Ghosts - part 3/3
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Soohyun felt his hand tremble as he asked hoarsely “What happens if I do find all of you, but fail the test?” His eyes never leaving Kibum’s, though it hurt to simply just look into those eyes, because it would only remind Soohyun of what he had lost. He wishes he could just turn back time, for just a moment to completely avoid and erase that moment. “Never Soohyun, you’ll never fail, we all believe in you” Kibum utters softly, his warm voice washing away all Soohyun's fears of failing the test of the Grim Reaper.
Kibum finally smiled, his eyes becoming lighter and looking almost serene, as he grabbed Soohyun's hand and gently pressed his lips to it. Soohyun felt all his worry fade away with that simple kiss on his hand, as if somehow cooled off all the steam from his negative emotions. He was already fading as his last words were uttered softly and dangerously alluring “Would you ever believe a liar?”
Soohyun's eyes only wondered at what Kibum meant by that, but he was still smiling, out of all them Kibum was still the manliest and most courteous, from the other 6. He thought to himself as he tried to regain a steady breathing rate and calm his racing heart ‘I would never believe a liar, but there is only one person who can lie to me and no matter how hard I try, I still believe him. His lies are so beautiful that I can listen to them endlessly’.
When he pieced it up, his lips twitched into an amused yet somewhat sad smile.
The Grim Reaper scowled from behind the door, muttering insults to all spirit like creatures, but when a strong wind almost blew him off this body’s feet and he felt the temporary container he was using shiver he murmured haste apologies to the spirits he insulted.
A giggle could be heard form the outside, and Soohyun located the 4th member, he took a deep breath and headed outside the garden once more, feeling fear wash away his new-found confidence as he stepped out the back door and the aura surrounding the area gave off the feel of something eerie and unusual, well usual, because Soohyun really should be used to it by now.
“Alexander, come out, please?” Soohyun asked pleading, as he shivered all over, breathing warm air over his hands to keep himself warm. He hated this, this sudden cold weather, and he had a feeling that Alexander had somehow caused it with the help of a certain someone.
He hears the slight giggle and feels something quickly fly by him; he turns quickly, almost cracking his head. But there is nothing there once again and Soohyun wonders why is Alexander making this hard for him? He hears Alexander’s sweet voice, unlike his husky one, utter “I lie & lie again because I am a liar; I made you a promise, didn’t I? And I broke it Soohyun-ah, why aren’t you angry at me?”
Soohyun felt all his frustration fade, and his heart, swell with sympathy and understanding; he ignored the tears stinging his eyes, and asked out loud sounding hoarse “Can you please show yourself, so that I can answer?” He heard the soft reply “And what if, I don’t want to reveal myself?” in the form of a question, and grimaced as he braced himself for what he would tell Alexander, the one who would reveal all his insecurities to only Soohyun. “Don’t you owe me at least that? After breaking your promise, don’t I get to at least see your face to see if you deserve to be forgiven Alexander?!” he was cold, he had to be, so he could take command, and lead the conversation without letting Alexander surprise him every second.
“I’m sorry Soohyun, but I can’t.” he heard Alexander reply along with a choked sob. Soohyun's heart pained for Alexander, but he was running out of time and Alexander wasn’t helping him by choosing to hide himself. “Fine, then don’t.” Soohyun chose to say, carefully choosing his words but he couldn’t continue, and frowned when a whimper left his lips, he asked Alexander in a hurt tone “Is this all I get? Thank you; remind me, the next time, not to waste my time with you.” But before he could stop himself, he blurted out “Am I really nothing to you, that you won’t reveal yourself to me?” his pride hurt as the tears began falling like a cascading waterfall.
He heard the bushes shuffle, as the wind blew harder against Soohyun's trembling body, and the only thought that leaves Soohyun's lips is "When did I get so weak?!" and he feels an almost scorching type of wind graze him, as if to remind him that he isn't. "Don't bother" Soohyun murmurs to Alexander and continues coldly "You've already shown me how much you care. And I think that's all I can handle Alexander, no matter what anyone says, I have my limits".
Almost silent footsteps are heard by Soohyun as he walks away, and he feels a hand holding onto his arm. He hears the silent whisper "I 'm so sorry Soohyun, you've no idea how guilty I felt that day. If I could turn back time, I would, as to no leave you by yourself, like we did. I know it wasn't intentional, but you're suffering, and there's a gap inside your kind & generous heart". Soohyun had turned and saw Alexander gazing at him with concern, as his eyes were full of unshed tears.
And Soohyun can almost swear that his breath hitched, because Alexander still looks so fucking beautiful, looking so sincere and worried. Soohyun almost wishes he can hold the older man, but as his heart contracts more painfully once again, he ignores the pain, even though it seems never-ending, as if he's being stabbed repeatedly by daggers. Alexander caresses Soohyun's cheek, Soohyun lets out a deep breath of air as the feather-light touch makes him feel as if many tiny butterflies, are fluttering around in his stomach. He whispers voice hoarse "You're still so beautiful, do you know that?" He hears the short chuckle, and gives Alexander a small smile that doesn't reach his eyes, but shows Alexander that he's not upset, as he doesn't think he has the guts to upset Alexander.
"You're still such a sweet talker, I thought that habit should have stopped by now." as the older man or ghost man, raises an almost non-existent eyebrow up curiously with traces of amusement on the once-so-red lips. Alexander looks back, and smiles hesitantly before murmuring "You've got 41 minutes left Soohyun-ah, good luck". And then Alexander ruffles Soohyun's hair fondly before whispering next to Soohyun's ear "Can we pretend, even just for a moment, that Airplanes are like shooting stars, because I really need a wish right now."
Soohyun wonders if Alexander has finally lost it, as he is singing the chorus of Airplanes; Soohyun thinks annoyed 'Seriously what clue can song lyrics help me find a missing ghost?' but as Alexander smiles gently and begins to fade, Soohyun mouths "I forgive you, always, and forever more" as he waves. The Grim Reaper pops out of nowhere, this time dressed in black with more tamed spiky hair, and carrying a scythe "40 minutes now Soohyun, will you be able to make it to the other two?" before tapping at his wrist and sipping a mug of tea that had appeared out of nowhere.
Soohyun wondered if all messengers of death were this odd, and hears the Grim Reaper whine as he is walking away "You know I can read your mind, right?" Soohyun calls back a "Yeah~" and the Grim Reaper reprimands him in an almost teasing way "Then stop thinking bad things about me" and is almost imagining the older creature pouting before shaking his head, and telling himself he really needs to check his sanity, and also needs to stop getting distracted.
He sings the lyrics to himself and wonders where on earth could he find a shooting star, before suddenly hurrying off to the other side of the house. He climbs up some stairs and enters a room door, and walks through the room until he reaches the veranda where Dongho is sitting there smiling brightly at him "I almost thought you might've forgotten it, hyung?"
But the bright smile on Dongho's face makes Soohyun feel like tearing up, but he's also smiling brightly "You look better than ever Dongho-ah" and he feels the younger boy leap from his position and embraces Soohyun in a tight almonst non-existent hug that sends Goosebumps all over his body. "Wow, hyung way to make me feel better" but the cheeky smile doesn't leave Dongho's lips, and the younger presses a cool kiss to Soohyun's forehead "Well, best wishes for this one Soohyunnie~ Never Mine, never yours, but somehow we complete each other; are you not the missing piece of my soul?"
Soohyun freezes, because he knows it's Kevin, he just doesn't know where Kevin is, and he knows he looks very confused, because Dongho is giving him a sympathetic smile. "I thought you'd figure that out, here's another clue, and you better look everywhere, not only inside the house hyung. Did you know? The wind blowing on trees, makes a sound that sounds like waves lapping on a shore" Soohyun smiles kindly at the younger man who's already fading, as it dawns on him where Kevin could be. He leaves the house with only 31 minutes to spare, but Soohyun's heart is finally rejoicing, because maybe now he'll find them all, and they could be together again, just like old times.
He ignores the feeling of wistfulness, and walks hurriedly, to reach the destined location before he was a few minutes too late.
Because they were meant to be together forever, just the seven of them…….
When he reaches, he has 14 minutes left, and he is panting as faint traces of sweat roll down his face. And yet as he gazes at the pretty-boy who's as see-through as Soohyun's forgotten transparent shirt, a smile appears on Soohyun's face, it's a smile filled with nostalgia.
He sings softly, but his voice still so beautifully powerful.
"I still can't erase you
Again and again I think of you
I miss you too much
I can't sleep at night
He hears Kevin's lovely and soft voice singing the continuation.
"The raindrops are knocking at my heart's window
The place that you've left
I miss it too much
I can't sleep at night"
The soft whisper of "I know, you'll always be there waiting" leaves Soohyun's lips, his voice promising, but it gave away to how tired he really was. Kevin floated over to Soohyun before cupping his cheek, he placed a gentle and water-like kiss that felt as if the cool humid wind were on Soohyun's bright-yet-dry-pink lips. Soohyun flushed at the affectionate gesture. He hear Kevin tell him kindly "For you, I'd give up the world, and to know that you would do the same for every one of us, makes me feel so glad and relieved. We're sorry we left you alone here, but Sweetie we'll make it, so keep fighting, and don't give up" before Kevin fades away, leaving Soohyun no chance to say goodbye.
Soohyun gazes at the empty shore, and lets out a deep breath, its almost painful, to gaze at such an empty beach, with only the sound of waves lapping on the shore to comfort him, whilst the silence took over. He shut his eyes for a moment before opening them to reveal the Grim Reaper in front of him.
"Soohyun, congratulations you made it!" the Grim Reaper told Soohyun with an impressed smile. Soohyun smiled and murmured "thank you" before he noticed the Grim Reaper's expression turn serious as he told Soohyun "Well, since you've finished the challenge with more time to spare, it's time for my challenge, but before that I'd like to ask you a series of questions, okay?"
Soohyun nodded in agreement not trusting his voice. "What would you do if you were to never see them again?" asked the Grim Reaper. And Soohyun felt suddenly nauseous before gulping nervously and murmuring softly "I would die". The Grim Reaper raised an eyebrow, his serious demeanor slowly fading as an amused expression began to appear on his face "Figuratively, or Literally?" Soohyun frowned before replying "Both I guess" as the Grim Reaper grinned showing how completely he was amused by Soohyun's answer.
"You really are something Soohyun" began the Grim Reaper, as a smirk appeared on his lips, and in an instant he was 4 inches away from Soohyun's cheek, if he was estimating. The Grim Reaper cupped Soohyun's cheek before whispering "So if you were to lose them, I'd get to claim your soul, and let your body rot away, and you'd let me take it willingly?" Soohyun nodded bravely.
And suddenly Soohyun was whisked away to a place with no light, surrounded by darkness, before he was suddenly in a beach, the same beach that they were supposed to have gone to. Soohyun felt tears stings his eyes, and one slipped out of his eye. A smooth yet cool finger brushed away the tears, the voice was melodic, sweet somewhat "Please don't cry Soohyun, I'm sorry to have brought back memories, but you've passed my test a long time ago". The voice belonged to a man dressed in white along with a beautiful grey hooded robe that was over his clothes. The black hair was tamed, and fell messily over the man's eyes, his irises were purple, and red didn't cover any of part of his eyes at all. Soohyun timidly called out "Grim?" the man smiled, a brilliant blinding smile, as black beautiful wings appeared from beneath his robe slicing through the grey robe. My name is "Kaliel, I am the assigned angel of death, I told you I have many names Soohyun, your love for them was vast, so as a wish, you'll wake up from this night mare, take care, don't forget me if you can".
And before Soohyun could even utter a word, Kaliel vanished into the sky, and Soohyun was blinded by a white lie. Soohyun already missed him, when he could finally see clearly through the white light. He was at the beach laying on the sand, he got a beeping noise from his pants, he dug through his pocket, and found his mobile, he unlocked it and noticed the date was 17th September, the day of the accident. His heart soars, could he hope? He opens the text message, and frowns at the words, before reading them once again.
From Kevin 7:09p.m:
"Turn Around Hyung"
Soohyun's breath hitches as he turns, and there they are, standing looking more alive than he's ever seen them. The tears fall happily, as a smile graces his lips, he's finally found them, and they're smiling brightly, and its Eli who makes the first approach taking a step forward "Come here, you big crybaby" and Soohyun walks into the embrace, and in a moment he's surrounded in an embrace with all of them being there, still breathing.
After they part, Dongho cheekily tells Soohyun "Told you we'd be back hyung, we're not dumb enough to leave an empathetic-man like you on your own, have you seen what you've done to yourself, you look skinnier than Kevin if that's even possible" a grin on the youngest boy's face. Soohyun only chuckles, as Kevin looks scandalized, and tells Dongho sincerely "thank you" and enjoy the blush on the younger's face, as the other mumbles softly "no problem". Alexander teases him about his hair, while Kibum smiles softly, and Kiseop grins amused at their interaction, while Eli watches protectively, a smirk on his lips.
He's happy, here an only with them, and even if they were ghost, he'd be happy as long as he could be with them.
P.S:- I only miss you when I'm breathing.......
"You can never let go of the ghosts of the past, they haunt you until your dying breath, until you can finally join them in peace."
-The End-
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this!! Please comment below, and tell me what you think of this ^^. This is a very old fic, and I based on the old 7, rather than the new 7 of U-kiss, probably because the old 7 were much closer to each other.