Word Count: 10,536 words

A/N: Please lower your expectations everybody.

The first time Jongin sees him, he wasn’t taken aback by those huge eyes – ones that can remain open without blinking for a creepily extended time. Rather, it was the fact that those huge eyes were trained a few centimeters to his left, as if there was someone beside him and only the other could see him. There was also a constant cold breeze jabbing at his forehead, but he didn’t put much thought into it; assuming it was just the way the air con worked in here.

Jongin glanced in the direction the other was staring in, only to spot a hobo-looking guy picking his nose first on the sidewalk outside the café, before wiping his finger off on the store’s window. Either the shorter guy before him was staring because he felt offended by the stranger’s actions; he could be one of those neat freaks, those that carry around a bottle of sanitizer everywhere they go, but it didn’t seem likely according to Jongin. So he figured the other wasn’t really looking at the hobo after all, but at the space beside him.

“Excuse me, sir… Can you step back a little? My friend here, Chanyeol, says that he was in the line first before you so rudely cut in in front of him.” The man gestured at the space to Jongin’s left. The first thought he had was Woah what a deep voice, but that was quickly followed up with a shocked Wait, what?! He quickly looked to his side, only to blink in confusion and stare back at the other for there was no one there. Who the is Chanyeol? He frowned. “Sorry what?” Jongin tilted his head to the side and scratched at the back of his neck anxiously. The other man exhaled deeply with his fingers pinching the bridge of his own nose; it was the typical ‘this guy is too dumb for me to speak with, why do I even bother’ pose.

Jongin’s brows furrowed deeper when the other started muttering to the space to his left. There were constant side-glances aimed at him and Jongin couldn’t help but feel that they were talking about him. Question is who is they? There was clearly no one beside him in the line at Starbucks. Unless I’m going crazy and this guy here can see ghosts… The thought itself was so ridiculous that he chuckled to himself, Jongin blinked spastically when the other suddenly stopped conversing with whomever it was that he was speaking with, only to turn to him with his hands cocked on his hips.

“Because we’re nice people, Chanyeol says you can go first.” He gestured for him to step forward when the queue moved. “You may proceed.” Jongin’s jaw remained unhinged as the other practically shoved him forward before taking his place behind him. Though he was facing the front, Jongin couldn’t help but try to focus on the words spoken directly behind him. You can’t deny the fact that he was partly freaked out, partly curious.

“It was just a weak one, Yeol, I didn’t even push him that hard… Why do you keep saying I’m violent?” He heard the short guy huff out before there was a period of silence until he spoke up again. “Right, your husband…” Jongin frowned for the other’s tone had switched to an apologetic one. “I’m sorry for reminding you of the way he died. I wasn’t trying to champion physical strength nor violence, forgive me.” Jongin turned his head around partially and almost choked on his own saliva when he saw the other hanging his head, body half folded in a bow facing the space beside him.

That was the first time Jongin questioned if there were really such things as ghosts in this world. The other was either a weirdo who likes speaking to himself in public or someone who can see the world of the supernatural; which kind of makes him a weirdo too, either way. “A tall sized, Green Tea Latte with no whipped cream, please.” He tried to smile at the kind lady taking his order when it was finally his turn, but he was really trying to ignore whatever the hell it was that is going on behind him.

“Let me buy you a drink as an apology… the usual?” He heard him say before Jongin scooted to the side to wait for his order, watching, intrigued, as the guy sauntered up and slammed a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. The cashier had quite literally jumped in shock and Jongin tried hard to bite back his laugh. “Tell you what, I’ll get Baekhyun’s favorite too okay?” The beauty of the other’s smile momentarily blinded Jongin as he beamed to absolutely no one. “One Iced Mocha for me, and make it two hot Caramel Macchiato for this tall guy over here.” He gestured to his left and Jongin sniggered for the cashier looked as if she was about to faint.

“T-Tall guy?” The poor lady stammered and glanced back and forth between the other and the wall to the left. “I don’t think she can see you, Chanyeol.” The other pouted and Jongin’s heart clenched for whatever reason. “It’s okay, don’t cry.” Practically the entire shop was now staring as the other lifted his hand and moved it left and right, almost like he was someone’s back consolingly. “You hurt his feelings!” The man scowled at the cashier before moving to settle on a couch at the far side of the café, his hands perched in a position that looked as if he was gently escorting someone. He didn’t forget to give the cashier and everyone else staring at them his best evil eye. Jongin sheepishly glanced away after he accidently met the other’s glare.

“Well, me.” Jongin cursed, left hand clutching onto his cup of drink, right hand occupied with his pile of books, desperately trying not to drop anything. He looked left and right before sighing deeply, resigning himself to his ill fate. Because he failed to secure himself a seat before ordering, by the time he got his Green Tea Latte, every seat in the café had already been occupied; every seat except the remaining ones at the assumed ghost whisperer’s table. Dumb Jongin! He groaned and hesitated. He didn’t walk twenty minutes under the hot sun with the intention to study his afternoon away at Starbucks, only to be denied a seat. Hence, he gritted his teeth and approached the man who was staring off into the distance through the store’s window.

“Uhm… Can I sit here?” Jongin whispered, tensing up when the other glanced up at him suddenly with those big unblinking eyes. A simple nod was all that he gave, and Jongin hurriedly placed down his cup and books before he spilled it all on the floor. “Thanks.” He added shyly before settling down. “You’re sitting on Chanyeol’s lap.” The other blurted out with a small frown playing on his face. Jongin yelped and jumped to the side at once, almost plastering himself to the window. “Sorry!” He panicked and glanced at the other with his puppy eyes. “There’s really someone here?” Jongin faced his side and stared down at the seat; he thought by staring hard enough, a face and body would somehow materialize in front of him.

“Obviously.” The other said it in such an offhanded manner. “But why are you staring at Chanyeol’s crotch?” Jongin yelped even louder and stared up at the man across him instead. Beautiful was the first word that unexpectedly popped up in his mind as he watched the other’s face scrunch up, eyes twinkling, and an amused smile spreading on his cheeks, as he laughed heartily. Jongin avoided meeting the other’s eyes for the next couple of minutes as he stubbornly spread open his books, choosing to concentrate on the text rather than the other occupant and his ghost friend at his table.

“I’m Kyungsoo.” The other chirped and waved at him when Jongin glanced up slightly. He was contemplating whether to furnish his own name too, but he figured there wasn’t anything wrong if he did. “Jongin.” He murmured curtly before glancing down at his books again. “That’s Chanyeol.” The other introduced and Jongin wanted to roll his eyes because I already know there’s a ghost who goes by the name of Chanyeol sitting beside me. He took a sip of his latte instead.

“Are you studying? What are you studying? You should stop studying and chat with Chanyeol and I instead.” Kyungsoo rambled on without pauses in between, and Jongin could barely keep up with his words. He didn’t take the other for someone who’s so talkative. Jongin sighed, set down his pen and closed his book; he knew he wasn’t going to be able to concentrate if Kyungsoo insisted on conversing with him.

The latter looked so happy when Jongin finally turned his attention to him. “Finally we have someone who is willing to speak with us, Yeol!” Kyungsoo beamed and grabbed Jongin’s hands gratefully. “Thank you!” His touch was warm and Jongin didn’t move to remove his hands, although he was growing conscious of the many stares targeted at them from all corners of the café. “You don’t have other friends to talk to?” He frowned, watching as Kyungsoo’s smile slipped off his face. That’s kind of sad.

“Not really, no…” The latter hung his head, pitiful pout on his face, and Jongin wanted to scold himself for making Kyungsoo’s mood go down. “I don’t have friends.” Kyungsoo looked up at him and Jongin’s breath hitched. “Only Chanyeol here… Occasionally, Jongdae will visit me and we will belt out Adele songs together. It’s great, but he hasn’t appeared in weeks and I MISS HIM!” Kyungsoo broke off into a wail and buried his face in his hands, leaving Jongin to gawk at the sudden change of events. “I miss our karaoke time too!” He had a ghost sitting by his side and a wailing ghost-whisperer across him; it was the most unusual experience in his life.

“Is Jongdae a g-ghost too?” He dared to ask and Kyungsoo peeked up at him from the gaps in between his fingers. “Uh huh…” Kyungsoo’s eyes lit up suddenly. “Unless the reason why Jongdae hasn’t been visiting me is because he has finally moved on?” There was so much hope in the other’s eyes. “Maybe he found Xiumin!” Jongin watched as Kyungsoo started clapping and hugging himself. “Okay…” Jongin whispered, eyes darting to observe the judging stares from the people around them. Who is this Xiumin now? “Tell me about ghosts, Kyungsoo.” He asked in a bid to get the other to calm down and stop hugging himself.

“Ghosts are the absolute best!” Kyungsoo declared, “They’re much nicer beings than the living. Right, Chanyeol?” The other must have responded with a nod for Kyungsoo was smiling widely. “But then there are the real nasty ones too.” He shuddered, eyes blown wide open with a crazed look. “There was once an old lady who chased after me repeatedly… She kept waving her umbrella and threatened to whack me with it.” Kyungsoo squeaked, “But Chanyeol saved me from her.” He ended it off with a whisper before breaking out into a smile and standing to lean his upper body over the table, arms wrapped around thin air. It took quite awhile for Jongin to realize that he was most probably hugging Chanyeol to thank him.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Kyungsoo… why can you see them?” Jongin quickly added, “I mean, normal people can’t really see ghosts… only you?” He sipped at his drink while Kyungsoo shrugged. “I think I was twenty, that’s five years ago… My boyfriend and I got into an accident, and ever since I walked out of the ICU, that’s when my world was never the same ever again. Jongin felt a cold breeze by the side of his face but he ignored it. Kyungsoo looked so lost and sad that Jongin felt horrible for possibly bringing out bad memories that the other would have wanted to forget.

“I’m sorry to hear that…” Jongin attempted a cheery smile; he had always been bad at trying to console someone. “What about your boyfriend then, did he gain this special ability too?” His eyes widened in alarm with every word that came out of his mouth because , wrong question, dumb Jongin. He started panicking because Kyungsoo looked a second away from bawling his eyes out. “Sehun didn’t make it.” The other whispered before he wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. Jongin gulped and looked down. “I’m really sorry.” He eventually reached out to hold Kyungsoo’s hand in his, the latter looked up at him in shock. Jongin didn’t know why he did it, he just felt that he needed to; he felt the unexplainable urge to comfort the other and he acted on it. Well, at least I got him to stop crying. Jongin prides himself in accomplishing that.

He shivered and released his hands to rub his own neck. Why is it so cold suddenly? Jongin frowned when Kyungsoo snorted. “Stop that!” The boy scolded the space to his left. What’s going on? Sensing the confusion and silent question from Jongin, Kyungsoo jerked his head to the side. “Chanyeol’s upset that you made me upset by bringing up all that’s in the past again.” Oh… Jongin frowned. “What’s he doing?” It was a question that he feared the answer to. Kyungsoo snorted once more. “His hand is currently sticking into your head if you’re wondering.” He took a moment to process it for it sounded absolutely ridiculous but Jongin shrieked the next second, clutching at his head and bolting up and off the seat.

Everyone in the café was staring at him like he was the crazy weird one now. Just great.

“Stop that!” Jongin turned and shouted in the general direction he assumed Chanyeol was. He meekly sat himself down once more, not before checking with Kyungsoo if he was somehow sitting on the ghost again. “What is it that you want to ask? It’s okay, really…” The other nodded encouragingly. Kyungsoo had spotted Jongin nibbling on his bottom lip anxiously and he just knew that the other was curious about something. “I was just wondering if you’ve seen Sehun’s ghost then…” Jongin whispered in such a soft voice that Kyungsoo had to get Chanyeol to repeat what he had said.

“Oh.” Kyungsoo looked down at his clasped hands. “I haven’t, sadly.” Jongin was about to try and offer a word of solace when Kyungsoo interjected. “Do you know why I can see ghosts like Chanyeol, Jongin?” He stared at Jongin who had frozen midway. The latter merely shook his head, allowing Kyungsoo to go on. “It’s only because they haven’t moved on.” He nodded, a sad smile on his face as he stared at the space beside Jongin. “Chanyeol hasn’t moved on.” Kyungsoo stirred his drink absentmindedly. “Ghosts will only move on when they have reunited with their soulmate’s ghost.”

Jongin cocked his head to the side. “I’ve been trying to help Chanyeol seek out Baekhyun… Baekhyun is his husband who passed a couple of years after he did.” Kyungsoo sighed. “We haven’t found his ghost yet, BUT WE WON’T GIVE UP!” He raised his voice and nodded determinedly at Chanyeol; almost like he was reassuring the ghost, pledging himself to the ‘I will help you find your soulmate’ cause. Jongin didn’t know why he found the other’s random outbursts adorable, even endearingly so. In fact, it was only now that he’d realized Kyungsoo was quite the looker himself, what with his plush cherry lips and those big (no longer creepy) but beautiful eyes. No, no, no. What are you thinking, Kim Jongin! He shook his head to snap himself out of his reverie.

“So you know what’s sad?” Kyungsoo turned to ask him suddenly. “About what?” Jongin blurted out, he hadn’t really been paying attention since he had noticed how some of the other’s features looked attractive to him. Kyungsoo narrowed his eyes at him but continued on nonetheless. “A ghost will only move on when they find their soulmate’s ghost.” Jongin nodded, following the other’s train of thought. “But since I haven’t met my ex-boyfriend’s ghost…” It was clear what Kyungsoo was insinuating.

“It could mean that I’m not his soulmate and he has already met them and moved on.” Jongin didn’t know what to say to delete away the sad frown on Kyungsoo’s face. For some reason though, he was kind of glad that it’s possible Kyungsoo wasn’t Sehun’s soulmate. “I loved him so much…” The other stared down forlornly at his lap. “I still miss him, and I do still love him.” Jongin chose to stare out of the window instead; he couldn’t describe what he was feeling. Why do I feel sad, not for Kyungsoo, but sad in general? “There’s some part of me that is still wishing I am his soulmate, I just haven’t found Sehun’s ghost yet, you know?” He chuckled softly, but there was no humor and lightheartedness in this.

“I know I sounded pathetic right? Just ignore what just came out of my mouth.” Kyungsoo leaned his face against the table and doodled at the surface with his index finger. “You’re not pathetic, Kyungsoo.” Even Jongin himself was surprised at how tender his voice sounded, much less Kyungsoo. “What you just said… it just shows what a dedicated man you are, and to me, that’s very admirable.” Jongin’s smile was genuine and it coached a similar one out of the other. The pair was stuck in a trance for a couple more seconds just smiling at each other; it felt so natural just looking at each other, when Jongin felt a stabbing cold at his abdomen. He folded in half right away, clutching at his stomach with a pained expression etched out on his face.

“Chanyeol!” Kyungsoo roared before showing Jongin concern. “Are you okay? Stupid Chanyeol” He stuck his tongue out to the side, “J-Jongin?” Kyungsoo’s bottom lip wobbled as he stared at the other boy who was still bent over. “I’m okay.” Jongin wheezed out, a strained smile making its way onto his face to reassure the other when he sat up weakly. “Why did he do that? I felt like he’d just drove his entire fist in my body.” He grimaced. “Yeah, why did you do that?” Kyungsoo glared at the said ghost.

All of a sudden, a pink blush appeared on the other’s face and Jongin couldn’t help but wonder what the other had heard from Chanyeol for him to react in such a manner. “What did he say?” Jongin eyed him curiously. “Nothing!” The speed in which he had replied was even more suspicious than the nervy way his eyes started darted around; as if Kyungsoo was determined not to make eye contact with Jongin. “It’s not like that!” Kyungsoo hissed at Chanyeol before folding his arms across his chest, as if doing so would add certainty to his words. Jongin has a faint idea what the pair could be conversing about, and it brought a faint blush onto his own pair of cheeks too.

“I didn’t like how you two were staring at each other like a pair of smitten love-struck couple.” Kyungsoo hiccupped when he thought back to what Chanyeol had told him after he had asked why did he punch Jongin in the gut. We weren’t staring… I don’t feel that way about him! Kyungsoo glared at Chanyeol, hoping that his message was conveyed. He scoffed when the ghost simply rolled his eyes at him instead.

Kyungsoo eyed Jongin secretly. The other was indeed attractive; he’d give him that. Also, they had chemistry; there was an indescribable pull he felt towards the other. But the main question was if he liked the other in that way. One – they’d only just met, not more than an hour ago; it’s almost impossible for him to have developed feelings for the other already. Almost. There are times when the heart chooses for its owner rather than the more logical mind. Two – up to a couple of minutes ago, Kyungsoo had been convinced that he was still in love with his dead boyfriend. He didn’t even know the answer himself. Granted, speaking with Jongin has been a pleasure. But would that qualify as liking someone?

So when Chanyeol smirked at him and pointed between them, asking, “Don’t lie, you are beginning to fancy him, am I not right?” Kyungsoo still shook his head because he was stubborn as a mule. But in actual fact, he didn’t look all that sure of his decision. “Just you wait and see how this pans out, Kyungsoo. Trust me on this. You guys even have that naturel soulmate feel, I’m not even kidding.” Kyungsoo blatantly ignored Chanyeol’s suggestive wink, but looking at Jongin wasn’t an option either because now he’d blush whenever he makes eye contact with the other. But what does this say of my feelings for Sehun? Would liking Jongin mean that I’m betraying Sehun? He was utterly confused. Kyungsoo sighs and buries his face on the table’s surface, figuring it would be better if he didn’t think at all.

“You really didn’t have to come.” Kyungsoo gave a shy glance to his side where Jongin was shuffling on his two feet, seemingly looking out of place and feeling a little awkward. “It’s okay…” Jongin smiled kindly, shuffling his books in his arms. “I felt like I knew him on a personal front, hence why I decided to follow you here.” Kyungsoo nodded and the two faced front to stare at the two graves before them. It was a far cry from his initial intention of studying the afternoon away, or rather, attempting to study the afternoon away; instead, Jongin finds himself following the man he just met and his ghostly companion to a public cemetery an hour bus ride away from the city.

“That’s Chanyeol.” Kyungsoo pointed to the mound on the right, a wistful smile on his face. It was a young couple’s resting place; that much was evident from the two photographs on the tombstones. A bright cheery-looking young man was beaming at him through the photo and Jongin bowed his head as a sign of respect at once; also, because he felt sad all of a sudden, a wave of emotions just taking over his body. He looked so young and happy, why did he have to die? Jongin couldn’t help but wonder.

“It’s so sad…” He murmurs as Kyungsoo glanced over at him. Jongin has always been emotional at heart, following his feelings most of the time instead of rational thinking. His mother and close friends often labeled him a softie, but in the best way because it also meant that he had the heart of an angel. “What’s Chanyeol doing?” He sniffled softly and peered down at Kyungsoo, a half-attempted smile on his face. It took quite a while for the other to respond; Kyungsoo seemingly stuck in a trance, eyes locked on Jongin’s figure.

“W-What he always does…” Jongin doesn’t question the shy blush on the other’s face as he turned to point at the mound of earth on the left. “He’s lying spread-eagled on Baekhyun’s grave and kissing the earth.” Kyungsoo smiled fondly. “I’ve always admired his beautiful love for his husband.” He beamed up at Jongin and there was only one thought on the latter’s mind as he stared at the other’s heart-shaped smile. I admire your beautiful face… Jongin smiled dopily for a second before clearing his throat and putting on his straightest face. Kyungsoo giggled and placed the two cups of Caramel Macchiato in front of Chanyeol and Baekhyun’s grave.

“Chanyeol brought you your favorite drink again, Baek! For the second week in a row… it’s about time you show yourself hmm?” Kyungsoo called out. Jongin watched as Kyungsoo’s eyes scanned their surroundings before a pout made his way onto his face and all the light dimmed from his eyes. “I thought today would be the day...” The shorter mumbled under his breath and plopped himself down, sitting cross-legged in front of his friends’ graves. Jongin barely hesitated to settle down beside Kyungsoo. “It’s okay” He smiled and patted the other’s thigh, “Just keep the faith… I’m sure Baekhyun will come back to Chanyeol soon.” Once Jongin was done with his words, he stared silently while facing the front.

“You know…” Jongin nibbled on his bottom lip, not knowing how best to put his words across. “I’ve always felt this wave of sadness taking over me whenever I visit cemeteries or other places like this you know…” Kyungsoo folded his knees to his chest and rested his head on them, facing sideways so he could look at Jongin when the latter spoke. “It’s not like I knew all the dead personally, when they were still alive that is.” He quickly corrected himself and Kyungsoo chuckled. “But just the topic of death itself… seeing all these young faces especially” Jongin gestured to the two tombstones before them, “why is fate so cruel as to rob them of their chance to live for a much longer time?”

Kyungsoo shrugged. “That’s just the way life works; we all have a big red expiry date over us, and everyday we inch closer to it, we don’t even know when it comes until you wake up one day, realizing that no one no