“You’ve gotten quieter,” the poltergeist hums.

“No, I haven’t,” a second familiar voice speaks, “your skills are regressing.”

“They’re useless skills,” Minho’s voice softly retorts.

“Those ‘useless skills’ are important. They’ll keep you safe,” the voice snaps.

“What if I don’t want to be safe?” Minho sighs.

“As much as I love people disregarding their own safety, it’s not as rewarding when it comes from you,” the voice sounds riled.

“I’m not leaving him,” the demon growls.

“Relax,” the voice sighs, “our next job isn’t set in stone. I’m still waiting for … you know.” Silence. “You’re too attached—

“No one asked you, Jinki,” Minho interrupts.

“Tick tock, old friend,” Jinki threatens, “he doesn’t seem to be improving. Time’s running thin.” Silence. “We can’t save ‘em all,” Jinki whispers, perfunctory.

“He’s different,” Minho snarls.

“He’s a chore,” Jinki insists. Silence. “Look at you, I thought you were soft before, but this is pathetic.”

“There’s nothing wrong with having a little empathy,” the revenant shifts.

“Apathy is so much easier,” Jinki says with a cough.

Minho chuckles, “you really love what we do, don’t you?”

Jinki takes in a deep breath, “I do. I remember a time when you did too.”

Cloth crunches, “you’re thinking of the wrong guy.”

“If he gets better what then?” Jinki queries. Silence. “Your convictions are always unsavory, but it’s why I like keeping you around. You almost make me feel human,” Jinki laughs.

“Now you’re giving me too much credit,” Minho jokes.

“Maybe I should talk to him,” Jinki suggests.

“I’ll kill you if you try,” the words are said lightly, but the aggression can still be felt.

“Touchy, touchy,” the sound of fluttering paper fills the quiet room, “have you read it?”

“No,” Minho admits, “they’re all the same.”

“I thought you said this one was different,” Jinki pokes. Silence. “Why can’t you let things die? Why do you always try to change the inevitable? You know you’re only going to hurt yourself in the end.”

“I can’t help trying,” Minho’s voice is melancholy.

“I’m sorry,” footsteps move away from the bedside, “we’ve been requested for our services.” The haunt sighs.       

Hello :3