The notification that indicated we had arrived at our destination woke up my mom who was sleeping in the car. Just like Desmon and me, my mom was also surprised to see a girl in front of our house.

Without waiting for my permission or asking me anything, my mom immediately opened the door and got out of the car. I followed her, opening the car door and stepping out. Meanwhile, Desmon, much like Cherry, a ghost, simply passed through the car.

"Excuse me, who are you looking for?" My mom asked the girl.

"Robert," Chloe turned her face towards me with a smile, then shifted her eyes to my mom, "Sorry, ma'am, I'm Robert's classmate from the tutoring. My name is Chloe."

My mom took a quick glance at me, then turned around and said, "Oh, his classmate. Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long, please come in."

"Oh, it wasn't long, ma'am. Thank you," replied Chloe.

As my mom walked towards the door to open it and let Chloe in, I approached Chloe.

"Um... how did you find my house?" I asked. I felt a bit uncomfortable with a sudden visit from a girl, so without thinking, I put my hands in my pants pockets.

"Well, I found your house because I followed-" Chloe was about to answer my question, but my mom called us to come inside and chat. "It seems your mother is calling us inside. Can I come in?"

"Of course, you've got my mom's permission, so why not. But honestly, you're the first girl to come to my house, so sorry in advance if you might feel a bit uncomfortable later."

"Don't worry. Just relax. Don't be too stiff or nervous."

I smiled and gestured for Chloe to go in first. Chloe seemed to have many friends of different kinds, and she was very friendly.

Before going inside the house, I glanced over at Desmon.

I could see Desmon and Cherry talking about something before Cherry left, and Desmon came over to me.

"What's up?" I asked Desmon, using our hand signals instead of speaking.

"She wants to go home. By the way, did you invite Chloe in?"

"It wasn't me, it was my mom."

"This is the first time you've got a guest. Want me to accompany you so it won't be awkward?"

Desmon smiled. It was a different smile this time, I was sure it was a mocking smile. Perhaps he never imagined a girl coming to my house, so he teased me about it. Who knows?

"Sure."

I walked until I stood in front of my house door. I checked out the scene in my living room. My mom was serving some drinks and snacks on the table in front of Chloe, who was already seated on my couch. They seemed to be completely absorbed in a conversation, discussing something.

Meanwhile, Desmon, since nobody could see him, was lying down near my couch.

Yeah, he did whatever he wanted, even in my room, he often lay on the ceiling.

In the end, I decided to enter and close the door to my house.

###

My mother didn't chat for long with Chloe before deciding to go to her room. My mom said she was too tired after the long traffic jam and a stack of work.

So, it was just Chloe and me in my living room, and Desmon, of course, if you consider the ghost there.

I didn't know what to do. I've never had a guest or a friend over at my house, especially female friends.

Should I have asked about how she was doing first?

Should I have asked about her trip to my house?

Or should I go straight to the point and ask her how she found my address?

Or was there a specific reason she came to my house?

Yes, I know I already asked how she found my house, and Chloe was almost answering before being interrupted by my mom. But earlier, I asked automatically or unconsciously, shocked by the sudden appearance of a girl visiting my house. But now, I'm fully conscious.

Wouldn't it be weird if I asked the same question again? Wouldn't it come off as pushy?

Honestly, I was confused about where to start, so I just took a sip of the drink my mother provided.

"Oh... I'm sorry." I realized the guest should drink first before the host, a mistake that could be fatally judged on my manners. "Please, have a drink and help yourself to the snacks."

"Oh, sure. Thanks... About your question before..." Chloe said. Thanks to her understanding my confusion and starting the conversation first, whether she realized it or not. "...I actually saw you when you were on the bridge. But."

Chloe abruptly stopped talking. I could clearly see her gaze not directed towards me but towards Desmon, who had changed position to stand beside me.

I wasn't sure if Chloe could see Desmon or if her gaze was coincidentally directed at him.

"But what?" I replied, bringing Chloe back to reality.

"Sorry." Chloe blinked a few times, then took a sip of the drink on the table before continuing to talk. "I mean, I followed your car to your school, and your mom's..."

It wasn't meant to be rude or disrespectful, but her words made it sound like it was a normal thing, when in fact, she was openly admitting to stalking me.

What did she actually want? Her explanation made me more suspicious. Was she a good person or a bad one?

"Sorry," I interrupted.

"Why?" she replied.

"Um, well. Maybe I misheard earlier, or you misspoke, but did you say you followed my car?" I tried not to offend her. Maybe I misheard.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean it badly, but... uh... how do I explain this?" Chloe fell silent for a moment. She tilted her head, looking towards Desmon once again, then shifted her gaze to her glass and the snack on the table.

I understood her struggle to begin her explanation. I've been there too every time I meet someone new and struggle with what to say during our first meet.

Chloe now picked up her glass, drank from it, and placed it back. She blinked several times, along with deep breaths.

"Maybe I should explain about 'vision' first," Chloe finally explained, "Vision is a term for people who can see things that others generally can't. Many refer to it as seeing ghosts, demons, spirits, supernatural beings, paranormal, or something of the sort."

Chloe chuckled for a moment before continuing her explanation, "You might not believe in it or think it's weird. It's up to you. You're free to believe whatever you want, and I can't force it. But I have that ability."

After her unexpected explanation, Chloe took her glass again, drank from it, and opened the snack wrapper, eating. Chloe also shifted her seating position, no longer facing me but the table in front, avoiding eye contact with me.

I gave a faint smile. I was glad to finally meet someone like me, someone who could see ghosts. But on the other hand, I felt pity for Chloe.

I knew how heavy it was for Chloe to have that vision because I experienced it myself. Seeing things that others couldn't see wasn't fun, especially if it was something terrifying and frightening.

Moreover, support from the people around is crucial. So far, only my parents supported me with my vision, while everyone, including my school friends, either distanced themselves from me, feared me, or even bullied me.

Yes, I've been through it all, and I was sure Chloe went through it too, based on how she's acting right now.

How could Chloe remain calm? Well, not exactly calm, she seemed clearly confused and nervous when admitting her ability. But if I were in her situation, I might have run away immediately. That's why I never dared to reveal my ability consciously and willingly to anyone except my family.

"I can actually see them too," I said, repositioning myself to face the table.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Chloe turn her face towards me. She looked happy and started to display a faint smile.

I was also happy, not because Chloe was happy, but because I found a friend who shared the same fate as mine. I'm sure anyone would be happy to meet someone with a similarity, whether it's a shared hobby, taste, thoughts, or abilities.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Really?" Chloe asked, still facing me.

"Yes. I've been seeing ghosts since I was a child."

"Since you were a child? I started seeing ghosts when..."

Chloe and I eventually shared our experiences about our own abilities to see ghosts.

Turned out, Chloe was more experienced than me in seeing ghosts. She talked she had been able to see them since she was five, but at that time, she considered them as imaginary friends because to her parents' influence, who thought it was just a child's imagination. Just like my father believed about my case.

Then the story shifted to when Chloe turned six. She experienced a tragic accident because to a fault in the car's autopilot control system, causing her parents and older sister to die instantly, while Chloe incredibly survived with only minor injuries.

At that moment, Chloe began to realize that what she had considered imaginary friends were actually ghosts because she could see her parents and sister beside her while she was in the hospital.

Similar to how I explained my vision to my parents, Chloe also tried to explain her ability to her grandparents. However, like most people, Chloe's grandparents only saw it as trauma from the accident, as diagnosed by the doctor.

Chloe's story then moved to her school years. Unlike me, who tended to be a coward and always hid my ability, Chloe dared to be open to her friends about her ability to see ghosts.

However, as it seems to be a natural human behaviors, anyone who is different will face hatred. Chloe experienced somewhat the same fate as me. She was isolated, feared, bullied, and even experienced physical violence aside from the routine verbal abuse from those around her, not just her school friends but also teachers and other parents of students.

At that moment during Chloe's story, I had a thought. What do people actually want? Why are they so reluctant to accept others who are different from them? Are they scared? Disgusted by being different? Or what? Up to this point, I couldn't find the answer.

I didn't just refer to Chloe and me, who have different abilities, but the history of humanity, especially the history of wars, has proven this. That's why I dislike studying history.

Going back, Chloe's story now shifted to her hopes and what she did to achieve those hopes. Chloe's hope was actually very simple —to have many friends. For people like us, who were isolated and hatred, having friends felt like a precious treasure.

That's why I was so enthusiastic and happy when I found out that Chloe also had the same ability as mine. However, I couldn't express it, fearing I might overreact and annoy Chloe.

The most major difference between Chloe and me lies in our actions to fulfill our hopes. I tended to be silent and distant from people because I was afraid they'd find out about my ability and eventually distance themselves or bully me. But not Chloe. She was actively involved in various social activities and school clubs to find as many friends as possible, and she didn't hide her ability.

"Sorry, I talked for a long time. Because it's my first time meeting someone who has the vision ability," Chloe ended her story. She seemed to take a long breath. "Actually, you're not the first, but I want to hear your story first."

Not the first? Then who was the first person with the vision ability that Chloe met? I don't know.

Putting aside my disturbing thoughts, I began to tell Chloe about how I first got this ability. From meeting the terrifying old lady at the mall, my father's death, where eventually my father believed I could see ghosts, meeting vengeful spirits, and to becoming friends with Desmon.

Concerning Desmon, I wasn't sure when he left, but I was sure I didn't see him by my side anymore. I wanted to look for him, but I felt uncomfortable leaving Chloe to search for Desmon. So, let it be. Besides, it seems I've found a replacement for him.

Furthermore, about Desmon as my ghost friend, I became curious if Chloe also had a ghost friend like how I had Desmon. I wanted to ask, but Chloe seemed to have drunk a lot of water since she asked for permission to use the bathroom.

###

After accompanying and showing Chloe the bathroom, I walked to the kitchen to get my favorite drink from the fridge. Not forgetting, I also brought a few bottles to place on the table in the living room for Chloe later on.

"Nah-nah, look who's got a new sweetie!" An annoying sound from Desmon. I didn't need to see his face directly, I could already imagine his annoyed smile, as if he was making fun of me.

"What?" I responded, annoyed.

"It seems like you're going to have a girlfriend."

I immediately closed the fridge door, turned around to face him, "Don't be silly! She can see ghosts, you know. So, zip it!"

"Yeah, I know, I heard it. That's why I said."

I was sure he was about to say something ridiculous again. So I gave him a fierce stare, sending the message.

"Forget it. So, do you still need me?" Desmon continued.

"Doesn't seem like it," I replied, this time confident that I could have a casual talk with Chloe.

I returned to my couch in the living room, carrying a few bottles of my favorite drink, while Desmon went to my room.

###

Roughly, Chloe took about three times longer in the bathroom than I did.

Finally, Chloe returned from the bathroom and sat back on the couch.

"Eh... Chloe, go ahead and have a drink," I said. Unfortunately, I still found it confusing to start a conversation, even though I felt more at ease when the conversation had begun.

"Yeah, thank you. By the way, I forgot to answer your question before because I got carried away with the storytelling."

"Hmm... what question?"

"'How did I know your house?' Do you still need an answer?" Chloe asked, opening the bottle I'd provided and taking a sip.

Chloe's story had been so engaging that I didn't even realize when Desmon left or remember my own question. Was this what it felt like to have a human friend to talk to?

"Not necessary, but feel free to answer if you want." Truthfully, I still needed her answer, but again, having Chloe as a friend who shared my fate made me want to maintain our relationship. So, I thought it best to avoid anything that might make her uncomfortable, like avoiding any kind of pressure.

"I'll tell you, so you won't misunderstand. But first, let me give you some context by sharing my story first."

I held onto my drink as I listened to Chloe's story.

###

Based on Chloe's story, my assumption about Chloe wanting to make friends or having many friends wasn't limited to humans only. Chloe's story also answered my question.

Apparently, based on Chloe's story, she had around a dozen ghost friends. Far more than I did, I only had Desmon as my ghost friend. Chloe seemed to be more 'social' in both the human and ghost worlds compared to me.

Furthermore, Chloe explained that her frequent interactions with ghosts had allowed her abilities to further develop. She could now enter the ghost world, although not entirely or for a long time.

Hearing about entering the ghost world reminded me of Desmon's explanation about my abilities. This confirmed what Desmon said.

Also, Chloe explained that her interactions with the ghost world had led her to be affected by an death aura. The more she interacted, the stronger this aura became.

For Chloe, the death aura she had wasn't a big deal. She just used or did something that acted as the opposite of the death aura, which was the life aura.

So, this explained why she always used vibrant colors, wore earphones playing music, always drinking even from the beginning when we were chatting, and did many other things. I began to understand her reasons for doing all of this.

Chloe then moved on to the biggest mystery for me. She explained that her growing death aura could attract more vengeful ghosts and phantoms, and that was a big problem for her.

Vengeful ghosts, as far as I knew, could harm, injure, or even kill humans. Chloe was aware of this. However, she had a solution.

According to Chloe, phantoms were ghost entities and could be considered natural enemies of vengeful ghosts, despite sharing similar characteristics. Based on Chloe's experiences, some phantoms she knew had protected her from attacks by vengeful ghosts. That's why, Chloe heavily relied on phantoms for her safety from vengeful ghosts.

However, at one point, according to Chloe, one of her phantoms disappeared. She worried it might have been because of the actions of vengeful ghosts. Therefore, she asked her other phantoms to search for the missing one.

While listening to her story, I had already found answers to my previous question, but I also had some new ones. However, I didn't say anything for now, I didn't want to disrupt Chloe's story. I was also happy seeing Chloe excitedly sharing her story, she looked so cheerful.

Chloe's story shifted to the incident at the inter-sector bridge earlier that morning.

Chloe was indeed at the bridge when Ryan's battle incident happened. But her explanation didn't clarify whether the figure I saw commanding the mysterious being was her or not.

While on the bridge, Chloe sensed the presence of her missing phantom. Oddly, according to Chloe, the phantom's presence actually came from a strong life aura. So, Chloe decided to trace the source of that aura.

In the end, Chloe found that the source of the life aura came from a car. Sneakily, Chloe followed the car, which finally stopped at a school. That was when Chloe realized that it was me emitting the life aura.

"So, that's why I followed your car until we met at your house," Chloe wrapped up her story.

"Wow," I sighed several times after finally realizing I hadn't been breathing while listening to Chloe's story. "Hmm... I don't know what to say."

"Yeah, I understand. But I want to ask you, can you see phantoms?" Chloe turned her entire body towards me.

"Wait a moment... let me catch my breath." I took a few deep breaths. There was too much information, and all of it was crucial. So, I needed a few extra seconds to think.

After patiently waiting for me while she checked her smartphone, I finally answered, "Yes. I can see phantoms and have even met one."

As if already knowing my answer, Chloe immediately followed up with her next question. "Leina? Is her name Leina?"

"He..." I found it really hard to control my breath, it was so unsteady. "How did you know?"

"Yeah, because she's my phantom that disappeared."

"Really?"

"Yes. You definitely saw her for the first time when she was beside me, staring at me."

"Wow," My breathing slowly became steady again. "You're right. So, she's your phantom."

"Yup. It's okay if Leina chooses you, I'm just worried because she suddenly disappeared."

"Hmm... thank you. But don't worry, Leina is fine, and she seems brighter now, not pale anymore."

Chloe pressed her lips tightly and widened them slightly, smiling with a raised eyebrow as she heard about Leina's condition. I was glad to see that Chloe felt relieved knowing about Leina's condition.

"By the way, if you can be friends with ghosts, is the ghost that was next to you your friend, Desmon?" Chloe changed the topic.

"Oh, you saw him too." I wasn't surprised that Chloe could see Desmon after hearing Chloe's story, but never mind. "Yes, the one earlier was Desmon."

"Where is he now? Did he leave?"

"He's in my room. Do you want to meet him? I can call him."

"Nope... it's not necessary. By the way, Robert, I've deleted my FWC account, so we can't chat there anymore." Chloe changed the topic again. I wasn't sure what she was trying to do, but I felt something odd.

"Oh, I see. I knew this morning when I..." I remembered what happened this morning and also remembered that it hasn't been explained yet, so I intended to ask Chloe about it.

"Sorry, Robert, but I have an urgent matter to attend to, so perhaps we can chat another time. How about the day after tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Maneuvers Coffee Shop? Would that be okay?" Chloe quickly pulled herself together, finished her drink, stood up, and straightened herself.

"Maneuvers Coffee Shop in the Ventus sector?" I asked to confirm. As far as I knew, there was only one coffee shop called Maneuvers in the Ventus sector, unless it had opened a branch or there was another coffee shop with the same name.

"Yup, that's right. 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. is fine too. I'm sorry, but I really have to go now." Chloe was already walking towards the front door of my house.

I hurried to catch up, intending to open the door, but Chloe had already opened it herself.

When at the front door, I saw a car parked in front of my house with a sign that read 'Let's-Ride'. It turns out Chloe had already ordered an online transportation service without me realizing, maybe she ordered it while in the bathroom, that could explain why she took so long in there.

Chloe waved goodbye, and I waved back.

She was a cheerful girl, and her smile was quite sweet.

####