|Kiss of death (part 3)

A little after the dust had settled, the two finally appeared from the bed room.  This time, he wore actual clothes. Watching the two as they simply stuck to each other, nothing else mattered at that point.

Aiko calmly bit her lips as she knew that her next words would be undoubtedly devastating. 

“There’s a way we can get through this. There has to be.” he turned to the young girl who instinctively shifted her gaze.

“No. Don’t give me that look.”

“Sho. There is a lot to discuss regarding Rika’s predicament.”

“I know that. That’s why I brought you here in the first place. You said you’ll save her.”

“I’ll tell you about all the options we have. Why don’t we take a seat?”

“Your inexperience is showing, Takano. Just give it to me straight. I already know what you’re going to say anyway.” she squeezed him even harder, with her cheeks brushing against his spiky hair. The stinging sensation was absent.

“You’re really throwing me off my game.” she rubbed her head, chuckling faintly in response.

"Besides, there's no seat to grab. What on earth is she talking about?"

"Ignoring you will be in my best interest."

“Miss Takano. I’m sorry about that disgraceful display. I wasn't thinking. I nearly killed you..no.. everyone here. I’ve calmed down now. Please go ahead.”

“ ‘From dust we came, so shall we return.’ It’s often a principle that defines all humans. In your case, it’s still the same. You know where I’m going, right?”

“What are you trying to--”

“Sho, your story. It just didn’t add up. Now I understand.”

“Care to elaborate?”

All this time, Aoi leaned against the wall. As nonchalant as he looked, his eyes were glued to the couple. As much as he hated to admit, in a similar scenario, he would have saved the young girl, although reluctantly. Nonetheless, he had to be ready.

“You see, every spirit that is brought from the void will inevitably get corrupted. It’s like a sick joke created by god. There’s something you probably didn’t mention.”

“Is what she’s saying true?” he turned to the man who was temporarily out of words.

“It’s okay. I’ll talk.” she floated behind him, her arms still wrapped around him. It was just a warm hug, nothing more. Then again, this mundane gesture triggered memories from the past. The subtle crow's feet she sported when she smiled, his dark, weighted lids that even his glasses couldn't hide. That familiar yet irritating smile that reeked of uncertainty. 

Aoi frowned, crossing his arms and closing his eyes, hoping those memories crawled back into the hole they slithered from.

“The reason he didn’t say anything is because he knows just as much as I do, that things can’t go on forever, even if we want it to.”

“That’s not true. I’m just a coward.” he gently rubbed her arms.

“A moment of weakness doesn’t define you, Sho. Anyway, it’s not as dramatic as you make it seem. It was something I undoubtedly felt. I knew I had two choices. Either drown in despair or just bottle it all up. But lately, I stopped feeling like myself.”

“Why?”

“Well, you see. When my emotions spark up, they eventually leave my body. It’s like this house sucks it all up. I just didn’t know I lost myself to this. The proof was the gap in my memory or Sho’s facial expressions."

"Huh?"

"Don't you know? Your face never lies."

"Rika."

"But those lips sure do." she pinched him.

"There was probably something wrong with me, but what else could I do?” she sighed. “It’s not like I could take it up with a medical professional, and thinking about it for too long was only going to fuel my anxiety. So I brushed it off like it was nothing. Even my hair. It was never white to begin with. Maybe I really am becoming a different person.”

“That’s not all. Rika, do you remember what happened yesterday??”

[

"What do you mean you can't take a day off. It's our second anniversary, Sho."

"I know I know, it's just that this season, we typically get the least amount of workers available and in turn the bosses get strict with the rest of us that are."

"But you said you took a day off."

"I did but they said they needed me."

"So they accepted it then denied it? Or was that you?"

"Why would I cancel my own day off? Once I'm done with the stretch, we can make up for it next month.”

“That's what they always say.”

“I know…”

“I have an idea. What if I call midway during your shift and say I’m in pain and need you to take me to the hospital? They will surely release you.”

“Rika, it’s not a prison sentence. I’m doing this because I need to. The workload is insane but it will definitely reduce the burden on me later.”

“So even that’s a no? There's nothing you're gonna do about it huh?”

“Rika, come on..”

“Fine, I'm not going to press further. Seems like you're in a tight spot.”

“We’ll have twice the fun next time. Trust me.”

]

“While we were watching TV. The whole house suddenly became dim and the TV started making screeching sounds. Immediately I noticed, I climbed on top of you. I then held your chin up and we kissed.”

“I remember most of it but the TV was perfectly fine. So this is what you mean, Aiko.”

“As I said, this is all a sick joke, maybe even a game. All apparitions face the inevitable reality of losing themselves with time, and when they do, they all become nothing but mindless creatures. So far, the FISF have not recorded a single case exemplary to this rule.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s why, even with our limited numbers, we struggle as much as we can to ensure that the souls we put to rest are purified in time.

Unless an apparition dies or leaves voluntarily, they can’t be saved. For the second option, essentially, you must rid yourself of anything tying you down to this world.”

“Die? That’s funny.” she got up in search of clothing and returned with a blanket which she used to cover her lover’s body. The consequence of his recklessness was highlighted on his skin. Red marks caused by forceful shedding of skin. She only imagined how much pain he tolerated but at the moment, he didn't show even a hint of pain.

"You don't need to act tough in front of me. I know you're in pain." she glanced at his arms that twitched every now and then.

“With the way things are now, it’s impossible. I understand the whole thing now.” Aoi snapped his fingers, before grabbing a seat....on the ground.

“In that case, why did you tell me you could save her when you knew?”

“I didn’t lie when I said I could save her. At the FISF, we have various ways of helping people. For someone that exhibits no signs of corruption, all we will do is offer you a free session with a therapist and keep a close eye on you. Believe it or not, even after decades, nothing will change. In some cases, of course.”

“You don’t have to explain everything. Just answer his question already.”

“All I wanted to do was undo the shackles. I guess it’s mean to call it that. Because, after taking a closer look at the both of you. I realized, perhaps I couldn’t really do that.”

“To be fair, I can’t say I blame you.”

“Quit butting in, you damn idiot.”

She snickered as they went at it. While her gaze rested only on her lover, she knew what was going to come next.

“I’ve changed my mind, Aoi. I don’t wish to commit suicide anymore. If there’s no other choice, then please at least free the both of us.”

“Free you? Now that’s one way to put it.” even without a change in expression, he laughed dryly.

“Please.”

“There goes the guy that said he will discuss our future together.”

“I’m sorry for that.”

“I’ll tell you what I think. I think Araki Sho is the best man I have ever met. He’s sometimes selfish and inconsiderate but makes it for it by being selfless and sometimes blindly naive. I love that guy to bits and I will even die for him. But I don’t know whether I want to die with him. Why? It’s simple. It’s because I want him to pursue something normal. I want him to live.” even with all the enthusiasm in her voice, something about it felt wrong.

He held her cold body even tighter.

“Saying stuff like that will only make him mad. You know that right?” he chuckled lightly, rubbing his weary eyes.

“I stand by what I said. Perhaps if he thought of it as saving me, will that compel him?”

*sigh*

“If that’s the case, then he can’t save you. However, he won’t leave your side either.”

He turned to her. Despite the crystals at the edge of her eyes, she still smiled brightly.

“Let’s face death together. I can do at least that much, right?”

“Why are you this stubborn??”

“I don’t have a special reason. I just don’t know how life will be without you.”

“Sho. You can’t be saying stuff like… this” her calm demeanor vanished, her lips trembled and her words ceased.

“What’s gotten into--” Aiko swiftly covered his insolent mouth.

“Don't you dare!!” she murmured.

The clock hit eleven and as of this moment, the whole of japan, no the entire world went silent. All that could be heard were the two restrained yet raw sobs coming from a random house on the end of a random street in this city.

No words were said but their tears told the whole story. A story of acceptance and parting.

After a few minutes, the girl clapped, gathering everyone’s attention.

“Okay, how about we celebrate the anniversary before anything else? The dark talk can wait, right? We can still do something memorable tonight. It’s special, after all. I hope you don’t mind us intruding.”

They stared into each other’s eyes and shook their heads.

“Great.” she could feel the resistance from their side but ignored that. She had to…

*clink*

Their glass cups gently collided as they shouted “cheers” in unison. The only one excluded was Aoi. As sociable as he was, the hostility brewing in the middle of the living room was too much to ignore. Despite the destruction that took place, they managed to make do with what they had. Luckily, mostly the furniture was destroyed. Nonetheless, they ate, drank and laughed together.

At this particular moment, they were alive and that’s all that mattered. All other thoughts sunk to the bottom of the sea.

Sho’s decision was a firm one, taken with the utmost consideration yet absolutely irrational. This spiraling contradiction was what made him human.

“And you see, my grandparents were spirits too. Just a different kind.”

“So she wasn’t the first spirit you encountered?”

“What? No. Aside from my grandparents, In the countryside, there were a few that I met but never saw again. But my experience with them were generally positive. Those that knew they were spirits didn’t make too much of a fuss about it and just enjoyed their time in this world.”

“That must have been wonderful.”

“Yeah. My grandparents disappeared after a year.”

“On their own?”

“What I like to think is that they were already satisfied with life and had few loose ends.”

“As expected from an old couple.” she looked down at his hands, they were slightly larger than hers and also reassuring. She smiled in response.

“Hold on. Sho, I have one very important question for you.”

“Hmm? Shoot. Rika’s already asked all the embarrassing questions so I’m afraid there’s nothing left.”

“Nothing like that, don’t worry. While you and I were in your room, I felt something poking me. I checked and I saw something truly amazing.”

“What was it?”

“Great, he dodged. Rika, what are your thoughts on marriage??”

“Come on, I just don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Marriage, huh? Well it’s a legal union between two people. I certainly think it’s important but Sho and I are a bit special so we don’t need the title.”

“Agreed. However, what if you had a physical reminder of your relationship.”

“A physical reminder, huh? I have a couple of jewelries that he got me. Does that count?”

“If you’re pleased with that, then I’m pretty sure you’ll be more pleased with this.” She scurried through her pockets and revealed a ring.

“Huh??”

“Oh..”

“Give it to him, weirdo. It seems like you’re the one proposing.”

“My bad.”

“Wait. Sho, you had this all along? Since when?”

“Since last week?”

“Huhhhhhhhh????” they all screamed.

“Why would you keep it that long?”

“What are you doing, man?”

“dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy…”

“Hey, I didn’t know you liked it that much.”

“WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?” she kept softly hitting him.

“He’s skilled at making poor life decisions. How did she agree to be with you?”

“I know right.”

“Give me a break. These things are delicate, you know?” he kept rubbing his chin amidst the endless remarks.

“Delicate my ass.. There was no way I was ever going to hesitate, let alone reject you. You surely know that.”

“I’m sorry for delaying. I was not mentally ready yet. Better late than never?”

“This is the only time I’m letting you off with that. Now, do it.”

“Right. If you don’t mind.”

The bands curled around each other and formed a smooth round figure, with the diamond shaped in the form of a heart.

“I chose this because the ring could only be formed with the help of the two smaller ones. And the heart. Well, that’s self explanatory.”

*ahem*

“W-Will you marry me??”

“Of course, you dummy.”

Their celebration was complemented by the rounds of applause coming from behind them.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

As the clock made the final tick, he sprung up while Rika held onto his arms with the words “I’m ready.” With a plastered smile, Aiko dropped the cup she was holding and Aoi nervously rubbed the back of his head.

“Jeez. You didn’t even let me finish my joke. ”

"I still don't forgive you, Aoi san. But at least you've got a sense of humour."

"It's what I do for a living. Are you sure it’s time??"

“Yeah.”

His mind slowly began to waver. He was completely set on dying tonight but somewhere deep down, there was a firm struggle that he felt, far beneath the surface.

“I’m surprised that you two went along with this pretty well.”

“We’re quite tidy, right? The desire to end things on a high note should be admired if you ask me.”

“You’re both fine with this decision?”

“Perfect timing if you ask me.” she uttered these words and moved even closer to Sho, smothering him with affection.

“Isn’t my wife the cutest?”

“Indeed. I wish I was the one living here. I have a three horned devil as a landlord.”

“Way to read the room.” Aiko casually brushed past his comment.

“Aoi, I also have to apologize to you.”

“I said I was going to kill your wife.”

“But you never did. The only reason I snapped her out of it was thanks to you.”

“You’re weird.”

“Heh. Anyway, rika knows how much I hate small talk.”

“Says the guy who is good at it.”

As much as the back and forth went, they were still blushing. They then turned to the man with whom their lives were entrusted to. In turn, the young man knew what to do.

“I don’t know much about love. Hell, even if I somehow did I might not be able to relate on such a level.” he cleared his throat. “But I know your subconscious is fighting so I’ll help you out. It baffles me how people can lay down their lives for love. Mister, you might be an idiot, but you have every right to be.”

“.….Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“I swear, it came from the heart.”

“Well I appreciate it.”

“Rika, Sho. I hope you two meet in the afterlife.”

She embraced him and gave him one final kiss. They could touch each other as long as she was the one that initiated contact. Immediately the young man raised his left hand, a ball of air surrounded them. It was like an orchestra and he was the conductor. She held her lover’s hands tightly.

“Thank you for making me die human.”

“Thank you, Rika, for giving me hope.”

“I love you..”

The air bubble tightened and the two lovers fell to the ground instantly. No pain, no struggle. Tear drops immediately following. The woman slowly faded into nothingness while the man’s body was rigid.

Despite this, they could hear a last whisper of hope.

“I don’t know about tomorrow……. But for today………. I’m the happiest woman in the world.”

The conductor lowered his hand after a successful play. He made their final moments as peaceful as possible. A gentle journey to the afterlife.

“Hey Aiko. I know it’s a little late to be saying this but…” he turned around while clenching his fists, his tone still unstirred. A smile fading from his lips. “You don’t have to feel sad. It’s what they wanted.”

She nodded her head gently. He then sighed and composed himself.

“Well that’s that. Still not saying anything??”

“It’s..It’s all your fault. Why did you have to go and say that?? You were hellbent on killing her, weren’t you?”

“Did you see who we were dealing with? She had lost it, be honest. I knew right from the get go that it was dangerous but there you were, treating it like a field trip. If I hasn’t said what I said, there would have been no elephant in the room to address.”

“You..”

“No, perhaps I’m wrong. She was getting to that point even without my help. Only difference is, if I left it to you, it would have been much darker conclusion. You would have definitely hesitated too. That was the best end we could give them. Be respectful.”

Suddenly the room felt too suffocating to bear.

“Hey, where are you going??”

“My mission is over.”

“What the hell?”

“I can’t talk right now.”

“You promised.”

*slam*

He activated the wall slam, a gesture that left her visibly unimpressed but unable to move.

“I hate girls who go back on their word.”

“Think I care?? Back off.”

“If you were going to be that disturbed by it, you should have at least left the room.”

“You don’t know anything.”

“I’m sick of hearing that. Enlighten me then.”

“I..failed. I failed terribly.” her quivery voice softened his heart.

“Huh??”

With a defeated smile, she turned to the dead body.

“It’s such a fucking enigma, searching every door in front of you for a possible way out. I know it’s there but I can’t seem to find it.”

“Maybe it’s not there then?”

“You’re the worst.”

“I’m open to some praise. But first, calm yourself. You still have some unanswered questions from me.” he stood up and playfully brought out a handkerchief like it was some sort of magic trick.

“.…..So this is your first time taking a life?”

“It’s not.”

“Figured.”

“Don’t worry, I can still count the numbers on my right hand.”

As they walked out, a power bike drifted, with a stunning figure wearing a thick leather jacket and a flashy pair of jeans. As she unmounted the bike and took off her helmet, her gaze rested on the two in front of her. 

Her dazzling purple hair swayed around before settling behind her. A long gaze followed by a smirk.

“Aoi. Long time no see.”

“Long time indeed, Atsuko.”