*Chapter 8: Specters, Sweets & Schemes*
If Kaito thought things couldn't get more embarrassing after face-planting into a blood punch bowl, the Universe—or whatever cosmic force governed the afterlife—had other plans.
The day after the Talent Fest, the entire school was abuzz. Why? Because today was *Specter Sweets Day*, an unofficial tradition at Aether High where students exchanged magical treats, confessions, pranks, and sometimes... curses.
"Think Valentine's Day," Jin explained as he handed Kaito a glowing candy heart that muttered *'You're cute when you're unconscious'*.
Kaito blinked. "This place is insane."
David walked past, his arm lazily slung around Jin's shoulder. "That's the spirit. Now try not to explode anything this time."
"Ha. Ha." Kaito rolled his eyes.
As students ran around tossing magical cupcakes that made people float, confessing crushes via singing ghost roses, and slipping hexed chocolates into rival lockers, chaos bloomed across the campus like wild spectral fire.
*Meanwhile…*
White Louise stood near the school fountain with her two shadows—Clare and Mara Gold.
"He likes him now," White hissed, watching Alexander glance at Kaito during training. "Did you see that? He *looked* at him."
Clare popped her gum. "He also looks at walls. Maybe he's into architecture."
Mara snorted. "Or maybe he's tired of your drama."
White spun toward them, eyes glowing. "Shut up. I need a plan."
She flicked her wrist, conjuring a charm—one that would make the next person who touched it *fall in love*. Her eyes narrowed toward Kaito.
*Back in class…*
Kaito sat at his desk, reading a floating textbook called *"Haunting 101: Why Screaming Works"*, when Alexander entered. The room dropped 20 degrees.
Every student went quiet. Even the ghosts hovered in respectful silence.
Alexander ignored everyone. He walked past Kaito without a word, his expression blank, but his steps faltered—just slightly.
Kaito's heart did a stupid little *flip*.
"Good morning," he blurted.
Alexander stopped. Turned. Stared.
"...Don't burn the classroom again," he said flatly, then walked on.
Kaito, flustered, tried to reply, only to drop his textbook, his pen, and somehow his entire desk leg. The table wobbled, tilted—and collapsed.
The whole class burst into laughter.
"Classic Kaito," someone snorted.
"Tragic," muttered White, smirking from the doorway.
*Elsewhere...*
David watched as Jin opened his locker and found... a bouquet of shimmering roses and a note: *"You're the light in my haunting. —K.T."*
Jin blinked. "Who's K.T.?"
David's jaw tightened. "Someone with a death wish."
Later that day, David found *Kane Tethers*, a third-year illusionist, trying to flirt with Jin using enchanted butterflies.
David didn't punch him. Not exactly.
But the next morning, Kane woke up bald.
*That night...*
White cornered Kaito near the enchanted lockers.
"Hi, Kaito," she purred, holding out the cursed charm. "Want to help me with a spell? Just touch this—"
Before he could, a hand snatched it away. Alexander.
His eyes burned cold. "Don't."
White's smile dropped. "It's just a charm—"
"I said don't." His voice made the air crackle.
He turned to Kaito. "Come."
Kaito followed, stunned.
As they walked in silence, he glanced at Alexander. "You, uh, saved me."
"You don't need saving," Alexander muttered. "You just need to stop being... so recklessly soft."
Kaito blinked. "That was almost a compliment."
Alexander stopped. Turned. "Don't get used to it."
Behind them, White crushed the charm in her hand, her glare burning.
---
The sky over Aether High shimmered in twilight hues, casting long, glowing shadows across the floating campus. It was the perfect evening for mischief—and heartbreak.
*At the Dormitories...*
Kaito sat cross-legged on his bed, hair damp from a shower, staring at the ceiling like it had answers to his existence.
"I can't survive this place," he groaned, stuffing his face with chocolate frogs that croaked *"Simp!"* every time they were bitten.
Jin peeked in from the door. "Hey. You okay?"
"I got humiliated *again* today. In front of Alexander. And I think White is trying to sacrifice me to the dating gods."
"Normal afterlife stuff," Jin said with a shrug. "You get used to it. I once kissed a banshee by accident."
Kaito blinked. "You *what*?"
"Long story. Lots of wailing."
*Elsewhere, at the rooftop…*
Alexander leaned against the railing, arms crossed, watching the stars flicker in and out like breathing embers.
David joined him, holding two energy drinks laced with minor calming spells.
"She's getting desperate," David said. "White."
Alexander didn't look at him. "She's always been."
"You like him, don't you?"
There was silence.
"I don't like *anyone*," Alexander replied coldly. But his clenched jaw said otherwise.
David laughed. "Sure. And I don't get jealous."
Alexander's eyes flicked toward him. "About Jin?"
David took a swig. "He's too pretty. It's a problem."
"Maybe tell him."
David scoffed. "Maybe you tell Kaito."
The two shared a knowing, awkward silence before splitting up.
*Back in the Dining Hall...*
Kaito accidentally triggered a mimic cupcake that bit him. Screaming, he flailed and dumped punch all over a group of dark elves. One growled, his fangs glinting.
"I'm cursed," Kaito muttered, backing away.
"YOU'RE A DISASTER," someone shouted from behind the dessert table.
Alexander entered right then, saw the chaos, and—shockingly—sighed and stepped in front of Kaito.
"He's with me," Alexander growled at the dark elves.
The crowd went *silent*.
Kaito blinked. "Wait—what—?"
Alexander didn't explain. He just grabbed Kaito by the sleeve and pulled him away.
*Outside...*
"You didn't have to do that," Kaito said, flustered, when they reached the hallway.
Alexander leaned against the wall, arms crossed again. "You attract disasters like a moth to a hellfire."
"Maybe you're the hellfire," Kaito said, too fast, then winced. "I mean—like in a hot way. No—NO—not *hot* like that, just—"
Alexander's mouth twitched. Just slightly. Almost a smile.
"Go to bed, Kaito."
Kaito nodded and nearly tripped over his own shoes walking away.
Alexander watched him go, eyes unreadable.
And in the shadows, White watched them both—her magic curling like smoke in her palm.
"This isn't over."
---