(Phone ringing)
"Come on, pick up," muttered Ryner, biting his fingernail anxiously.
After a moment of tense silence, the call connected. "Hello, this is Jack Crow speaking," came the firm, unamused voice on the other end.
"Deacon Crow, I need your help with something," said Ryner quickly.
"Oh, it's just you, Ryner. What do you want?" Jack asked, already sounding annoyed.
"A girl is being haunted by a spirit. But it's not just any ordinary ghost. She believes it's something evil… dangerous," Ryner said with urgency. "I can't sense it or see it myself, but one thing's for sure: it's around her, watching her every move."
"I didn't give you my number so you could call me anytime you felt like it," Jack said sharply. "I gave it to you so you could tell me if you found any leads on those Cultists. I don't have time for your little side quests."
"This spirit is tormenting her—it even managed to possess her somehow," Ryner shot back. "Isn't this your job? To exorcise evil spirits and send them to the underworld? Or are you just another fraud like every other self-proclaimed exorcist?"
"Are you questioning my ability as an exorcist when you clearly saw how I nearly erased your ghost friend from existence earlier today?" Jack replied, his voice rising slightly.
"If you're not a fraud, then prove it. Get rid of that evil spirit. Then maybe I'll be confident enough to risk my life for Rita and try to retrieve her body from those Cultists," Ryner said fiercely. "If I can't have complete trust and faith in your ability, then why should I put myself in danger?"
There was a long pause. Then Jack sighed. "Fine. You make a fair argument. But it's going to cost you."
"Okay. I'll text you my address. Just come to my house before it's too late," Ryner said.
"I'll be there," Jack said before hanging up.
Ryner put his phone away and hurried back into the classroom. Shimoya sat alone by the window, looking pale and distant. He approached her with urgency.
"I just spoke with someone who said they'd be willing to help. I can't explain everything now, but you'll have to trust me. When school's over, meet me at the school gate."
"Yes… I will," Shimoya said softly. Her eyes were tired but held a trace of hope as she absorbed Ryner's words.
Later that evening, once classes had ended, Ryner gathered Thomas and Rita.
"Rita, Thomas, were you able to see the spirit that Shimoya mentioned?" Ryner asked, lowering his voice as they stood in a quiet corner.
"No, we didn't see anything," Thomas answered flatly.
"Ryner, you have a high level of spiritual awareness," said Rita, frowning. "If there was an evil spirit, I don't think it could hide its presence from you."
"Could it be possible that Shimoya is just making this all up to get closer to you?" she asked, her voice low but pointed.
"You do have a point… but that girl is clearly distressed and exhausted. She even told me she was thinking about ending her life. I can't ignore that," Ryner replied firmly. "I need to see for myself."
"Why is he so focused on helping this girl?" Rita murmured to herself, watching Ryner carefully.
"I'm here," said Shimoya suddenly, standing right behind Ryner.
Startled, he jumped. "How do you keep appearing out of thin air like that?"
"You were too busy talking to your ghosts and not paying attention to your surroundings. That's why it seems that way," she replied plainly.
"She has a point… but she's really creepy," Ryner thought.
"Anyway, let's get going to my house. I'll explain everything once we get there," he said.
They made their way through the quiet streets to Ryner's house. He opened the door and gestured for her to come in.
"So Amelia isn't home yet. Perfect. I don't want her getting mixed up in this," Ryner thought as he closed the door behind them.
"Here, take these clothes. They're clean, don't worry. They might be a bit big, but at least it saves you from going home," Ryner said as he handed them to her.
"You can take a shower. I'll try to make something for you to eat."
"You don't have to go through all this trouble for me," Shimoya replied, clearly surprised.
"Don't worry about it. You asked for help. I'll do what I can," Ryner said.
"Thank you," Shimoya said sincerely before heading to the bathroom.
While she showered, her mind wandered uneasily. She hadn't felt the spirit's presence since morning. That made her even more nervous. Why had it gone quiet? To try and shake the anxiety, she splashed water on her face again before leaving the bathroom.
In the mirror behind her, for just a moment, the angry reflection of the evil spirit flickered—furious and distorted.
Back in the kitchen, Ryner placed a bowl of instant ramen on the table. "Here. I'm not much of a cook, so you'll have to settle for this."
"So much for caring," Rita said sarcastically. "All that talk about helping her, and the best he can do is instant ramen?"
Thomas burst out laughing.
"Both of you shut up," Ryner snapped, flustered.
"Thank you for the meal," Shimoya said politely as she started eating.
After she finished, Ryner led her to his room.
"You can rest on the bed. Take this time to sleep."
"I don't need to sleep right now," Shimoya said, trembling slightly.
"It's alright. You're not alone this time. I'm here, and I believe you. So don't be afraid."
He spoke gently, but his voice was steady. "You look like you haven't slept in days. Go ahead. You'll be safe here."
Shimoya hesitated, then nodded and lay down on Ryner's bed. As soon as her head touched the pillow, she drifted off, exhausted by fear, relief, and everything in between.