Chapter 47: Is the Ghost Real?
Chapter 47: Is the Ghost Real?
"Hey sis Lyka! You woke up late today, ah!" Dodong's voice boomed across the table, drawing everyone's attention, including mine. Aunt chimed in before I could respond, "Oh! Maybe you woke up last night because of the noise, too, Lyka? The ghost was giving some feeling last night, eh!" Her words sent a shiver down my spine, and I noticed the others suddenly looking apprehensive. Ghost? What ghost were they talking about? They still really believe in such things? "Yes indeed! Did you also hear the growl? The moan last night!" another relative added, making my heart race. Ghost, growl, and moan? It all sounded unnerving. I gathered my courage and asked, trying not to show my fear, "Ahm... Where did you hear that ghost's moan and growl, Aunt?" A playful laugh escaped her lips as she replied, "There in the neighborhood, niece! But I guess the voice from last night came from the apartment... That's where the moan and growls came from, eh." Her words left me completely stunned. What on earth! Is it possible that they are talking about me? Am I the ghost they are referring to? I couldn't bear to look at anyone and just lowered my head. "O-oh, I didn't hear anything last night... I slept early after Ki-kiro sent me….and after he left," I said, my voice slightly shaky as I glanced at Kiro. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, making it hard to meet his gaze properly. "Maybe it was only our illusion? We were so drunk last night, maybe that's just what we heard!" another relative interjected, trying to dispel the eerie atmosphere. "Oh, it's fine. Let's continue eating!" Aunt said, breaking the tension, and everyone resumed their meals, but my mind continued to race. I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story they were telling. The mystery of the ghostly moan and growl remained unsolved, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the air. As I took a bite of my food, I stole a quick glance at Kiro, who seemed oblivious to the conversation. My heart fluttered with mixed emotions, unsure of how to approach the subject with him.
I tried to shake off the awkwardness and embarrassment caused by the gossip about the supposed ghostly sounds coming from the apartment last night. It seemed that everyone had their own theories, but I didn't want to delve into the details of what actually happened. As we continued eating, the topic of conversation shifted away from the ghostly encounters, and I was grateful for the distraction. Dodong kept sharing funny stories from last night, trying to lighten the mood, and everyone laughed along. Throughout the meal, Kiro and I exchanged glances from time to time, but we didn't speak about what happened between us. It was as if we were both trying to give each other space and time to process our feelings. – A few hours passed, and it was time for us to head home. In my hands, I carried the snake grass Aunt Traling had given for Mother. We said our goodbyes, and as we walked towards Kiro's car, Dodong was nowhere to be found. The scorching sun's rays made waiting outside unbearable, so we decided to get inside the car instead. Inside the car, an unusual silence hung between us. "Lyka?" Kiro finally spoke, and his single word felt like an explosion in my chest, overwhelming me with emotions. "Why?" I managed to respond, my heart pounding in my ears. "Why aren't you talking to me? Why aren't you paying any attention to me? I guess you regretted what happened to us last night... Am I right? I don't want to apologize, but I'm—" His words spilled out, but I couldn't let him finish. I gently placed my finger on his lips, urging him to pause. "Don't think like that. It's not like that..." I said, hoping to reassure him. "Then what? I felt guilty earlier, Lyka. I know what I've done to you the first time we... Just, don't you like what happened last night? Did I harass you? Did the disease suddenly attack and control me? Didn't you hate it last night? It's my fault again, isn't it? Damn this shitty condition—" He was spiraling in his thoughts, consumed by doubt. At that moment, I decided to show him rather than explain. I cut him off with a passionate kiss. It was a soft kiss at first, but it quickly intensified, fueled by the depth of our emotions. Wrapping my
arms around his neck, we closed our eyes, lost in the intensity of the moment. However, the sound of a child's approaching footsteps interrupted us. I reluctantly pushed Kiro away, aware of the need for privacy. "Lyk—" "Dodong is here. Later, again," I interrupted, not quite understanding my own words. Why did I say ‘later again’? My heart was still pounding, and my mind was struggling to process everything. "Oh, noted," he replied with a smirk, and the playful glint in his eyes made my heart flutter. We both knew that this conversation wasn't over, but for now, we agreed to save it for a more private time. "Bro and sis, sorry it took so long for one of our cousins to give me make-up! But it was worth the risk since she gave me some good items, sissy!" Dodong excitedly narrated a story, but I was preoccupied at the moment and decided to ignore him. "You want make-up, Dodong? Do you want me to buy you a lot?" the driver, Kiro, asked him. "Really, brother? Ye—" Dodong began to answer, but I interrupted him and turned my attention to the child seated in the passenger seat. "Well, Dodong, shame on you, shame on us. Stop asking things from Kiro; we already have a lot of debts to him," I scolded him, giving him a stern glare. "Oh, sis! You didn't do make-up, but why did your lips and cheeks turn red? Who slapped that? Or is that a slap or just another thing?" he joked, but I didn't find it funny. "Don't change the subject, Dong," I replied, gently touching his cheek, and discreetly checking my reflection in the car window. After the quick trip, we arrived back home, and there was Mother, diligently sweeping the yard. I handed her the snake grass from Aunt Tarling, and her face lit up with gratitude. "Oh! Is this your Aunt Tarling's snake grass? Thank you, daughter..." Mama said, her voice filled with warmth, as she accepted the plant from me. As I stood there, I suddenly felt a pang of longing for the plants Dodong and Datdat had taken care of in the mansion. I missed them dearly. "... Thanks also for joining these two with their Aunt, Kiro," Mother continued, expressing her appreciation to Kiro. "It was actually my pleasure, Auntie. I was entertained by the fiesta," Kiro replied with a smile, hisCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
eyes briefly glancing at me. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a sense of connection between us, even in the midst of uncertainties. As the day passed, Kiro and I found ourselves returning to the mansion once again. I made sure to check on Mother and assure her that everything would be fine during our absence. "Thank you so much for everything, young man!" Mother thanked him warmly, her eyes filled with gratitude. We are going to travel back to the mansion now. "Don't mention it, Auntie. You are always welcome," the young man replied, smiling kindly. "Bro! I will miss you, bro! I will really miss you, bro!" Dodong shouted playfully, waving his hands in a futile attempt to reach Kiro, who towered over him with his tall physique. "I will miss you too, Dodong. You can go and visit your sister at the mansion—" Kiro began to say. "Really, bro!? I really love you HAHA! You always have my vote for sis Lyka, bro!" Dodong interrupted, still exclaiming loudly. I watched as he displayed his typicalloud energy. Woah, he can miss others but not his own sister—he was unfair! Dodong is really biased! Hmp. "Mom. . . .Don't move too much here at home, okay? I already told Dodong and Datdat about the things that can be done to help you. . . . Just call me if you feel strange, and then when it comes to father, please—" My words trailed off as she suddenly hugged me tightly. "Yes, yes, daughter! You act like me now, ah! Also, be careful where you work, okay? Also, be careful on your trip! I love you!" Mother reminded me with a smile. After a few more hugs and reminders, Kiro and I finally left and made our way to his car. I still felt a pang of sadness because my father still didn't want to talk to me. What did I do? What have I done wrong? Is there anything else? I couldn't help but wonder.