K A I

The general assembly for today ended at around eleven in the morning to give way for another useless event.

A university-wide organizations exposition is being held in one of the university playing fields and I just realized how huge the population in this school is. I could hardly even have a nice stroll around the campus to note some important places because the grounds are just completely packed with human beings. I walk through the sea of people, almost always bumping shoulders with strangers who would glare at me for being 'stupid' and for 'not watching where I'm going'. Well, f*ck you. You could all just die.

After walking around and escaping students who would try to drag me to their recruitment booths, I finally found a familiar face. His recently dyed hair stands out among the audience of the soccer tryouts and he sits unbothered on top of the stands, arms crossed over his chest as he watches the field. Quickly, I climbed up the tiered seats to settle beside him.

"Man, I'm tired," I sighed and wiped some sweat from my forehead. "You watching Key's tryout?"

"Not really," Chanyeol answered. "It's just more peaceful here."

I gave him a funny look. "You want peace?" I mocked. "Why not run to Baekhyun? He'll surely give you the most peaceful atmosphere ever," I chuckled and Chanyeol just gave me a glare. He obviously hasn't gotten over the bus incident yet although it has been hours ago. I could tell just how much that Archangel affects him and I would have loved to tease him more about it if not for that fact that he's apparently not in the mood for any of that. And I could get seriously hurt.

Unlike me, I can say that Chanyeol's ability as a Fallen is far more aggressive and dangerous. What happened a while ago with the school bus is mostly his doing. He mainly takes lives. Untimely deaths. Painful demise. That's what he does for the Devil. He simply... kills. And his ability is another reason why he always clashes with Baekhyun. Baekhyun guards life, especially the weak ones— the children, the sick— but Chanyeol preys on them. Therefore, the two beings just end up having to fight in the end. Nothing physical, though. Just a battle of mind and power.

Chanyeol shifted on his seat but didn't say anything else. Geez. Just the mention of the said Archangel immediately drives him to silence, huh? Human Chanyeol is just so f*cked.

"By the way," I cleared my throat. "Did he talk to you already? Baekhyun, I mean."

"He tried. During the assembly," he answered, his frown deepening as he half-watch the soccer game. "But I left before he could even start speaking. I don't want to hear another lecture from an Archangel. They make me puke." Huh? Does he mean literally? Or figuratively? I can't really tell if Chanyeol's the one talking. And besides, it's Baekhyun. It's not possible the Archangel's presence makes him puke.

That made me laugh a little. "He was really disappointed, though," I muttered. "What's with the bus anyway? Any evil souls there?"

Chanyeol breathes out through his mouth as he shook his head. "No. Sehun and I were just having fun, really," he says. "But they just tend to ruin every f*cking thing, those f*cking pieces of sh*t." He sounded really angry all of a sudden and the look on his face made me realize just how the situation makes him mad. It's just that, Chanyeol's anger is not directed to Baekhyun entirely or to the other Archangels themselves. Even if doesn't say it, I know that right now, he is mostly mad at himself for not being able to do something that very moment. For being too soft on a certain angel. For losing over some goddamn feeling his human form has.

"They're really powerful," I trailed off, staring at the ongoing soccer game. Key is definitely doing a great job and I can say he could be first string if he wants to. "Sehun was there, too, but Baekhyun was still able to—" then I frowned, slowly looking at Chanyeol accusingly. He is a very powerful Fallen. There is no way he would lose that easily. "Wait. Am I missing something here?"

Chanyeol looked at me as he raised a brow. "He told you, didn't he," He started. "That he isn't alone? Another Archangel was there, too."

Oh? Was it guiding Baekhyun from a distance? Most probably. Because I didn't feel any other presence that very moment. Was it able to mask itself really well?

"But that doesn't matter now," Chanyeol sighed as he sits back on his chair. "This university is the ground zero. In here, we are more or less equal in power and abilities. We won't be able to mask ourselves from them and neither can they."

Wait. We are in what now?

"I don't—" I looked at him curiously. "I don't understand."

With that, Chanyeol looked at me like I'm some dumb freak he doesn't want to talk to anymore. He shook his head and ruffled his hair in frustration before giving out a long sigh. "Oh hell," he muttered. "I forgot you weren't there during the briefing. Damn it, Kai. Wrong time to piss off Satan."

"Well, f*ck It," I hissed. "It isn't my fault the Devil is such a pain the ass." Sh*t. What It did is really pissing me off now. I can't believe It decided to completely cut me off the briefing just because I told It the f*cking truth. Ugh. I need a smoke.

"Okay, fine," Chanyeol said as he glared at me. "I'll give the details to you real quick. Just ask the others if you have any more questions," then his eyes sharpened. "Ask your Archangel friend, too, if you like."

I glared back. Do I smell jealousy here? "He's not my friend anymore and you know that."

Chanyeol and I stared daggers at each other for a few more seconds until a soccer ball hitting the stands made us both look away, startled. Chanyeol is obviously not in the mood today, and I can't remember a day when he is. But he's still talking to me so I guess he is the closest thing to information right now and I don't want to end up with him trying to kill me or something. No matter how hard it is to admit, I need his help.

"The ground zero is where the power of Heaven and Hell meets here in the mortal world," Chanyeol suddenly started without looking at me. He's staring off at a distance as he frowns. But I do not know where. "In here, celestial beings from both worlds are stripped off some of their powers. They are equalized with each other. The masking power is also gone so we could easily track the enemies and our allies.

"This university was built on the ground zero by some being who doesn't want to be ruled by neither the Skies nor the Underworld. She chose to build a school to surround herself with alive and young souls because ironic as it may sound, she thrives on them," suddenly, I heard a distant scream from where Chanyeol is staring sharply and he slowly smirked. "The Grim Reaper runs this place. She doesn't care what side loses or wins. She gave us a fairly sweet battle ground. And the Hell is definitely taking its chances."

I followed Chanyeol's eyes to witness people starting to run towards a small forest-like area in the school grounds. They didn't dare enter its boundaries aside from some student rescuers but soon, the single scream I heard a while ago started to become louder. I sat up straight, watching, just as a half-naked girl started to emerge from the forest running and shouting things I do not understand. She's covering her bare chest with a shirt and she's crying and screaming as some professors run to attend to her. She's trying to say something to the professors but I can't hear it nor do the people out there comprehend even a little.

"What did you do?" I looked at Chanyeol suspiciously.

He didn't answer. He still has that playful smirk plastered on his face. But later on, the rescuers started to walk back towards the crowd. This time, they aren't empty handed. In a stretcher, they are carrying a body. It is unmoving and judging by the look on this Fallen's face right beside me, the body isn't alive either. Chanyeol let out a satisfied chuckle as he stood up and stretched his arms.

"Well that was fun," he mused as he looks around, admiring the chaos he made. "Some Archangels may start looking for me so I got to find a nice place to blend in," he gave me a lazy salute. "I'll see you around, Kai."

There is definitely something wrong with this place.

I know it. I just don't know what.

For some insane reason, the exposition went on. After a brief moment of shock because, damn it, someone just f*cking died, the students and even the professors seem to just go back to what they were doing. Like nothing even happened. Like someone just removed a piece of the day and sew the other parts back together. It's almost crazy.

I continued looking around, trying to spot faces I know. Or maybe some clues as to what is going on. I may be a demon but that doesn't mean I'm not curious. That doesn't mean I do not want answers. And maybe that's one of the reasons why I was banished like the others.

"Ouch!" Someone accidentally bumped on me a little forcefully and I stepped back, quite startled. "I'm so sorry!" Do Kyungsoo gasped as he gathered his things and some papers from the ground. A few people turned to look but dismissed the incident immediately. My roommate seems flustered and he's sweating, and when he finally gave my face a good look, his eyes went wide. "It's you!" Kyungsoo smiled and it looks relieved. "I'm so sorry. I was— I was in a hurry." Then he glanced back to where he came from with a little worry in his eyes. When he realized no one's following him anymore, he heaved a heavy sigh.

"Running from someone?" I smirked just as he stood up.

Do Kyungsoo looks back at me, startled. "W-What—" he stammered. "H-How— How did you—"

"I forgot to tell you," I started, following him as he brisk walks towards the playing field, clutching the piles of paper in hand. "This morning, someone was looking for you at the dorm. Too bad you left early."

My roommate obviously froze but he gathered himself immediately. "Did he... look angry?" He asked and there is definitely fear in his voice. Oh. So my hunch is right. Something is going on in this human's life. He's not so boring after all. I just wonder what Do Kyungsoo did to that guy that made him so mad he almost looks like he could kill someone.

"He didn't," I lied just because I want to. "He looks fine."

"Really?" Kyungsoo looks at me, surprised. "Well... That's unusual."

I frowned, curious. "What do you mean?"

"N-nothing," he looks away. This guy is obviously lying but I let it slip. Maybe he doesn't trust me yet. Or doesn't feel like telling me his story in this chaotic area. But demons don't quit, do we? Maybe if I get just a little closer to him, he would start to trust me and I could get a hold of his soul more quickly. And maybe that stranger's soul, too, if I get lucky. "Just tell him I'm not around the next time he asks you about me," Kyungsoo continued. "Will that be fine?"

Huh. "Are you asking me to lie for you?"

Do Kyungsoo blushed red in embarrassment it's almost funny. "O-oh—" he looked down shyly. "I-I'm sorry. It's just that—"

But I waved him off. Something just finally dawned on me like a ball of fire. Being his roommate is surely not a coincidence. I was deliberately put there and I'm not turning a blind eye to that. I just have to know. And I have to f*cking understand. "I'll help you," I said and Kyungsoo suddenly looked at me, surprised. "But in one condition."

"What is it?" He asked after a moment.

"I think it's just fair to know why I'm lying and to what kind of person I'm lying to, don't you think?" I raised a brow. "Plus, lying is obviously a sin. And I'm a very religious individual so." I shrugged and gave him a playful smile. The last part was obviously a joke. But if he bought it, then I could say he's pretty stupid with little to no sense of humor.

But Kyungsoo laughed, amused. Good. He isn't disappointing me yet. "You don't look like it," he commented. For a moment, he seems to be thinking really hard about my offer but no matter how hard he tries to hide it, the look in his eyes is somehow... desperate. I don't know. Am I the only person in his life right now who has the probability of being his friend? Does he have no one he could rely on? "But okay," Kyungsoo finally said with a sigh. "Maybe next time I'll tell you a story when we both got the time."

I pointed to myself. "Well, I got the time," I said. "You don't?"

"Nah," he shook his head. "I'm off distributing fliers for an organization because a certain girl just suddenly dragged me to their booth and begged me to." He lifts up the fliers he's been holding for sometime now. Do Kyungsoo looks really timid and reserved so I wonder why would someone suddenly ask him to distribute fliers for their club? I narrowed my eyes at him.

Some things just don't add up in here.

Suddenly, Kyungsoo gasped in surprise when someone grabbed him by the wrist, forcing us both to a stop. For a second, my mind flew to that unknown person who was looking for him at our dorms. Did he find us? Just what would he do to Kyungsoo now? But then I felt it— the familiar compression in my chest, urging me step away and gasp for air. F*cking sh*t. But instead of showing any sign of pain, I kept my composure and showed nothing but anger and disgust on my face.

An Archangel is suddenly glaring at me as she maintains her tight hold around Kyungsoo. She tries to look tough but the uncomfortable expression on her face is an obvious sign that my presence somehow suffocates her, too. I gritted my teeth as I met her piercing gaze, glowering at her. I've already seen her before. Once. She was with Baekhyun on a mission the last time and if my memory serves me right, she's also a guardian. What is this? Is she guarding Do Kyungsoo now?

This can't be happening. I chose the most ordinary target there could be and this piece of sh*t right here just suddenly started meddling with my own business? What the actual f*ck? Just how annoying could Archangels be?

"Kyungsoo," Jennie started but she's still staring daggers at me. "Are you finished distributing the fliers already? It's almost time for lunch."

My roommate seems confused by the situation but he tried not to show it. "Not yet," he answers. "Hey— Do you guys know each other?"

In a blink of an eye, Jennie is already smiling brightly at Kyungsoo. All the anger from a while ago is suddenly gone. Piece of sh*t. Just how do they do that? "I was so worried about you," she grins. "Why don't you leave those fliers for now and I'll treat you to lunch? As a way of thanking you?"

Oh well. I won't let this b*tch win today.

"Or better yet," I took half of Kyungsoo's fliers and Jennie gave me a sharp glance. "I'll help you distribute them and we'll eat lunch together. Remember? You owe me a long story." I gave him a smile that kind of swings back and forth from being friendly to a little bit imploring. It's too bad this Archangel showed up too late and she's not the kind of sex that could be roommates with my current target. It's an obvious win for me. And I will never let the tables turn.

Do Kyungsoo looked at Jennie and by the look on her face, I think we both already know Kyungsoo's answer. "I really owe him, though," Kyungsoo smiled apologetically. "Maybe I'll see you in class? Or your org room?"

"You're not even a member," I laughed out loud, making Jennie flinch.

The Archangel ignored me completely. "Sure, Kyungsoo," she beams. "Thank you so much." And without even sparing me a glance, she walks away. The atmosphere around me started to lighten and I soon could breathe more freely. Damn. They really suck.

"Do you know each other?" Kyungsoo asked as he watches Jennie's back, repeating the question the Archangel avoided a while ago. Of course, she didn't want to lie. "You two looked really mad, I seriously thought you'll suddenly start strangling each other," he added with a small laugh.

I pretended to be surprised. "We did?" I raised my brows. "Maybe it's because I hate it when someone just pops out and suddenly try to insert themselves in a conversation. I hate those kind of people. In fact, I loathe them." F*ck. I could just kill one right now. Those nosy Archangels really make my blood boil.

Do Kyungsoo watches me with an expression I do not quite understand yet. It's like he's trying to make sense of what I'm saying. "Okay?" he nods slowly. "You sure have strong emotions, I see." We continued to walk and I lazily just handed fliers to whoever is willing to take one. Kyungsoo did the same but he seems more enthusiastic than I am.

Suddenly, I felt a breath of cold air pass me and was able to catch a glimpse of a black figure in the shape of a human being floating around the area. It's a ghost, alright. In a place like this, I didn't know there would be lost spirits drifting back and forth between the mortal world and the afterlife, finding an exit, finding a key to peace. I wonder if the ghost just came back from Hell, looking for someone to terrorize or if it has been trapped here since who knows when.

With a shrug, I turned to Kyungsoo to check if he's already finished with the fliers. But then I realized he just stopped doing so and is now staring at the direction of the black figure currently floating in one place as it searched the area.

What the hell? Can he see it?

I continued watching my roommate with wide, unbelieving eyes and when the ghost quickly turned to the right and disappeared into the crowd, I noted that Kyungsoo's eyes followed it, too. He didn't look the least bit afraid or worried. Just... curious.

So, yes. He could see ghosts, for sure.

Maybe Do Kyungsoo is not that ordinary afterall.