Arya's steps felt light, as if he were walking on air. As far as his eyes could see, there was only a grayish-white emptiness, silent and endless… until his gaze fell upon a middle-aged man standing still. He wore a worn white shirt, his eyes cast down in piercing sorrow.
"Who is he…? What is this place…?" Arya wondered silently. There was something about the man that made his chest tighten, as if he had known him for a long time—even though the face was unfamiliar.
The man stared at Arya for a long while. Silence… only the pounding of Arya's heart filled his ears. Slowly, he stepped closer. Now only a few strides separated them…
Suddenly, the man raised his hand, his index finger pointing into the distance through the thick white mist.
Arya turned."What's out there…?" he murmured.
The fog slowly parted, revealing a massive banyan tree. Its roots and tendrils spread like veins clutching the earth, creeping wildly in every direction. The air around it felt heavy, damp, and cold.
Arya squinted. Someone was there.
Rika…
Rika ran lightly, her skirt twirling as she hopped joyfully, playing among the tree's roots. Her laughter echoed softly, yet somehow… it pierced Arya's ears like a knife.
Soon, Rika crouched and slipped into a narrow gap between the massive roots—just wide enough for one person.
Arya stepped closer, curiosity and anxiety pressing on his chest.
"Could this… be it?" he whispered, his thoughts slowly forming.
As his finger touched one of the banyan roots—
Crraaackkk!
The roots came alive. In an instant, massive vines coiled around Arya's body, wrapping him tightly like giant serpents. He couldn't move. His breath caught.
"What… what's happening?!" Arya panicked. The vines constricted, leaving only his eyes free to move. They were cold… yet carried a strange, rotting warmth.
"You're caught… human. Your promise shall be repaid now."
The voice was deep, cold, resonating from all directions. It sounded like a blend of male and female tones, as if two souls spoke through one mouth.
The vines tightened, creeping toward his neck.
"Promise? What… is this?!" Arya's panic flared. He gasped for air, searching for an escape, but the vines crushed him with relentless force. His chest felt as if being smashed, bones groaning under the pressure.
The cold tendrils wrapped around Arya's neck. Slowly… slowly… until it felt as if no air could reach his lungs. His vision blurred, his body numb, shrouded in a black fog.
Meanwhile, the banyan tree laughed. Its leaves thrashed wildly, though no wind stirred in the empty world. The laughter was soft… yet filled with satisfaction, like a predator savoring its prey.
"I… I can't move… if this continues… I'll… I'll… DIE!" Arya thought, panic consuming every part of him.
And in the mist that clouded his vision, Rika appeared.
Rika stood beneath the tree. Her face pale, eyes wide with fear. She looked at Arya like a lost child.
"Rika…" Arya gritted his teeth, hot tears streaming without him realizing it."I have to… I have to get back… I can't watch her like that!"
The tree laughed again, louder, shaking the entire void.
But suddenly—
Crkkkzzz…
The vines wrapping Arya blackened, charred. Faint embers glowed along them, burning without sparks. The tree groaned violently, leaves thrashing as the vines recoiled with a high-pitched screech.
"Arya… please… come back…"
The voice was soft, clear, like a warm breeze brushing his ear. Rika.
Brakh!
Everything collapsed. Arya jerked awake. The void shattered like glass—
He opened his eyes to find himself lying in bed, his body aching from head to toe. His breath was ragged, yet he was alive.
His eyes shifted sideways. A small hand clutched his, cold yet warm at the same time. Rika was asleep there, her head resting on the bed's edge. Pale and tired, yet still holding onto him as if afraid of losing him.
Arya smiled faintly, lips trembling."Thank you…" he whispered almost inaudibly.
A week passed since Arya awoke from his long sleep. His wounds had begun to heal. His pale face regained color, his steps firm once more. But… something was different.
Since that day, the ghost girl had become noisier than usual.Advice. Warnings."Don't stay up too late, Arya.""Don't eat carelessly, Arya.""If you have a problem, tell me, Arya!"
Her voice filled every corner of the dorm like an alarm that could never be turned off.
Then, one morning, the perfect opportunity arose.
Arya stepped lightly, opening the dorm door carefully. Rika was gone. Empty. Silent.
He smiled faintly. "Finally, the nagging ghost isn't around… my chance."
He tiptoed out, his shoes silent on the floor. Even the gate he closed softly, like a thief.
Once outside, Arya ran as fast as he could. Breath ragged, cold sweat forming at his temples."Stay… away… from… that… chatterbox ghost…"
He stopped after enough distance, bending over with hands on knees, trying to catch his breath."Phew… safe…"
Suddenly—
"NOOOOO!!! SOMEONE HELP ME… ARYAAA!!!"
A panicked voice struck his ears. Arya spun toward the sound.
There she was. Rika, running as fast as she could, face pale. Behind her, a massive black dog chased, jaws wide.
"I didn't do anything! Why are you chasing me?!" Rika screamed.
Arya froze. His gaze blank."Isn't she a ghost… and can fly? Why is she running?" he muttered coldly.
In a blink, Rika leapt, scaling a utility pole with unnatural speed. Within seconds, she clung to the top like a lizard.
"Help me… whusss… whusss…" Rika shivered atop the pole, hair blowing in the wind.
Arya sighed and walked away slowly."Better to pretend I don't see her," he said flatly, not looking back.
"HEY! YOU HUMAN! HELP ME GET RID OF IT! ARYAAAA!!!"
Rika's shrill voice rang like a siren as Arya distanced himself.
The dog barked furiously below, while Arya casually raised a hand, waving without turning."Have fun up there…"
By noon, campus life had returned to normal. Students sat in the cafeteria, chatting softly, while others laughed in the club room, planning events. Yet rumors from last week still lingered—about Rika, "the ghost who threw the whole class into chaos." Some renovations continued quietly: cracked walls patched, new paint applied. But the faint traces of the cold energy Arya had sensed remained, subtle yet present.
Arya sat beneath a shady tree near the cafeteria. In front of him, a plate of yellow rice nearly finished, accompanied by a glass of iced tea slowly melting.
Across from him, Dio sipped black coffee calmly. Nagini stood gracefully beside him, her red dress fluttering in the afternoon breeze. The scent of flowers contrasted sharply with the bustling campus atmosphere.
Arya stared at Nagini, puzzled. "Why… does she act as if we've never met?" he wondered. His gaze hardened, searching for cracks beneath the spirit woman's serene smile.
Nagini noticed Arya's gaze. Her eyes remained fixed on the garden; her smile was thin, enigmatic. She said nothing—which only made Arya more uneasy.
Dio finally broke the silence."So… anything unusual lately?" he asked casually, tapping his fingers on the coffee cup.
Arya snorted softly, annoyed."Shouldn't that be my line to you?"
Dio smirked.
"Hey Dio… do you know anything about a huge banyan tree?" Arya asked cautiously, his voice nearly drowned by the chatter in the cafeteria.
At the long table, only the three of them sat. The afternoon wind rustled the nearby garden leaves; the aroma of fried food mingled with Dio's black coffee.
Nagini, still standing gracefully, gazed at the garden before turning quickly to Arya. Her eyes flashed sharply, as if surprised by his question, then she masked it with a thin smile. Lips closed, silent, leaving the question hanging.
Dio merely raised an eyebrow, expressionless. He took a sip of coffee before replying."Big banyan? Aren't there trees like that at the north and south squares?"
Arya shook his head, more serious now. Fingers tapped the wooden table lightly."Not like that… this tree is far bigger. You could even enter the trunk."
Dio's eyes narrowed. He placed his cup down, folding his arms calmly, a faint crease appearing on his forehead."Humans can enter a tree trunk?" he murmured. "Sounds more like folklore than reality. Did you see it yourself?"
Arya paused, looking up at the thin white clouds. The air was warm, melting his iced tea quickly."I… I'm not sure," he admitted.
Dio frowned slightly, pondering. Before he could speak further, Nagini smiled faintly, enjoying the two men's serious expressions.
"I think… I've seen it," Arya whispered, softer now, talking to himself. He tilted his head back, recalling dream details. "The tree… it bloomed jasmine…"
Nagini's eyes flickered briefly, hiding something behind her smile. Dio merely frowned, touching his chin."Jasmine-blooming banyan… when did you see it again?" he asked, more serious, piercing Arya's thoughts.
"About… a week ago, during the strange campus incident," Arya sighed. "But… when I heard Rika calling me, I woke up immediately."
Dio set his cup down, eyes narrowing as he glanced at Nagini. A tense silence hung between them.
Nagini finally broke it, pressing a hand to her mouth with a mischievous squint."Is this youthful romance?" she whispered, grinning like she had found gossip gold.
Arya's eyes went wide. "W-what?! N-no!" His face flushed crimson, ears burning. He lowered his head, wishing the ground would swallow him.
Dio smirked, feigning wisdom."Be honest, young one," he said calmly, "feelings cannot be hidden forever. Sooner or later, they surface."
Arya panicked further, glaring at them."D-don't just talk like that! This isn't what you think…" The more he denied, the more obvious his embarrassment.
Nagini chuckled softly, hiding her smile behind delicate fingers."Your face is more honest than your words."
Before Arya could respond, a familiar shout broke the tension.
"HERYYY ARYAAAA~!!"
The voice grew closer. On the campus path, a girl with long wavy hair waved and ran toward them. Her dark blue dress fluttered in the wind; her bright eyes made the area seem to glow.
Arya froze. His already red face burned brighter, ears flushed."Ah… damn… she came at the worst time," he muttered.
"Perfect timing, huh~" Dio teased, enjoying Arya's plight.
Rika reached them, hands on her hips, frowning."How dare you leave me! Do you know how hard it was to deal with that dog?!"
Arya stared calmly."You're a ghost… you can float."
Rika paused, then brightened suddenly."Oh right~ I forgot I can float!" She giggled, eyes sparkling like a child remembering a favorite toy.
Nagini smiled softly, covering her mouth. Dio shook his head, faint smile still there.
"Hello, Mother Nagini~ Hello, Dio~" Rika greeted cheerfully. "Thanks for helping last time!"
Arya froze. "Helping? Last time…? What do you mean?"
"Yeah, I gotta go. Pay my coffee too, young man. Don't want to disturb your love story," Dio said, standing calmly, a faint mischievous grin.
Nagini followed, her red dress fluttering softly. Before leaving, she glanced at Arya and Rika with a look that was impossible to read—mockery, pity, or curiosity.
"This sorcerer… really is annoying," Arya muttered flatly, watching Dio's retreating back.
"Where'd they go just like that?" Rika asked innocently, tilting her head.
Arya exhaled, calming himself after being teased."And you…" Rika pointed at him, "don't just sneak off like that, okay?!"
Dio walked down the shaded path, sunlight filtering through the leaves, forming patterns on the ground. He looked calm, though a hint of worry lingered.
"Hey, Nagini…" Dio whispered softly, "the tree Arya mentioned… could it be—"
Nagini didn't answer immediately, walking beside him gracefully. Her eyes were serene, gaze fixed forward, smile gone."It's time… to tell him," she said softly, her usually gentle voice heavy with secrets.
The afternoon sunlight seeped through classroom windows, casting golden streaks over wooden desks. Warm air carried the faint scent of chalk. The class had begun to empty; some students were packing, others still copying notes.
In the middle row, Arya sat calmly, eyes fixed on Rika, who had fallen asleep at the desk. Her head tilted, copper-red waves spilling over her face, glinting in the late sun like molten threads.
Rika's pale face looked peaceful, faint redness on her cheeks giving her life-like warmth. Her small lips slightly parted, her "breathing"—if a ghost could breathe—regular. Arya couldn't help but smile softly."She looks like a child finally free of her burdens," he thought, warmth flooding his chest. "Whether pretending or truly asleep… this peace shouldn't be disturbed."
The teacher's voice ended the class. Students filed out, leaving Arya and Rika behind. He hesitated, then gently touched her shoulder."Rika… wake up. Class is over," he whispered softly.
Rika stirred, heavy eyelids opening slightly, sleepy blue eyes blinking. She yawned, rubbing her eyes, hair falling messily over her face."Hmm… still sleepy…" she murmured, voice hoarse and childlike.
Arya chuckled softly, mischievously."I didn't know ghosts could get sleepy," he said, standing and straightening his bag.
Rika snorted, half-lidded eyes glaring."Annoying," she muttered, stretching, hair swaying.
They walked down the quiet hallway, footsteps echoing softly. Rika lagged behind, dragging her feet lazily, half-conscious.
Arya glanced sideways. From his perspective, Rika no longer seemed like a ghost trapped between worlds. She looked real—copper hair, pale skin, playful movements. And yet… he knew this was just one layer of her."She's not fully herself yet. But she's getting there," he thought.
Outside, a gentle wind brushed their faces. The world was calm now. The tree, the dog, the panic… all faded, leaving only a warm, golden afternoon.
Arya exhaled deeply, shoulders loosening."Finally… a moment to breathe," he whispered.
Rika, sensing his relaxation, smirked slightly and nudged his arm."You said that last week too. Don't think I'll let you enjoy it too long," she teased.
Arya froze, then smiled faintly, shaking his head."Guess… some things never change."
The campus faded behind them, leaves rustling softly, sun dipping lower. Shadows lengthened. Somewhere, faint laughter echoed—warm, teasing, and familiar.And for a moment, Arya allowed himself to believe… this peace could last.
The golden afternoon stretched lazily over the campus, its warmth spilling across the lawns and hallways. Arya walked beside Rika, his pace measured, trying not to seem too tense—but he knew she was aware. She wasn't like other ghosts; she noticed everything, laughed at everything, and teased relentlessly.
"You really are hopeless, you know that?" Rika said, smirking as her long hair swayed with every step. "Even after all that happened… you still act like nothing's strange."
Arya's jaw tightened slightly. "Not everything needs to be strange," he replied, voice calm but edged with caution. "Some things… you just let be."
Rika tilted her head, blue-green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Huh. Let be? That's a nice way of saying you're scared."
Arya exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing as he finally allowed himself a faint smile. "Maybe," he admitted. "But fear doesn't mean inaction. You should know that by now."
Rika's smirk softened into a faint, almost imperceptible grin. "Maybe… maybe," she said, letting the silence stretch. The wind tugged gently at her dress, curling the hem around her ankles, and for a moment, she looked almost human—almost fragile.
They reached the edge of campus where the north square spread wide, a massive banyan tree standing sentinel at its center. Its roots twisted like sinews, some broken, some thick and gnarled. The place was quiet now, empty except for a few scattered leaves dancing in the wind.
Arya's gaze hardened. The memory of the nightmare… of the black tendrils, the choking vines, and the burning of his fear… came back. But he forced himself to breathe evenly.
Rika floated lightly, her dress catching the sunlight. "You're staring at it again," she teased, drifting toward the tree. "Don't tell me you're scared?"
Arya shook his head. "Not scared… alert. There's something about this tree. Something… wrong."
Rika's expression softened. She landed lightly on one of the lower roots, crouching like a cat. "I know," she said quietly. "I've been here before… in another time. It doesn't like humans. Not even me."
Arya studied her carefully. There was truth in her tone, a hint of caution beneath the playful mask. "You've… been here before?" he asked.
Rika nodded slowly, eyes flicking toward the sprawling roots. "Before. Long ago. I remember… faintly. I wasn't… myself. And this tree… it remembers me too. It holds memories of everyone who's ever crossed it."
The thought sent a chill down Arya's spine. He glanced at the massive trunk, the intricate patterns etched into its bark. The lines seemed alive, almost pulsating, as if they were veins feeding some unseen heart.
"And the man," Arya murmured, recalling the figure from his vision. "The one in white… standing… watching me. Who was he?"
Rika's gaze darkened, distant. "He's… a guardian. Not evil, but… unforgiving. He doesn't forgive easily. And anyone who crosses the tree… he watches. He ensures promises are kept."
Arya's stomach churned. "Promises? What kind of promises?"
Rika smiled faintly, a little sadly. "The ones people don't even know they've made."
The air thickened, subtle vibrations running through the ground beneath them. Arya felt the hairs on his neck stand. "It's waking up," he said softly. "Something's stirring inside…"
Before Rika could respond, a gust of wind spiraled around the roots, rustling leaves and scattering dry branches. Shadows elongated unnaturally, forming shapes that seemed almost humanoid, writhing along the trunk. The tree shuddered, sending a low moan into the air.
Arya stepped back instinctively, his senses screaming danger. Rika, however, floated forward calmly, her expression serene.
"Relax," she said softly. "It won't hurt us… not yet."
Arya blinked. "Not yet? That doesn't sound comforting."
Rika chuckled lightly. "Comforting? We're ghosts and humans, walking through a tree older than most memories. Comfort isn't part of the package."
The shadows thickened, curling around the massive roots, forming vague shapes that resembled writhing faces. Arya's heart thudded, muscles tensing as if preparing for battle.
"Stay close," he murmured to Rika. "I don't want to deal with this alone."
Rika floated closer, hovering beside him, her small hand brushing against his sleeve. "Don't worry. I've got you," she said, voice soft but firm. "Even if I can't fight it… I can at least keep you alive."
Arya's gaze softened. "Thanks," he whispered. "For… everything."
The tree's moaning intensified. Roots writhed like living snakes, reaching slowly toward them. Arya tensed, ready to react. His instincts screamed—fight or flee—but he hesitated, recalling Rika's words about the guardian, the promises, the memory trapped within the tree.
A sudden light flared from the base of the trunk, golden and warm, illuminating patterns across the bark. Shadows recoiled, faces twisting in silent screams before vanishing. The ground trembled lightly beneath their feet.
Rika's eyes widened slightly. "It remembers… someone else," she whispered.
Arya looked at her. "Who?"
Rika shook her head. "Not yet. But… it's connected to the guardian. He's tied to this place… and to me."
The air settled. The shadows retreated. The roots slowed, quivering faintly, as if holding back. Arya exhaled, muscles relaxing slightly—but the tension remained.
Rika floated beside him, her small smile returning. "See? Nothing too bad this time," she teased.
Arya shot her a flat glare, then allowed himself a faint grin. "You're impossible."
They stood there in silence for a moment, the tree looming above them like an ancient sentinel. The wind rustled through its leaves, carrying the faint scent of jasmine. Memories of nightmares, guardians, and promises lingered, but for now… the moment was theirs.
As the sun dipped lower, casting the square in amber light, Arya realized something. Despite the terror, the chaos, and the mysteries that surrounded them… he wasn't alone.
Rika floated lightly beside him, her laughter faint but real. And somehow, that was enough.
For the first time in a long while, Arya felt… peace.