The detectives finally left. How tiring. I stood in front of the mirror, examining my appearance. My lavender hair were a mess! I combed them frustratingly. Why do I have bags under my eyes? Ughh. I even have to complete my deadline. What was I drawing again? How did I, a web novel artist end up here?

I looked out of the window, it was morning and I could fall asleep if given the liberty to do so, but I have work to do. After all, it’s the only thing I do right. But the pay is not enough to sacrifice my sleep. I sighed. Work is work, I have to do it anyways. I sat down on my table and switched on my tablet. I only have 2 days to complete the two chapters. How cruel!

I got to work instantly. A couple of hours passed as I continued drawing. The soft sunbeam landing on my mirror got reflected on the wall in front of me. I could feel my surroundings, I could feel myself immersed in my work. I loved it. It was a striking contrast to whatever happened earlier. I could hear the birds chirping and the occasional sounds of police workers outside the corridor, chatting with each other. I feel content despite knowing I’m under suspicion of the murder but I don’t care, I’m innocent. But I do feel chills, what if he ghosts me? Moreover, where’s Olivia? Is she gone for a holiday? Lucky. I stretched and yawned. When my phone vibrated. I picked it up. Adriel. Adriel. He sent a message. Why am I breathing so fast? What should I say? Is he in trouble? No Lovisa, stop being paranoid. He’s a fan and a friend, it’s fine, it’s fine.

I unlocked my phone and read his message. He just said he reached home safely. Oh wait, that was like a couple of hours ago. The recent one asked if I’m ok.

Should I tell him about the detectives? No, he’ll probably freak out. He cares for me. He cares for me? I felt heat rise up in my face. The hug, that proximity flooded in my mind. LOVISA YOU’RE SO HOPELESS! I’m not like other girls at all. But it’s hard. Now that I think of it, he looks good in that one earring. Nooooo! What are you thinking? It’s not true.

I kept on internally debating that I forgot I had to reply back. That day, I realized why girls take so long to reply. I mean I am a girl, but I am a quick replier, an eager one to be honest. But this is the first time, I wasted half an hour dealing with my internal thoughts and another half an hour so as to what and how to reply. God I’m so pathetic.

I finally replied with, “I’m good, you?”

God, that’s such a dry reply. Not that I can do anything about it.

Tch. Stupid me.

I closed my eyes. My apartment went dead silent. My soft breathing filled the room. Just yesterday night I was indulged in that chaos, but now everything’s normal. Umika. Quentin. I opened my eyes. Just a dream, right? They were just some passing individuals in my life. For now, I looked at my drawing tablet, I should focus more on my work. Some things are just ‘Real Dreams’. They happen in actual life, but are doomed to vanish in thin air. A distant memory.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Not again.

I won’t remember it again.

My vision blurred as I saw a glimpse of that memory. Dangit.

“Lovisa!”

I turned my head to see Olivia. Olivia!

“Where were you?” I asked eagerly. My eyes were widened slightly in surprise and happiness.

She came and plopped down on my bed. She flicked her olive green hair backwards, “I went on a tour.” She boasted.

I raised my brows, “You act as if you went on a date.”

“I had a boyfriend when I was alive, unlike you.” She taunted.

I was taken aback by her sassy behavior. Nothing new for me, but hey, this is a sensitive topic for me. Regardless, I spoke again, “A shitty boyfriend, right.” I said mockingly.

“Shut up.” She rolled her eyes.

We often had such arguments like this, but I can’t disagree that she is a good friend regardless. As of her sassiness, she’s only like this in front of me or else she’s just an awkward idiot. It’s been a long time to see her interact with other ghosts. Should I take her to a ghost hotspot (sort of a ghost gathering and a hangout area)?

“Turn your face.” She commanded out of the blue.

“What?” I was baffled, but I did regardless.

She came closer and inspected the bandage on my cheek. The same one which blizzard’s icicle did.

“Who did this to you?” She asked rather angrily?

I think Adriel asked something similar too.

“No one.” I lied. I don’t want to bring up the topic of last night.

She gave me a glare and I coughed a bit awkwardly. There’s no way she can’t see through my lies. Damn.

“Fine,” I gave in begrudgingly, “I got caught up in a mess.”

“I bet this is his work.” He said with heavy emphasis on ‘his’.

“His?” I asked feigning innocence despite knowing whom she’s referring to.

“You know what I mean.” She said in a low dangerous tone and added, “That Adriel idiot.”

“He’s not an idiot.” I retort back quickly. I know she refers to him as an idiot, but this is the first time I actually felt offended with her remark for him.

“Oh? That’s new.” She teased.

I know where she’s getting at. Ugh. How infuriatingly tiring!

“Shut up.” I grumbled and looked away. A blush creeping on my face. How the hell can she be so good at reading me?

“It’s ok, kiddo. People fall in love.” She scoffed and sat back down.

I tried to protest, but only a low annoyed grunt came out from my throat. Why lord, why?

“The main point is, who hurt you?” She asked.

I don’t know, but she looks badass when she asks who hurt me. But it’s equally amazing to see her awkwardly talking to people, I mean ghosts.

I tell her everything. But everything doesn’t include the hug scene of me and his. I mean, I will never tell her that, she will tease me to my death.

She grabbed my ear and shook me a bit, scolding for my recklessness.

But it would be a lie if I say I hate her, she’s the best friend and a motherly figure I can ever find. Guess, life ain’t that bad.