Chapter 5:

Getting to know Each Other

Monstra

Ghost struggled, trying to break free from Shun’s surprise lunge. Shun had latched onto him, and Ghost was having a hard time escaping.

Ghost: Knock it off, dude! You had your fun — it’s over now! Stop it!

Shun: I don’t think you heard what my twin brother said. I am forbidden from letting you go from this hold for 24/7. Get used to it.

Ghost, still struggling, landed face-first on the ground. Kenta, Suzu, and Yui watched the scene unfold, unsure of what to do. Suzu casually opened a bag of snacks and started eating while observing them.

Kenta: So… uh… what exactly is happening here?

Ghost: Kenta! You guys finally made it! Get this guy off me!

Suzu: They look like Dumb and Dumber.

Kenta approached, trying to pull Shun off Ghost with all his strength, but he barely budged.

Kenta: Come on, dude! Get off him! Who even are you?

Shun: I am Shun Arisawa, and I am forbidden from releasing him until 24/7 hours have passed. Apologies.

Kenta: Man… Ghost, you really outdid yourself with this one. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get him off. Sorry, man… you might just have to survive with this guy.

Ghost groaned.

Yui: Hey, Kenta tried helping you. The least you could do is say thank you.

Kenta: Wow, you actually def—

Yui: Zip it, nerd.

Kenta: I spoke too soon.

Ghost: Where’s Ayame?

Kenta: Oh, she got super embarrassed that she slapped you for trying to help her. She ran off somewhere.

The school bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Kenta: Tough luck, man. See you after school.

Ghost: Bye…

Kenta left for his class, as did everyone else. Ghost slowly got up, struggling under Shun’s weight, and began walking toward his classroom. When he reached the room, all eyes were on him. The day continued normally; Ghost tried to focus on his work while Shun used his back as a makeshift desk.

Shortly after, the bell rang for after school. Ghost left the classroom, looking completely drained, and saw Souta in the hallway.

Ghost: Oh, hey, Souta. Have you seen Kenta anywhere?

Souta: Oh, him? He told me to tell you he left early. Said something about falling behind.

Ghost: That’s odd… it’s unlike him to leave me behind.

Souta noticed the bandage wrapped around Ghost, looking curious before smiling warmly.

Souta: That’s an interesting look you’ve got there, Ghost. Track team needs me, later.

Souta rushed off, leaving Ghost to sluggishly walk down the street, drained from everything that had happened today. He stumbled under the weight.

Ghost: Leave me alone… I just wanna go hoooome…

Shun: How many more times must you hear me? I am forbidden from releasing you.

Ghost got back up, taking a different route home. Some people stared at them in shock.

Ghost: Well, since we didn’t really have a proper introduction… my name’s Ghost Shinbara. Great to meet you, Shun Arisawa.

Shun: Pleasure is all mine.

Ghost: So… tell me a little about yourself.

Shun: I have a twin brother.

Ghost: Man, you’re really not good at this, are you? Okay, let me give you a little background about me, and then you do the same. Deal?

Shun: I’ll think about it.

Ghost: Okay… I live with my mom. My father… he was a Keeper. A man I idolized. His name was Phantom Shinbara. He wasn’t the most popular Keeper, but to me, he was the best there was.

Ghost remembered all the fun he had with his father as a kid — chasing each other around the house, watching the news while his father worked, seeing heroes take down more bad guys, and celebrating together.

Ghost: I always adored my father. I guess that’s what all kids do, but honestly, it felt too good.

Phantom (Memory): Next up will be you! And I bet you’ll be a Keeper that surpasses even me. Go out there and show them something extraordinary!

Ghost: Unfortunately, he died fighting in a war against breakers and rogue Keepers. He died fighting for what was right… for what he loved to do! Isn’t that amazing? He wasn’t alone — he had people around him because he dared to intervene where he didn’t technically have to. That’s the true essence of being a Keeper. And I will do the same.

Ghost looked at Shun, who seemed close to tears.

Ghost: Hey… are you crying?

Shun: OF COURSE I AM! That was the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard!

Ghost: HEY! Don’t get your tears all over my clothes!

They kept walking, Shun crying quietly while Ghost tried to dodge the tears from falling on him. Ghost remembered his father’s words vividly.

Phantom (Memory): Show them something extraordinary!

Ghost: I will, Dad…

Shun, still on Ghost’s back, wiped his tears while trying to maintain his composure. They walked toward the arcade.

Ghost: Alright, since I told you about my life, it’s only fair that I hear yours. Spill it.

Shun: Okay… but first, what did your father look like? Maybe I know him.

Ghost: This is gonna sound weird… but honestly, I don’t even remember.

Shun looked puzzled, wondering if Ghost was joking.

Shun: You’re kidding, right? How do you remember all those moments with him if you forgot what he looks like?

Ghost: I dunno… even my memories of him are a blur. Just a dark figure with white eyes. I honestly don’t understand it myself, but memories are all I need!

Shun (thinking): There’s something wrong with this guy. I just can’t figure him out… Asking further would be rude.

Shun: I’ll tell you about myself when it’s time.

Ghost: Hey! That’s not fair! We’re both sharing, aren’t we?

Shun: Tough luck…

Ghost: Tch! We’ll come back to this later. For now…

They reached the arcade. Purple neon lights glowed through the windows.

Ghost: For now, let’s have some fun!

Shun: An arcade? Man, this is gonna be a long day.

Ghost hopped onto an arcade machine, smiling as he played games, enjoying himself. Some people stared, making Shun embarrassed by all the attention.

Shun: Tch! How much longer are we gonna be here? Let’s leave.

Ghost: Look, dude, I can deal with this. If it’s too embarrassing, just let me go — that’s all you gotta do.

Shun: Nice try, but I won’t fall for that. Jun would be disappointed.