S H I N

If I love a human, I'll become a spirit.

That was the curse. It was already there when I entered the school. I guess every person has their own bad luck.

Looking at my hands, I quickly stood up and continued to wander the halls. Satsujin Academy was famous for its haunted premises and curses that lay upon them. I never knew why though.

Taking a minute stroll around, I looked outside. The trees swayed along with the wind as the school remained untouched. Knowing that it was all just the same, I was about to leave. But then, a girl caught my interest.

Stopping on my tracks, I stood next to the window to look at her.

Short and curly brown hair, a DSLR camera hung loose around her neck. She's wearing another school's uniform, a short sleeve to be specific.

Taking another picture at the school, I stared at her. When she aimed at the window where I was, my eyes widened as I quickly went to the side so she couldn't see me.

"Oniisan?" I heard someone talking as I looked beside me. My little sister stared at me, a bit confused. She had a dark hair that reaches along her waist. I just gave her a smile back before looking back at the girl.

Unfortunately, she was gone.

"What is it, Sakura?" I asked as she quickly pointed at the hallway where I came from. Glancing where she pointed, I saw the girl panting as she stared at me. She then smiled before walking towards me. Turning my back at her, I walked towards another direction. I'm not going to be a spirit, thank you very much.

I didn't even have a chance to talk to a girl since I was in grade school.
Suddenly, she gripped my hand to stop me. Looking back at her, I gave her a cold glare to scare her. But, she didn't care. Instead, she gave me a smile. This girl, I swear. Sighing, I went back to face her.

"My name's Mitsuko Kaiyo. What's yours?" she asked as I sighed. As I looked down at her, I saw how short she was compared to me. Suddenly, Sakura came up to her and smiled.

"Hello!" she greeted as Mitsuko looked at her and smiled back.

"Shin Takara," I said in a low voice. She cocks her head to the side, not really hearing what I said. So, I repeated my name for her. She then grinned before it turned into a frown. Looking at her pocket, I heard something ringing.

"Well, that must be my mom. She probably wants me to take care of my little sister," she told me before turning back. I expected her to continue walking but she suddenly stopped on her tracks before looking back at me.

"Will you be here tomorrow?" she asked as I gave her a nod.

"I'll be here every day," I told her as she nodded back before giving me a wave goodbye.

And that meeting of ours lasted a year.

---

"What's this?" I asked, holding a wrapped gift from her. Right now, we were outside of the school -sitting at the fountain on the middle. She gave me a smile before mentioning me to open it. And when I did, I looked at the white wristband.

"I want that to be our symbol of friendship," she said as I shook my head and grinned.

"Well, I guess I outdid you." I then took out a ring as she gasped. I then kneeled in front of her as she giggled, knowing that I was trying to be romantic.

Which in fact, I was.

Looking up at her, I sweetly smiled.

"Mitsuko, I want you to be my friend until eternity," I told her as she smiled, following what I was trying to do.

"Oh Shin, I'd be honored." We both laughed at our attempt to flirt before I put the ring on her finger. Pulling her close to me, I kissed her forehead.

"Shin, when are you going to leave this place?" she suddenly asked as I gave her a sad smile.

"I can't. You know that," I explained as I saw tears falling down her cheeks. Taking out a handkerchief, I wiped them away. She then sobbed before putting her arms around me.

"Shin, please don't fall in love with anyone. I know that's a blunt and rude request but I don't want you to disappear. I don't want you to leave me," she said as tears continued to fall down on her cheeks. I gave her a sad smile before putting her hand on my chest.

"I can't wait for anyone to come here anymore," I told her, looking down at her.

She then stared up at me as I saw the tear stains left on her face. I looked at the school before back at her. Seeing her confused glance, I shook my head. I'm not going to let anyone steal my heart away anymore. I don't want to miss the opportunity.

The opportunity to love someone.

"Shin, what do you mean? W-Wait, what are you-" she stuttered as I pulled her much closer to me. Not hesitating anymore, I went to close the gap between us.

I kissed her.