Case 9,
Frostbites
***
"Bro, don't you think it's too cold tonight?"
"Huh? Hey, we're in the middle of summer night, idiot!"
"W-w-www...what?"
"H-hey! You're turning pale.... What's happening to your skin?! Hey, wake up! Hey!"
***
Hajime's POV
I felt my body all blank. My heart felt nowhere to be seen, yet beating inside my chest. It feels like it's existing...but not here.
"What do you need of me?" A child's voice echoed.
"You're...the mailman?"
He chuckled, "Pfff—what? Mailman, huh? I guess that's how humans called me? Erebus. That's my name." His words polite and kind.
"That's a weird name..."
"It's from the Greek. I don't know, probably has a connection to the dark. Erebus. Really do sound weird." He talked as he was running through multiple letters.
"Why did you have to do those things?" I stared into his eyes. It was all deep like the abyss.
"I didn't want to, but I had to." He walked through me like a ghost and pointed behind me.
Memories displayed, his past and his stories. He was still younger-looking and his eyes looked dark than it is right now. It's not intimidating, it's empty....
The young kid ran towards the street, tattered by smiling with a shoulder bag in hand. Eyes weren't as expressive, but his aura gives off the vibe of bliss and fulfillment.
"I was a young kid; pure and innocent. That's... then."
The kid version of him bumped into a big man holding a large suitcase and wearing a big black suit and grey tie with a seemingly dark and mysterious aura looming in him. "I'm sorry." He picked up the countless papers.
Though his memories shown humans he interacted with, they remained faceless and unreal. Despite all of this, however, the man in front showed no face, but felt real and familiar. Have I seen that person before? Or...
The man dragged Erebus with his bare hands, grinning like a maniac while the kid struggled. "You're a perfect subject, surely." Once he touched Erebus, no one seemed to notice what's happening. No one raised a hand, not knew they even existed.
"I don't know what he did, but while I cried out, no one could hear my screams. I was crying." He proceeds with his storytelling.
The man locked him up into a dark room. He was left in hunger for three days before the door eventually opened once more. But far from expected, it wasn't a savior. It was the same man carrying piles of paper. Most of them are printed with something red—blood, probably, and some are with different crest and symbols similar to that of a satanist's.
Soon came another man carrying a bucket with red liquid. I can't tell if it's blood or just red paint from the mixed solution. Once the other left, the man behind all of it piled the letters while he was tied on top of it. He drew weird symbols and hexagrams on the walls with different demonic symbols and eventually started chanting an unknown language.
Erebus tried his very best to struggle, but all deemed futile. The man lit a candle and threw it into the letters without a second thought.
The poor kid slowly caught himself into the fire as it slowly tormented him, second by second. I couldn't help but feel a churning in my stomach until I couldn't hold it in and vomited from the filth and inhumanity. I can hear his scream and feel the heat in my own skin. The smell of burning flesh lingered on my nose while the sight of him replayed over and over.
Erebus, who was the real one showing the illusion, came closer and went for a hug. "Help...me...." He whimpered.
I couldn't help myself but cry, his pain and emotions resonating with me. I didn't spoke a word and hugged him tightly. His body is cold. All those years...at such a young age... he had to go through such harsh things while I think I'm the only one suffering....
"Thank you." I couldn't see him, but I really felt that smile in his face, no doubt. Other else, everything went black.
***
"Arggh, my head hurts," I groaned.
"Ma'am, miss, he's awake." An unfamiliar voice spoke as my mind slowly familiarizes the place. It's a hospital.
Betty and Carol went for me directly, while Betty holding a kid in her hand. It's Erebus. Carol, on the other hand, was wearing old school clothes, as her normal human form, same with Erebus.
"What's happening? Why are you guys out here?" I wondered.
"Let me explain that counterpart." Carol fixed her glasses. "We can choose if we're visible to human eyes, and I know you're well aware of that fact. Anyway, I proposed an idea. Betty is your maid who calls you Young Master, cringely, while I'm your childhood schoolgirl friend. This kid? I just said he's a cousin."
I couldn't help but nod. Whatever they did, thanks. "Kise is?" They looked at each other before sighing in unison.
"Worried sick. Literally." They both spoke.
As the two left, a slight knock came from the door. Rizen, probably? Wait, he couldn't have known....
"Are you awake? I'm going in." A frame of light shone through my eyes. Kise came by with a long sleeve and dark grey pants, and a bouquet of roses. Somehow, he looked down.
As soon as my face showed up, he came rushing to my side. "I was worried, idiot!" The roses slightly fell of from the abrupt hug and the smell scattered throughout the room.
"It was just half a day, don't overreact." I felt awkward in touching him.
"Still! I can't just stay calm even though you're fine!"
"You're worried sick, huh?" I touched his forehead. It does feel a little hot than usual.
I touched his forehead with mine instinctively, while he flinched, "I-I'm not, idiot! Who told such a lie?!"
He's a dishonest one, isn't he? Seriously....
"The day after tomorrow.... I'm taking you out..." he whispered.
"A date?"
"I-Idiot, hell no! Not! Never!" He's quite fun to tease, isn't he? It's rare to see him this flustered and tense.
"What's the plan, then?" I questioned.
"Ice cream. It's summer, isn't it? Let's go watch fireworks display the same night, too. I-It's not like it's a date, okay?!" I chucked.
"Yeah, yeah."
He bursted, "You don't believe me, don't you?!"
"I do, I swear." I smiled once more.
If he was always this bright...
*Two days later*
"Hajime, wake up! Hajime! Hajime!" I opened my eyes, waking up from the echo and racking.
"Erebus? Is something wrong?" I rubbed my temples.
"You have a plan today! Ice cream, Ice cream!" He spoke eagerly. He really is a kid wherever I look.
I gently ruffled his hair while I got up. Everything felt surreal that day. Did that dumb Kise really invited me, or was I just dreaming?
It's only my second time going out with a friend. And he's not even a friend! I refuse to consider him one! Not with that attitude!
"Here, I specifically chose this, Hajime." Someone came close to me.
"What the—" Betty?!" I jolted back. "What are you doing?"
"Carol specifically asked me to pick clothes for you. Since I couldn't find any, I tailored them myself." I paused. Tailored... herself?
"Wait, what? Where did you even got the materials and stuff?" She just chuckled and waves it off.
"It is made from nice spirit materials. It will protect you from any spiritual harm. Plus, it can be stored along with my things as long as I made it." Betty explained.
I cleaned myself, still not seeing Kise anywhere. Could be probably be asleep, still? "I'll cook," Betty came.
The cold shower poured through my body slowly as I rummaged into my memories and thoughts. I never knew life outside the Sanctuary would be like this. As much as I want to come back to my home, I don't think I could live alongside those people I can't even consider sided with me. I should hurry, Kise might be up by now.
I quickly went out and went for the clothes Betty prepared. It was a pair of pants and oversized cotton shirt. The shirt has a black cat sublimation in a sleeping pose. On top is a pair of glasses and a small shoulder bag, enough to fit a few things or more.
"You can have breakfast outside. The lower lunch box is for lunch. You can buy some other food in the stalls for supper. Just this once, okay?" Betty came for me as I entered out of my room. I nodded and went for outside.
There waited Kise, standing outside wearing his usual smile. His hair looked more smooth and silky compared to his usual, and his demeanor coping well. He wore a polo shirt tucked into his black pants. A clock on his left and a golden bracelet on his right.
"You've got nothing to bring?" I strike up a conversation.
"Yeah, a black card and a wallet is enough." I paused to his reply. This idiot just want to brag, I swear to god!
As we hit the road, I couldn't help but feel myself curious of what to come. Will it be fun? This isn't part of my job, isn't it? He isn't doing this to gain a favor from me, isn't he?
The life hanging out with someone sort of sends me to bliss. Being alone and on makes it boring—while being with a large group makes you excluded.
"I'll leave the car here, we'll just come back after the firework display this evening." He spoke as he slowly parked the car into the parking lot.
Soon as we stopped, I immediately walked out and led the way. I don't know any locations, but I definitely know he walk fast. And surprisingly, after a while, he's already in front of me to lead the way.
"Hurry," he held out his hand to me.
Am I supposed to...take it?! I can feel myself heating up to this idiot's gimmicks! Whatever!
I can feel my heart racing as I slowly approached his hand, while he didn't even flinch once I held it. This might make him think I'm chummy chummy with him!
After walking for a while, we reached a familiar place. The café Caerus worked at. It wasn't packed, but it wasn't empty, either. A few people inside with quite the distance. Twelve on the tables and three on the counter.
"How long has he been working here? Caerus, I mean." I asked as we found ourselves a table.
"Since the start of the school year. Likely three months, and he's been adjusting well, I've heard." He spoke as he ran through the menu.
"Ah, I'll take this rainbow parfait."
He stared at me before looking back into the menu, "What?"
"Nothing. I heard it's their bestseller. They have good snacks and coffees here, don't you like them?" I paused. He knew quite well.
I've been with him for a month, so I guess Caerus had been here for about two to three months. Judging from the place, it's neat and things are well-preserved. The walls contain frames of old pictures with intricate designs, and the chair and tables colored anciently. A dragon carving on a wall and a photo of the cafe's staff on another wall, individually taken.
"May I take your order, sir?" Speak of the devil, Caerus.
"I'd like to get two Rainbow Parfait for both of us and..." I looked at Kise, waiting for him to give his order.
"Cafe au lait. Extra milk, if possible." He continue.
"Please wait a moment, sir, your order is coming right up." He smiled and went off to the counter, taking with someone in the ear.
"Three days." Kise spoke out of nowhere.
"Pardon?" I paused, waiting for an answer.
"I'll give you three days of rest before going back to work. You can manage your school hours that way, right?" His eyes were gazing somewhere else while he's talking.
"How kind of you, huh?" I teased.
He jolted in response, furrowing before my eyes, "D-don't get me wrong, I'm doing this to avoid unnecessary detours while I do my thing!"
I just replied with a chuckle while he avoids eye contact. I think he's embarrassed... Well, that's impossible, right...?
"Here's your order. Enjoy!" A smile escaped Caerus' lips. He really interrupts us on the perfect awkward moments.
"That maid of yours will scold you if she knew you ate something cold as your breakfast." I stopped myself from grabbing the spoon.
"Don't tell her, just this once, please?" Staring straight into his eyes, it seemed not to budge an inch. Fail.
"Why should I not tell? It has no benefit for you and for me."
Tch. Speak for someone who's supposed to eat breakfast with me.
"Then I'll just reason that an employee takes after his employer." I try to hide my smirk while I took our the lunchbox Betty prepared for us.
He stared intently before taking out the spoon's container. "Ah, Betty might've forgot to add an extra spoon for you."
"Don't worry, I'll just take the chopsticks," He proceeds.
I paused for a moment and looked at Kise with a hinted conversation in my eyes. "You think they allow us eating here?" I whispered closely.
He didn't have a care and still went on eating. Eventually, be pulled out his card on the table and looked at me with his smug eyes. I think I'm starting to hate rich people.
We both took our orders as deserts while Kise paid an extra tip. It's probably his way to keep their mouth zipped.
"Let's go." He enticed.
I replied with a nod and went to grab my bag. I left the lunchbox inside his car to pick it up later and we proceed to the right track of our date— ahem, break; having fun!
All we did was run around all day, going from one place to another. To be honest, this day was more fun compared to when I was with Rizen. It was afternoon that time, and now, it's a whole day of just enjoyment and fun!
Kise bought me an ice cream in a cup. He said I should go with it so that I can avoid spilling or getting it to my clothes. Is it just me or he's more caring today? Should I get myself sick often?
Before we could realize, we ran through the entire city. Going through shops, early opened stalls, walking around the park, and even boating through the river! Those were things I could never experience if I was still confined inside the sanctuary... I didn't knew freedom could feel this blissful!
"When is the firework display starting?" I looked through the flyer he's holding.
Kise pointed out with a tanghulu on his mouth, "At eight o'clock. We can still make a stop at the cotton candy stall. You want some?"
I stood up after him. I don't remember this place much just yet, so I'm practically trying my best to sync it all in one day. Who knows when I'll experience this hype again.
"Where has it gone to?" He seemed lost. "I remembered it was around here somewhere..." I can hear him muttering to himself, haha.
"Bro, don't you think it's too cold tonight?" I couldn't help but catch myself listening to the boys in front.
"Huh? Hey, we're in the middle of summer night, idiot!" Yeah, idiot.
"W-w-www...what?"
I saw a woman with long hair bumped into the man. So fast that I couldn't get a glimpse of her face. Her hair looked weird though, and her clothes, too.
"H-hey! You're turning pale.... What's happening to your skin?! Hey, wake up! Hey!"
Suddenly, the man fell down, his face jittering and lips as if they're dying from the cold. His skin looked like it's coated with colorless glaze.
"S-somebody help!"
Kise was first to noticed and ran towards the lying man while crowds starts to gather. He immediately showed his proof that he's part of the police, which was one thing shocking for me.
"He's fine, he just fainted from anemia." He assured the crowd, forcing them to go back to their work. He nodded towards me while I followed him.
He took us immediately at someplace to rest. It was a bench near a tree. A place where you can actually see the river and the dawning silhouette.
"Could you do me a favor and get some warm water?" He ordered the man's friend. "The one from the 28th stall, specifically."
The friend asked no more and followed his orders. "Why that place, specifically?"
"Because I need him as far away as possible. You know that this isn't a simple anemia." He stared right into the tree. "Come out."
A shadow extended and revealed a woman. It's the same person who bumped into the fainted guy. What's more surprising is that her features are stunning.
Her hair is white as snow, her lips and skin so pale and her eyes are like deep crystal snowflakes.
"For someone corrupted by darkness, you're able to resist the evilness? How amusing." Kise complimented, signalling her to come close. "This is a rather peculiar case..."
Kise's hand lit up, and melted the ice on the man's body, his color eventually turning back.
"Everyone... they all turn to ice when I touch them.... What's happening to me...?" She whimpered, her eyes most likely tearing up, but unfortunately, they all turn to ice before it has the chance to fall down her chin.
"Kise..."
He looked back, and replied no word, "She's dead. She's lucky to even survive the corruption and avoid turning into an evil spirit. Why not take her in? She can stay at our house while I wait for jurisdiction."
My eyes glimmered with hope, but soon faded dark, "Won't it affect us?"
"Do you think one spirit is enough to taint someone with three? Just think of the imbalance." He once didn't looked at me in the eyes as he spoke.
He thought that through. Perhaps, he just doesn't want to show me his soft side...
The fireworks lit up the skies as we sit beside each other on the grass. "I enjoyed my time. I couldn't have experienced all of this without you. Thank you." I smiled back to him, seeing him staring at me.
"Is something wrong...?"
"No-nothing!" He brushed off, looking back at the bright skies.
"Are you okay already?" A familiar man came running towards our location.
"Yep, I just woke up." I couldn't help but sigh.
"Glad they're fine now." I whispered.
***