly Vincent's motivation worked But I feel like it's too soon to confess my love, so...Maybe I'll just thank him for picking up my pencil case. He thought to himself, before Vincent asked " ' So.. What are you making here, Ingo? ' " eager to know, but he had no idea that it would be the least he expected " ' That. ' " Ingo replied, pointing at an area in the practise garden
It was the next day when Minamoto had gotten the thank you gift. " ' Minamoto! ' " A classmate of his called out " ' Mornin', is something wrong? ' " He asked, keeping his tone polite " ' Yeah, it's creepy, look ! On your desk... ' " in which, Minamoto spotted it, a note card with Thank You For The Other Day ! written on it and summer vegetables sat on the desk. " ' did you help a fox or something? ' " another classmate asked, which Minamoto replied with " ' ..No... ' "
Outside the classroom, Ingo and Vincent peered inside, hearing into what was happening. To no avail, Ingo was disappointed with Minamoto's reaction " ' It's turned into an unsolved mystery...! ' " He panicked, worry on his face " ' I think that was pretty good actually. It had an element of surprise! ' " .. " ' This is not 'good'! From the second he thought I was repaying a kindness, it wasn't good!! I mean I know I said thank you in my message but.... UUGHHHH..!!! ' " He whined, tearing up a little " ' I can't take it anymore... I'm quitting gardening... ' " She finally said, defeat evident in his voice " ' Now, now... let's not be hasty. You have other skills. Let's change gears! ' "
So I pumped myself up, but...
Operation Button Of Love
" ' I found my chance, and took it! Sew it on for him and raise your affinity level! ' " Vincent had explained to Ingo before letting him go free. "' Um, Minamoto-Senpa- ' " " ' Oh, Minamoto-Kun! You lost a button ' " Someone cut Ingo off and got to Minamoto first " ' You're right, I wonder when that came off... ' " soon, a cluster of people came around Minamoto " ' Use my button! ' " " ' Mine too! ' " " ' No, mine! ' " " ' I will be Minamoto-Kun's button!!! ' " ... chaos... just.. chaos
Operation Lunch Box
" ' Use those summer vegetables to make him lunch! And it would be boring to just make an ordinary lunch, so let's do a character bento! ' "
It took some time but, soon a bento was set on Minamoto's desk! Although there was no note this time
" ' Oh! Is that from a girl? You lucky dog. ' " A classmate sat infront of Minamoto said, snickering slightly. Minamoto opened the lunch box, off put by the unnerving look of the food.. " ' I think someone dropped it.. I'll take it back to lost and found.. ' " Minamoto said, walking out of the classroom. Ingo obviously took this to heart " ' I went overboard!!! ' "
FAIL!
Operation Corner Of Love!
" ' When I give the signal, you jump out from behind this corner. ' Now! ' will be the signa.. ' " ... yeah, didn't go to plan, again...
FAIL!
" ' Ughhh.. This is hopeless! And the last one had nothing to do with my skills... ' " Ingo said, looking into one of the mirrors back in the girls bathroom, clearly the last operation hurt quite a bit.. " ' Ehehehe.. ' " was all Vincent replied with. " ' Don't 'ehehehe' me! Besides, I think we're being a bit too indirect.. There must be a faster way. ' " Ingo stated, clearly she can't stay angry at Vincent-San for long.. " ' hmmm.. Okay then, why don't you tell him you like him? ' " He came up with, floating upside down above Ingo's head. " ' Tell h- I CAN'T DO THAT!? ' " Ingo exclaimed, shocked at such an idea but Vincent didn't exactly seem surprised at her shock " ' Well, I'm a beginner too here.. That's the only other idea I can think of.. ' " he said bluntly, shrugging. " ' A beg- BEGINNER!? ' " ...shocking... " ' wellll you know, there aren't many people who summon me and not many people can.. ' " Vincent explained, still floating around " ' I thought there was something fishy about this! You're supposed to be a ghost but you keep pulling out these every-day items, and your methods are so wholesome! ' " Ingo rambled on, clearly mad once more. " ' That's me, Wholesome Vincent-San! ' " .. " ' No, you're just a beginner!! ' " Seems like this day will never end... " ' I have some not so-wholesome items too!! ' " Vincent said in a panic, ransacking his pockets for anything in which he pulled out a doll " ' Here. ' " he said, handing it over to Ingo. " ' What is this..? ' " She replied back, extremely confused.. " ' A Kokeshi doll ' " Vincent stated but Ingo wasn't exactly happy with that answer " ' And...? ' " " ' It's kinda suggestive.. ' " He added, a seductive tone taking over and in reply, Ingo straight up threw the doll out of the window.. I really thought my wish would come true... Ingo thought, failure sweeping over him. That was, until he noticed a small bag on the floor Did Vincent-San drop these..? She thought picking the bag up, opening it and grabbing what seems to be a scale out of it. " ' Vincent-San, what's this..? ' " He asked, Vincent turned around and said " ' That's a match-making- ' " but was cut off " ' Matchmaking!? ' " Ingo repeated, immediately hooked onto this idea but Vincent was the complete opposite " ' No Ingo, not that! Give it back..! ' " which what Vincent got in reply was very worrying, Ingo put the scale into his mouth and muffled " ' Tell me how it works! ' " Vincent panicked for a moment before explaining " ' Those are mermaid scales, if two people swallow a scale from the same mermaid...They will be placed under a dreadful curse but also an extremely powerful bonddd!! ' " and at that, Ingo swallowed the scale. " ' INGOO..! I told you not to swallow it you'll be cursed! ' " He worried, pacing around Ingo " ' I don't care.. If it means me and Minamoto-Senpai can be together, then I don't care if i'm cursed! ' " Ingo belted, before continuing " ' You DID have a magic item.. You're a liar Vincent-San! ' " which at that, Ingo ran off..Bringing the mermaid scales with him.. Leaving Vincent
Ingo soon found Minamoto-Senpai in a secluded area, but what he didn't expect was another girl to already be there with him.. Don't tell me..! She thought as she overheard the conversation
" ' Minamoto-Kun.. I... I've always loved you since our first year..! ' " The girl had said, all her courage built up in that sentence.. But the reply she got was disappointing at best
" ' uhh... Sorry.. I'm in love with someone else. I have been for a long time, and I just can't.. be with anyone else.. So, I'm sorry ' "
Minamoto-Senpai is in love with someone else..? But if I have this...Then it won't matter Ingo thought to himself, clenching the scale in his hands.. but soon, fish-like scales began to appear on his body, then.. It was if she fell into an endless sea of guilt.
Why.
Why is this happening to me..?
I..I worked so hard..
No.. I didn't
I hardly even talked to him..
I never even bothered to get him to learn my name
I worked hard he says.. At what..?
I put all my effort into the wrong thing, thinking it would work out
I even turned to a supernatural for help...I only ever think of myself...
I did this to myself.
All. Of. It
" ' Found you ! ' "
Is this... Water..?
" ' Boy that was close, any longer and you would have dried out! ' "
I can breathe..? Vincent-San?
" ' I got everything you need, Ingo. I hope you like it! ' "
What is this..? What happened to me!?
" ' Ta-daaa!!! ' " Vincent-San soon faced the mirror, holding a fish tank which inside, held Ingo... as a.. Fish?
" ' WHATT..!? ' " was all Ingo could say through his shock, beginning to swim around in panic. " ' Yayyy!! He likes it! ' " was what Vincent said in reply, as if he was mocking ingo's situation almost.. " ' No I do not!! ' " Ingo argued back, but to no avail, Vincent somehow won always won.. " ' I told you didn't I? That it comes with a price.. You have been placed under the mermaids curse.. and fish are servants to the mermaid, which explains your current form, if you had gotten Minamoto-Senpai to swallow a scale, the affect would have been less harsh.. But you'd be somewhat fish-like! So... Why didn't you use the scale..? ' " Vincent rambled on, then raising an eyebrow and giving Ingo room to reply
" ' I never loved Minamoto-Senpai.. not even close to love, I just realised I was only ever thinking for myself and that I was using him.. What you said was true, Vincent-San. I would take anyone to be a couple with.. That was my real wish! I'm the worsttt.. ' " Ingo whined, but seems like a visitor has arrived
" ' Well, well well... Humans are such foolish creatures, But rejoice little girl! You are now my slave, I'll treat you well... ' " An ominous voice rung out, Vincent guarded Ingo away and said " ' So.. You're finally here... Mermaid.. ' " definitely not happy to see her out of all supernaturals " ' Eep!! A fish with a human face..!! ' " Ingo exclaimed, jumping back in the water slightly. " ' It's the mermaid, she's come to collect her new servant, but I won't allow that.. ' " Vincent explained, taking a step forward to the Mermiad, which she wasn't happy with " ' You're in the way brat.. You're feeble and I am more than a thousand years old!! A mere school ghost has no chance of beating me! Come with me now... ! ' " It said, lurking around Ingo, waiting for the right chance " ' Wait a minute... I still haven't even granted her a wish yet. Before you take her away, mind letting me do that first? ' " Vincent asked, seemingly polite.. although the answer he got was what he wouldn't have hoped for " ' Quiet! I will not have you order me around you petty school mystery! ' " The mermaid screeched, Ingo in it's grasp. Vincent sighed " ' Is that so? Then I guess i'll have to restort to violence... ' " He said ominously, before pulling out an old fashioned knife, and slicing the mermaid open. Sending her back to her realm, but not so quietly.. went down with a few screams and screeches..
Ingo was caught by Vincent after the Mermaid had dropped him. " ' Gotcha! Well, the mermaids gone, however. It looked really stubborn so we most likely haven't seen the last of her.. We did manage to buy some time though ' " He suspected, setting Ingo down. " ' What's gonna happen Vincent-San? Is that Mermaid gonna kidnap me? I-If I didn't make that wish.. ' " Ingo muttered, tearing up a little.. " ' You're not getting out of this by crying. This is what happens when you get involved with the supernatural. I did try and stop you from using it, but you did anyway. You little dummy! ' " Vincent smirked, poking at Ingo a little " ' However, your Senpai didn't swallow the other scale. Which means I can still grant you a wish. Do you wish to be human again? Should you make that wish, I'd grant it! For a price of course.. ' " He then added, holding the mermaid scale in his hand. " ' W-what's the price..? ' " Ingo asked, slipping over his words. " ' No idea. But you would atleast live a fairly normal life still. What do you think? ' " Vincent replied, raising an eyebrow " ' C-Change me back, please! I'll do anything! Make me human again! Please, Vincent-San! ' " Ingo begged, plead filling his eyes in which Vincent smiled at that, flicking the mermaid scale " ' That's what I wanted to hear.. Alright then! You'll pay for this with your body.. ' " He said, swallowing the scale and soon, Ingo was back to normal, although there were a few changes.. " ' now... our fates are tied together. Across the world of the living and the dead. I'll make it so the curse is split between us. In return, I will be taking your.. Hard labour. ' " which Ingo wasn't so pleased with " ' What? ' " She asked, dumbfounded. " ' Well, it looks like that all ends well! I was looking for a human secretary too! What's this? Did you perhaps take it the wrong way, Ingooo? You dirty little radish you- ' " He was cut off by Ingo quickly punching him. " ' Huh..? I touched you, Vincent-San.. ' " Ingo inquired, looking down at his hands and over to Vincent " ' I told you didn't I? Our fates are bound together. So treat me with kindness atleast..? I granted you two wishes after all.. ' " Vincent explained, wincing slightly " ' Two..? ' " Ingo repeated, tilting her head. " ' 'Change me back into a human' and 'Anyone would be fine aslong as i'm with someone'. Wasn't that what you truly wanted? ' " Vincent asked, getting up and interlocking hands with Ingo " ' Isn't that the same as being bond with someone? ' " He then added
And That's how I met Vincent-San...
Inside a dimly lit classroom dyed crimson from the setting sun. I met a mysterious boy who was truly not from this world..