See me [Part 3]

                                    

                                          
Haerin stepped into the grand yet eerie hotel, a place where restless ghosts resided to complete the unfinished goals they had left behind in their mortal lives. It was a place full of stories, regrets, and fleeting hope—a perfect mix of the chaotic and the mundane for someone like her, a grim reaper.
As she made her way toward the elevator, an elderly ghost, someone who had been lingering in the hotel for over a decade, approached her.
"Madam," the old ghost greeted kindly, her translucent form shimmering faintly. "May I request another set of medical books to read? I believe they help me feel closer to my life's work."
Haerin gave a small nod, her expression neutral. She didn't say a word as she continued toward the elevator.
The encounter brought her mind back to the strange girl from earlier—Y/n. Or, more precisely, the mystery surrounding her. Haerin rarely dwelled on anything unrelated to her work, but this time was different. Something about Y/n unsettled her.
How is it possible for her to see me? And the scythe?
The elevator dinged softly, pulling her from her thoughts. She stepped inside, her fingers hovering over the buttons, but she hesitated. She needed answers. There was one person who might know, but asking them would mean enduring their insufferable attitude and relentless flirting.
With an exasperated sigh, she pressed the button for her floor. The doors slid shut, and as the elevator ascended, Haerin found herself lost in thought again.
When she arrived at her office, she immediately spotted her secretary, Winter. A human, and one of the very few she allowed to work for her. Winter had been by her side for decades, her loyalty unwavering.
"Winter," Haerin called out as she approached.
Winter turned, bowing respectfully. "Yes, madam?"
"The old doctor ghost wants a new set of medical books," Haerin said casually, her tone as detached as ever.
Winter nodded with a small smile. "Of course, I'll take care of it right away."
As Winter turned to leave, something made Haerin pause. Her sharp gaze followed Winter's retreating figure.
Winter... she's like Y/n.
Winter had been with her for so long that Haerin rarely thought about her age, but now it struck her. Winter was 70 years old—frail, though she still carried herself with grace. Recently, Winter had mentioned retiring, wanting to spend her remaining years in peace before her inevitable passing.
Haerin frowned, a strange unease settling in her chest. She wasn't one to grow attached to humans, but Winter was different. For years, she had been a constant in Haerin's endless, often thankless work.
Now, as Haerin watched her disappear down the hallway, she felt a pang of something unfamiliar.
Mortality.
It was an odd sensation for someone like Haerin, someone who dealt with death as a daily routine. Yet, watching Winter reminded her of the fleeting nature of human lives. And somehow, that thought made her think of Y/n again.
Why am I even comparing them? Haerin shook her head, brushing the thought aside.
Still, as she finally stepped into her office, the unease lingered. The mysteries surrounding Y/n, and the looming reality of Winter's mortality, weighed heavier on her mind than she cared to admit.
The next day, Y/n did something she'd never done before—she asked for a day off. Her boss, who had always admired her dedication, was more than happy to approve it.
"Take the day to rest. You deserve it," he said with a kind smile.
Y/n nodded, grateful, though deep down, she was still uneasy. As much as fear gripped her over the mysterious woman's words—You'll see them—she knew she couldn't just ignore it. She had to find out what it all meant, and tonight, she planned to do just that.
But for now, Y/n decided to make the most of her day. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wanted to just enjoy herself. Walking out into the bright midday sun, she wore a simple outfit—a hoodie, jeans, and a baseball cap—and strolled through the city streets.
The air was crisp, the chatter of people around her lively, and the distant hum of street performers added charm to the day. As she walked, she realized how much she missed feeling carefree. Still, she couldn't fully escape her thoughts. Being idle made her feel overwhelmed and anxious. Work was her escape, her shield from facing her emotions.
Maybe a good meal will help me relax, she thought as she spotted a cozy-looking restaurant tucked into a quiet street.
"Let's try this," Y/n murmured to herself as she pushed open the glass door.
To her surprise, she was greeted with a familiar voice.
"Y/n! Oh my gosh, I haven't seen you in forever!"
Y/n looked up, and a smile immediately spread across her face. "Karina?"
Her old friend stood behind the counter, beaming at her. Without hesitation, Karina left her spot at the cashier and hurried over.
"Come on, I'll get you the best seat!" Karina said excitedly, gently pulling Y/n toward a cozy table by the window. Outside, a large tree swayed in the breeze, its golden leaves falling gently to the ground.
"Thank you," Y/n said, settling into her seat.
Karina grinned. "You want me to recommend something? Everything's good, but I know just what you need."
Y/n chuckled softly. "Yes, please. I haven't had a proper meal all week."
Karina gasped dramatically, patting Y/n on the back. "Oh no, we're fixing that right now. Hang tight!"
As Karina disappeared into the kitchen, Y/n looked around the small restaurant. It was warm and inviting, with a peaceful atmosphere she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time in days, she felt a small sense of calm.
A few minutes later, Karina returned, carefully balancing a tray. She placed a steaming bowl of ramen with tender pork slices and a cold glass of tea in front of Y/n.
"Here you go! Enjoy!" Karina said cheerfully.
Y/n began to thank her, but before she could get the words out, Karina returned with another tray and sat across from her, placing her own bowl on the table.
"Let's eat together," Karina said with a big smile.
Y/n blinked, surprised. "You didn't have to do that."
Karina waved her off. "Of course I did. You look like you need some company. Besides, it's been too long since we've caught up."
Y/n felt a warmth in her chest. It had been so long since anyone had cared to sit with her like this. She smiled softly and picked up her chopsticks.
"Alright, let's eat."