The Exorcist Who Doesn’t Seal Spirits, but Helps Them Say Goodbye

The house didn't seem as big as she remembered. The wind had a faint scent of rain and nostalgia.

Yuna's hand trembled.

Yuna: “What if they forgot about me? I mean… I don’t know how long I’m gone and…”

I smiled faintly.

Haruto: “People don’t forget the ones they love. I’m very sure.”

Yuna swallows some saliva before slapping her cheeks lightly.

Yuna: “Alright! It’s all or nothing…”

I nodded in response and headed towards the house door.

When I’m in front of the door, I take a deep breath and press the doorbell.

Ding dong!

After a few seconds of waiting, the door opened slightly.

It’s a young lady in an office worker’s uniform. The dark circles underneath the girl's eyes are clearly visible.

Yuna: “Oh…! That’s my younger sister, Hina! I’m glad that she has grown into a fine lady… But why does she look so tired?”

Hina didn’t react at all. She just stared at me in silence without making any noise.

As expected, she can’t see ghosts.

Haruto: “Hello there, I’ve a letter for you…”

I handed her the letter, and she took it from my hands hesitantly. Her eyes widened immediately after seeing the name “Yuna Fujimori” written on the envelope.

Hina's fingers were shaking. She flipped the letter over, as though she was worried it would disappear as soon as she opened it.

Hina: “...Where did you get this?”

Haruto: “Well… It’s a long story…”

Hina blinked in confusion, but I gave her a little bow and moved away before she could say anything.

She glanced down at the handwriting; it was slanted, delicate, and familiar.

Her breath hitched.

Hina: “No way… This can’t be real.”

She ripped the envelope open.

Each stroke of the blue ink used to write the letter inside trembled slightly, as though the writer had been holding back tears.

Her knees gradually gave out until she sat on the doorstep, and her voice broke as she started reading aloud.

Yuna walks slowly and pats her head.

Yuna: “I’m sorry, Hina… I didn’t mean to leave like that.”

Yuna said softly, even though she knew that Hina could neither feel nor hear her words.

***

Dear Hina, Mum, and Dad:

If you’re reading this, it means that I’m finally going to rest in peace.

I wanted to say thank you to all 3 of you for being my family and being there for me even when times are tough. And I’m sorry for making all of you worry.

There are so many things that I wanted to say before I left, but I never had the courage to.

Mum, I miss your cooking and your warm hugs that you give me to encourage me when I’m crying.

Dad, thanks for being strict with me. Even though you usually don’t express your feelings that much, I know that deep down you will always care for me.

Hina, thanks for being the cutest sister I’ve ever asked for. Please don’t cry anymore, and please chase after your dreams and live happily, no matter how many challenges you face.

I’ll always be watching you 3 from afar, from a place where I can smile.

Love,

Yuna

***

Hina was crying by the time she got to the end. She sobbed quietly, clutching the paper tightly to her chest.

Hina: “Idiot sister… Always caring for us before yourself…”

Yuna covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling.

Yuna: “Hina…”

Her voice cracked, and I placed a hand on her shoulder.

Haruto: “Let’s go…”

I whispered to Yuna slightly. Both of us turned our backs and started walking away. And just then—

Hina: “E…Excuse me…!!”

Both of us turned our heads back.

Hina: “W… Who are you?”

Yuna turned to me curiously.

Yuna: “I just remembered, I haven’t asked you for your name yet. So, what is it, Mr. exorcist?”

Hearing both of their questions, I smiled faintly.

Haruto: “My name is Haruto, Haruto Aoyagi. Just an ordinary exorcist.”

The sound of Hina's voice drifted through the air as I walked away.

Hina: “Umm... Thanks for… Bringing Yuna home…!!”

Before the world engulfed me once more in the bustle of the morning streets, I held up my hand and gave one last wave.

As the two of us were walking, the rain started to fall softly, shimmering in the light like silver threads.

Yuna stopped her tracks and turned to face me, tears and relief glimmering in her eyes.

Yuna: “Thank you, Haruto. I… I think I can rest now.”

I took out a talisman and gave a slow nod. In the dim light, the ink gave off a faint gold glow. Her smile was warm, weightless, and gentle.

Yuna: “No words can express my gratitude… So I’ll repay you someday… Maybe in another life.”

Hearing her words, I smiled softly and let out a soft sigh.

Haruto: “Then I’ll be waiting.”

As I placed the talisman against her forehead, light began to surround her. The rain froze midair, catching her silhouette in a thousand shimmering fragments.

Slowly, her figure vanished into the light, leaving behind only the faint scent of spring and the gentle sound of rain.

I smiled and started walking the streets of Tokyo alone, and that’s when I remembered something really important…

Haruto: “My bicycle!! I must’ve left it outside the school when I was battling the ghost!”

I started dashing towards the school, hoping that I could find my bike before I head back to Kyoto.

***

10 years passed in the blink of an eye.

Thinking back, even though this journey was very short, it left a deep impression on me.

After somehow becoming a well-known exorcist in Japan, I relocated to Tokyo and opened my own agency there. It’s exhausting… But being in a location that brings convenience when helping others is what truly matters.

One quiet afternoon, I heard a knock at the door.

Haruto: “Come in.”

The door opened, and a woman and a young girl stepped in.

???: “Hello, it has been a while. I’m Hina Fujimori, and my 8-year-old daughter can see ghosts…”

I froze for a moment, surprised. It had been years since I last saw her.

The girl sat on the chair, swinging her legs and munching on a steamed bun.

Haruto: “Well, I can offer 2 choices if it’s bothering you and her… Either I conduct a ritual and make her unable to see ghosts again. Or… She could enroll in exorcist school and learn how to handle it herself…”

???: “I want to learn exorcism!”

The girl blurted out before her mother could react.

???: “...But I want you to be my teacher! You’re super strong, right?”

Her cheeks puffed up as she spoke, still holding the bun.

Hina: “Hey… Manners…”

Yura looked down, slightly sulking.

After realizing what's happening, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Fate really does have a funny way of working.

Haruto: “If you’re serious… I don’t mind. What’s your name, little one?”

The girl crossed her arms and pouted.

???: “I’m Yura, Yura Fujimori. And I’m not little…”

Just then, her stomach growled.

Yura: “Mister, do you happen to have any steamed buns here?”

Hina: “Yura…!”

I chuckled softly and patted her head gently.

Haruto: “Let’s get you some later, okay?”

Outside, the rain began to fall again, soft and silver, just like it did that morning ten years ago.