Chapter Text
In most stories, people always describe ghosts as beings who are ‘clear’ or ‘transparent’. To Gyuvin, he can’t even tell the difference between ghosts and humans. Ghosts aren’t transparent in any way. Physically, they look like any ordinary human. That is, until they walk through you. That’s when you know they’re indeed a ghost.
It’s almost creepy how much Gyuvin can’t tell them apart; it disgusts him. The supernatural are nothing but a bunch of clingy children; the second they know that somebody can see them. Gyuvin clenches his jaw as he does his last long pass to the wall with a bit of extra power this time.
"Gyuvin, it's time to go now!" someone taps him on the shoulder. He physically jumps, not expecting that.
Gyuvin takes off his headphones and lets him rest around his neck, looking back on his underclassmen, Yujin, and giving him a warm smile. Seeing his precious baby made him forget about all the icky supernatural stuff he was previously thinking about.
"Of course, Yujinie, just give me a moment, will you?"
Yujin groans, "Well, just hurry up, will you?" he gives the puppy-like boy an irritated look. Gyuvin laughs, thinking how cute his junior looks.
'Just like a baby,' he snickers mentally. The older picks up his ball and is now face-to-face with the younger. "Oh, and also, mind if you could accompany me to the bathroom, I really need to pee!" Gyuvin whines.
Yujin sours. "Dude! Do you have separation anxiety or something? Go yourself!"
Gyuvin rolls his eyes playfully, snickering at his baby. "Well, suit yourself, the school's scary, and wouldn't you like to protect your most favorite captain?" he bats his eyelashes and pouts.
The younger clicks his tongue as a no. As the boy in front of him becomes a blur, the senior looks closely at the two boys who are still playing with their ball, even though most of the team has left for the locker room already.
"Oi! It's time to go back, you two!" Gyuvin shouts out, loud enough so the two could hear him clearly. Yujin looks back, then turns his head towards Gyuvin once more.
"Um, Hyung?"
"Yes, Yujinie?"
"There's no one there?"
Well isn't just great. "Oh my bad, sorry, I think every hour of practice makes me a tiny bit woozy, ya know?" he tries to play off.
"I guess so, yeah." Yujin gives off a shy smile.
He should’ve known those two were stupid ghosts. He didn't recognize them on the team, but they looked so human, he was so sure. Now he just looks crazy; he wonders if someone out there has this burden as well.
Knowing you are never truly alone.
"Well, weren't you the one crying about me not hurrying up? Let's go already!" The puppy-like boy walks ahead.
Yujin huffs. "Alright, alright!"
Damn, he really needs a good night's sleep after this. Screw all of his homework and exams; he should be studying for. It’s always ghosts, these ghosts that. Well, it's not his fault, okay? Yes, maybe people think that Gyuvin might just be a little crazy, but honestly, who isn't?
After some time spent putting away all their equipment, as Gyuvin said before, he really needs to go take a leak. The boy was NOT joking when he said that he finds the school to be quite scary, especially with all the clubs leaving now that their practices have ended. So now Gyuvin is one of the few people left. PEOPLE. Not ghosts. He can already feel the energy around the school now that there aren't a lot of people.
Just gotta fake it till you make it. I do not want some clingy ghosts following me home once it realizes I can see them. JUST PRETEND YOU CAN'T SEE THEM GYUVIN. He mentally slaps himself.
The walk to the bathroom wasn't as bad as he thought it would be, but he couldn't shake off the weird energy that he felt. Probably the ghosts messing with him again, they sure like to play tricks on the innocent, don't they?
As dozens of supernaturals go through the young athlete by the minute, it starts to irritate Gyuvin. But causing a scene would only make things worse, so he forces a blank expression and moves forward.
Geez, can’t a guy piss in peace?
The more he walks, the more it’s like the energy is getting stronger and thicker. It's getting harder to ignore. No, seriously, where is the bathroom, and WHY is it taking him this long to find one?
As soon as he lays his eyes on the ‘Boys’ sign, he sprints, as if there is no tomorrow. Then, to be met with disappointment once he realizes the bathroom is locked.
“GAH, just my luck.” Gyuvin drops down on the floor
Well, so much for taking a leak… It’s whatever, I guess I’ll just have to run home so I don’t pee my pants.
From the corner of his eye, he notices a pair of black shoes next to him. He looks up to get a better look.
On his side is a boy with jet black hair, looking down on him with an unreadable expression.
Tch… What's this guy's deal?
“Um, may I help you?”
The boy flinches slightly, his previously unreadable expression now turned into one of surprise.
The black-haired boy clears his throat. “Well, out of both of us, it looks like the only one in need of help is you.”
Gyuvin realizes the position he's in and quickly gets red. He gets up to meet face-to-face with the boy now in front of him. "Well, so what if I do? I really need to go to the bathroom, but it's LOCKED. So now I have to hold it in until I get home." He points his finger at the restroom door, tears threatening to come out.
"Well, I guess you might as well try not to pee your pants, this is the only guy's bathroom in the locker room," the other shrugs.
Gyuvin tightens his fists, but forces a strained smile. "Well, don't you think I already KNOW that?" his fists lighten up as he realizes something. What even is this guy doing here? He doesn't seem to be here for any sports activities, and that's usually why most people are in the locker room after school hours.
The young athlete takes a good look at the black-haired boy's attire, it was just the standard uniform, though it does look a bit old. "Hey, so, what's your name? I have a feeling I've seen you from somewhere, but then again, you do have that model type look. Are you in magazines?"
"Well, first of all, my name is Shen Ricky. No, I don't model," Ricky rolls his eyes as he grimaces.
"Okay, GEEZ, just thought I would ask..." Gyuvin mocks. "Anywho, thanks for nothing, Ricky. I'll be going home now. See you!" Gyuvin goes on to put his hand on Ricky's shoulder as a friendly gesture to make up for his sour mood.
But his hand goes straight through it.
His heart skips a beat. Gyuvin looks at the palm of his hand and looks up at Ricky a little before scowling at him.
Great, ANOTHER stupid supernatural messing around again. Why didn’t I get the ability to exorcise them as well? I mean, that totally does not make sense. If I can see them, shouldn’t I be able to exorcise them as well?
Gyuvin runs his hand through his hair and faces his back towards the ghosts and storms off. His back does not care if the supernatural has a slight frown on his face.
Gyuvin's forehead is pressed down against the cool desk, resting his eyes, he really needs a nap right about now. It's been about a week since he met that ghost 'Shen Ricky.' He normally doesn't care even to remember the faces of the ghosts he meets, but he doesn't know why Ricky is so different.
Get that stupid supernatural out of your head, Gyub. Although it doesn't make sense, he does look very similar. You know what, maybe he was a model, and he was too embarrassed to admit it. Yeah, that's probably it.
He feels a brush, scratching his scalp in the most satisfying way ever. It takes him back when he was just a little boy, and his mom was brushing his hair. Man, those were the days. He lets out a sigh of pleasure.
"So, I'm taking it as a sign that you like that?" Seungeon giggles as he continues to softly brush Gyuvin's hair.
Gyuvin closes his eyes, feeling tired. "Yeah, just like that." he has a goofy grin plastered on his face, but he doesn't care, he loves moments like this, where he doesn't have to think about anything.
”Oh yeah, I noticed that you haven’t checked the group chat, but Gunwook and I were wondering if you wanted to come with us to the new cat cafe that recently opened up!” Seungeon chirps
The other nods. It has been a while since the three of them hung out, so Gyuvin likes to take any chance of spending time with his best friends when the opportunity is given.
”Of course! It’s perfect, I don’t have practice after school, so how about then?”
Seungeon smiles softly. “Mhm, we’ll tell Wookie when he stops by!”
Gyuvin raises his eyebrows. “Now that I think about it, where is Gunwookie?”
The athlete's best friend shrugged his shoulder with a frown on his face. “I’m pretty sure he has a meeting with the student council, but he’s coming, that’s for sure.”
Gyuvin nods and puts on a proud grin. “Our Gunwookie is so hardworking!”
”Why are you guys talking about me?”
The two boys jump out of their seats and stare at the giant in front of them.
”HEY! I thought you were at your meeting!” Gyuvin pouts, still clenching his shirt, heart racing.
Gunwook laughs, showing off his gummy-like smile. “It ended a while ago,” he shoves a plastic bag in Gyuvin’s face. “The reason why I took so long is to get us snacks!”
Gyuvin snatches the bag from the younger boy and digs in to shove a chocolate bar in front of the other's face. “Looks like this choco bar is calling my name!” he smirks.
Gunwook furrows his eyebrows and frowns. “NO! I’m not sharing it, and that’s that,” he snatches the bar from the other.
Gyuvin takes a step back. “Well, damn it’s all yours.”
The younger pulls in a nearby chair. “So did Seungeon tell you about the Cat Cafe that just opened up?”
“Yeah, we were just talking about that! We said we should go after school since I don’t have practice!" Gyuvin clasps his hands.
Seungeon bursts out laughing. “Geez, you hate practice that much?”
Gyuvin takes a sip out of the mango milk. “Well, not really, but it’s been so LONG since I’ve hung out with you guys! I’ve missed you guys!”
Gunwook lightly pushes him. “Come on, don’t start with that sentimental stuff again!”
Lunch goes on pretty quickly, like the saying goes, time does fly by when you are having fun. After their break ends, Gunwook goes back to his respective class, and Seungeon and Gyuvin prepare themselves for their next subject.
Their English teacher goes on with his lesson, the lesson itself is pretty boring, but Gyuvin is pretty confident about English, which is probably his strongest subject. He has to thank his parents for sending him to an English-only kindergarten.
He zones out and looks at the hallway, trying to find anything to cure his boredom. Until he sees a familiar head of black hair roaming around the halls. He almost felt his eyes pop out.
“WHAT?”
He didn’t realize he said that out loud, so he quickly covered his mouth and looked at the teacher. “I’m so sorry, but may I go to the restroom? I don’t think I feel good…”
The teacher looks confused as he gives him his approval, Gyuvin quickly runs out of the classroom.
When he steps outside, he has already lost sight of the ghost. Gyuvin looks left and right, trying to spot that old uniform. But, no luck. He felt the urge to bang his head against a wall and die right then and there.
Why do I care so much? I just saw that dude and nothing more…
Before he even realizes it, his legs run along the hallway as if they have a mind of their own. Why. Why.
Why am I so attracted to you? You’re just some dumb supernatural that so happens to be good-looking. Ever since that day… he just looks so familiar. Even when I tried to play it off with the model comment.
He runs up to the second floor of the school, almost tripping over himself because of how little he is thinking. Gyuvin eventually reaches the door to the rooftop, and he swore he almost broke the door by how hard he slammed it.
He pants, catching his breath, leaning against the open door. He takes a few beats to rest, until forcing him to walk again.
There he is.
The ghost is standing there near a bench, looking down upon the campus, his face is blank. The soft current of air glides through his hair. Just like fate, he looks back and sees Gyuvin.
Gyuvin’s eyes widen as he takes a step closer to him, not sure what to say. He awkwardly looks around and puts his hand on his neck, just trying to distract himself.
Ricky’s eyelids rest halfway. “You again. Is there something you need?”
Gyuvin slightly flinches, half-expecting to get called out but also embarrassed that he indeed did get called out.
“Um, nothing really…” he pauses, red creeping up on his ears. “I…” he almost chokes.
Ricky raises his eyebrows, clearly getting impatient. “Any slower?” he mocks. Gyuvin furrows his brows at the supernatural's taunt.
“I just wanted to talk to you, okay? Happy now?” Gyuvin bites back.
“Well, you already are, aren’t you?” Ricky spits out, looking a bit annoyed with the other. “Okay, yeah, but there is something I wanted to talk to you about.” Gyuvin shakingly says.
Gyuvin tries to form his sentences in his head before he yet again embarrasses himself in front of the other. “Why are you still here?” he looks down.
Ricky’s eyes widen a bit before reclaiming his composure. “Come again?” he asks.
"Why do you choose to spend your afterlife here? Is there some regret that's holding you back? Maybe missing a loved one? Why. ANSWER ME NOW PLEASE." Gyuvin doesn't dare to look up. Not ready to face the supernatural with his sudden question. Come on now, the two of them held one conversation, and it was near a bathroom, and by the end of it, the 'normal' looking guy turned out to be dead.
It’s silent for a good 3 minutes. Ricky seemed to be thinking about his answer, and Gyuvin was having a staring contest with the ground.
Ugh, me and my dumb mouth, why did I even come all this way in the first place? Oh, who am I kidding? I know the answer to that. Well. Maybe.
"Cause I never got to redye my hair back to blonde."
Gyuvin looks back up, clenching his jaw. "What now?" There is no way in hell this guy is being serious. Right?
"What? You asked, and I answered. Just like you asked." Ricky frowns.
Oh, so he was being for real.
“There’s no way in hell THAT’S your reason why you’re still roaming these halls.”
Ricky shrugs and sighs. “Well, it is get it? When I used to attend here, I would always get scolded for my dyed hair, so I was basically forced to dye it black. But when I decided I no longer cared about the scolding, soon enough I died and never got to go back to my natural hair color,” he mourns, like losing a treasure.
Unable to believe this, Gyuvin slams both hands on his face. His fingers tensing as they slide down his nose and cheeks.
Looks like he was right. What was the point of coming here?
Gyuvin groans. “Whatever, looks like I came here for no reason.”
“Now wait just a second.” The supernatural stops the living boy. “So, why are you so interested in me? I mean, I don’t blame you. It’s not every day you face such a handsome face like mine, but it does bring curiosity.”
Gyuvin rolls his eyes and groans. "Oh, please, flatter yourself all you want," he barks. "Do what you want, continue with your mysterious stance, or whatever. I'M LEAVING." He turns his back and marches his way out, muttering lines like. Stupid ghost, if I could punch him, I would, and who does he think he is?
Met with concerns by Seungeon, it took a while to convince him that Gyuvin was alright. Which is in fact TRUE, cause he is doing just fine. Well, others would object, but who cares what other people think nowadays?
The rest of the day was quite a bore, and as much as Gyuvin hates to admit it, the only really interesting part of the school day was his interaction with Shen Ricky, admitting that makes him want to smash his head so far into the ground. But, no more thinking about the brat of a supernatural, it's time to go see little kitties with his bestest of friends, Seungeon and Gunwook!
Once the trio arrives at the cafe, about 5 kitties come up to them, nudging their ankles, begging for attention. And of course they give in, cause who wouldn't? Just look at those innocent big eyes! They could do no wrong!
They sat down on the floor, letting the kitties approach and cuddle them. In particular, a calico kitty that seems to be more on the quiet side took a liking to Gyuvin. As the kitty sat in his lap, Gyuvin mindlessly petted it. In a way, Gyuvin sees himself in animals. He has gotten quite a few comparisons to puppies (which he DISAGREES with; he obviously is more like Bambi, but that's an argument for another time.)
It is said that because animals have incredible sensory abilities that allow them to react to supernatural activity. So technically speaking, no. They can't see ghosts or at least he thinks so; it's nice not being the only one able to notice stuff others can't. Which is why he loves his very own pet, Eumpappa.
He notices the calico reacting to something, and it looks around to see what it could be sensing. It doesn't help that there is no real difference between humans and the supernatural, so Gyuvin is quite useless in this situation. "Where are you sensing that energy from, Kitty?" he asks softly.
The calico found the sense it was looking for, in the form of a young boy who looked to be about five or six years old. The little boy is crouched down, admiring the kitties from afar.
Ah, so it must be him. The one that the kitty sensed.
Gyuvin doesn’t usually willingly interact with ghosts when he knows they are in fact ghosts. But kids have always had a soft spot for Gyuvin, especially knowing this little boy died so young. Man, Gyuvin is trying not to cry even thinking about that. Gyuvin must make an expectation for this little guy.
As the calico approached the young boy, he looked a bit shocked to see it. "H-huh...? Mr. Kitty, you can... see me? Not even my own Mama can..." The boy starts to sniffle, tears threatening to fall out.
Fuck, now I really want to start balling my eyes out now.
Gyuvin slowly walks up to the young boy, careful not to alert him. He crouches down right behind the calico. “Kitties like this fella are very special, you know? They notice stuff a normal person doesn’t, which makes them very smart.”
The little boy looks up at the older with his swollen eyes. “Mister… you can see me?” he says with hope in his tone.
Gyuvin hesitantly nods. “Yes. Just like this kitty, I am one of those people who are very smart,” he playfully winks
The little boy chuckles, wiping off his tears with his long sleeve. “This is the first time in a while that I have been able to talk to someone…” he frowns a bit. “Why is everyone ignoring me…”
If Gyuvin could, he would give a big hug to the little boy in front of him. But that’s just not how that works.
Gyuvin sighs, giving a soft glance to the boy in front of him, not knowing what to respond. “Just because they are ignoring you… doesn’t mean they no longer care,” he pauses.
The little boy stares at the calico, waiting for what else Gyuvin has to say.
“I’m sure your mom is thinking about you every day,” he smiles, “And even now she probably is.”
He reaches out his hand to the young boy, then hesitates. Remembering that his hand will just go through him.
There must be something I can do…
Gyuvin then gets an idea and reaches into his school bag, eventually finding a sticky note and a pencil. He sets them down and looks up at the boy.
“Is there anything you would like to say to your mom?” He smiles.
The five-year-old sniffles, tears streaming down his face. “Thank you…”
The young boy tells Gyuvin what to write in the sticky note; it’s very heartfelt. The older can tell how much the little boy loves his mom. Fuck, it must be so hard for him. That’s probably why he hasn’t passed on.
Once Gyuvin is done writing, he sticks the note to the forehead of the calico, getting a meow in response.
“I want you to lead this kitty to your house, you do hope that you know your way, right?” Gyuvin tilts his head.
The younger nods eagerly. “Yeah, I do!” The little boy looks at the calico and now stands up to head on out, pausing a bit.
“Thank you, Mister.”
Gyuvin widens his eyes a bit but then softens them. “You’re welcome, now don’t get lost,” his voice now stern.
The little boy and the calico head out. Gyuvin hopes that the calico can get back safely without the owners scolding it for going out.
Yes, Gyuvin hates the supernatural. Yes, his opinion still stands. He hates how they disturb the peace in the human world because they can’t get over their emotions. But kids have never done anything wrong. Like the little boy just now, he just missed his mom.
Hopefully, he can pass on peacefully. He clasps his hand in a prayer, hoping for the best.
“Gyuvin, let’s go wash our hands now! Then we can order our food!” Seungeon calls out.
“Coming!”
Gyuvin’s act of kindness to that child ghost is gonna be the first and last time he interferes with those who can’t see the supernatural and those don’t belong here.
The more Gyuvin thought about Shen Ricky’s reason for why he is still in the human world, nothing really adds up.
Come on, there’s no way that’s his reason, right? Ghost can’t interact with objects, which is why he wrote that little ghost boy's sticky note for his mom and why he sent that calico so that it could deliver the message.
So there’s no real way that Shen Ricky could pass on because he literally can’t dye his hair back to blonde.
Gyuvin switches between facing the wall and facing his bookshelf. He hugs his pillow harder, like it had the answer to everything he thought about in the last hour.
He looks at the clock. 1:03 am.
Gyuvin sighs, eyelids threatening to shut down at any moment.
Shen Ricky doesn’t seem to be centuries old; his uniform is proof of that. Yes, it’s a bit old, but it could be no more than a little to a year old.
Maybe he could dig up some information about this guy? Actually, no. Scratch that, that seems stalker ish. What crazy person would go asking around for some dead guy’s life story?
Wait, since he hasn’t been dead for that long, that can only mean that his death was recent, so maybe he was involved at school somehow?
He grips his pillow even tighter.
Before he even realizes it, he goes into a deep slumber, with a mind full of Shen Ricky.