II

Chapter II

Night has already fallen in the neighborhood. The sound of laughter and talking that filled the house earlier has already mellowed down as the sun sets and gave way to the moon. The sound of a movie being played has now been replaced by the sound of a piano piece reverberating around the house.

《Beethoven - Pathetique》

A lone figure that cannot be seen by naked eye is sitting on the roof of the old house while gazing at the moon, deep in thought.

It has been the longest day of his life as far as he can remember.

He feels strange.

He is suddenly feeling warm.

The emotions that are stirring inside of him when he listened to the two living person talking, when they argued about what to do to keep the upper floor breathing, when they stayed at the upper floor till they reached a consensus... everything... all of it... feels strange to him and he doesn't know whether he likes it or not.

He knows he still doesn't like the change.

But he is trying to be accommodating towards the two living persons, especially towards the person named Boun.

Bosston is right; he has been waiting for this, to have people living together with him in the house. Yet when it finally happened, he found out he couldn't accept it.

"Hey, Fluke!"

The sudden appearance of his tiny twinkling friend cut his train of thought. He slowly blinked as Earth continued circling him at the same time complaining to him.

"Fluke! Why didn't you warn me, there are people inside your house?! I almost entered the house shouting your name! Thankfully I remembered you do not have this kind of music! Wait, you do not have any music at all! Except the big box you call tele-something-for-the-vision. And I can't believe there are two of them inside your house! What if they have seen me?! Fluke! I can't believe I almost bloomed your flowers to surprise you! What if they haveㅡ"

"Calm down. I am getting dizzy. Stay. Good boy."

Fluke's mellow voice stopped Earth from panicking, and made him halt on his pacing. Confused with his words, Earth flew closer to touch Fluke's face.

"Good, I can still touch you." Earth murmured and added in a worried voice, "and I can see you. But why do I feel something is wrong with you?"

"Old friend, the people in the house right now are the new owners of the house." Seeing Earth's happy reaction, he sadly added "Why cannot I feel happiness on having them around though? Both you and Boston are happy for me."

"Oh, so it's like that." Earth slowly replied. Tilting his head, he added "It will take time for you to accept them... to adjust to them. Because Fluke has waited for decades, it is understandable to be confused and afraid at first. But Fluke, do not be discouraged! You have already taken the first step; that is, you did not throw them out. Instead, you let them in your space."

Fluke intently listened to Earth's reasoning. The other has a point. He has taken the first step.

He let them in his space.

He let Boun in his house.

He let Ohm in his space.

He understands that Boston will be coming more often now than before to look after him and to look after Boun and Ohm too. Fluke can't deny that he is going to need Boston too. He needs the other's guidance on what to do and what's not to do now that there are other people who would be living with him in his – no, not anymore – in the house.

"There you are!"

Before he can reply to Earth, someone said behind him. And another tiny being stopped in front of Fluke. Upon seeing the being who just arrived, Earth gasped and tried to hide behind Fluke, but he is faster than Earth. He has Earth locked on his embrace as he greeted Fluke who is grinning at them.

"Greetings, old friend Fluke. I have come to collect Earth. Just to be sure he remembers our meeting with the Elders at dawn."

Hearing that, Earth stopped fidgeting and calmed down. "Oh, I did not forget the meeting. I already planned to be here only for a little while before going back to my tasks."

"Hmm. You were thinking about something earlier, hence you were trying to hide from me."

"No! You have mistaken!ㅡ" Earth exclaimed, his body turning light pink.

Seeing that, Fluke let out a giggle as he butted in, "Earth has been avoiding you for a while now. Did you not notice?"

"Fluke! I am notㅡ"

"Do not deny what Fluke said. You have been avoiding me." He said with a frown on his face. Earth was still shaking his head in denial so he added. "You were the one who said you always want to be with me but you are also the one who always flies away when I am near."

Embarrassed, a bright pink Earth smacked the body that is holding him and exclaimed "Kao! Don't say that in front of Fluke!" Kao only tightened his hold around him, his light getting dimmer. Noticing it, Earth hugged him and rubbed his face on his shoulder. "I am sorry. I am just trying to win the bet I have with Plan! I'm sorry! Nothing has changed. Don't be sad. I love you and the proposal meeting will continue as planned."

"What bet?" Fluke asked, confused. While Kao clicked his tongue. "I know he overdoes his teasing with you sometimes because you are competitive when it comes to him, now what did that little Plan told you?"

"Uh, nothing of importanㅡ I mean it was if Iㅡif I could handle not to be around you until the day of the ceremony. Uh, he was so adamant that I won't last a day without clinging to you..." Earth sheepisly answered, adding in a pleased voice when Kao asked him nonchalantly how was the bet. "I managed to last till now! I managed to last for weeks!"

Instead of answering, Kao was frowning at him. Having another areas of jurisdiction, he and Earth cannot be together everyday. Usually, Earth can be seen clinging to him as soon as he comes home. Because of that, they are always the source of teasing within their district even though they have all grew up together and should be used to it. But ever since he accepted Earth's heart, the teasing reaches another level that the other cannot help but fall for it. And they always tease Earth, especially since Earth is very competitive unlike him who keeps his calm whenever getting teased. So Earth usually falls for their tricks and teasing.

Upset and slightly angry at Earth and Plan and the others, Kao expressed "Are you going to always be swayed like this? Have you forgotten this is not a competition? This is a serious matter, Earth. Our relationship is a serious matter. Or you thought otherwise."

Earth immediately sensed how serious Kao is. "I'm sorry Kao" a sad Earth mumbled to his partner but Kao is not yet finished talking.

"I thinkㅡI think we should postpone the ceremony until weㅡ"

At the thought of postponing their wedding, Earth was seized with fear. "Kao! I apologize! Please don't postpone our marriage!" Earth hurriedly pleaded, his body slowly turning to grey, same as Kao's.

"You have to understand. This is not a child's play, not a playing matter at all. Earth, listenㅡ"

Earth is listening, but something inside of him – his little heart – is immediately in pain when Kao started his sentence with You have to understand. Earth's mind started shutting off, he is afraid to hear more words from Kao. "Alright. You have my agreement. Let's stop it." Earth suddenly cut him, floating stiffly as he distanced himself from Kao, light slowly going back to his golden color before he dashed away as fastest as he could.

"Wait Earth! I am not sayiㅡ" Kao hurriedly flew after him, trying to catch up with his runaway fairy.

Their old friend Fluke was left alone on the roof with a new piano music playing in the house and filling the whole area.

《Kiss The Rain》

He has forgotten his own worries seeing what just happened in front of him. Sitting still on the roof, he followed the two fairy lights that look like fireflies in a distance, until one vanished and the other light can be seen floating left and right till it continued straight to the forest. Once it disappeared in the forest, Fluke waited a moment until a fairy light appeared perching on a sunflower. Knowing Earth concealed his light and aura from Kao and he came back to his garden even when he still has tasks to complete, Fluke knows the other is deeply hurting right now.

Floating towards his friend, Fluke saw Earth curling on his knees. "What's wrong? Why did you say that? You know how deeply he cares for you, he truly loves you, Earth."

Peeking at Fluke, Earth replied in a wobbling voice. "I am reminded once again how different I am compared to him. Old friend, why am I like this? Why do I keep on trying to prove myself to the others when the only person I wanted to prove myself the most, already think there is no need for me to do that? But why? Why do I keep on upsetting Kao? Why can't I change? Why am I still not good enough? I thinkㅡI think I will always be a child to him, Fluke. I thinkㅡ"

"Earth, you must remember you are the most important person to him."

"I know he cares for me. But he is just confused, Fluke. You know how he sees me as his younger friend, a younger brother. Then, suddenly, here I am, confusing him with my confession. It's understandable how he didn't react and believed me right then because I am always teasing him and bickering with him, forcing him to do this and that without complaining, every time. It's possible that I... forced him to this, did I not?"

"No, Earth. You did not force him. You have been friends for a long time, you did not force him to love you."

"No, I did. I confessed and confused him. He accepted my advances because he did not know what to do with me and those might have confused him more and suddenly we were talking about marriageㅡno, I was the one who talked about it and he just politely accepted everything. Old friend, since when did I become this forceful? Kao is right. This is a serious matter. I did not even considered Kao's heart this time, not even once." Earth let out a watery laugh as he added, "Right, I accepted Plan's bet because I wanted to prove to myself that it is mutual between us. And I almost believed it was mutual!"

"Earthㅡ"

"It turns out, I was only thinking about myself. I am so selfish, do you not think so too? I have suddenly realized many things right after I flew away." Earth wiped his tears and concealed his aura again as he shakingly stand. "I am not a child anymore, decades have already past and I am a young adult now. But, I have not changed one bit. I still keep on upsetting him and I still keep on forcing myself to him." He ended with a final tone.

"My old friend Earth, you should talk to Kao first before having a final decision." Fluke slowly told Earth, trying to remind him that Kao is his partner and Kao needs to know what he is thinking about too.

"I know. And I know he will accept my proposal this time."

"What proposal?" Fluke gently asked though deep in his mind he is starting to panic, it looks like the other has already decided. Why is his old friend Earth so stubborn?

"To forget all of this happened – the confession, the proposal, the talk of marriage– and go back on how we used to be."

"Old friend, may I remind you how deeply you love him?"

"I can go back on being friends. I can do it. I must, old friend. From now on, I will not force myself to Kao. I will keep my feet on the other side and not cross the line."

"Do not say it with finality in your voice, Earth. You are being selfish again right now for not having Kao's decision in this." Fluke desperately said. "How sure are you that your love is not being reciprocated? It has already been a year. And a week since your proposal. Your love has always beenㅡ"

"A year for people is like a month for us, old friend."

"But you love each other, Earth" Fluke repeated, still in a desperate tone.

Earth let out a small and sad smile before he gazed directly at Fluke's eyes, replying softly, "I do love him. That is why I am giving him the chance to get his life back. Fluke, it has always been me. I have always forced myself to him. Therefore, this time, I must keep it to myself. I give you my word, when I am able to improve my weaknesses that the Elders and Kao has constantly reminds me of, then I might try chasing him once again."

"Why are you doing this, Earth?" Fluke sadly asked, lifting a hand to gently scoop Earth from the flower he hid himself from and keep him close to his chest. "Why are you intentionally hurting yourself?"

"To keep Kao from hurting again. I cannot upset him again."

"Then be glad he isn't here and heard everything you said, my little fairy Earth. If he was here, he would be deeply hurt with everything you just said. He would be deeply hurt with how you are hurting yourself."

"I know. He is a good man, isn't he?"

Fluke bid Earth farewell as the other flew back towards the forest. "Why are you so stubborn, old friend? Are you really not aware how deeply you are going to hurt him with your decision? Are you really not aware how Kao treats you?

But I guess, doing this will also clear the doubts in your heart and mind. Doing this will also help Kao on weighing what matters in his life. This time, the distance will tighten your bond. This time, the distance will make Kao be more affectionate and transparent to you.

You have my support, old friend Kao. Woo him back. Express it, do it, woo him... if you could not and would not want to lose him." Fluke murmured through the air, eyes on the light of his friend that disappeared in the forest.

Glancing to the moon and the dim light of the house, Fluke softly added, "It is time to do something with my own problems too. I have to go back inside."

"There are fireflies earlier, how beautiful!" Like he was transported back to his childhood, Boun could not contain his amazed voice as he excitedly said to Ohm who is busy decluttering the room.

"You do not have to brag, I saw the fireflies too." Ohm replied, walking back and forth to the sack that they labeled asjunk, not junk. "Ah. Boun-ah, let's stop for tonight? These are the only things Uncle Boston told us to throw but we must double checked everything with him tomorrow morning first."

"Alright, I'm beat anyway." Boun replied readily, as if he has been waiting for Ohm to only say that. "You sure you're going to stay here and not downstairs?" He added, asking as they exited the only room upstairs that they are decluttering.

"I'm good. I can take the long couch." Ohm replied, parting with Boun as he walked to the living room.

Seeing him leisurely and comfortably walking around, Boun only nod at him and continued walking towards the stairs after turning the lights off (without words from Ohm to turn it off). "It's not bad, the moon is so bright tonight too. Anyway, you have to make yourself get used living here upstairs, since the upper floor is your space."

"I know, I know. Good night, downstairs man." Ohm replied, holding his phone with one hand to lower down the volume of his music while his other hand is waving (shooing) Boun away.

Boun clicked his tongue upon seeing the gesture and replied, "Upstairs man, keep your music down or I'll send a complaint to the landlord. Good night."

Ohm chuckled at that and promptly increased the volume of his music. He toned it back down when Boun glared at him (and stomped his foot while crossing his arms) and waved him goodnight again, chuckling at the scoff Boun gave him as he walked down.

Finally left alone, Ohm gently sighed, his eyes fleeting around his space with a soft smile on his face. He arranged the pillows that he took downstairs and Ohm lied down on the sofa, his eyes going to the window, to the balcony. He had pulled the curtains earlier so the moonlight can illuminate his place.

Today has been a productive day for Ohm and Boun.

They just arrived yesterday but the planning has already started. He won over Boun on who will get to choose between the upstairs and downstairs. And he immediately choose the upstairs which Boun whine about but later gives it up to him.

Now that both of them have chosen their space, they have finalized how to renovate the house. Nothing much will change on Boun's space, but the second floor will definitely have a huge change. They have decided to keep the original design and just add some of theirs to make the place comfortable and pleasant.

He will definitely make his space comfortable and pleasant.

He will rearrange the placement of the furnitures in the living room and will put some additions in it and in the kitchen. He will also bring his piano and place it near the window.

He will add an extension on his room and make it his office room. He'll need to bring his desktop and laptop, his table matches his new space so he's going to bring it too, and all of his important things back in his condo.

He has designs for his future house, he is going to give it to Boun as his blueprint. It will depend on Boun on how to insert Ohm's plan to his own plan for the first floor. He might as well give his condo to his sister since Boun told him that grandmother has put his name on the deed too.

Now that the house has been planned, they need to put a space for both of their cars too. They have to rethink about the parking space since they don't want to damage the flower garden. They can place it on the side, but the shed will be compromised. They have to ask the caretaker for permission too. Even though they are the new owners, they still have to ask the caretaker for permission.

Ohm and Boun already talked about this earlier, since both were confused when the other kept on asking the caretaker on what things to throw and what things to keep. They realized they both felt it, the urge to be civil. The urge not to disturb someone whom they didn't know. They both felt they are not the only people in the house.

And as what Boun told him earlier, he doesn't have any problem with it. Ohm doesn't have any problem with it either. Still, he can't help but keep his distance. He dislikes upsetting people by his insensitive behavior. Right now, he must be sensitive and check the other's feeling too... right?

"You are thinking nonsense, Ohm."

Ohm murmured as he sat up and walked towards the balcony, opening the glass window to let the cold air inside before sitting back on the couch.

He waits.

–

At the balcony, Fluke appeared and stared at his new housemate who is sitting on the sofa. "It's alright. They are right, I have been waiting for this." Fluke said as he started walking inside the house "That is why, I do not have to be afraid and just accept this change. Change is good. This kind of change is for the better." He added, murmuring to himself as he sat cross legged on the carpet, facing his housemate, facing Ohm.

"Hello, Ohm. I am Fluke. I apologize for the feeling of dismay and coldness that I directed to you and Boun earlier this morning. But I have finally made a decision, I am accepting the both of you." Arranging his legs, he hugged his knees and leaned his head on them as he added, "Thank you for taking care of my room. We have to share it alright? Though, technically I am a ghost so I will not be able to use it. Still, I am thankful to you for not forgetting I am here too. So, thank you for thinking about the previous owner, thank you for thinking about me."

Ohm who was calmly looking outside and staring quietly at the night sky suddenly turned his head to Fluke's direction. "You are welcome."

It shouldn't be a problem and not a source of terror, Fluke always have people looking him in the eyes but in reality, they are not looking at Fluke's eyes. But this, this new housemate of his is clearly looking at him directly. Eyes going wide, Fluke stuttered "H-howㅡyou can see m-me?"

A small smile formed on Ohm's gentle face as he answered, "Hello. Finally, you let yourself be seen."

Fluke did not know that Ohm and Boun have realized a translucent fog has been following them since yesterday night. He did not realize that normal people cannot really see him – his body and face except for Boston (Earth and Kao are not normal people, cannot be counted). He did not realize that the reason why people screams whenever he welcomes them is because of his floating foggy figure. He did not realize he has been unconsciously not letting them see him because of fear.

Boston have always warned him about it. "The reason why you can only stay here is because this house keeps you safe, Sir. If you venture out, someone might exorcise you. But staying here, inside the house, they will not be able to touch you. There is nothing to be afraid of, Sir, this is the work my Father passed to me, I gave him my word and I am giving you my word too, I will keep you safe until you safely and peacefully pass through to the other side."

Fluke didn't know that once he accepted the reason why Boun and Ohm are there in the house with him, he materializes as a solid body, letting Ohm to see him directly.

Scrambling backwards, Fluke hit the table behind him instead of going through it like usual. "Whatㅡ"

"Hey, no need to be afraid. Don't be afraid of me, Fluke." Ohm tried placating the panicking gho– young adult – while conditioning himself from freaking out.

Fluke becomes stiff and slowly turned back to Ohm. "IㅡI amㅡI don't know what happenedㅡbut IㅡI wasㅡand then I amㅡ" he said frantically, trying to make sense on what happened – what is happening to him. When he tried to reach a hand to Ohm and the other was able to grasped his hand, Fluke stared and gasped and took his hand back. "I'm sorryㅡthat wasㅡ" a gurgling sound interrupted him and he looked down on his stomach. In a clearly distressed voice, Fluke can only exclaimed "Whyㅡwhat is thatㅡwhat's happening to me?"

"Calm down. Yes, deep breath. Relax" Ohm said as he slowly started moving towards Fluke. "Yes, calm down. That's it." He added, finally able to hold the other's hand and pat his head in comfort. When the other realized that Ohm is on his knees in front of him, he held his hand tight so Fluke won't be able to run and go into panic again. Ohm then asked Fluke, "Do you want me to call Uncle Boston? It seems to me you are close to him... if what happened in the morning was really you."

Fluke felt desperation when he heard Boston's name, the urge to hear someone familiar is so strong that he nodded hastily, grabbing Ohm's both hand and shake them vigorously. "Yes please, please do it. But wait! Boston is already an old man and he needs his rest! He might be asleep alreadyㅡ" a ringing tone suddenly started, startling Fluke.

Ohm turned around to look for his phone and found his phone ringing and vibrating on the edge of the couch. Reaching out to get his phone with his right hand, Ohm kept his other hand holding on to Fluke's shaking hands.

After reading the caller ID, Ohm accepted the call and tapped the speaker. In a hush manner, he started "Uncle Boston, something happenedㅡ"

"I know. I felt it. Is he alright?" The caretaker's voice sound so worried.

In reply, Fluke almost screamed, afraid. "Boston! What happened to me? Why do I look like I am alive?"

"Sir Fluke, calm down. I am going to come back tomorrow, I'll tell you then. But for now, Ohm please let him eat and drink." Hearing that, Ohm replied with a yes before Boston talked back to Fluke, warning him. "Sir, you are in a vulnerable state right now. Please do as what I say; do not go out. The same as when you were still translucent, you are only allowed until the gates. I have told you before not to meddle with them, because I was not perfectly sure myself. But now, knowing that you materializes with a solid body meant your wait has come to an end and they are the reason. Sir, you have to celebrate. Because now... now is the start of the countdown till your solid body disappears; the countdown till you pass through."

"Bosston, but why?" Fluke asked, not believing what the other has just told him.

"Your fate is tied with them, Sir Fluke. In the future, you are going to remember the memories you have suppressed. And you are going to make a big decision for yourself and for the people you care about. But for now, you are going to live as a human being, as a normal living person."

"You are confusing meㅡ"

"Sir, temporarily you are alive. As an alive person, you are going to feel hunger, tiredness, pain, and all of the emotions that your translucent body wasn't able to feel. But for now, please fill your stomach and take a rest."

""Your food is on the table now, Fluke." Ohm said, walking back towards the person who is still crouching on the ground. "Come, I'll help you." He added, when the other tried to walk but stumbled on his very solid feet.

Fluke reluctantly accepts Ohm's help when Boston said goodbye. Not knowing what to do and say, he kept quiet and let the taller man assists him to the high chair on the island counter. Seeing an omellete rice, a sheepish looking Ohm said "It's the only food that I know won't take a long time to make. And you are already hungry."

"T-thank you, Ohm. You are a thoughtful person." Fluke mumbled slowly, taking a bite on his food. Realizing he is indeed hungry, he hurriedly eat for more.

"Eat slowly" Ohm commented worriedly when Fluke kept on eating a mouthful. "Eat slowly, or you are going to chokeㅡ" Fluke choked on his food and Ohm hurriedly gave him a glass of water. "That's why I told you to eat slowly. You might get a stomachache like that. Fluke looks like a young boyㅡ"

"I am 26 years old." Fluke hurriedly corrected Ohm. Then he think about it again before repeating his answer, "I am 26 years old. Well, more like I am stuck on being 26 years old."

"You are the reason why there is no lock at the gate and in the house." Ohm commented staring at the other. Fluke whipped his head to stare back at Ohm. "You are also the reason why I never heard of burglary that happened in this house. So you have been guarding this house for a long time."

Shying away from Ohm's inquisitive's face, Fluke went back to his food as the other continued talking. "You are the relative that Uncle Boston was talking about earlier." Seeing Fluke's confused face, he clarified "the person who helps him keep the house clean. But won't let him touch the big tools."

Having a mutual subject to talk about, Fluke forgot his bashfulness and immediately started talking merrily. "Oh! Yes, and sometimes my old friend Earth visits me and helps me and he lives in the forest, and he is actually aㅡyou have to believe in fairies! Do not say otherwise!"

"UhㅡI do believe in fairies." Ohm replied, albeit confused.

"Good. Anyway, Iㅡ" Fluke suddenly felt his face is becoming hot. Panicking, he said. "I think, I am having a fever! Ohm, please call Boston! Immediately!"

Ohm has his eyes locked on Fluke when he started talking back to him so he noticed when Fluke's face becomes flush. He was so transfixed on the way how the pinkish red color that started from the other's cheeks started to spread. With a fascinated look on his face, Ohm answered "Actually, you are just...blushing."

"Oh, I see." Fluke mumbled knowing what blushing means. He sees it from time to time when Earth is embarrassed, shy, and wants to hide. And everytime Earth blushes, he brightens, so Fluke concluded the hotness he feels on his face is also making his face bright. Still... going back to his food, he added in a small shy voice, "Then please, don't stare at me."

Waking himself up, Ohm slowly blinked. "Oh. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. You know, I still cannot believe I am taking all of this calmly. Also, I was thinking hard. Because you really looked... familiar." Ohm replied with furrowed brows, confused.

Fluke accepted his excuse and finished his food. Ohm took his plate and glass and put them to the sink before assisting Fluke on going back to the couch. He is still slow in walking.

"Fluke, Sir, uh, Fluke? You can take the other side of the sofa." Before Fluke can ask why, he added "We have already deposited the old bed...uh your bed outside, and it is ready to be junked.. uh what I really want to say is, you can take the other side."

"It's alright, Ohm. I only close my eyes and keep my mind blank but I do not sleep. I haven't slept for a long time, so it's alright. I onlyㅡ" he stopped walking making Ohm stopped too, as he remembered something important. With wide eyes he stared at Ohm who looks concerned but is giving him a soothing smile.

In a soft voice, Ohm told Fluke, "You are not a ghost anymore."