“Where were you? I thought somebody had kidnapped you!” Nana exclaimed once Gabby had entered the house.
 

Gabby playfully rolled her eyes, “Who would kidnap such a lowlife like me?”
 

“The board members are part lunatics, so who knows?” Nana shrugged. “Anyways, where were you really? You suddenly disappeared.”
 

“I was at the house across the street. And you won‘t believe this, but I think you‘ve got a nutcase of a neighbor. That Luhan guy told me that he can see ghosts! He is not a good influence to those kids.” Gabby pointed out, pouting when her grandmother ignored her comment. “Are you even listening to me, Nana?”
 

The older lady sighed, “Luhan is a good boy. He raises those kids and loves them like they are his own. So if you don’t like to hang with them, then do refrain from giving such comments, alright? At least not in front of the kids. Or him.”
 

Her grandmother’s words only picked Gabby’s curiosity even more. “So, you believe that he can actually see ghosts?” she asked, dumbfounded. “Nana…” she whines when she heard no answer.
 

“I did not say such thing. What I am saying is that Luhan is a good person.” Nana stated with finality.
 

Gabby pouted even more. Her grandmother’s words might be vague but she could see the message clearly; Nana believes Luhan is a clairvoyant-whatever-thing.
 

“Anyways, you do still remember that bakeshop two blocks down, right? Mr. Jung’s?” Nana inquired as they reached the kitchen.

“Can you go pick a cake, please? We’ll have company for lunch.”
 

“Really? You invited one of those geezers?” Gabby raised a cheeky brow.
 

“And risk ruining a perfect welcome home for you?” Nana laughed, “I decided to introduce you to some people you could actually be friends with. Now run along and hurry up.”
 

Gabby let herself be ushered out of the house once again; donning her favorite hoodie and making sure she got enough money for something she might want to buy along the way, she had always loved that bakeshop when she was little.
 

The shop still looks the same from the outside with the red bricks and all, and it’s still warm and cozy in the inside. The only difference was old Mr. Jung seemed to be pegged on cashier duty instead of hovering over the display counter. There’s a new, but really familiar, face behind the display counter and Gabby squints her eyes to recollect where she had seen his face.
 

“Hi! Welcome to Mr. Goodies!” the familiar face smiles.
 

Gabby was never a shy type, a little too forward for he grandmother’s taste; she scrutinized the face in front of her. “Have we met before?”
 

The guy visibly back off a little, though it looks like he was not affronted, more like surprised. “Uhm… I don’t really think so… uhm… can I get you anything?” the smile he put back on his face is a little restrained but it’s polite nonetheless.
 

Gabby thought about it and tilted her head a bit, perusing. But she let it go, opting to ogle the selection of pastries and cakes on the counter. She pointed on a mocha-flavored cake, pausing for a moment before pointing the chocolate goodness she remembers Nana likes.
 

The guy nodded politely and went to get her orders, directing her to the counter for payment.
 

“Hello, welcome to Mr. Goodies-“
 

“Hi, Mr. Jung!” she cut the old man with a beaming smile, waving when the cashier gave her a curious look. “It’s me, Gabby.”
 

A pause, and then the old man’s eyes alight with recognition. “Gabby? Wow, you’ve grown much! I see you got rid of the ugly jumpers too.”
 

Gabby scrunched her nose at being reminded how she used to wear ugly jumpers when she was younger that she’s often mistaken as a boy. “I outgrew them faster than I expected. It’s so nice to see you again, Mr. Jung.”
 

“Well, it’s certainly nice to see you. Are you here for vacation or your grandmother finally managed to put a leash on your collar.”
“I’m not a dog!” she pouts at the teasing.
 

“Yeah… well let me rephrase it; has she managed to bridle the wild horse in you?”
 

Before Gabby could answer, her order came, the boxes being handed by the same guy from the counter. She gave the guy a scrutinizing look once again, frowning a little.
 

“Uh, here’s your order. Is…is there anything else… miss?” the guy is obviously being polite just because she’s a customer.
 

Mr. Jung suddenly laughed, more like guffawed. “Oh, I thought I’d never see the day you’d call her ‘miss’, Daehyun.”
 

“Daehyun?!” Gabby gaped. Is this really the same Jung Daehyun she used to pick on back when she was still a kid? That same brace-wearing kid she would always ask to sneak leftover cookies?
 

“Uh… who exactly is she…?”
 

Gabby let out a squeal, surprising Daehyun, and reached out to pinch his cheeks, hard. “Oh my God! Daehyun!”
 

“Uh, yeah, that’s me!” Daehyun answered, still bewildered, and not to mention cheeks on fire.
 

“It’s me, Gabby! Cookie-bully Gabby! Gosh! You look really handsome! And you don’t have braces anymore! Kyah, time had been good on you!”
 

Mr. Jung laughs as Daehyun finally realized who this crazy girl was. Then they were catching up in rapid conversation, forgetting for a moment that Gabby was supposed to go home immediately and the shop was actually in operation and customers might come in.
 

 The small bell on the front door let out a little jingle, Daehyun abruptly going back behind his post on the counter, grinning sheepishly at the customer. “Oh, hello, Anya. Where’s Sehun?’
 

“Why do you always ask me where he is?” the customer pouted.
 

“Because you two are inseparable. What can I get you?” Daeuhyun teased.
 

“I’ll have that pie you promised. And we are not inseparable.”
 

“Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night.”
 

“Yah, Jung Daehyun!”
 

Gabby couldn’t help but raise an amuse brow; it looks like Daehyun had outgrown his shy personality as well, just as she did with those hideous jumpers.
 

The front door bell jingled once again just as Gabby finally realized that Nana would skin her alive if she doesn’t go back soon. What she didn’t was to bump into one of the people she’d rather not really meet anytime in the foreseeable future. Or at least not in that moment of time.
 

“Gabby-nuna?”
 

Gabby felt something tug at her chest at the familiar voice. At the back of her mind, she admits that she kind of misses that voice too. But thinking about it would bring up memories she’d rather bury inside her head, lock up and be forgotten.
 

“Sehun.”
 

They stood in the middle of the shop, not really knowing how to react. Or at least Gabby doesn’t know how to.
 

“How… how have you been? We didn’t hear anything about you since three years ago.” Sehun tried to smile, but it comes a little wary, too polite.
 

“I’ve been busy. You know, school and stuff. How have you been?” she asks out of courtesy, cringing a little at how she sounds to icy towards the boy she used to tease and laugh with.
 

“I’m… I’m good. I’m still stuck in college but I’m getting the hang of it.” Sehun smiles.
 

Gabby is a little surprised at how Sehun could easily smile now, something he would seldom do even when he’s with his closest friends, and even those he got a few because of the default look he’s chosen for himself.
 

“Good for you. Are you still hanging out with Jongin?”
 

“Yeah. We’re going to the same university. Uhm… how about you? Where are you living now? We never really had news from you ever since the-“
 

“I live with my grandmother now.” She cuts in, hoping to suppress the memories that were now trying to invade her thoughts at the mere presence of Sehun. “I’ve just move in with her, for work and all.”
 

“Oh…” Sehun seemed to get the hint that she didn’t want to talk about what happened three years ago. “Well, do you still use your old number? You might want to hang out sometimes… with me and Jongin. I’m sure he’d love to see you again. You’ve always been pretty close.”
 

Gabby smiles fondly, remembering how Sehun would always be dragged by Jongin to hound her for a meal or a snack. Those were happy times. If only they didn’t end…
 

“I changed my number; broke my phone a few years back and I couldn’t retrieve your numbers so I couldn’t tell you the new one. Sorry.” She apologizes; it wasn’t the whole truth, but what Sehun doesn’t know won’t burden him. Even so, she exchanged number with him. He’s still a friend after all.
 

“I knew you’re a sneaky two-timer.” Daehyun suddenly piped from the counter.
 

Sehun gave Daehyun his infamous poker-face, “I’m not. Stop being nosy.”
 

“Honestly, you two, when are you ever going to greet each other normally? Like normal people do?” the customer Daehyun was entertaining earlier huffed, standing beside Sehun.
 

Sehun got the box from the girl and Gabby looked at him amusedly. Now that’s a little unexpected, Sehun with a girl… unless they’re relatives. It’s not that Sehun can’t get himself a girlfriend, he’s good-looking and a good catch really, but his personality is not something that is easy to deal with. Until now, Gabby still wonders how Jongin even managed to get this guy be comfortable with him, and by extension, herself.
 

“Well, we’ve always been above normal people, so…” Daehyun grins, shrugging.
 

The girl rolls her eyes, blushing a little when she noticed that Gabby was giving her an amused look. “Uhm… hello. My name is Jang Anya.” She bows.
 

“I’m Gabby.” She nods her head a little, “How are you even associated with this loonies?”
 

“Hey!” both Daehyun and Sehun pouted at Gabby.
 

“I don’t really know. I think I might have caused a war in my past life or something.” Anya replied cheekily.
 

Gabby laughs, wondering how long it had been since she feels this light-hearted. “Anyways, it’s nice seeing you crazies over again, but I’ve got to get going before Nana decides she doesn’t need a successor at all.”
 

Daehyun opened the front door for her, earning a jab from Sehun as the latter pass by after letting Anya out first.
 

It turned out that Anya lives in Gabby’s direction and Sehun took the opportunity to catch up with her. In contrast to what Gabby had expected with meeting with her old friends, talking to Sehun is easy. Especially that he didn’t delve into what she had been doing in the past couple of years, opting to ask about the pending work she’d be facing comes Monday, all the while sharing what he’s doing in the meantime too and arranging plans for them to meet up with Jongin.
 

Anya was a little silent the whole way but Gabby didn’t really have to get out of her way to include Anya in the conversation; it’s just seemed that Anya is naturally quiet, or giving the two of them time to catch up. She decided that she likes Anya nonetheless. And with the both of them probably living in the same neighborhood, there’s a possibility that she earn herself a good friend. And a way to learn about her weird neighbors; not gossip mind you.
 

They reached Gabby’s house and Sehun pouted, a little whiney about how he wants to spend a longer time with Gabby.
 

The older girl just laughs and promise to hang out with him some time. Before they could even say goodbye, Nana came out of the house and greeted them. Gabby was surprised that Nana greeted Anya enthusiastically, and the girl actually hugged the old woman back.
 

“I see you’ve met my granddaughter. Saved me from long introductions!” Nana exclaimed delightedly.
 

“You…know each other?” Gabby asked.
 

“Well, yes, dear. We are neighbors after all. She lives with Luhan and the kids.” Nana gestured at the house across the street.
 

Gabby couldn’t help it but gape. This sweet girl is living with Luhan? “She is? Is she…?”
 

The unspoken question was answered with a small nod from Nana and Gabby couldn’t help the myriad of thoughts invading her mind. Couldn’t this day be weirder?
 

Dazed, Gabby let herself be ushered into the house, Sehun and Anya being invited in too. Nana might have mentioned that there guests were actually Luhan, Anya, and the kids but Gabby can’t be sure because she’s still trying to process that Sehun’s girlfriend lives with Luhan who claimed to be a clair-something. And they all live across the street and Nana actually expects them to be her friend when she has nothing, wants nothing, to do with any sort of ghost or any subject concerning them.
 

“Earth to Gabby, do you read me?” a chuckling voice called out.
 

Gabby blinks and finally get a hold of herself, taking in the sight of Baekhyun and Chanyeol talking enthusiastically to Anya, a boy with black hair tugging at Sehun’s shirt, and oh gosh they look like a little family, Nana placing another plate on the already-crowded table.
 

“Are you okay?”
 

She turns and Luhan was peering at her curiously, his big eyes even more prominent at the proximity. She splutters a bit, taking a step back and earning a chuckle from Luhan. “Uh… I’m fine. Thanks.”
 

“You know…” Luhan smiles as his eyes traveled to where Anya was telling the kids to settle down, a fond smile on his face, “You don’t have to be afraid of us just because we’re different. We’re as normal as you are.”
 

Gabby mentality cringed at the words that came out of earlier that day as she was talking to her grandmother. She knows she had been a little judgmental, and it’s unfair of her to pass judgment towards people she barely knows.
 

“I’m sorry.” Was all she could say.
 

“Nah… I can’t say that we’re a little bit used to it.” Luhan smiles anyways. “The kids really like you, you know. Especially Chanyeol. Baekhyun may be a bit sassy but he’s got reasons why he’s wary of strangers.”
 

Gabby could only imagine how the kids are coping with something not people would understand. “I just… I don’t know how to act around you. I mean, it’s not every day that you get to meet people like you! And then you mentioned that thing about me earlier and it had just been creepy!” she blurted. “How did you even know that I’m afraid of dogs because I got bitten when I was younger?”
 

“Oh, it’s thanks to this ghost hanging around you. He has a pretty weird name too.” Luhan smiles, looking over Gabby’s shoulder, “Zelo, right?”
 

Everything seemed to freeze, Gabby stiffening at the mention of the name. Meeting Sehun earlier brought the fear of bringing the memories back again but she got distracted and she was thankful for the little reprieve. But Luhan just have to mention him.
 

She doesn’t know what to really feel, or what to think. She had somehow fooled herself to forget about him, fooled herself that she’s finally moving on, and she really wants to move on. But now that she knows he’s still around her, unbelievably as it is, it got all the delusions she build for herself crumble into nothing but dust. And what hurts the most is the reality that they can never be together again.
 

“Who?” she managed past the lump on , still clinging to that sliver of chance that Luhan was just teasing her.
 

“Zelo.” Luhan blinks innocently. “Oh… wait, his name is Choi Junhong.”
 

“Hyung!” Sehun suddenly blurted, walking up to them and sending a concerned look towards Gabby. “Just… leave it.”
 

“Huh? Why?” Luhan frowns, eyes widening in surprise at the tears threatening to pour out of Gabby’s eyes. “Oh my—did I say something wrong?”
 

Gabby blinks back the moisture in her eyes, smiling at Luhan but not really meeting his eyes. “I… it’s fine… Enjoy lunch. I’m tired and I want to rest first…” she hurriedly said before disappearing up the stairs towards her bedroom.
 

Luhan was at loss of what to say, blinking at everyone in the kitchen. “What did I say?”
 

It was Nana who sighs, “Its fine, Luhan. She just need some time for herself. It had been long but I don’t think she had given herself time to really let go. Or to think of ever letting go.”
 

“What—uh, I’m kind of lost here. What exactly happened? I just mentioned Zelo…”
 

“Zelo was our friend.” Sehun answered, a gloomy look on his face.
 

“You know Gabby?”
 

“Yeah. I met her through Jongin. Her and Zelo.” Sehun paused for a moment, sighing. “Zelo was Gabby-nuna’s boyfriend, and I heard that they were really close even before that.”
 

“They were.” Nana agreed, a melancholic smile on her face, “They have planned their lives ahead of them, dreaming side by side and struggling to reach them with smiles on their faces. But they were not meant to be together. And it seems that, even after three years, Gabby still can’t get over his death.”
 

“I… I didn’t know. I just thought that it was just some simple strong attachment…I’m sorry.”
 

Luhan looked up at the stairs where Gabby had run up to. The whole house was silent, even the kids seemed to have felt the sudden tension and were keeping their voices down as they played on a corner.
 

Outside Gabby’s door, a transparent figure sheds tears.
 

a/n: First... let me apologize for taking really long before posting this chapter. *bows 90 degrees*

I just had finals and school had been a pain in the in the last six weeks with all the plays and essays and exams...

but yeah... comments please??? XP