#pwyl; spiritual connection

[prettywordsyouleft]

How To Love

Summary: Brian hoped taking you out on a date would help you both connect more like most couples did. Except, with him being a ghost, going on a date proves to be harder than either of you anticipated.

Pairing: Brian Kang x reader (ft. Day6)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / angst-fluff / valentines au

Warnings: none

A/N: Happy Valentines to everyone who celebrates it! As promised at Christmas, we are returning to our beloved manor house to see how the ghosts are doing. I did want to write about them all but it appears Brian was a little needy this time around so he got a story all to himself! I hope you enjoy it.

For those new to this world, this story’s context won’t make any sense without reading the previous stories before this. They are linked in the masterlist shared above.

Word count: 6292

Placing down the book he had just completed, Brian let out his umpteenth sigh for the day. It wasn’t the book’s fault. He had read this story many times over his years of existence and usually it held his attention well.

Tonight, however, Brian was too distracted to let the words fully infiltrate his mind, his thoughts wandering towards the dilemma he was faced with.

Things at the seaside manor had been going well. In fact, business hadn’t been better. Although it hadn’t been long since Christmas break, as soon as the doors reopened, guests would come and go every week in larger volumes than before. And whilst Brian was thrilled that your bed and breakfast venture had really taken off, it had some disadvantages.

Since you were spending your Saturday evening entertaining your guests whilst he was stuck in the study alone.

Glancing down at the love story he had been attempting to read, Brian lifted his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. For someone who didn’t feel the same as he had when he was alive, he could still sense the weariness within his soul. He was tired of all of the distinctions between you and him, and reading about a love that held different worries than he had couldn’t ease his mind or heart.

Brian craved something more tangible to his existence. Since his death, over a century had passed by. And during that time, he hadn’t really questioned a lot about anything. Sure, he had his profound moments, inspired to write his feelings down in poetry. But that was it. He had accepted his time and place in this realm. Yet, just because he was dead, didn’t mean his emotions had died off.

Had that happened, he wouldn’t have fallen in love with you.

And it was due to the intensity of such emotions that everything felt insufferable right now.

“Here you are!” a voice called and it perked him instantly, despite it being more masculine than your tone. Turning to look in Dowoon’s direction, Brian gave his friend a curious look. “I should have known to find you inside of a book!”

“What’s up?”

“Sungjin and I are going to go walk Custard down the beach. You keen?”

Smiling lightly, Brian thought how peaceful that would be. Custard was Dowoon’s pride and joy, a dog you had got for his friend for Christmas. Brian was certain Dowoon loved his canine friend more than anyone else in this house. Custard was all too eager to spend every moment – awake or asleep – with Dowoon too.

Now I’m jealous of a dog, Brian lamented, shaking his head softly. Whilst the thought of stretching his legs and attempting to take in the salty air of the sea did sound enticing, he could already see who he wanted to do that with.

And it wasn’t Dowoon, Custard or Sungjin, sadly.

“Maybe another time.”

“Alright, suit yourself! Ah, if you get peckish, Sarah has made her infamous brownie for the house guests and served up the edges on a plate in the kitchen.”

Brian chuckled. “Peckish? Us dead folk don’t need to eat.”

“Doesn’t mean it isn’t a nice concept now and then,” the tall man suggested with a shrug, giving Brian a final look before departing the room.

He contemplated the idea. Brian’s thoughts shifted back to the first time he shared a drink with you when you moved into the manor house as an adult. No longer were you simply the child who grew up in this house each summer when visiting Pearl, your grandmother. You had arrived and stirred a lot more than the dust and bric-a-brac left behind with her passing. Brian found himself smiling at the many times after you had both shared a meal together.

Maybe, Dowoon was right.

Pushing back his chair, Brian made his way out of the study and down to the kitchen, stopping in the threshold when he overheard the conversation between the occupants of the room.

“Shh! What if someone hears you talking? It will look like you’re talking to yourself!”

“Wonpil, don’t be so silly! Everyone’s being entertained in the main living room right now. We’re completely alone down here.”

“You make it sound as if you like that idea,” his friend mentioned and Brian cleared his throat noisily, his bitterness overshadowing any guilt he felt at breaking up the couple’s alone time. Wonpil, clutching his heart, heaved a little with his fright. “You could have given us fair warning!”

“Why? Your heart won’t jump out of your chest with a little scare,” Brian remarked, reaching for a piece of brownie on the table. He held it up and smiled. “I was told to come for this.”

“Yes, but Sarah’s heart could and as much as that could simplify things, I’d much rather she live out a full life until she joins us in the afterlife.”

The only living human in the room swatted a bashful hand out at Wonpil. “Stop it!”

“I won’t! You are special to me how you are!”

And that signalled Brian’s departure from the kitchen, unsure if the brooding overwhelming him stemmed from the fact that he couldn’t really taste the chocolatey goodness of the treat within his hand that he nibbled on, or because he had to agree with Wonpil to some extent.

If you weren’t just like Sarah, someone who possessed a beating heart, that would simplify things. You would be on a level playing field. Brian knew nothing was ever truly equal in relationships – dead or alive. Still, it would mean you wouldn’t be doing everything so separately. He couldn’t help you run the guest house. He wasn’t able to assist you with your guests like Sarah could. Of course, he did his fair share around the manor where he could, and you were always grateful for that. But it didn’t change the fact that if he walked into the living room right now, only you would see him. Further, you couldn’t interact with him other than in subtle ways that wouldn’t bring attention to the living.

Sensing movement by the front door that he had mindlessly wandered towards, he gave a small smile to Jae who was slipping into his jacket.

“Oh bro! Had enough of the books?”

Shrugging loosely, Brian rocked back on his heels. “What are you up to? Do you want-”

Jae tipped his head to the side as he brushed down the collar to his jacket and then grinned. “Me? It’s date night.”

“A-Again?” Brian breathed incredulously and his friend nodded.

“You know how it is. Married life is all about making sure you keep things fresh and healthy. Date night is a part of that.”

Swallowing down a bitter curse that he, in fact, did not know how any of it was, Brian smiled again, albeit more strained this time. “Where are you going?”

“Downtown theatre.”

“Aren't they only showing Little Women right now? You saw that last week.”

“Gotta keep the Mrs happy, Brian,” Jae announced and then smiled as his Mrs, also known as Becky, came into view.

Her ruby lips twisted up with disdain. “I heard you.”

“I know you did and that was why I kept my talk decent,” Jae quipped, leading his wife out the front door of the manor house with a hasty farewell wave to Brian as he left him behind.

Brian sighed heavily once the pair had gone. Even if they bickered more often than not, he was jealous of them. At least, they prioritised having a date night.

Had he ever gone out on a date with you? Sure, he spent most of his time in your company. You would wake up together, run errands in town or the closest city, sometimes walking along the beach like the others were right now. On the odd occasion, if you didn’t pass out early from exhaustion from running the bed and breakfast, you would curl up in his arms and catch up or read books together. Eventually though, you would fall asleep and a new day would arrive just like that.

Time never had much value to him until he started being with you. It felt like there was never enough of it, moments stolen in between house chores and setting up for new arrivals.

The longer he went through the catalogue of his moments with you in his mind, he realised he had never gone out of his way to call anything a date. Glancing at the large event board by the coat closet, he moved closer to inspect the decorated part of the calendar, indicating that Valentine’s Day was just around the corner. Smiling, he finished his piece of brownie with more enthusiasm before clapping his hands together.

He knew what he had to do.

You smiled brightly when you felt arms slip around your waist from behind you, instinctively leaning back and allowing Brian to step in closer. You nuzzled into him briefly. “Well hello, handsome.”

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” You gestured to the various hues of pink and red that you were using to decorate the living room. “It’s the month of love.”

“The month of love?” he echoed, chuckling softly. “I thought Valentine’s was only a day in February. One in which, I’m certain I heard you proclaim was not your cup of tea.”

Turning around in his arms, Brian grinned at your expression. You scrunched your nose up further. “If I’m honest, it is really cliché. I mean, you should show your partner that you love them every day, right?”

He didn’t answer, simply staring back at you and hoping that you could feel what he did deep down. Brian never questioned your love for him. He just wished you realised how you prioritised him in your schedule.

And how little lately.

“However, from a business standpoint, Valentine’s is the perfect time to whisk your loved one off somewhere to have a little rendezvous. We’re completely booked out for the entire week that Valentine’s falls on.”

Brian’s mood dampened. “Really? You didn’t plan to have even one day off?”

“Now why would I do that?” you questioned, moving away from him to return to your decorations.

“Because you did during Christmas.”

You laughed and shot him a look. “There’s a huge difference between both events. Besides, we had a Christmas wedding to plan for.”

“Would it take another wedding for you to take time off again?” he wondered with a heavy breath and you stopped hanging the balloons, turning back to him.

“Are you okay?”

“I was hoping we could have some time together that week. A whole day, actually.”

You cocked your head to the side, intrigued. “Why?”

“Do you know we’ve never gone on an actual date, Y/N?”

“We haven’t?” Brian shook his head and you fell silent.

“Becky and Jae go on one almost every week.”

“That’s because they can.”

“Why can’t we?” he asked, a little hurt by your response. You could tell and swallowed slowly. “Because I’m not alive?”

“No, it’s nothing like that,” you mumbled, guilt washing over you. “Not at all. Hey! We do things together all the time! We just went to the city together last week.”

“To pick up plant boxes for the vegetable patch.”

“It was fun though. And it was just you and me.”

Brian sighed. “I meant, intentional time together. I want to do things with you like a proper couple does.”

“Can we do that?” you breathed and immediately shook your hands to dismiss your doubt. “Of course we can. We will!”

“You’ll give me one day of your time?”

“How about the day before Valentine’s?” you offered and Brian began to smile. You, however, looked stressed. “I’ll just ask Sarah to step up a bit whilst we’re gone. We will have the best date ever!”

He should have known with your hesitance that this date of yours would be a disaster.

Still, when you met him out in the foyer by the front door, Brian felt hopeful. You had put in some effort to how you looked; wearing one of the dresses he knew you had dug out of your grandmother’s wardrobe. It looked perfect on you and with a hooked arm extended out to you, Brian allowed you to curl a hand around it before leading the way out to the car.

For the trip to the city, you were both excited. Conversation flowed freely as did a lot of singing. He could see how affected you were after he sang along to a Michael Buble song on the radio, the hand he had held the whole trip growing a little clammy. It satisfied Brian to know he had charms about him still.

But it all turned pear-shaped when you pulled up at the restaurant you had made a reservation at. The maître d looked at you and then frowned. “Is your lunch partner running late?”

“What? No,” you answered, smiling at Brian and then swallowing down your easy reaction. Brian stiffened at your side. “Oh. Yes, they are.”

“I’m afraid right now we’re really busy and so we’ll have to seat you up at the bar. We’ll be able to find you a table when you’re ready.”

“Can’t I just be seated at a table for two regardless?”

He shook his head at your request. “Sorry, it’s our restaurant’s rules.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Brian breathed into your ear but you shook your head subtlety.

“I’ll just go somewhere else,” you announced, turning on your heel and hurrying back out to the car.

Brian stared at you when he was seated next to you again. Your cheeks were red and he could tell it wasn’t only with annoyance. He caressed your face softly. “I didn’t think that would be a rule in a restaurant.”

“It’s fine. We’ll still eat together, Brian. Who needs to go to a restaurant like that? Even though I look like this, I can eat anywhere!”

You both ended up in the food court, your determination now tapered out as you sat across from him staring down at your sushi. The noise within the eatery was louder than the ambience at your first stop and Brian pushed down his disappointment.

This wasn’t where he wanted to take you out to eat today.

“It’s fine,” you mentioned again when you caught his gaze, smiling for his benefit. “I love sushi.”

“I know you do.”

“What’s next on the list after eating?” you asked and Brian reached out for your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I thought we could go to the museum together.”

You brightened. “I haven’t been in years.”

“It’ll be fun. You love old things,” he commented and you slyly grinned at him whilst nodding.

“You know, I really do.”

With your lunch eaten, you got back in the car to head to the museum together. A renewed energy stepped between you both as you began to look around, Brian swinging your hand in his gently as you walked around.

“Oh look!” you exclaimed, dragging him over to the Victorian section. You lit up as you inspected a selection of men’s outfits. Looking at Brian and then back at the mannequins, you giggled. “Are any of these looks for you?”

“I wouldn’t be caught dead in number three,” he breathed and you giggled. Looking towards the casual outfit on the end, Brian pointed. “That was more like me.”

“Oh, now that is very you!” you exclaimed, looking at his modern outfit and then back at what was once the type of clothes he wore. “Maybe you should try them on again?”

“I’d rather stay like this,” he announced quickly, pulling you away from the display.

For the following hour, it felt as close as it could to a date for Brian. Of course, there were a couple of instances where other viewers would step too close to him and he’d have to sidestep away quickly to avoid being walked through. Still, he was having a lot of fun and he could tell you were as well.

Yet, Brian had become aware of a small group that had been following you both around the museum, and more so of their stares in your direction.

“Who is she talking to?”

“She’s weird, don’t look at her.”

Brian attempted to ignore the jeers from them for some time before he let out a sigh, stepping in front of you with a weak smile. You placed a hand on his torso affectionately. “Hm? What’s wrong?”

“Pull out your phone.”

“It’s already in my hand,” you pointed out, now confused. “I’ve been taking photos!”

“I mean, pull it up to your ear. Do you have your earbuds? Maybe put one in.”

You slowly looked around yourself, realising what he was referring to. Brian closed his eyes to maintain his emotions, hating that you were now aware of the people whispering and looking. He wondered if it would have been better to leave you oblivious to it all.

Forcibly smiling, you pulled out your earbuds and angled your phone towards yourself so it looked like you were on a call. And from that moment out, the trip to the museum became subdued.

“Let’s forgo the gift shop and head back to the car, hm?” he offered when you had made your way back around to the exit, your head lowered in defeat. Brian rubbed your arms softly. “We can go and-”

“I want to find something to remember this outing by,” you mumbled, stepping away from him and going into the gift store. It took a few minutes for your head to lift back up to a level you could maintain without feeling uncomfortable. He could see in your eyes that you were trying to salvage the trip here. Stepping over to your side, he pointed at an arrangement of keyrings with the museum’s logo on it.

“What about one of those?”

You shook your head. “Anyone could have one of them. I want something more us.”

It was a slow process of finding something that you liked. A couple of times you got excited over an item and turned to show him it, only to stop mid-way and cast your gaze around the tiny shop to see if anyone was watching.

It was a keyring and magnet that you eventually settled on, your mood had fallen to a level that he felt he couldn’t retrieve it from. Still, Brian attempted to. “Do you want to go shopping? I’m sure we could cheer up looking at stores together.”

“I do need to get a couple of things from the mall,” you agreed quietly, driving the car to the closest one. With yourself fully armed this time from the start, you relaxed into your experience at the mall. You had done this many times together and perhaps that was why you seemed to grow your confidence again.

“Oh, let’s look in here!” you exclaimed, walking hastily towards a jewellery store. As you browsed, Brian lingered at your side, trying not to take much notice of the items. He didn’t know how to act within such a place. Of course, he wanted to take a deeper look at everything they had in stock. Although he might be a little outdated, even back in his times, he knew the importance of a fine gemstone on a necklace or ring. It made him uncomfortable because he wanted nothing more than to find something for you.

“Anything caught your eye?” you murmured when you looked back at him and Brian shrugged. Smiling, you grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the display boxes. Everything was so sparkly; it took him several blinks to actually focus on anything. You squeezed his hand before letting go, wandering around the store whilst he remained where you placed him.

Brian’s eyes were stuck on a delicate pendant. It held a blue stone within its centre, the metal surrounding it linked in a unique way to hold it together. He decided it reminded him of his love for you.

Brian didn’t even realise he was crying until he felt his cheeks were wet. You approached him calmly, peering at what caught his eye. “It’s gorgeous.”

“It is.”

“Blue topaz is your birthstone too, did you know that?”

He hadn’t but there was no way he could reply, overwhelmed by the pure need for the necklace. His eyes travelled to the price tag and sighed.

A ghost couldn’t exactly purchase anything.

“Excuse me,” you called out and Brian turned to stare at you, somewhat disconnected in the moment. He didn’t hear the rest of your sentence, but when the necklace was taken from the display and you stepped away from his side, he knew what you had done. Walking out of the store, he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, collecting himself when you bounced up to his side and waggled the gift bag. “Here you go! Ah, I’ll carry for you until we’re back at the car!”

“Why did you do that?”

You beamed at him. “Because I could see what it meant to you.”

“I wanted to get it for you,” he explained and your smile evaporated. “I can’t even get you a god damn gift!”

“Brian,” you started but he shook his head, storming away from you and going back out to the car. He laughed bitterly when he was able to slip inside without you unlocking it. Because he wasn’t bound to the same world as you were. Although he could touch you and all the things that your realm held, he wouldn’t ever truly exist in it.

This date had been the worst idea he could ever have. It highlighted all his fears. Inside the manor house, you never seemed unattainable, apart from your endless working hours. But stepping out of the house he had stayed close to for the last century and trying to do something that normal people did had been foolish. Jae and Becky were an anomaly. Brian had learned today that dating was only for people who both either had hearts that moved or had turned to dust years ago.

Brian was in the study again, this time no book was held within his grip. Instead, you had left him with the small gift bag and headed into your bedroom, locking the door behind you, your tears muffled as he had listened on until he couldn’t take it any longer.

Looking down at the velvet case on the table, Brian snapped the lid open and stared at the necklace you had bought in his stead. He closed the lid with a sigh, only to open it again, repeating his actions even though they were taking quite a toll on his energy levels. He hadn’t expected going out on a date with you to be so exhausting.

No wonder Jae always crashed the day after his outings with Becky.

The door to the study opened and closed, though Brian had no interest in tearing his gaze away from the jewellery box before him. He blinked when a hand picked it up and a low whistle left the man before him. Sungjin then chuckled. “Wow, this is real nice.”

Brian gave no response, though his fingers reached out to touch the velvet once it was back on the table.

“Did you steal it?”

“That would take a lot of energy though perhaps I would feel more at ease had I.”

Sungjin chuckled softly. “No, it wouldn’t make you feel any better. And Y/N would have felt bad too. It’s best to do things in their realm the legal way.”

“Did … did you steal something?” Brian asked, glancing up and seeing the answer in Sungjin’s face. He gaped at his friend. “What was it?”

“A brooch,” he admitted, toying with the stack of books on the edge of the desk.

Brian sucked in a dramatic breath when he realised it was the one Pearl had worn all the time. “That brooch? I thought Pearl bought it!”

“My pride was knocked around from that ordeal. It sucks having to step back when it comes to dating though, huh?”

Brian nodded glumly. “I wanted to drive the car.”

“And hold open the doors?” Sungjin offered in which his friend agreed to with another nod.

“I wanted to make Y/N feel special and enjoy herself. Instead, all we did was constantly remind one another of our differences.”

“The only true difference you both have are that you were born over a century and a half ago and Y/N is from this time we’re existing in now. Your morals will be outdated in her world.”

“Hardly, there’s more and you know it.”

Sungjin shrugged, though his gaze was less nonchalant. “There’s only more if you allow them to be there. Why focus on the unimportant stuff?”

“Sungjin, the fact that I’m dead and Y/N’s not is kind of important.”

“Is it? I wasted far too many years of Pearl’s life thinking just like that, you know. To her, all she cared about was her feelings for me and mine of hers. All couples have to learn to compromise and accept how the other is. You’ve been doing that all along. Before this desire of yours to be more than you are, you were working well together, Brian.”

“Were we? I felt like I never did anything with her,” Brian lamented and his friend moved around the desk to pat him on the shoulder.

“So tell Y/N that, not me. You didn’t need to go all out on some fancy date to let her know what’s really been bothering you.”

“Is this how Y/N feels after talking with you?” he breathed as he got to his feet and Sungjin grinned.

“Hey, I have a lot of experience with this kind of thing. It took me a damn long time to get here though. I don’t want to see either of you spend decades stuck in the wrong situation like I did with Pearl.”

“I wouldn’t let even a year pass by being away from Y/N,” Brian replied and Sungjin clapped him on the back.

“See, you’re already ahead of me. Now, how about you go let her know how you’ve been feeling!”

You were already asleep when Brian quietly entered your bedroom, slipping into the bed tentatively. When he had been alive, he had dated briefly and so the only arguments he had experienced were with those of his friends and family. Now in his afterlife, you had been his first true love. He didn’t know what was practical to do within the delicate situation afterwards, no matter how many relationships he had studied within novels over the decades. He laid still beside you, chewing on his lip until your body shifted closer, your arm soon flung over him. Brian reached for your hand gently, drawing it up to his chest and placing it there instead.

He knew when the morning arrived that he would tell you everything. Until then, he would enjoy the proximity you sought after as you dreamed, your body now pressed into him at multiple spots.

Despite his lack of actual sleep, Brian felt well-rested when you finally opened your eyes. And he smiled when you didn’t move away from him when you realised how curled up you were next to him.

“Morning.”

“Hi,” you breathed, swallowing visibly. “Brian, I’m sorry-”

“Can I go first?” he interrupted, smiling at you more warmly. He reached out to brush some of your hair away from your face. “I’ve been waiting all night long to tell you how I feel and I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

“Did you not sleep?” He shook his head softly and you gasped. “Brian! You should have woken me up so you could get some sleep after talking!”

“I don’t need to sleep every night, remember?”

“Still,” you mumbled, pouting for effect.

“Can I tell you my thoughts?” he asked and you nodded softly, your gaze not leaving his. Brian smiled, reminding himself to actually start talking instead of admiring the way you respected that he needed to talk. He felt foolish for a fleeting moment.

He knew he could have told you all this before and you would have listened at any stage.

“I took you out on that date yesterday because I had convinced myself that was what was missing from us. I saw everyone around us doing their own thing with those that matter the most to them and believed that to do that with you too, I needed to step up, to do more couple focused events.”

“I did enjoy the concept of going out with you, Brian.”

“I know,” he told you, reaching out to cup your cheek in his hand, his thumb gently running along your skin. “And in the future, I hope we can do other things together out of the house. But the real reason for my attempt is that I stopped valuing my place here with you,”

You frowned. “What do you mean? You are everything to me!”

“So is your business,” he pointed out, sighing when your brows knitted together. “I started to feel it was easier to focus on the living as opposed to me because their needs are more visible here.”

Touching his neck with your hand, you smiled. “You’re visible to me too. But I do understand, I think. Things have been really busy when people started asking for longer stays and I went from working a certain amount of days to seven days a week.”

“Are you tired?”

You nodded. “I thought I had to prove more of myself with running the bed and breakfast. I got greedy from my success. Even when I was tired, I was consumed with doing better.”

“I wish I could help you with it and that we could run this together. But my place here doesn’t stand out as much as yours.”

“Really? You’re my favourite to talk about around the fireplace. A lot of people leave here charmed by this mysterious man they have seen the portrait of in the hallway. Don’t tell the others but you’re a crowd favourite. Must be these handsome looks of yours.”

Brian smirked. “I think it’s all down to how much you talk me up.”

“You know, it’s not the same, but I hope you know you’re welcome in the room during the times when I’m entertaining. You’ve shared your stories with me in the past and I relay them. But you could be there to help me with them. And in return, I’ll try to find balance with how much I let this place overrun me. As much as I love sharing my joy for the manor, all the people who live here are the true reason this house is magical to me. You are my longest friend, Brian. Before all this-”

You gestured between you both with a proud smile before continuing. “-you and the others were my five childhood friends who I felt safe around. I still feel safe here and I don’t believe I’m missing out on anything just because I can’t go eat in a fancy restaurant with you. I’d much rather cook together here.”

“Do you know I adore how honest you are?” he wondered, moving to rest his forehead on yours. “Here I was withholding my feelings because I worried we weren’t real enough.”

“Oh, we’re real, Brian. I realised yesterday on the trip home that I was more embarrassed with myself than I was with our unique relationship. I don’t need approval from anyone but myself to love you.”

“If you could choose to wait for a lifetime where we’re alive together or keep what we have now, even with its differences, would you still choose now?”

You nodded immediately and his heart soared. “Of course. Besides, you promised along with Jae, Dowoon, Wonpil and Sungjin that you’d stay with me here until I’m joining you all over in the afterlife. This is just the entrée to our love together.”

“Are you hungry? You keep talking about food,” he asked with a chuckle and you giggled, nodding.

“I want to go make pancakes.”

“Why pancakes?”

“Well, it’s a special day for a lot of our guests but more so for us.”

“It is?”

You nodded. “Don’t you remember one year where I stayed here as a kid because my parents had to go on a business trip and my grandmother was unwell so you five all stood over the stovetop attempting to make a batch of pancakes for me to eat?”

“You remember that? God, I have all the time in the world to replay my existence and yet you recall that far more easily than I would. Was that Valentines Day?”

You nodded, pulling away from him and padding across your room to a familiar book on your shelf, slipping something out of it. Coming back over to the bed, you crawled to his side and handed over the card. Brian chuckled as he opened it. “You still have this?”

“You were my first Valentine.”

“I thought you didn’t believe in today?”

“I believe love should be shown every day, I’ve admitted that. But I do believe in this day. Not for the reason a lot of others do, just for the fact that it makes me think of you all.”

Brian leaned in to kiss you before brushing your hair away from your face. “You were my first Valentine too.”

“I doubt it. I bet you had ladies lining up for your hand. Look at you! So charming that even the mistresses of the house you served no doubt harboured feelings for you!”

“Are you jealous if they did?” he wondered, following you as you got up from the bed and headed out into the hallway, taking the path to the kitchen. Since it was early, none of the guests were out of their rooms yet.

You shot Brian a look. “Why be jealous when I have you now!”

“Who’s jealous?” Jae enquired when you both arrived in the kitchen, Brian surprised by the full turn out. Aside from Sarah who hadn’t stayed at the manor last night, the full-time residents were all seated at the table in the room.

“I am!” Sungjin proclaimed, pointing to everyone in the room. “Pearl can’t come to visit any time soon like she did over Christmas. Look at all these couples around me.”

Wonpil shook his head. “My love isn’t here yet.”

“Love? So it’s to that point already?” Becky breathed in amazement, clasping her friend’s hand in hers. And then she turned to you. “Y/N, is there a reason you wanted us all here today?”

“It’s pancake day,” you announced and went to retrieve two boxes of premixed pancake mix from the cupboard.

Dowoon grinned and stopped rubbing his dog’s tummy. “You really trust us to make these?”

“I think we’ll be tempting fate again,” Jae agreed, shuddering as Becky stared at her husband in confusion. Jae sighed heavily. “We were in charge of feeding Y/N one year when Pearl was unwell. It took us forty minutes to serve up the world’s worst breakfast.”

“It was my favourite breakfast,” you corrected, handing a box to Sungjin and Wonpil each. “And it’s Valentines. Can’t we all have some time together before I go make my guests feel the magic in the air or whatever it is?”

It was chaotic, to say the least. Still, after all the years that had passed, none of them had mastered the art of cooking in your realm. It wasn’t as if they truly needed to, given spirits didn’t need food to sustain themselves like you did. But thankfully this time, Becky was here and she managed to deter Jae from putting too much batter onto the pan at a time.

Watching everyone with a smile on his face, Brian quietly left the room to retrieve the necklace from the study, taking it out of the velvet box and marvelling at it as he carried it back to the kitchen. It would take him some time to fully accept his pride would be knocked about in this relationship. He decided he would attempt to make you things in the future when wanting to give you a proper gift. Still, he knew that this came from him despite how it fell into his hands.

And when Brian saw you again, he didn’t hesitate to sling it around your neck, doing up the clasp to the chain. You turned and slipped your arms around his waist. “I love you, Brian.”

“I love you too.”

“Hey, Valentine’s is for us all right?” Dowoon exclaimed and clapped his hands together. “I love you all! But I love Custard justttt a bit more.”

“Just a bit? I’m offended.”

“Jae, do you love me more than everyone here or not?” Becky offered with a smile and he chuckled.

“No, I love everyone more than you.”

“Hey!”

And just like that, the room filled with laughter and exclamations, much like it always did when you all were together.

And as Brian held your hand within his, he realised that he liked Valentine’s a whole lot more than he ever had. It wasn’t about being the perfect date. Or having the best relationship either. Even though he had new ideas and couldn’t wait to spend more alone time with you.

But for now, he was surrounded by everyone he adored. And if Valentine’s was the day of love, then he knew he would be full from this year’s one.

_________________

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Her Name

noona-clock said:

congratulations on hitting this milestone! i'm so proud to know you and grateful to get to read the work you share with us. for my request, i would like to dare you to revisit the spiritual connection universe -- yes, with jae. but... while he was still alive. 😮have fun!!!!!

Pairing: Jae Park x OC

World: Spiritual Connection (read HERE)

Genre: period au / strangers to lovers / romance / fluff

Warnings: none

A/N: I’ve decided to keep the Spiritual Connection world to just one Y/N and so when I got this dare, I knew we needed to bring in an OC. I’m very happy that I’ve managed to connect this to another special story I’ve written in this world as well! I hope you all enjoy!

Word count: 4173

“You love that guitar a lot, huh?”

Jae glanced down at the instrument in his lap and he ran a hand over it fondly. Nodding once, he looked up and smiled. “It was given to me by the love of my life.”

 Taking a gulp of the ale placed down before him, Jae looked in the retreating bartender’s direction before turning back to the men he sat with. “So, what’s the deal with her?”

“With who?” Sungjin, his new boss, asked and then glanced over Jae’s shoulder to one of the only females in the tavern. She shot him a polite smile before picking up a cloth to wipe down the bar counter. “Ah, you mean the tavern owner’s daughter.”

“Now you don’t go messing with her, you hear!” the young man on his right announced loudly, already feeling the effects of the alcohol he had half downed from his mug. Jae shot Wonpil a smirk, clapping a hand over his shoulders playfully.

“Looks like you’re a little too intoxicated to do anything about if I did.”

“But you won’t,” Brian concluded, catching Jae’s attention. The four others Jae sat with seemed rather protective of the girl which was why he was interested.

That and she the most stunning set of eyes he had ever seen before.

“I’m not about to be indecent with her!” Jae protested, raising his hands to defend himself. “I simply wanted to know what the deal with her was.”

“You mean the reason she didn’t greet you,” Dowoon mentioned and Jae nodded, furrowing his brows a little. At least the youngest had also noticed it. When Jae entered the tavern for dinner to celebrate his first full week at the estate with his new co-workers, he had seen her and greeted her warmly. She had merely nodded, turning away and darting off immediately as if he had frightened her. Jae couldn’t see how, he was just the average sort of type around here. Even if he was new to this village, nothing about him stood out other than his height. And he was certain being taller in life didn’t suddenly make him someone to be wary of.

“That’s B,” Sungjin told him, lifting his mug to his lips and gulping some of his ale down before continuing. “The tavern owner’s daughter. That’s all you need to know.”

“B? Is that a nickname?”

“She doesn’t talk,” Brian continued, shooting Sungjin a look when his friend placed a hand over his arm. The pair didn’t verbalise their thoughts, challenging one another with their gaze instead. It intrigued Jae; he had expected the secrets to be back on the farm he had been ploughing the fields of all afternoon for planting saplings. Brian nodded softly in the young woman’s direction. “She hasn’t for as long as I can remember. So you just go about being polite to her and leave it at that.”

Over the course of the next month, Jae did just that. He would greet B upon entering the bar, and thank her whenever she brought over his drink. Soon, Jae started sitting up on the stools by the counter, attempting to make conversation with her. It wasn’t as well-received as he expected. Yet he wanted to try since no one else ever did.

“The weather outside is nice today,” he mentioned after thanking B for his drink, and she smiled, nodding her head slowly. “Have you been outside to see it yet?”

Again, she responded by moving her head, this time shaking it from side to side.

“Do you like the sun? It gets pretty sticky when working out in it yet it’s nicer than the lashing rain,” he continued, and B shot him an exasperated look. He realised she must’ve heard when Brian told him all about her being mute. Still, just because she couldn’t talk didn’t mean he didn’t want to converse with her.

“Are your eyes brown or hazel?” he asked next and B emitted a noise, Jae’s eyes widening with surprise. It was a groan and he began to laugh heartily, her lips twitching with amusement. Turning away from him, B clenched the counter in her hands to steady herself before turning around and smiling forcibly.

Jae returned the gesture, albeit much more relaxed. “You know, I’m just going to keep annoying you right?”

She nodded curtly and he grinned. “Great, now that we have that establish- HEY, where are you going?!”

“You’re an interesting sort of person, Jae,” Brian told him as he slapped a hand on his shoulder with a chuckle, jerking his head in the direction of the girl who disappeared. “And just because you keep persisting doesn’t mean B won’t teach you a few lessons along the way.”

Jae was certain B’s smile grew wider every time she saw him. Today was no different, looking up from drying off a stack of mugs to give him a generous grin when he stepped up to the counter. Without even asking for a pint, she spun around to get him one, placing it down in front of him happily.

“Why, thank you, B.”

Tipping her head in answer, she turned back to the task at hand. She then whipped around when she noticed he was uncharacteristically quiet, a little breath leaving her when she saw what he was up to. Jae glanced up from the paper and ink pen he had, smiling at her again. “Oh, are you wondering what I’m doing? Well, no one has told me that you can’t read. Just that you’re no good at talking. I get that but you know, there’s only so many nods or shakes a man can take before you make him bust out some ink.”

Blushing, B tried to look away but the longer she watched the man scribble down words upon the paper, the more intrigued she became to read them. Jae noticed her avid attention, smiling to himself as he continued to write down all the questions in his head. When he was done, he then spun the paper around and held the pen out to her.

“Alright, it’s your turn.”

Slowly, she reached out for the writing tool and then started to circle her answers; even writing down a couple of notes herself. Jae was entranced, listening to all the little huffs of air she let out as she thought or how smiled to herself at some of his questions. It was all very simple stuff, but he could tell she was touched by his efforts. Finally, she placed the pen down and pushed the paper back to him.

“Let us see,” he announced, picking up the paper to read it. “Not much for the outdoors but you love a good book, got it. Oh, you like music?”

B nodded, pointing to the tiny stage in the corner where a lone guitar sat. Jae glanced at it and then went over to fetch the instrument. He strummed at it gently and B’s eyes widened. “Clearly you like music after all. Would it be improper of me to brag that I know how to play?”

He heard a scoffing tone and Jae glanced up at B as he tuned the guitar a little before playing a short melody. Her initial disbelief morphed into one of awe, and as Jae continued to play, the punters in the tavern all began clapping along in time. Jae only had eyes for the woman before him, her expression saying more than it had ever done before. Her eyes were alive with the music, her smile the loveliest to cross her face. She was finally charmed by him when he ended the song; Jae started to feel faint with how strong her eye contact was for a change. It was as if he had just fuelled passion into B with the one song he had played. If she was going to look at him like that, then he would play the guitar for her as long as his fingers worked.

“Well, how was that?” he breathed and she energetically bobbed her head back and forth, eyes twinkling with excitement. Jae tried to cool the rush of colour to his cheeks at her avid praise by turning back to the questions he had written for her. He had never needed a reason to be literate or play the guitar before but he was thankful his father was a teacher and insisted upon it even if his family wasn’t well off.

It had definitely paid off today.

Frowning when he noticed she hadn’t answered one of his questions, Jae spun the paper around and pointed to the empty space. “B, you missed one.”

Peering at the paper, she then let out a sound that he almost considered laughter. It distracted him momentarily, and he had to blink rapidly to catch the action from the woman. B tapped the side of her nose as if to say it was a secret, and then smiled, waving him off when Sungjin stood from across the room and announced it was time to head on home.

Still, Jae was determined to get her full name. Now that he knew she could read and write, he began to write letters to her in his spare time, handing them to her whenever he could. And soon, B started to respond to them, slipping folded paper over the counter from under her apron as soon as she saw him.

He would take those letters out when he was on a break from the manual labour of working the land around the estate, resting in the shade of the trees surrounding the gardener’s cottage he and his friends lived in. B had quite the humorous side to her and for someone who didn’t have much to say – or at all – she would often write triple the amount he could ever muster.

Jae was definitely infatuated, even her handwriting was the prettiest he had ever laid eyes upon.

He was certain he had done enough now to warrant that of her name, or at least a date. And so, on the day of rest when the affluent were in the chapel in town, Jae slipped into the servants quarters kitchen, collecting a basket that the cook had kindly prepared for him. And after his long walk into town, he approached the back of the tavern and knocked on the door that belonged to the home attached to it.

“Why if it isn’t the musician man,” a jolly man answered, and Jae chuckled awkwardly, trying to peer inside to see if B was around. “Are you here for me daughter?”

“Would it be alright to take her out, sir?”

“Well, if you can convince her to leave the house then she’s all yours,” the man bartered and Jae laughed, waiting as the father called out to his child and much to Jae’s dismay, he didn’t call her by her full name. When B appeared, rather flustered as well, Jae’s smile increased.

“Come out with me.”

She glanced down at her dress and then back up at Jae, who held out his hand for her to take. Lifting her hands in motion to tell him to stay, she then dashed upstairs with a whine, soon returning in a different dress and with a hat over her hair. Once they started walking, Jae turned to B and grinned. “You know, you didn’t have to change for me. You look lovely in everything. Besides, I’m just a gardener and only have four sets of clothes.”

B’s skin was rosy from his compliment and then she shuddered a little, Jae recognising it to be a dry laugh. He grinned and nudged her gently before holding out the basket he carried. “Shall we go down by the lake and share a meal?”

She nodded and they headed towards their destination, Jae’s hand itching to hold onto hers. He let it swing near hers, outstretching his fingers so the tips brushed against the back of her hand. She flinched upon the first contact and then smiled, letting him know it wasn’t as frightening as he thought it might be for her. Slipping his hand into hers, Jae grinned, laughing bashfully as his heart thudded in his chest. He didn’t think anything could feel any better than this.

But he had been wrong.

Lunch was full of chatter – at least on his behalf, and the food seemed to please B a great deal. He had then produced a book from inside the basket, proclaiming it to be his favourite that he had brought with him from home when he came to work at the estate. And instead of letting B take it to read, Jae opened it to the first page, clearing his throat and started to read aloud.

He read until the afternoon grew too warm and he felt her body slump into his side, deep breathing indicating that she had drifted off to sleep. Jae peered at B under her hat, taking in her peaceful expression.

Even though he knew a lot about what she liked through their letters, he still had so many questions.

Why didn’t she talk? He had gathered only a little more information quietly, finding that it was ever since her mother’s death that the young woman hadn’t spoken as opposed to being born unable to converse with others. It spurred on little fantasies, Jae often wondering just what her voice would sound like. After all, if there was nothing wrong with her vocal cords, then surely with some encouragement and trust, she could speak again.

Jae hoped he would hear the woman sleeping on his arm say at least one word in his lifetime. But then again, he was content with what he had with her already. Wonpil had been adamant that no one had ever tried nearly as hard as Jae to communicate with B and that had made the fellow man sad. Jae knew everyone meant well, they weren’t overlooking her. It was just easier to converse back and forth in this world with spoken words.

To Jae, B had spoken enough already. His heart was full, and he knew he couldn’t feel this way about anyone else. B had him captivated and he hoped with how relaxed she was around him now that she felt the same.

Still, Jae often tried throughout their budding relationship for two things; at least one word and preferably it being her name.

“Come on, B!” he cried as he splashed water at the woman from the lake, her head shaking rapidly as she smiled on the edge of the water. “Get in here!”

Dashing away, Jae leapt out of the water and came after her, encircling arms around her waist and drawing her back towards the water. She squealed and he laughed, pulling her in far enough that she was sufficiently wet when he was done. B gasped at her predicament before flinging water back at him, Jae opening his mouth incredulously which she only filled with more water thrown his way.

And then he heard her first proper laugh in his company. He became still in the water fight, listening to the way it sounded. It was unrestrained, like a beautiful melody floating around the lakeside. When B realised what had happened, she stopped short, growing concerned, almost ashamed. Jae merely stared back at her.

“No, don’t leave,” he murmured when she went to get out and B stopped moving away, Jae shuffling along in the water so he was back in front of her. “You can laugh in front of me. You needn’t hide it.”

She didn’t dare look him in the eye and Jae simply lifted her chin up, forcing her to look ahead in the very least. “It was beautiful. You’re beautiful.”

And then he kissed her.

He had expected B to resist and pull away, but as soon as she grasped that his lips were on hers, she met him with an unexpected hunger, nearly knocking them both over in the water. Jae gripped at her body as the kiss deepened, tongues moving together as one. With a deep breath, he went in for a second kiss, then a third, until both were breathless, falling apart only mere millimetres from one another’s lips.

With a smile, Jae brushed her hair away from her face. “I love you.”

Her eyes flashed with emotions, her swollen lips spreading out into the biggest smile. She leaned in to kiss him briefly in response, Jae knowing that she was already speaking volumes with him in this setting. Her love meant everything to him.

As did her laughter. Ducking down to splash water at her suddenly, he began to play again, listening to her shriek and giggle until they both abandoned the water to bask in the afternoon sun. It was his turn to rest against her, placing his head in B’s lap as she tenderly stroked his hair.

And just as his eyes closed, he was certain he heard her whisper his name.

Summer came and went, yet Jae’s romance with B only deepened. For his birthday, B gifted him his own guitar, in which he would carry on their dates wherever they went, singing and playing music for her to clap and laugh along to. She seemed to enjoy it the most when he would just make up random lyrics on the spot the most, her smile brighter than the moonlight above them as he walked her home.

And whilst he loved his gift, he still didn’t know her name.

It wasn’t without trying. He had attempted to list off names that started with B until she was giggling so much she almost stopped breathing.

“Won’t you ever tell me?”

She shrugged, giggling again as he groaned loudly.

And when he dropped her off at her front door, he left her with a parting kiss, expecting that to be all he would have to think about on his way back home. Instead, he almost dropped the guitar in his hand when he heard something behind him. “Jae!”

He didn’t even get a chance to turn around, B’s body colliding with his as she hugged him from behind. He was winded for multiple reasons, stunned into silence with her voice ringing in his ears.

“Jae,” B repeated, nestling into his back. And for the next few minutes, she kept saying his name, each one sounding stronger than the last. His heart was soaring so much he was certain he would fly home tonight.

“I love you,” he told her when she finally stepped back and B nodded, blowing him a kiss as she kept backing away, turning to go inside her house. And once she was up at her window, she threw it open to wave him off, Jae kicking up his heels before racing off to get home before curfew.

“Beatrice.”

B shook her head, as she wiped down the mugs. Jae crossed it off his list, continuing with three others before he said the next name.

“Becky.” He watched as she stilled, a small smile crossing her lips before she shook her head again. Jae leaned over the counter, noticing the look in her eyes. “Becky. It’s Becky, isn’t it?!”

However, his lover shook her head, avoiding his gaze now. Jae laughed. “B is for Becky. Now here I thought I would feel more than this after figuring out your name.”

Turning around so fast that she almost dropped the mug in her hand, B reached for Jae’s pen he had with his paper, scrawling down a rapid sentence. He read it and laughed. “You can’t say that’s not your name, you responded to it. Becky suits you! You’re my Becky.”

“And you’re her Jae, huh?” Dowoon cooed when he came over to get a refill, his older friend now swatting him off. Dowoon then pointed to them both. “When’s the wedding? You two suit each other too well.”

Jae glanced at B blushing in front of him and then smacked his friend on the arm. “Why would you go and say that, look how uneasy you have made her! And what do you think I’m working towards? I need to know her name before I ask her to be my bride.”

They both jumped when there was a large clatter of noise; Jae leaning over the bar to see the mug B was drying had now broken into pieces on the ground. He rounded counter to reach down and scoop up the mess before she could. Instead of staying around to humour his statement, B darted out the back to her home, shutting the door behind her. Jae followed her out and banged on it, calling out to her loudly.

“I’m sorry, okay?! I didn’t mean to frighten you like that with my intentions. Won’t you just come out?!”

He heard shuffling inside behind the door, hopes rising when it unlatched before him. She didn’t fully appear, her hand thrusting out a piece of paper for him to take. As soon as he did, she shut it again, peering out through the window beside the door nervously.

“Why can’t you just come out and let me talk?” he breathed in frustration, unfolding the paper hastily, stopping when he saw what was on the page. Looking up at the woman watching him, Jae took a few deep breaths, licking his lips in anticipation.

“Rebecca.”

Although he now had the knowledge of her name, it had become quite the habit to call her B still. Becky had become his favourite though since she reacted to it so openly. It clearly had been a loving nickname of hers that she had been used to hearing until everyone stopped referring to her with that name. And although Jae still had no understanding of why everyone seemed to have forgotten her name over the years, he was all too happy to have now three things to call her by.

“And soon to be four, my love,” he breathed after kissing Becky tenderly, the tears in her eyes indicating how well he had done at proposing to her. “When do you want to get married?”

She pondered his question and then held up four fingers, Jae leaning down to kiss each of them before chuckling. “Four days, okay. We can do that.”

She slapped his arm as he laughed, tilting her head to the side with a reproachful expression. “I knew you meant four months. Though I could marry you in four hours, no, in four minutes if the clergy was present in the church right now.”

Becky grinned, nuzzling him and letting out a content sigh. “L-Love.”

“Love?” he repeated when he recovered from the surprise of hearing her speak again, his future wife now hiding her face with annoyance. He knew it had become such a habit not to speak that it was so difficult whenever she tried. Prying her hands away, Jae smiled warmly. “I love you too.”

Becky let out a breath, relieved he knew what she meant without the full sentence. “Love.”

“Forever, until death does us part,” Jae confirmed, unaware that those words would soon haunt his very existence.

“You must have loved her endlessly.”

Jae nodded, strumming lightly at the instrument before he got up and put it away. Returning to the side of the new resident at Seaside Manor, he attempted to smile. “It’s a shame I can’t remember what she looks like. It’s been so long. I half-hoped when she passed on that she would come and find me.”

He blinked back his emotions, clearing his throat awkwardly before looking in the direction of his companion. “Anyway, enough about me. What about you? You haven’t told me about your life story yet.”

“Well, you haven’t even asked me what my name is,” she mentioned with a giggle and he frowned, perhaps it was from revisiting the ghost of his past that made it feel too familiar. Still, for someone as beautiful as the woman beside him, Jae realised he should have expected her laugh to be just as sweet.

“Okay then, what is your name?”

“I actually don’t know.”

Jae laughed at the preposterous situation. “Then why did you ask me if I knew?!”

“Because I know that guitar,” she started, smiling at Jae before reaching out to cup his cheek tenderly. Her touch flooded his senses, bringing forth images over a hundred years old to the surface. He gasped, feeling foolish that he hadn’t realised why he had been so attracted to her when she arrived with her living companion earlier in the week. It was just like the first meeting all over; she truly did have the best pair of eyes he had ever seen. Her smile continued. “And I know you. So tell me, what is my name?”

Jae leaned in, kissing Becky passionately before he captured her face within his hands.

“My love.”

_________________

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Spiritual Connection - Part 1

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader 

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

You could hear his loud counting as you scurried behind a stack of boxes, still holding onto the hand of your tall friend as you both crouched down. You glanced at Brian and started to giggle, his smile wide as he attempted to shush you.

“Be quiet, Dowoon will find us!”

“Not up here, you said no one ever comes into the attic,” you whispered back to the man and he gave you another of his smiles, your own lips now spreading into a grin.

You didn’t care if hide and seek was child’s play. You had played this game every summer here at your Grandmother’s house with your five friends and even if you had just turned eight, it was a tradition you weren’t about to break.

Especially since Brian knew of all the best hiding spots within the large manor home.

“Ready or not, here I come!” the deep voice announced from downstairs and you buried your small body into Brian’s side, attempting to get further out of sight. He chuckled and gave you a little shunt, which made you crane your neck up to shoot him a warning look, pursing your lips and jutting out your jaw silently. Now that the game was in play, you wouldn’t make a single noise.

The problem was nor would Dowoon. You peeked over the stack of boxes every few minutes for the tall man, huffing with impatience. You loved this game, but sometimes you wanted to be caught out just so you could chase down your friends as well. The afternoon could pass by doing just that and you knew it already had when someone else called out for you instead.

“Y/N! Dinner’s ready!” your mother shrilled and you groaned, pouting at Brian.

“Gotta go?” he murmured and you nodded dejectedly. He grinned at you and bopped you on the nose. “Go on then; don’t make your mother wait. I bet dinner will be delicious too.”

“Can’t you join us?” you whined and then shrieked as Dowoon snuck up behind you, swinging you up from your hiding position. He chuckled loudly, his hands now holding you up as his prize. You giggled as you were ticklish on your sides and wriggled in his grip. “Dowoon!”

“Y/N, now!” your mother called more sternly and Brian gave you a knowing look.

“Dinner. And then when it’s bedtime, I’ll read you a story.”

“Or I’ll sing you to sleep,” Dowoon suggested and you grinned, stepping onto the wooden floorboards as he placed you back down.

“How about both?!”

“Your mother’s calling, Y/N,” Sungjin mentioned, now joining you up here and you nodded, resigned.

“I’m going, I’m going!” Shooting Brian another pout and a strong finger point, you scrunched up your nose in distaste. “You said no one would find us here!”

Dashing down from the attic, you giggled as you sidestepped around Wonpil towards the staircase, taking two steps at a time. You then spotted Jae coming out of the office, scratching at his hair and readjusting his glasses. “Is the game over?”

“For today!” you announced as you sped on by, rounding the corner of the hallway and entering the dining room. There sat the two other special people in your life and you smiled at them both before sitting down.

“You’re late,” your mother said and you nodded, clasping your hands together and clamped your eyes closed. Once your grandmother had said grace, you dove for your fork, scooping some of your dinner up with it. After all that play this afternoon, your appetite was high. “Next time when I call-”

“Dear, Y/N’s here now,” the elder reminded and a sigh left your mother’s mouth. You glanced over at her, apologetic. Lately, all your mother ever did was sigh and you didn’t quite understand why she was so sad. You knew your Dad was busy working, or so you had been told, and that was why you had come to your grandmother’s two weeks earlier than usual. You had hoped the magical home would enchant your mother as much as it did you. She seemed further depressed than usual.

Your grandmother picked up on your thoughtful stare and smiled over at you. “Were you busy?”

“I was playing hide and seek,” you answered and the older woman smiled at you warmly. “It was a tough game, and I’m sure Jae slept through the entire round, but Brian and I were almost undefeated. I was certain Dowoon-”

“Y/N, who are you talking about?” your mother cut in, seemingly annoyed. Your animated conversation ceased and you stared at her apprehensively. She groaned exasperatedly at you, reaching over the table for your hand. “Still with the imaginary friends?! I thought you were too old for them now!”

“What, they’re real!” you retorted, eyes now filling with tears for being scolded over something ridiculous. You looked to your grandmother who heaved a deep breath.

“Leave Y/N be, they are very much so people who make her world special.” She then smiled over at you, more encouragingly than your mother who was now clasping her head in her hand. “Don’t worry, poppet, I know they exist.”

You held onto your grandmother’s affirmation, eating your dinner quietly and then excusing yourself to go to your bedroom. When you stepped inside, Wonpil was sitting on your bed, flicking through your colouring book. You rushed over to his side and poked him in the cheek, your finger connecting with him just as it would if you had reached out to do so to your mother. You breathed out a sigh of relief. “You are real.”

“Me?” he questioned, frowning a little and then grinned at you. “Of course, I’m real! You see me, right?!”

“I do!” you exclaimed, throwing your arms around the man’s waist and snuggled in deeply. He caught you with a chuckle, holding you to him dearly. “I never want to leave this place. You’re all my best friends! Why can’t she understand?!”

“Some people are not special enough to see us,” a voice from the doorway announced and you grinned when Sungjin came over. Scooting over into his willing embrace, he bear-hugged you and apart from feeling cold to the touch, the gesture comforted you down to the soul. “Don’t ever feel like you have to worry. We’ll always be here when you need us.”

Sungjin and the rest of your friends were there the following year through your parent’s divorce and the following three years after. Although you were now at an age where you had started to question some things about the five men who lived in your grandmother’s home, whenever you saw them, those doubts easily slipped away. They had shaped your childhood and supported you right into your teenage years. It was then, however, that life changed. Summers were no longer spent away from home, now working part-time to help support your Mum. School was more involved and you focused on your impending graduation from high school. You grew, you loved, you lost and you got back up and tried again. University started and you had almost forgotten about your fond summers with your grandmother and her magical home.

Her passing rocked everything, however.

Of course, despite not visiting her seaside township in years, you had kept in regular contact. You would talk on the phone often, send her gifts and receive good old-fashioned letters from her discussing the weather and her cat Bruce. She was someone who linked you to inner peace, the first person you reached out for when everything was far too hectic in your world.

And now she was gone.

Your mother was your grandmother’s only child and so you had assumed everything to do with her estate would be sorted out by her. You had only one request to take the old rocking chair from the front room, the one you had spent many a nights in her lap swaying upon. It surprised you to receive an email from her lawyer asking for you to be present at the will reading, however, and when you turned up to the office, you were not prepared for what would be said within the meeting.

“What?” you breathed, blinking rapidly, glancing at your mother and then back at the attorney. “Did, did you just say she left me her house?”

He nodded. “Her strict instructions are the family home cannot be sold until Y/N has ensured everyone who lives there moves on. Though, she didn’t specify what that meant at all, and was rather fond of you taking over the homestead long term.”

“You have your internship, you can’t deal with this so leave it to me,” your mother reasoned, patting your lower arm gently. She was right; you were freshly graduated from your business management degree and had your sights on building your career. But you were also curious as to why your grandmother had left it to you and not her own daughter. Was she unhappy with who your mother had married after your father? Both your parents were now in happier relationships that suited them, but it had meant your mother was less inclined to visit her hometown, opting to travel around with your step-father as he worked abroad often. Was that why she left it to you, knowing you would perhaps be a more stable choice?

“Y/N, darling?” your mother prompted, smiling at the attorney who was reluctant to hand over the keys in his possession to your mother.

You thought back to the smiling woman who you had cherished every decision she made, following along with her word as if it was the rule of thumb. She had guided you for so long, even if it seemed like it was from within the darkness at times. You trusted in her choices and so with a shaky hand, you stretched forward for what was left to you.

“I’ll do as she asked.”

How hard could it be to clear out everything that remained in your grandmother’s home?

_________________

Part 2

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Spiritual Connection - Part 5 (Final)

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

The launch of your business was a steady success. Word got around from your friends about your little idyllic stay by the ocean and soon your bookings were full for the foreseeable future. Everyone loved the homey vibe that you had maintained within the manor house, the relaxation that came with it and the stories they could learn whilst they stayed. You soon became a hub of tales far beyond your time on this earth, repeating things said by those who surrounded you. Their portraits were around the home, along with your family over the generations and there had even been a couple of times where guests had told you they felt comforted by them.

As if they had met them during their stay.

Of course, you could only but smile and say maybe they had, whilst trying not to giggle at how happy Wonpil was to be noticed for leaving flowers in their rooms or Jae’s guitar being picked up on at night. Their hesitance about turning their home into a bed and breakfast was gone.

Much like your own towards your feelings for Brian.

It had taken some time for either of you to move passed the fleeting moments or the hushed conversations during late night meetings in the kitchen. As your confidence grew within your business, you felt bolder to step away from the what-ifs that had grappled your mind from seeking out what your heart wanted.

Even Sungjin’s concern couldn’t prevent you from experiencing what he once had.

“I’m going to count to ten, and then when I’m done, I’m going to find you,” you announced as you entered the study, Brian looking up from the journal he was writing within. Snapping the book closed, he frowned up at you, taking off his glasses with a chuckle.

“Y/N, aren’t we a bit old to be playing hide and seek?”

You arched a challenging eyebrow in his direction. “Should we really discuss age?”

“Fine, but I know all the best hiding places within this house, remember.”

You let him place away his book in the shelf before he walked out of the room. Covering your eyes and counting loudly, you did as you had set out to do, turning on your heel and going about the house. You opened doors and you slipped through gaps looking for the man, the smile never leaving your lips despite your aloud protests.

You knew where Brian was the whole time.

When you finally decided to give up the chase, you pulled down the ladder to the attic, climbing up the stairs and heaved yourself up into highest part of the house. You made your way around the stack of boxes to find him sitting there, now smiling up at you.

“Oh no, you found me after all.”

“It did take me some time, but I told you, I would find you.”

He opened up his arms and you moved into them, sitting down at the same time. For an immeasurable moment, neither of you spoke. You enjoyed the embrace, the comfort he always gave you. Even with the thumping in your heart that was new, Brian felt like a home you never wanted to leave. You were determined you wouldn’t either.

“I’m proud of you,” he murmured and you looked at him, smiling tenderly. “I had my doubts in the beginning. I was also rather protective. This house holds a lot of memories for us all. I was worried if the door was left open, they would be swept out with the toil and fro. Yet, it works. The weekends are hectic, but then the week feels just like it used to.”

“Even when we have guests stay on for the week, I’m surprised it works so well. Hiring Sarah to help during the busiest periods sure has been a good choice too. Even if she doesn’t understand who’s leaving her flowers all the time.”

“Wonpil says she’s the best flower out of them all,” he replied with a laugh and you joined in as well. Brian then took a breath, resting his head against yours. “You are better than any flower.”

“I’d like to hope so,” you teased, nestling into him further.

“Can we stay like this?”

“Well, for now, yes. But I do have to go prepare for tomorrow’s guests at some point.”

“No, I mean, us. Like this,” he repeated, emphasising some of his words that you pulled away from his shoulder where you had been residing to look up at him.

“I found you, remember?”

“In a game of hide and seek?”

“In this crazy world,” you corrected with a nod, placing your hands on either side of his face. You stared at Brian for some time, your smile growing the longer you did so. He was grinning back at you when you let him go. “Now that I’ve found you, I’m not prepared to lose you again. I missed you when I was away.”

“Not as much as I missed you. It’s weird; I was once your friend-”

“And you still are.”

Brian gave you a warning look for your interruption. “When you were little, you would cling to me like this, and I would nurture you, wanting to be the one who protected you. I always felt like a big brother to you.”

“Well, I was eight the last time we were both up here together, I don’t think it was the best practice for you to consider me as anything but a kid back then.”

“In any other situation, this would be unfathomable,” he told you and you giggled.

“In many, it probably still is.”

“Don’t you worry about it?”

You shook your head. “Why worry about something that’s not even happened yet.”

Brian inched closer then and you gasped a little, surprised by how fast he was moving. You had waited for this moment, the time where whatever these feelings were, love or lust, you hadn’t quite defined them yet. But now that it was happening, you were flustered and he could tell, stopping short before your lips.

He smiled. “Not up here. Who wants their first kiss in a dusty attic?”

You were positively blushing from the experience and without much more thought, you jerked back from him, trying to think of something to say. “Count to ten and then come find me.”

“We’re back to this, already? Y/N, is this truly how it’s going-”

You rushed forward, pressing your lips against Brian’s briefly before scrambling to your feet, dashing towards the exit and down the stairs. It took him some time to start counting, but somehow he managed to, and you focused on finding a place to hide within.

You ended up back where you found him before, pressing yourself against the wall behind the large curtains that draped to the floor. There was ample room behind here even as an adult and you held your breath for as long as you could, waiting for your heartbeat to slow down.

You couldn’t believe you had actually kissed Brian just now.

The door opened and you closed your eyes, as if that would assist you in blending in further. You tried to remain still, and you cursed your ever thumping heart for not quietening any. You worried it would be heard a mile away.

The curtain eventually shifted, only enough to allow Brian to join you behind it, and he stared down at you with the most intense expression you had ever witnessed on his face. You were certain you had stopped breathing altogether, lost in the way he gazed at you.

You knew it was love then, and even if it was unfathomable, you couldn’t help but love him entirely.

“Found you,” he finally whispered, arms slipping around you, drawing you close. You pressed your hands to his chest and looked up into his eyes. Brian groaned. “If only my heart was able to beat right now. I’m sure it would be louder than yours is.”

“It won’t settle down,” you whispered back and he smiled, brushing your hair away from your face. “I wished for it to do that but-”

“Why let it? I told you, I didn’t want our first kiss up in a dusty attic,” he stated before his lips met yours, passion flowing between you both.

If you had stepped into the study any earlier before your game, you would have seen the words, today is the day scrawled onto the page by the man who was now kissing you as if your life depended on it.

And it really did. Whilst he didn’t need any air to breathe, you certainly did, going to the point of dizzying euphoria before pulling back, sucking in deep breaths of air.

When recovered, you shook your head dramatically. “And you thought kissing behind a curtain would be any better?”

“Well, I’ll make it a habit to kiss you out in the open, shall I?” he mused, eyes now as wicked as his dishevelled appearance. You couldn’t help but feel excited at the reckless prospect, though, you didn’t get much chance to revel in the moment.

“I told you they were in here up to no good,” Jae announced and you squeaked, smacking your forehead into Brian’s chin in fright.

The curtain shifted aside and you found four others all staring at you. Wonpil was aghast, whilst Jae was satisfied, smirking in triumph at being right. Sungjin seemed worried, though he was smiling all the same, and Dowoon was scratching the back of his head.

“Why would they be up to no good together? What are you talking about?”

“Dowoon, are you seriously that blind?” Sungjin wondered and the tallest shrugged.

“I’m able to see perfectly, but I don’t get what you are all talking about.”

“They were kissing!” Wonpil told him with a shake of his head and Dowoon screeched with surprise.

“I called this happening years ago.”

“Jae, it’s not even been a year since Y/N has been back, you can’t call anything,” Sungjin commented, shunting the man towards the exit.

“There were budding signs long ago, we should have been more aware.”

“Stop it, my brain can’t handle this. Y/N and Brian are a couple! Are we going to be in trouble again like last time?”

“We were never in trouble, Sungjin just decided-”

“It’s a different world now,” Sungjin cut in, ushering everyone out and closing the door behind them.

You stared up at Brian, stunned. And then you began to laugh. He copied your reaction, holding onto you as the amusement travelled its course.

“Well, I guess we will have to be a little more discreet until everyone is okay with this.”

You nodded. “Maybe kissing back here isn’t such a bad idea.”

“Oh really,” Brian replied, eying up your lips with renewed interest.

So, you had fallen in love for the second time in your life. The first time had been with this home. The connection to your grandmother, the opportunity to write new tales to share among the old. You didn’t think you could live life any greater. This place had truly captivated you.

As had Brian.

You were curious and hopeful for the future. The unknown didn’t scare you nearly as much as it once had, but then again, living with five ghosts kind of helped you from scaring easy.

The one thing you knew for certain was that you finally had a home you wished to live in forever – haunted and all.

_________________

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Spiritual Connection - Preview

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader 

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST from the 2nd October.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Before, you had been hoping to see your childhood friends as soon as you entered the home. Even after all these years, you had believed you couldn’t make up the five men. If you had wanted friends, shouldn’t they be closer in age to you? That would be the most logical choice for imaginary friends. And whenever you questioned why they were so old in the past, Sungjin would smile distantly and say that he couldn’t do as good of a job protecting you if he was too young. Dowoon had enthused he was stronger this way and Jae had always joked around with you asking why you were so young instead. It had never really bothered you that much. Regardless of appearance, they had played with you endlessly. And they had been your friends for many years.

How had they not aged since?

“She looks confused, are you okay, Y/N?” Wonpil asked, kneeling closer. He chuckled sheepishly. “Feels weird to think you’re Y/N, I remember when you were this tall.”

Jae rolled his eyes. “People grow up, Pil.”

“Not us,” Dowoon interjected and Brian reached to smack him around the head. “What? Being dead means we stopped aging a long time ago.”

“What… what did you just say?” you asked, and the conversation fell short. The men looked between one another for a moment.

And then Sungjin tentatively smiled. “Y/N, you really didn’t know?”

“I know you’re my childhood friends, and you’re still in my Grandmother’s house after what, eight years since I last saw you?”

“That’s kind of what happens when you’re a ghost,” Jae surmised and Wonpil hissed at him worriedly. “Don’t hiss at me. There’s no point sugar-coating it. We weren’t imaginary friends, Pearl knew we lived here. She used to play with us when she was young too.”

“I’m sorry,” you started, raising your hands and heaving in a deep breath, in hopes it would help you understand better. “Did you just say you played with my Grandmother when she was younger?!”

Five heads bobbed up and down and you slumped in your posture, unblinking.

“Do we need the smelling salts again?”

Taking in a shaky breath, you glanced up into the face you had first seen earlier today. Brian had always been the one you turned to the most. He was cautious, watching and waiting for your next reaction. You swallowed despite your throat feeling dry. “Just how long have you been here for?”

_________________

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His Voice

Summary: All B wanted was to talk to her lover. But after the tragic way her mother had died, it felt as if misfortune would keep her thoughts inside of her forever.

Pairing: Jae Park x OC

World: Her Name (read HERE) / Spiritual Connection

Genre: angst / romance / period au

Warnings: death

A/N: If you’re anything like I was, there were a few things in Her Name that weren’t answered. Like why B couldn’t talk, why no one seemed to speak her name and what she was thinking when Jae was doing that he was! And so with a request from @noona-clock​ who also wanted to know what her character was up to, I’ve written this POV.

It’s going to make no sense if you don’t read Her Name first, which I’ve linked above.

Word count: 4708

Tragic was the only word Becky could use to explain her existence.

From the moment she was born to the day she died, she had been followed around by misfortune. It was unfair, and she had cried that towards the Gods for most of her life. Yet she had equally been aware of how foolish it was to expect anything good to happen in her life when she knew her fate was to lose all those who meant the most to her.

She had been far too greedy and thus suffered the consequence.

As a young child, Becky had lived carefree, her spirit as loud as her voice was. Her name would fall from the lips of every resident in the village daily, and most often from her mother.

“Becky!”

“Yes mama?”

“Come inside before you catch a chill!” the woman called from the front door and the young child looked at the small hut she had been playing in among the trees and then back at her mother. The woman smiled and so she began to move, rushing into her arms quickly. “Why, your skin is like ice!”

“I’ll warm up faster if your arms remain like this,” she replied and her mother chuckled, rubbing her hands gently over her child. Becky grinned up at her. “You have the magic touch!”

“I’m your mother; it would be a crime if I did not have some special ability to protect you.”

And protect her, she had.

The fire had taken hold of everything in its path, flames licking up the walls of the building as if it were made of mere parchment. Becky wrestled in the grip of those holding her back, screaming out for her mother to return after she had been pushed out of the house to safety. Her world was engulfed by the flames, her screams heard by no one to save the woman she cared for the most.

Instead, the words of others burdened her further in the wake of her mother’s death.

“The fire? It was started because of my daughter here. She got sick and Mary was trying to keep her warm. I told her the upstairs fireplace wasn’t safe but Becky was frozen, what could she do? She barely managed to save her before the fire took over.”

Her father’s admission to those asking questions burdened his daughter with the weight of her mother’s demise. It was because of her, because she had gone out into the cold one too many times that she had gotten sick and needed the extra heating.

Becky’s illness only deepened, leaving her father stricken with the loss of his wife and now her ailing health. And yet, there was no magic touch that could cure this, no comforting words to be breathed into her hair as she wrestled with her fever. It was a long twenty days stuck in bed, walking the fine line between death and living. She longed to see her mother, uncaring of the life around her. There was no desire to play, to sing, to even talk. What words could she express to her father? Her apologetic heart was too heavy for the words to even fall from her lips. The guilt consumed her, detaching her from all that surrounded her. The faces of the townspeople, their eyes filling with sadness, with pity. There goes the girl who now had no mother.

The mother she had insisted warm her up when she couldn’t remove the shiver from her body.

For some reason, the Gods would not accept Becky’s departure from this world. As her health returned and she grew stronger by the day, Becky came to realise this was her punishment. She would remain bound to this hellish existence for the crimes she had committed.

No one told her it wasn’t her fault. No one comforted her with the knowledge that it was an accident. Whilst it was a tragedy for the people of the village, to Becky it became a stain on her skin, something she couldn’t remove no matter how often she scrubbed at herself.

And because no one talked to her about it, she didn’t reach out either. What value did her words hold now? If she went out into the streets and cried, would someone come to her aide? Would they listen to her concerns? Her father barely spoke to her now, instead turned to the comfort of ale. He would drink until the innkeeper carried him upstairs to the room they shared, shaking his head with a sigh at the state of them both.

The widowed drunk and the murderer.

A change in scenery had her father hopeful their lives would improve. And although she was miserable, Becky yearned for the same kind of future. Two years had passed by and she felt enclosed in her hometown. Moving on meant she could break free from the shackles, from the status she felt pressed into there.

Still, it came with its own set of problems.

If the last village she lived in was far too quiet towards her, this one was far too loud.

“Hello!” a child greeted as she sat on the step of her new home, her father taking over the local tavern. Looking up at the boy, she politely smiled. “Do you want to come and play? What’s your name? I’m Wonpil!”

Becky blinked, her mouth opening just a little, a huff of air leaving her. It had been so long since anyone has asked her something and now she had been asked two questions within a minute. It put her in a bind, especially since she couldn’t seem to answer either of his questions.

Wonpil frowned, looking over at his friends by the tree for assistance. Two more joined him and Becky pressed her back into her front door.

“Do you not want to play?” one of them asked and the other looked at her feet where she had been drawing with a stick.

He smiled. “B? My name starts with a B too. I’m Brian and this is Sungjin. Say, if you don’t want to share your full name with us, I’m going to call you B!”

“B, do you want to play?” Wonpil asked with renewed interest and she nodded feebly, following the boys out into the field where she ran around until the sun went down.

As the years went by, B was all she went by. The lively Becky she knew of had long disappeared, and she had grown accustomed to being B. The girl who didn’t speak, who lived with a book firmly in front of her face and with a small network of young men who protected her from having to try and be anything else. Brian, Wonpil and Sungjin had gone into the workforce now, labouring the lands of the estate that ran this village. There wasn’t time left to play as they once did, instead it was common they would come to the tavern she now worked in to check on her and drink down an ale after a hard day’s work. Dowoon had soon joined them and his inquisitive nature over why she didn’t speak soon settled.

In fact, the whole town never questioned it these days. There had been some talk when she and her father first moved in, though with a brief explanation that she had lost her ability to talk in an accident, no one seemed to press the matter further.

She was able to exist, slip by under the radar and hear all too much when those around her didn’t add her into conversations. Sometimes Becky wanted to scream or tell them of her thoughts. When Clyde started cheating on his wife with the daughter of the local physician, she had wanted to alert someone about it. Murray would often sit and wonder where all his money was going and she knew that it was his son who was taking it from under his nose. It was a little frustrating to know all these things and yet she was someone no one expected to hear from so what good would it do?

Despite not being able to talk, she had a lot to say still. She would write down everything, her journal her only solace. It was the only thing that saw her true thoughts and held all her conversations.

Until she met the newcomer.

When her friends entered the bar, Becky had rushed towards the counter, smiling brightly as Brian greeted her. She went from one face to the next, taking in the little changes that being out in the sun all day was doing to them. And then she stopped short, blinking slowly at the man who trailed in behind them. His eyes took their time to soak her in, a small yet warm smile crossing his lips.

“Ma’am.”

She didn’t know what to do. With his one word, Becky felt her heart begin to thud in her chest. Turning away rapidly, she started preparing drinks for the workers. Just who was this tall fellow with her friends? Glancing over at their table now and then, she found him staring at her, his gaze curious. She knew it wouldn’t take long, the men he sat with would tell him what he needed to know.

She didn’t talk, so just leave her be.

For some peculiar reason, Becky yearned to have a voice now. Eighteen years had passed without using it and it felt like an impossible feat to even work her lips in a way to speak a single word. And yet, every time the handsome man walked into the tavern, the same longing would overwhelm her, especially when he started sitting up on the stools before the counter.

Becky had learned his name was Jae and he had travelled from the city to the countryside from overhearing a conversation about him. She wished to know more. Why did he leave the city and come here? What was the city like? Did he like being so close to the sea? And most importantly, why was his voice like honey, soothing to listen to at any time?

“Hello, B, how are you?” Jae greeted as he held his hand up with a wave, his smile knocking some of the air out of her lungs. She smiled, turning to make him a drink before placing it down on the top of the counter.

Jae was unlike most men who worked around here. They would turn up for their lager and down it almost immediately in some game of masculinity. It was expected to drink a lot whilst in this establishment, as a way to release the tension of the working day. More often than not, Jae would barely even touch his drink, instead resting his elbows on the countertop and lazily holding his head in his hands.

And he would watch her.

It didn’t feel invasive, although the attention was more than she was used to. Normally she was only good for handing out drinks and becoming part of the bar like some fixture until a new round was needed.

No one paid much attention to her since she didn’t offer them a reason to.

Yet Jae was adamant to talk to her.

“Today the flowers began to bloom in the gardens at the estate. They looked lovely against the house, though I’m not fond of the bees that come with them. The other day, Dowoon got stung by one of them. It sure was a bit of a panic until he stopped his screaming.”

Becky spent the following morning staring into the mirror before her and trying to will her mouth to speak. She had wanted to ask what kind of flowers were growing there and if Dowoon was okay.

This kind of feeling continued every time she met with Jae. He would ask her silly little questions that he knew she couldn’t just answer with a shake or nod of her head, or tell her something that happened, and she would practise until her throat hurt and tears would fall the following day, wishing there was a way she could talk again.

It was a mixed feeling of happiness and dread whenever she saw Jae step inside and walk her way because of how different he was from everyone else.

And once again, he had been asking her one too many questions in a row before he stopped to smile, humming softly. “Are your eyes brown or hazel?”

Enough was enough. She groaned which surprised not only Jae but herself, his laughter soon tumbling out. The joyous sound made her knees weak and she turned away from him, gripping onto the counter in hopes it would keep her steady. And once she recovered, she faced Jae again, smiling forcibly.

“You know, I’m just going to keep annoying you right?”

If only he knew it was only annoying because she couldn’t respond back.

Jae came up with a solution to that. After a night in the bar with pen and paper, Becky had found there to be an easier way for the pair to converse. And since it had been almost two decades since she had a proper conversation with anyone, writing letters back and forth with Jae excited her to no end. No longer did her journal house her unspoken words, instead, she wrote them to Jae. Perhaps, she shared too much. He would always joke about how many extra pages she had him read each time, but she knew Jae enjoyed them all.

The only thing she didn’t share with him was her name. He, much like the rest of this township knew her as B and Becky was a person only she knew well. It felt wrong to let her out after all these years, even if she wanted to hear the way he said her name in person. Jae could say anything to her and Becky would listen avidly, his voice now addictive as much as his thoughts were.

So it surprised her to find him on her doorstep mid-morning, talking with her father and asking to take her out. She could see the picnic basket in his hand and she gasped, unsure what to do in that moment. Darting outside before her father could say anything, Becky stood before Jae entirely flustered. His smile only increased that feeling and she let out a whine before racing back inside to change. She couldn’t believe he was here and wanting to spend time with her.

When his hand swung near hers on the way to the lakeside to have their picnic, Becky tried not to grab it for her own. She knew she was infatuated by the man and she had a suspicion he felt similar. It wasn’t until he took her hand and threaded his fingers with hers that she realised that there was more to them than fascination. For her, she couldn’t imagine going long without seeing him now.

And as he read to her after eating together, she wanted nothing more than the love story he spoke of to become theirs, nestling into his side and dreaming of a world where she could tell him she loved him ardently, just as the protagonist of the novel had.

After their first picnic, Jae took Becky out with him whenever he could. And each time she would find herself staring at him, hoping he could see with her eyes just how much she adored him. She wanted nothing more than to shout it from the rooftops, to tell him all the ways she loved him.

But she couldn’t bring herself to write it down in ink.

So when he kissed her after playing in the lake together and uttered he loved her, well, Becky felt too many emotions to comprehend. Of course, she was relieved to hear the words from his mouth, knowing she had sent them over and over with her heart to him. But she was disappointed that she couldn’t say it back. That her lips wouldn’t utter three magical words. With all her endless mirror practice, her muscles had developed and she was making noises she hadn’t in some time. Becky was still a long way from being able to tell him of her feelings that way. And she was ashamed, wondering if their whole lives together would pass by with her pleading for words to fall from her mouth.

Jae didn’t care that she didn’t talk though. He never held it against her, often telling her he felt full whenever he was with her. Slowly, he began to break down that stigma as their relationship developed, expressing that her ways of communicating were his favourite. He empowered her and comforted those nerves whenever they arose again.

And he knew she loved him entirely, just as much as he told her every time they met.

With the budding romance now in full bloom, Becky didn’t know how much longer she would take being separated from him. Sending him away every night after their time together made her ache more. She wanted more than they had, greedy for a life she had dreamed of for so long now. One where she could call him hers and fall asleep at his side every night. She was reluctant to let him out of her sight now that he was the most important person in her world.

Knowing she wasn’t there with him at any given moment made her uneasy.

And just as he had last time, Jae dropped her off at her front door with a parting kiss, his lips lingering longer than needed. Her hands held him more tightly, hoping he wouldn’t step back, that there could be a way where he could come inside with her. Although it was unfathomable, especially before marriage, she didn’t want to think of him sleeping elsewhere.

Still, he moved back and her heart cried again. His name repeated in her head with each step he took away from her, and with her desperation, she finally found a way to speak it. Running to him, she clung to her lover, saying his name over and over.

It was the turning point they both needed.

“Beatrice,” Jae suggested and Becky shook her head, cleaning the mugs as she watched him cross the name off. He said three more until the next name rolled off his tongue, piercing her mind and imprinting immediately. “Becky.”

She smiled, trying to keep it together at his name suggestion. Technically, it was all she had gone by. Although her name was Rebecca in full, she couldn’t remember anyone ever calling her that. And so, she shook her head since he was still playing the guessing game over her name for as long as he had known her. She couldn’t help but inwardly giggle, knowing the man would never guess her name if he kept looking at B names.

“Becky. It’s Becky, isn’t it?!” Jae exclaimed, leaning forward towards her. Then he laughed as she shook her head and looked away. “B is for Becky. Now here I thought I would feel more than this after figuring out your name.”

No, it’s not, she answered after whipping around and scrawling down a reply with his pen.

“You can’t say that’s not your name, you responded to it. Becky suits you! You’re my Becky.”

Her heart swooned despite her avoidance of the situation. She tried to tune out Dowoon’s teasing that started when he approached the pair at the bar as she worked on settling her emotions, though when she heard the word wedding, she began to blush profusely.

“Why would you go and say that, look how uneasy you have made her! And what do you think I’m working towards? I need to know her name before I ask her to be my bride.”

Her ears began to ring as she let go of the mug she had been working on, staring down at the broken pieces before her. Jae appeared in her blurred vision then and before she could think too much about it, Becky ran off, shutting the front door before Jae could reach her.

And then she began to panic.

If she had told him her name sooner, would they already be man and wife by now? Why had she felt the strong urge to keep it from him? There was no need to lie, and she never had, but omitting the facts of her earlier life had made her feel guilty. Here she had the most amazing man standing before her and she was scared that he wouldn’t want to be with her after he knew everything.

“I’m sorry, okay?! I didn’t mean to frighten you like that with my intentions. Won’t you just come out?!” Jae yelled as he banged on the door.

If Jae wanted to marry her, then she would need to tell him everything. Starting with her name. And after scribbling it down on a piece of paper, she thrust it out the door, watching his reaction through the window beside it.

“Why can’t you just come out and let me talk?” he breathed in frustration, unfolding the paper hastily, stopping when he saw what was on the page. Jae then spoke her name into existence. “Rebecca.”

It was a small step forward. Much like her ability to breathe out his name, hearing him call her by Becky took some getting used to. She had so much more to tell him, and yet he was talking more than usual.

“Won’t you just marry me right now?” he whined for the umpteenth time and Becky bit her lip, shooting him a reproachful stare. Jae chuckled. “I don’t want to wait two more months. You’re my bride to be, let’s just get hitched tomorrow.”

“It doesn’t work that way, Jae,” Sungjin chuckled as he looked between the couple. “We have work tomorrow.”

“And with Christmas right around the bend, that work will see no end to it,” Brian added on with a sigh. He then smiled at Becky. “Though, I do say, you will be the sweetest Christmas bride, Becky.”

She glowed, nodding lightly and burying into Jae’s arm. He chuckled. “It doesn’t matter what day it is, of course my love will be the most beautiful bride to exist.”

“Yeah-yeah, we get it,” Wonpil said with a sigh and Dowoon grinned. “Rub it in our faces, true love exists.”

“And it’s never separated,” Sungjin mused. “I’m glad you have each other.”

“Me too,” Jae commented on Becky’s behalf, nuzzling her nose affectionately. It wasn’t often that Jae showed his love for her in front of his friends, but lately he was increasingly clingy.

Becky didn’t mind it one bit, soaking in every sweet gesture as she counted down the days until she spoke the two words she had been practising endlessly. I do.

Though fate would have it, she would never get to say them.

“Wake up! The estate is on fire!” someone shrilled outside in the street and she sat up with a start, her heart hammering in her chest as she threw clothing on.

She could see the haze of the fire up ahead, the large estate engulfed in flames. Becky tried to rush, though her legs felt like lead, her memories as a child flooding her senses. She saw both worlds through eyes of terror, her steps sluggish as the screams began to erupt in her chest.

She needed to get to Jae, to see him and touch him. To know he was alright and safe. She needed to breathe but her lungs were too heavy, the smoke too thick around her.

“JAE!” she screamed as loudly as she could before her mind blanked out, collapsing to the ground.

When Becky came to, she was in her bed. Thrashing away from the blankets, she sat up with a start, her chest too heavy to comprehend anything. Where was Jae and why was he not here for her?

“My dear, you need to rest. Please,” begged the kind old lady from next door. Becky scanned her expression, noting the downcast expression. She had seen that look before, many years ago as a child. Choking back a sob, she tried to speak.

“J-Jae?”

Lifting a handkerchief to her weathered face, the woman tried to stem her tears. “We need to focus on getting better first.”

“Jae!” Becky repeated with more force, the tears rolling into the grooves on the woman’s face. “Jae!”

“I’m afraid he has perished with the fire. All the gardening men did.”

It was like déjà vu. The agony of loss crippled her and Becky succumbed to a terrible illness. She wished to leave this earth, to follow Jae and her friends into the afterlife. There was nothing left for her now.

Against her own will, Becky began to recover. Her health mocked her, punishing her to another season of misfortune. She was numb to the world, staring out at the lake often enough that when she entered it, her father was there to save her before her last breath.

And he promptly sent her to live with a relative in the city.

Aunt Maggie had lost her husband five years previous and had lived a miserable, lonely existence since. She didn’t ask much of Becky outside of cleaning and cooking and never sought out her company. Still, Maggie was a comfort in this harsh world whilst Becky lived out ten more years before passing peacefully in her sleep.

It wasn’t as simple as she had thought death to be. There were rules that kept her bound to her home in the city. There was no ability to find the man she loved, no matter how often she tried. Though there was one thing that returned to her and it made her laugh bitterly to have it back. She could talk with complete ease now and no one was there to hear her.

Apart from the young daughter of the household, many years onward. Rose leaned forward, abandoning the dollhouse before her. “What is your name?”

Frowning, the ghost shook her head. “Well, I don’t quite remember. I feel it starts with a B though.”

“I shall refer to you as B then!”

It felt fitting and she would often find herself writing a J next to the B whenever she held a pen. She hadn’t forgotten his face, no matter how many years had travelled between them. But she had very little to go on, mere fragments of her past appearing in dreams. Kisses against a tree or holding his hand and swinging it as she laughed; they were few and far between. Those thoughts kept her on edge even when Rose stopped playing with her, a need to find him, to search for the man who held her heart. She could describe him right down to the shade of his dusky rose lips, and yet no full name matched him.

He was simply J and she was B.

“Where are you heading Rose?” B asked of the now middle-aged woman she had been assigned to, watching as the woman packed a suitcase with enough supplies for a weekend away. Curious, and quite frankly relieved to leave the confines of her home in the city, B travelled as Rose’s companion. They arrived within two hours to their destination, an old manor standing proudly before them. B looked towards the view of the sea below and sighed, it felt so familiar to her.

Following Rose up into the bed and breakfast, she marvelled at the history of this place. It had clearly seen a lot of hard and prosperous moments in its time and as she walked with Rose into the main living room, B stopped in her tracks as she listened to two men talking together that no one seemed to pay any attention to.

B knew that voice anywhere, and a flood of memories resurfaced, rooting her to the spot she stood upon. And when one of the men turned to her, the other pointing out that she was dead like they were, she smiled softly.

She remembered his name now.

Jae.

_________________

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Spiritual Connection - Part 2

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

You felt as if you had returned home for the first time in years. Staring up at the proud home before you, nothing had changed. The flower beds and bushes were just as wildly maintained as usual, and you looked to the front of the house and smiled when you saw the porch swing you had sat out upon every morning watching as the world started to wake up for the day.

It was all just how you expected it to be and you were struck with a wave of grief. You missed her terribly. You wished you had come back sooner, not letting the throes of life and the bustle of the city overwhelm you and make you only consider of how to get through each day.

You should have sought out this enchanting place far sooner.

Getting out of your car after reaching for your bag, you moved onto the cobblestone pathway that wound through the flowers up to the front porch, fingering the keys within your jeans pocket. You had kept them close ever since they had been handed to you, much to your mother’s chagrin.

“But you have so much going for you in the city, Y/N! Don’t throw it away on that little seaside escape. You’ll find it’s not how you imagined it to be. As a kid, you could play all day. Now as an adult, you have to worry about how to survive. There’s not a lot going for work there.”

Taking a deep breath, you ignored your mother’s pessimism and slotted the key into the front door.

You stepped inside, closing the door behind you and began to explore. Some items triggered memories and others puzzled you. Why had you enjoyed hiding so much behind this big chair? You remembered the highs of your childhood here, full of laughter, excitement and happiness. Had your friends moved away now? The house was so silent, apart from the sounds of your footsteps, or the opening of doors as you peered into the rooms. Did you really imagine them all? You sure had been a creative child at one point.

The longer you wandered through the home, the more certain you became that it was just your grandmother living here after all. When your world was turned upside down with your parent’s divorce, you had needed some sense of comfort in that confusing period. You rationalised your friends to be projected as just that, the workings of needing friends during an upsetting time.

“So then, who do I need to clear out of here, Grandmother?” you murmured, turning around in a slow circle as you surveyed the living room. On your second spin, you saw a set of eyes that you hadn’t in many years. Blinking rapidly, as you spun, you caught the face that was attached to those warm brown eyes, wobbling to a halt.

“Y/N?” he tentatively asked and you stared back at Brian for a moment, before a loud scream erupted from within your chest, and you promptly passed out.

“Wave the bag of smelling salts closer to her nose, you idiot!”

“I am, can’t you see how close they are? These things still stink after all these years.”

“Do you think Y/N’s going to be okay? She hit her head pretty badly.”

“Wonpil, if she’s not, we’ll just blame Brian, okay? It was him who showed himself first.”

“Would you all shut up, I was surprised too, you know. I had expected that attorney to come back and keep snooping through Pearl’s belongings for signs of life here, not Y/N.”

There was a loud snort and you felt your heavy eyelids start to lighten off with the sound. “Only the dead walk here.”

“Look, guys, she’s stirring!”

With a groan, you finally fought through the endless dark world back to the light, where the voices above you all ceased. When you managed to open your eyes again, you stared up into the faces of five familiar men. It shocked you just as much as before, but since you were sprawled out on the ground, you merely jerked back, eyes growing wide again.

Jae shook his head adamantly. “No, don’t faint again! I’ve been shaking these salts for twenty minutes and I know it might not seem like much to do, but they are heavy.”

Silently, you eyed the bag above you, soon scrunching your nose up when you inhaled the strong scent attached to them. Reaching out to take the bag from Jae’s appreciative grip, you sat up slowly, vaguely aware of all the prepared arms shooting out to help you just in case.

Man, this was confusing.

Before, you had been hoping to see your childhood friends as soon as you entered the home. Even after all these years, you had believed you couldn’t make up five men. If you had wanted friends, shouldn’t they be closer in age to you? That would be the most logical choice for imaginary friends. And whenever you questioned why they were so old in the past, Sungjin would smile distantly and say that he couldn’t do as good of a job protecting you if he was too young. Dowoon had enthused he was stronger this way and Jae had always joked around with you asking why you were so young instead. It had never really bothered you that much, accepting them for what it was at the time. Regardless of appearance, they had played with you endlessly. And they had been your friends for many years.

How had they not aged since?

“She looks confused, are you okay, Y/N?” Wonpil asked, kneeling closer. He chuckled sheepishly. “Feels weird to think you’re Y/N, I remember when you were this tall.”

“Why? People grow up, Pil.”

“Not us,” Dowoon interjected and Brian reached to smack him around the head. “What? Being dead means we stopped aging a long time ago.”

“What… what did you just say?” you asked, and the conversation fell short. The men looked between one another for a moment.

And then Sungjin tentatively smiled. “Y/N, you really didn’t know?”

“I know you’re my childhood friends, and you’re still in my Grandmother’s house after what, eight years since I last saw you?”

“That’s kind of what happens when you’re a ghost,” Jae surmised and Wonpil hissed at him worriedly. “Don’t hiss at me. There’s no point sugar-coating it. We weren’t imaginary friends, Pearl knew we lived here. She used to play with us when she was young too.”

“I’m sorry,” you started, raising your hands and heaving in a deep breath, in hopes it would help you understand better. “Did you just say, you played with my Grandmother when she was younger?”

Five heads bobbed up and down and you slumped in your posture, unblinking.

“Do we need the smelling salts again?”

Taking in a shaky breath, you glanced up into the face you had first seen earlier today. Brian had always been the one you turned to the most. He was cautious, watching and waiting for your next reaction. You swallowed despite your throat feeling dry. “Just how long have you been here for?”

You paced your bedroom floor back and forth, trying to understand your discovery. Your grandmother’s house was haunted? Was that some kind of joke? Since when could you see the dead, anyway? If that was the case, shouldn’t you have seen many others before in your lifetime too?

You shivered, despite the warm spring evening, rubbing your hands against your skin to take the chill out of it.

The five of them had tried to give you the space you requested after getting up and removing yourself from their surrounding circle. You couldn’t just readily accept their words, even if things were slowly clicking into place.

However, Wonpil had knocked on your door before sticking his head around it, offering you a blanket in case you still felt unwell. Sungjin had reminded you that you hadn’t eaten and it was growing dark out. You knew it was Jae playing the guitar and singing loudly about your denial in the office down the hall, and Dowoon had come up to look through the window more than once until you closed the curtains.

Only one respected your wishes, but you knew Brian was close. He always had been.

Twisting the handle of the door when you felt ready enough to, you peered around the threshold and found him leaning against the wall, eyes perking at your appearance. He smiled and you couldn’t help but return the gesture. His smiles had always charmed you.

“You okay?”

“As okay as someone can be after all this,” you mentioned with a shrug, stepping out into the hallway and eying him with some interest. “You know, I never knew ghosts could change their outfits. Shouldn’t you be floating around in the same clothes you … you uh-”

“Died in?” he offered and you nodded softly. Brian smirked. “I think if I had to stay in that outfit for the rest of my existence, I would be pretty annoyed. I’ve been in this house since the late eighteen-hundreds; would you really want to see me in what was the norm for me back then?”

“I don’t know, I find the Victorian era pretty fascinating.”

“Do you just,” he murmured, staring back at you. It unnerved you and for a moment you almost forgot that he wasn’t, well alive. Blinking away from his gaze, you played with the hem of your t-shirt. “You’ll have to explain more about this to me as we go.”

“You’re not going to pack up and leave? I had you pegged for running away from all of us now that you know we’re not part of the living.” You shot him a warning look and he grinned happily. “You still do that same expression after all these years.”

“What expression?”

Brian attempted to mimic what you had done and you laughed, shaking your head at him. He laughed too and then stepped closer, growing concerned again. “Are you going to sell this house?”

“Will you leave if I do?”

“This has been our home for far too long,” he mused, glancing around at the picture-laden hallway. Your grandmother had always decorated with a cluttered, homey vibe. “Should we move on?”

You didn’t know how to answer Brian’s question, though you did know some changes would have to be made around this house now.

_________________

Part 3

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The Spirit(s) of Christmas - Part 5 (Final)

Summary: It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Pairing: reader x Day6 (ft. previous OCs)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / romance / fluff / minor angst

Warnings: you still might need tissues!  

A/N: Welcome back to the Seaside Manor! I knew we couldn’t just leave the ghosts to celebrate by themselves - which apparently, they aren’t so keen to do anyway! So we had to return and see if we could bring in some festive cheer!

This story is part of a previously written world. It may make some sense, but to understand all the characters, I highly recommend reading all the previous parts and spinoffs in the masterlist first before reading this series! They can be found in the link above.

The Spirit(s) of Christmas will be shared daily at 10am from 2 December NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

“Grandma?!” you squeaked, though she looked nothing like the old and wrinkled version you were used to. And whilst you had seen the multitude photos of your grandmother throughout her life, you still couldn’t believe the beautiful woman standing before you all was the same one you had treasured the most in this world.

“Jesus Christ, Pearl,” Sungjin breathed, moving forward so fast that you almost fell over with the wind that followed him. He hugged her tightly, and the woman within the embrace giggled delightfully.

“What did you expect? How dare you try and have such a party without me invited?! Didn’t any of you think to come knock on heaven’s door and get me down here sooner?”

“But how, I mean I thought we could never see you again?” you breathed, fanning your hands in front of your face to stem the flow of your tears. You had worked too hard on this look to cry. Although at the same time, this was the Christmas gift you had been hoping for.

Perhaps, she had heard your pleas all along.

“Well, I’m not able to stay for long. And I’m being kind of irresponsible by being here. Especially when I told someone I wouldn’t see him until he’s done what I’ve asked of him.” Your grandmother looked to her lover that barely had moved enough for you to hug her. Sungjin merely shrugged, his smile inerasable. “But I had to make the exception for this. One of my babies is getting married!”

“Might I remind you, I’m older than you, Pearl,” Jae replied coming forward to hug the woman. And then he grinned. “But I’d love it if you did us the honour. If there’s anyone who can talk better than me…”

“I knew you’d need me,” Pearl agreed with a laugh, gesturing for you to go off and get the bride.

You were still amazed when you walked into the bathroom, barely finding the words to explain who was here. Sarah was confused when she saw someone who looked potentially younger than herself standing at the front though it was short-lived as you got immersed in the ceremony.

It was an overwhelming experience. You watched as Becky and Jae both made their way through their vows, Becky with tears and Jae with fumbled words. You looked at your grandmother, seeing so much of yourself in her. She was of course, far more confident than you were and with the way Sungjin watched her every move, you could tell their love travelled to each other no matter where they were.

You saw Sarah grow emotional just as much as Wonpil did, reaching out to hold his arm during the vows excitedly. Wonpil’s smile grew so big; you were sure he would outshine the Christmas tree’s star behind him.

And then you felt Brian’s hand slip into yours. Looking up at him, your heart skipped a beat as your lips moved into a smile, his thumb running gentle circles over your skin. You didn’t need any words from him; the emotional look in his eyes said it all.

This Christmas you had achieved what you set out to do. You wanted to see them all smiling like this, the festive air bringing joy to everyone. There was no doubt in your mind that this year was your favourite one you had ever celebrated.

“You may now kiss your bride!” Pearl sang out and Jae grabbed a hold of Becky and spun her to the side, kissing her as you all cheered loudly. You laughed when you saw Sarah lean over and peck Wonpil on the cheek, unable to control her romantic notions any longer.

After the ceremony ended, you all piled into the dining room where it felt so normal to hear playful banter between the bride and groom already and Pearl’s complaints for Sungjin since she had been gone. Wonpil and Sarah had found themselves a corner to talk within and Dowoon was happily handing out peppermint hot cocoa to everyone and playing with Custard as well. The night wore on with tales of old and new, and you had put yourself firmly between Pearl and Brian, lapping up both of their constant affection the entire time.

Your heart had never been so full.

Still, Christmas had yet to arrive and when it did, you knew at least one person wouldn’t be there when you woke up. “Can’t you stay any longer?”

“Afraid not, poppet.” Pearl affectionately cupped your face, kissing both of your cheeks softly. “The big man upstairs might get angry.”

“But!”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and cross paths again in this lifetime, never say never.”

You nodded, hugging her tightly. “I’ll take care of Sungjin, don’t worry.”

“Isn’t that my line?” the man chuckled from behind you both and Pearl’s eyes lit up seeing him. You didn’t envy their love; instead you were deeply enchanted by it. You had never seen two people look at each other like that before.

Except when Brian did it to you in his own way.

“I’m stealing your Grandmother, Y/N. Sorry, but she left me far too quickly last time.”

“What nonsense, it was you who took too long to come to me.”

You smiled as you watched them move off to her bedroom, the door clicking shut behind them.

“Everyone’s about to be tucked up in bed,” Brian announced as he moved in behind you, hugging you to him. “Jae and Becky have retired the master suite of the manor, Dowoon is cuddled up by the fire with Custard and I’m pretty sure Wonpil is in with Sarah right now. And he had the audacity to screech when he found us back then.”

Shuffling around in his embrace, you smirked. “Granted, they all found us behind a curtain kissing.”

“You’re right; it was a bit odd of us.”

“Where should we kiss tonight?” you wondered and Brian stepped back, taking your hand in his and slowly walked to your bedroom. You giggled when he grew impatient, dragging you inside before picking you up and laying you down on your bed, littering you in kisses.

Rolling over in your bed as the early morning light shone against your eyes, you groaned before opening your eyes.

It was Christmas morning.

Glancing towards the still slumbering man beside you, you took Brian in slowly. He had always been handsome to you but in this light, you wondered if the reason he was yours was because he was dead. You didn’t want to dismiss anything about him, but had he been living and breathing right now, you were certain your luck wouldn’t have brought you both together.

He was too good to be true and the only way your brain could fathom what you had was because of your unique situation.

“Even if I was born in your generation, I would only want you,” he mumbled softly, his eyes still shut. You flinched at his sudden statement, gasping when you realised he had somehow figured out how to read your thoughts. He whined when you pushed him gently. “It’s Christmas morning, don’t be rough.”

“Get out of my head then! I can’t believe you can do that!”

“It’s not all the time. Just moments like this. It’s like you’re shouting it at me, needing my reassurance.” Finally, his eyes opened and a lazy smile crossed his face. “I need reminding too you know. Quite often I worry I’m keeping you from a normal life.”

“A normal life? What’s not normal about all this?” you wondered airily as his arms slipped around you, pulling you in closer. You brushed his bed hair away from his face. “The only thing that’s not normal is how good looking you are. It’s a crime.”

“Is that so?” he breathed, a husky chuckle leaving him and making your insides turn to mush. “I guess it’s your job to punish me then, right?”

“Hm, I don’t know if I should.”

“Then I’ll keep committing more crimes with this handsome face,” he stated, leaning in closer. “Like this.”

It was safe to say, you would never get sick of Brian’s kisses. There was a heightened experience to each one, as if his emotions were supercharged and the energy crossed over when his lips connected with yours. It was like riding a wave of pure ecstasy, rolling along with the highs and lows until you became breathless.

It was always you that pulled away first and you disliked it greatly.

Brian grinned as he watched you recover. “I don’t need to breathe like you do, remember.”

“Still, it makes me feel like it’s you who can’t get enough of me when it’s really the opposite.”

“Nuh-uh. I’m the one who never wants them to end.”

“Well, I guess that’s your gift to me today, right?”

“There’s a few things under the tree that I made for you.”

“Really?” You went to move out from under the blankets but Brian’s arms tightened around you quickly. You whined loudly. “Brian!”

“Not yet. Let’s just lie here for a bit longer. Soon everyone will be up and it’ll be as busy as it has been all season long. I feel like I only get fleeting moments with you.”

You smiled, nestling into his embrace again. As you thought over everything you had done recently, you realised he was right. You had focused on bringing a miracle to each of your friends that not once had you stopped to think of what to give him. He always rolled with whatever you did that it was easy to sometimes overlook if his needs were being met.

You glanced up at Brian guiltily and he pecked your lips. “You forgot someone else as well whilst on your mission for festive joy.”

“Who?”

He bumped you playfully with his nose, giving you an Eskimo kiss before shifting back a little. “You. Everyone was looked after by you but you never stopped to think what you needed this Christmas, Y/N.”

“Well, I didn’t need anything but everyone to be happy! Becky and Jae got married finally, Dowoon is smitten with Custard and Wonpil finally got to show himself to Sarah. My Grandmother surprised us all with her visit and Sungjin’s going to be beaming for months on end, I’m certain of it. Everyone is happy. Are you happy?”

“Of course, I got the greatest gift earlier in the year when we started dating.”

“And that’s enough?”

Brian thought for a moment, a cheeky smile crossing his lips. “Well, I mean we can always keep improving on what we have right?”

“Why are you so impatient? You’ve existed forever.”

“It was a long time without you, you know.”

“Well I don’t plan on going anywhere, I’m stubborn like Pearl.”

Brian chuckled heartily. “That I definitely believe in.”

“It’s up to you if you’re going to let me go because I’m content being stuck with you,” you told him, wrapping your legs around him for extra effort.

“I don’t think I could even if I tried.”

“Well then, what’s the rush?” you asked and Brian sized your lips up again, pulling the blankets up with him. You giggled and moved into his desires, cupping his face gently. “Then again, maybe I like where this is heading.”

After spending as long as you could in bed before you heard voices yelling out to one another about opening presents, you went out to see your friends all gathered in the living room. When you took over your grandmother’s manor, you would have never expected life to be quite like this. And when you had suggested you all celebrated Christmas together, well, you weren’t sure you’d make it to this point. There were no downcast expressions today.

Instead, the spirits of Christmas were definitely here. You couldn’t wait to welcome in the New Year with them all either.

_________________

Thank you for supporting this series. We maybe venturing back to the manor house for Valentines 2020! 

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Spiritual Connection - Part 3

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

You woke up the next morning and for a moment, you felt completely at peace. Stretching your limbs slowly as you watched the sun shine through your curtains, you were certain you had dreamed everything that happened yesterday.

There were no ghosts, no confusion, just you and this big old house.

And then Wonpil burst through the door singing you a good morning greeting you hadn’t heard since you were about fifteen. He was proud of himself when he stopped, grinning at you before plopping down on the bed. “Did you sleep well, princess?”

So, it wasn’t a dream.

Groaning, you threw the blankets back over your head, and admittedly, you continued your day much like that. Unlike how you were as a child, following them around incessantly and whining for attention, it was now their turn. Dowoon even tried to pick you up at one point, yet he backed off when he realised he couldn’t.

“Wow, you got so big, Y/N! And uh, heavier too.”

“So you keep marvelling,” you muttered, giving him a small glare before stepping into your grandmother’s room and promptly shut the door. You then locked it behind you, though you surmised that it was a pointless thing to do.

Everything you knew about spirits told you they could walk through anything.

Slumping down on your grandmother’s large four-poster bed, you glanced around the room with a heavy sigh. What did you even know? That really was your problem. Sure, Brian had been all too happy to talk with you about it last night. Any question you asked, he fired back with a reply immediately. After all, you were certain for him, he could talk his way through anything.

But what good did any of that matter? You had learned there was your world that you lived in, and their world of the afterlife too. And somehow, you had the ability to ride the middle of both, all-seeing and feeling and well, it was still a little confusing. You knew of ghosts to be see-through, a distinct line around them and definitely not solid.

Yet even now, you could still touch them as if they were alive.

Shaking your head in defeat at the puzzle before you, you laid back onto the bed and inhaled deeply. The bedding still smelt like her, and you clutched hands of the fabric to your chest, tears falling from your eyes. It was when your emotions slowed down that you heard movement across the room you and you glanced out of your blanket burrito, noticing Sungjin sitting in the corner holding a framed photograph fondly.

He caught your gaze and cleared his throat, chewing on his bottom lip awkwardly. “I uh, was in here before you came in.”

“Oh… sorry.” You sat up and watched him for a moment. “Did you really know my Grandmother?”

His hand gently ran over the pane of glass separating him from the photograph beneath it, his smile turning sad. “I did.”

“She saw you?” you continued and Sungjin nodded. “Like I do?”

“At one point in her life, she did. Pearl had an affinity for hide and seek just as you did. We could play for days at a time and never grow bored. And then as she aged, she wondered why she still saw us. Her friends never did when they came to play. She had a bout of confusion over it that lasted exactly three months.”

“Only three months?”

Sungjin turned to you and grinned. “She said she couldn’t possibly ignore us anymore, with Wonpil crying at night over missing her, or Jae’s not so subtle songs he sung in the drawing room.”

You chuckled then, remembering back to last night. Although you hadn’t wanted to, you could hear Jae’s words that were centred around your troubled thoughts until Dowoon screamed at him to shut up. Despite your still unresolved mindset, you were eager for more of Sungjin’s story and he picked up on your interest, walking over to the bed and sitting down beside you. He sighed.

“You’re sad?”

“Pearl lived for eighty-nine years, wouldn’t you be? I’ve spent over half of my afterlife with her.”

You nodded softly, though your brows furrowed. “She saw you all that time?”

“No.”

“But you said-”

“Whilst her three-month avoidance was chosen by her to do, after that, she started to grow up. Teenage years came about and she chose to spend her time with us a lot more than she should. She became pretty confused about what we meant to her. What… what I meant to her.”

Sungjin was staring back down at the photograph and you peered down at the picture properly. It was one from her younger days, one that you had exclaimed as a child that you wanted to grow up as pretty as she was. Your grandmother was smiling warmly in the photo though her gaze wasn’t direct, as if she was staring at someone she loved off to the side. You realised it then, and Sungjin was back to smiling sadly.

“Did you love her too?” you whispered and he nodded, a hoarse chuckle leaving him a moment later.

“Foolish, right? It was one thing for a dead man to love her, but another for Pearl to love me back. I knew it was wrong from the start, but you knew her stubborn ways well too,” he mentioned, glancing at you and you nodded in agreement. She was brazen, even in her old age. “It came time for her to get married and your Grandmother argued she had no interest. I realised just how bad things were then. So I told her she should stop looking for me. It was me who ended up making it so she couldn’t see me anymore.”

“Can you do that?”

He gave you a wry smile. “I guess we can do a whole lot when we put our mind to it. Your Grandmother married your Grandfather. He was a fine fellow, and then her parents moved into a new home built by her older brother. Pearl stayed on here, adamant this would be her home forever. Some days I wondered if that was in hopes she would find me again. She lived a good life with her husband whilst he was alive. He treated her well, and they both loved your mother, though she was never like Pearl as a child. She had strong desires to escape this town even as a young girl. I was surprised when she started bringing you here, given her resentment for the place.”

“She warned me about coming here, that it would see for my ruin,” you mentioned with a sigh and Sungjin shrugged.

“I like it here.”

“Me too,” you replied instantly, which surprised you. Relaxing, your smile grew wider. “I always have.”

“You remind me of her a lot.”

“You think?” you asked, honoured that he would say such a thing. Sungjin nodded and then smiled down at the photo one last time before getting up and returning it to the dresser against the wall. You watched his agitated movement as he walked around the room and with a tilt of your head; you cleared your throat, catching his attention. “You know something, don’t you?”

“I saw her again. Just recently. I think it surprised her, or perhaps, because I was so surprised, it made the moment rushed for her.”

You raced to Sungjin’s side, grabbing onto his lower arm without much thought, anxious to hear what he had to say. “She really saw you?”

“She told me to trust in whatever you choose to do with the house. That she knew you would do what was right for everyone here, but more importantly for yourself. She must have known she was nearing the end of her life. No matter how much I urged her to get a doctor, she refused, insisting I stay at her side until the very end. You know, she even joked about finally being much older than I was appearance wise.”

You laughed despite tears rolling down your cheeks, imagining the scene all too clearly. Sungjin turned to wipe away the stains on your face and gave you a watery smile. “We’ll do what you need us to, okay? Just, don’t ignore us. I know it might feel as if you’re going crazy or something-”

You shook your head, the remnants of your tears flicking away with the action. “Even if I am, at least I’m not alone.”

It took you the rest of the week to consider what your best option was. You had come here with the belief you would be clearing out the old, allowing room for the new. Moving on what had stayed here for as long as it had so a change could brighten up the large home. With six bedrooms and far too much clutter, the idea of this daunted you from the get-go. You had no idea how on earth your grandmother had managed this place for so many years on her own. Ever since you had been alive, it had just been her living here, if you were only counting those still breathing. You knew at one point the neighbour would help her out, but upon arrival, that neighbour had obviously sold up as a new family lived there now.

And so the neglect had become evident in some areas of the house.

“Alright boss, where do you need me?” Jae announced, hands placed upon his hips as he stepped up to the job. You shot him a bemused look as Brian laughed beside you.

“Go and sit down, Jae.”

“What, why dismiss me so easily? I haven’t been building these bad boys for a hundred and forty-six years for nothing,” he refuted, slipping up his plaid shirt to showcase, well, his pride and joy.

You turned away so he wouldn’t catch your snort so openly.

“You’ve been this scrawny since the first day I laid eyes on you in the large field, stop embarrassing yourself,” Wonpil stated dryly and then whined when Jae shoved him.

“The disrespect! Just because of that, I think I’m going to go sleep off your hurtful words. You know where to find me!” he called out, departing just as quickly as he came in.

Smiling at his usual antics, you then looked to the remaining four men at your side. “Honestly, I don’t need help.”

“Y/N, have you ever built anything in your life?” Brian wondered and you nodded. “Really?”

“IKEA furniture.”

“I have no idea what that is,” Dowoon admitted and Sungjin shrugged.

“Furniture building skills is a good trait to have though.”

“As long as there are instructions, how hard can it be?” you announced optimistically.

An hour later, you were in too deep and needed all the help you could get. What had seemed like an easy door repair had you now gripping onto the large door that somehow wouldn’t go back into the threshold no matter how many times you had fixed it.

Brian was behind you, arms bracing around you to support it as well, huffing and puffing. “Y/N, I know we said we’d help, but I’m not able to hold this all day long, push harder!”

“I am pushing!”

“It’s on the wrong angle,” Sungjin stated, making gestures with his hands to shift it to the left. You did so and finally, it lined back up against the groove, Dowoon quickly screwing it into place so it wouldn’t slip again.

Grinning, you looked at your team and then back at the door. “We did it! See, we don’t need to hire anyone like Wonpil was saying before.”

“It took us three hours to align it so it would work again,” Wonpil stated, shaking his head. “There is so much broken in this house, we might as well call it quits.”

“I’m not normally as pessimist as he sounds, but even I agree,” Sungjin added on and your smile waned, shoulders slumping. Your body ached, but not nearly as much as your heart did at their loss of motivation. Looking up at Brian with a pout, he sighed heavily in response before clapping his hands together.

“How about we try the other door now so we can rest after dinner?”

“I’d rather rest now,” Dowoon called, shaking his head. The other two agreed and soon it was just you and Brian left. He nodded slowly and then turned to smile at you.

“We can do it!”

You shook your head. “No, they’re right. It’s more than I expected, that’s for sure.”

“Look, you fixed this. It’s not going to be easy, but-” He reached for the door, swinging it back and forth freely on its hinges. “We did this. And we can keep on doing it, even if it’s just you and me.”

“You’d do that?” you asked, touched by his offer. Brian nodded, gesturing you to move back so he could fully shut the door. You grinned as it clicked shut, a symbol that you could, in fact, do this.

And then you stepped forward to try yourself, a wooden floorboard unevenly raised against the others snagging your foot. You started to fall, trying to hold yourself up when Brian grabbed you, the force of his actions sending you against the door and his body effectively entrapping you there. Whilst you were grateful you hadn’t fallen, with the way he was staring down at you and trying to catch his non-existent breath, you started to wonder if falling might have been the better option.

Ever since your conversation with Sungjin last week, you had started to notice that your fondness of Brian had transformed further from your juvenile levels.

And you weren’t sure if you wanted to stop exploring these feelings or not.

_________________

Part 4

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Spiritual Connection - Part 4

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Warnings: none

Spiritual Connection will be posted daily at 10am NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Over the following month, there was a lot of progress made. Sure, it was slower going than had you hired a company to do the work, but you loved the satisfaction that surged through you when the task was completed. And although there were endless complaints, there was a lot of laughter as well.

The house felt as magical as it once did.

There was progress in other areas as well; however, you weren’t so sure what to do about them. After the incident against the door, there seemed to be little moments almost every day where you were certain Brian was feeling something too. Sometimes he would hold your hand a little longer than he needed after helping you down off the ladder, and he would always brace things from behind you, his chest pressing into your back. If anything, this was half the reason you weren’t getting through things fast enough. It would throw you off a little, considering thoughts you once wouldn’t have ever dreamed of over your childhood friend.

Such thoughts kept you up at night and when you finally drifted off to sleep, you would dream of a life where Brian would be at your side forever. And not just as your friend either.

But in the land of being awake, you would always chide yourself. How could you fall in love with a ghost? It was easy to blur the lines, especially when he was no Casper the friendly ghost. He didn’t have a tail, nor did he float through walls or change shape to fit objects.

But he was charming.

And that was what clutched at your heart.

“What are you doing up still?”

You stopped in the doorway to the kitchen momentarily before picking up your pace, going over to flick on the jug to make the tea that had pulled you out of your bed. As you waited for the water to boil, you tried not to look at Brian, though you failed when you noticed how he cradled the mug within his hand. Your eyebrows knitted together and you turned to face him. “Did you make yourself a drink?”

“Sometimes I like to pretend I’m still alive by doing pointless things,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders as a sign of his embarrassment. You liked that Brian would always tell you things like this, even if it made him feel foolish in your presence. Shifting the mug in his hand a little, he smiled. “Even though I can’t feel like I used to, having the mug in my hands almost makes me feel warm again.”

“It must be hard to just exist. To have no need to eat, sleep or drink, yet still have the urge to do it all,” you mentioned and Brian nodded. “I guess, it comes with habit, right?”

“You get used to it too. Although nothing bad will happen if I drink this, there’s no point if I do either. Still, now and then, I humour myself.”

You didn’t answer, swinging around to pour the now boiled water into your own mug. You took your time, his last sentence still hanging within the room. You edged around the counter and over to the table he was sat at, placing down your mug before sitting across from him.

And then you took a deep, steadying breath. “Is humouring yourself the right option?”

You asked this way, full knowing he would understand what you meant. At least, you were hoping he would. A small smile curled up the corners of his lips before he lifted the mug to meet them. He took a sip and you watched on, multiple emotions overwhelming you. This whole time, you had never seen them eat or drink once, though you knew they did still sleep. Jae was prime evidence of that. You were worried something would happen, and strangely a little excited by Brian doing something you would see as a common action with anyone else. You took a sip of your own drink, feeling for the first time in a while that you were sharing a moment.

Moments with Brian seemed to be all you had lately.

He looked up at you then, tilting his head to the side. “Sometimes what is deemed the wrong option seems like the only one I want to take.”

“Will you?”

“What about you? Out of the two of us, surely you should know right from wrong.”

You smirked. “You’ve existed longer than I have.”

“Mostly within this house, forgive me for being so sheltered from worldly experiences.”

“You can leave here, I’ve been with you when you have,” you reminded pointedly, referring to the errands you had run since moving here. You had done groceries, paid a couple of bills and picked up new supplies for projects around the house from the hardware store. Not once had you done any of this alone, and generally, it was Brian who would escort you.

His smile grew, and he pulled the mug up to his mouth again, taking another drink. “I never had any reason to step out of here until you came along.”

“Really?” Brian nodded. “Because of me?”

He held out his mug towards you and jerked his head in your direction. “Because of you.”

“Is it wrong?”

“Well, it’s not right,” he assured with a chuckle, still drinking away. “But why live so straight-forward, huh?”

You stared over at him and Brian smiled gently, reaching for your hand on the table. He gave it a small squeeze and you smiled, nodding in response as you held onto him tightly.

Life didn’t have one set of rules for everyone to follow.

You came up with the idea to turn the large manor into a bed and breakfast. Tourism was the main attraction to this small township and with your degree in business management; you only needed to take a certificate in hospitality to open up the home as an enchanting retreat from the city. There was a lot of charm in places like yours, and after telling some friends back in the city about your new project, sharing pictures and videos, you had convinced them that the four hour drive would be worth it.

The only problem was, well, your current housemates.

“You’re letting people come in?”

“And they’re going to sleep here?” Wonpil added onto Jae’s question, the pair sharing an incredulous look.

You nodded brightly. “And eat and play board games and take walks on the beach. Life is pretty hectic out there. We could offer an escape from all of that. Most of the time, it’ll be weekend stays, though sometimes I’m sure it could work as week long stints too. All we need to do is offer people the right atmosphere and it’ll be great!”

“Uh Y/N, you seem to have forgotten, there is no we in this situation,” Dowoon pointed out, gesturing to himself and his four friends. “We can help you, but that’s because you’re special.”

“Maybe she was dropped on her head as a child,” Jae breathed, examining you from head to toe suddenly. “We can’t be sure if she’s special or she sees us because she’s a little damaged.”

Sungjin slung an arm around his friend tightly and shook him. “Are you saying Pearl was ill as well?”

“No, no, okay I get it!” Jae whined and Sungjin let go.

Brian was the only one who grinned. “I mean, if you do this, it means you’re staying, right?”

You nodded and this seemed to ease some of their concerns.

“Still, what if someone sees us?” Wonpil asked, his expression weakening again.

“It’ll be part of the charm. No old house like this comes free from tales.”

“You’ll speak of us?”

“Only if you allow me to. This is your house as well. I found the portraits of you all in the attic the other day. I planned on hanging them up around the house.”

“Now why would you do that, we look so weird in them!”

“Sungjin’s right, even I’m not fond of that idea. I put them in the attic for a reason,” Brian admitted and you grinned at him, reaching for what you had put behind the cushion earlier. Holding up the one of him, you began to giggle. “What, I think it’s charming that the Duke had commissioned portraits of those who were important to him.”

“You mean those who shaped his life,” Jae muttered, though he peered closer at the portrait, rearranging his glasses on the brim of his nose. “Wow, Brian. You looked dashing in this billowy shirt, my friend!”

“Shut up, yours wasn’t much better!”

“You are all the charm of this house,” you announced over their bickering and they turned to look at you. “If anything, I worry this place would fall down without you here. Please, at least try it out with me. If it fails, then we’re back to square one and I’ll have to figure another way to make money to stay on here.”

“You don’t plan to do the house up and sell it on?” Sungjin asked, his dark eyes hopeful. You smiled warmly at him, and then at each one of your friends before your gaze came to a stop on Brian’s.

You grinned. “This is my home, guys. What feels like the unknown right now, may just be what I needed all this time.”

_________________

Part 5

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The Spirit(s) of Christmas - Part 1

Summary: It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Pairing: reader x Day6 (ft. previous OCs)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / romance / fluff / minor angst

Warnings: none

A/N: Welcome back to the Seaside Manor! I knew we couldn’t just leave the ghosts to celebrate by themselves - which apparently, they aren’t so keen to do anyway! So we had to return and see if we could bring in some festive cheer!

This story is part of a previously written world. It may make some sense, but to understand all the characters, I highly recommend reading all the previous parts and spinoffs in the masterlist first before reading this series! They can be found in the link above.

The Spirit(s) of Christmas will be shared daily at 10am from 2 December NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Christmas was right around the corner and yet you had never seen so many downcast expressions.

Okay, so both Jae and Becky were kind of cheery from being reunited after all this time. Still, there was no Christmas spirit in the Seaside Manor and you wished to change that immediately. Especially since you were surrounded by so many.

Spirits, that is.

“You do realise just how many years have passed by where we haven’t celebrated Christmas, right?” Sungjin told you, pulling a face that made you aware he was not going to be the cheerful type. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it would be his first festive season without Pearl, your grandmother.

So you looked towards the one person you knew you could count on to be optimistic. Wonpil let out a heavy sigh. “I bet even if I stood under mistletoe with Sarah she wouldn’t know I was there.”

“Stop trying to kiss the help, she’s not like Y/N who can see us all,” Dowoon told the sulking man sitting beside the fire.

You groaned, wondering if it was really worth being able to see them all. You had a business to run and over the Christmas period, the manor was fully booked with guests staying right up until Christmas week itself. You knew you would have filled the days leading up to Christmas with guests had you been open to. But admittedly, you wanted to make it special for those who called the manor home – dead or alive.

However, it seemed like you were the only one looking forward to it.

“It’s not that we can’t see why you want to get the place all done up for the festive period, Y/N,” Brian stated, forever the diplomat. You looked at him warily, already slumping in your posture. You knew there was going to be a but.

And you didn’t want there to be one.

You wanted them to join you. Decorating the large manor would be a whole lot easier with their help, much like it had been when you had renovated it. And apart from the tree you wanted to put up in the living room, there wouldn’t be anything nearly as heavy to worry about like when you were fixing the broken down parts of your Grandmother’s home you had inherited.

Brian smiled at you, rubbing the upper parts of your arms encouragingly before continuing. “But just like with our birthdays, we long stopped celebrating Christmas.”

“Well maybe we need to change that too, birthdays are important.”

“I don’t even remember my birthday, do you?” Dowoon admitted sheepishly, looking around at the five men he had spent over one hundred and forty years in this manor house with. Wonpil shrugged as Sungjin laughed, shaking his head.

“Do you remember my birthday?” Becky asked Jae as she looked up from where she had snuggled into him on the couch, and the man loosely holding her nodded.

“Of course, how could I forget that?”

“Oh, so you remember my birthday but not what I looked like after all these years apart, huh?”

Jae chuckled awkwardly. “You didn’t even know your own name until I told you so you’re not one to talk.”

“Maybe that’s not my name, maybe you just gave me that!”

Dropping your shoulders away from Brian’s hands, you slipped out of his grip and headed for the attic in hopes the decorations would be up there. You knew he had followed you, and when he stepped in front to stop your departure, you shook your head firmly. “It’s fine, I’ll just decorate by myself.”

“You know I’ll help you.”

“But you have no interest in Christmas,” you pointed out glumly, and he let out a groan as you stepped around him. “I just wanted us to celebrate like a family this year, that’s all.”

“Family?” he repeated as you pulled on the lever to bring the stairs down to the attic. “How does a family celebrate for Christmas?”

“Surely you would have seen how my Grandmother and her family spent this time of the year when she was younger.”

Brian chuckled. “That was a very long time ago. Besides, she never bothered once you were born since she would travel to your house each year for that. The manor looked just as it does now.”

You frowned, surprised to know that. Brian was right; you had never experienced a single Christmas here. Whilst you spent all your summers playing hide and seek with your five friends, when it was the colder months, you had always anticipated the middle of December when your grandmother would arrive, presents in tow. You hadn’t thought about what she would leave behind or how the men haunting her family home would spend the end of the year either.

It made you further determined to show them the best Christmas ever.

You found a pitiful amount of winter décor in the attic, and it was much too musty to seem appropriate to place around your bed and breakfast. So when Sarah, your only employee, turned up the following morning, you smiled brightly at the woman. “How do you feel about Christmas decorations?”

“I was wondering when we’d be putting them up. Is today the day?!”

Grinning at her shared enthusiasm, you nodded, collecting your car keys and bag from the foyer. “Actually, we have none. Turns out my Grandmother never decorated for Christmas.”

“Well then, clean slate?”

“City trip?” you shot back and you both grinned at one another. It wasn’t just Sarah who came on the trip. It didn’t matter if you were going to the post office in the small township below or onto the closest city; Brian in the very least would accompany you. However, today Jae and Becky had decided to come on the outing, mostly because the newcomer to the manor had spent a lot of her time in the city until she wound up following a guest for a weekend escape to your manor. Despite being all too happy to have finally found where she lived years before her death, you could tell she was eager to see more bustle than the seaside township offered.

Sarah stopped you before heading into the Christmas store you had arrived at. “Can I catch up? I just realised there’s a shop just around the corner that I need to go to whilst we’re here. Is that okay?”

“Of course, I’ve got enough help with me,” you mused and then realised what you had said, cringing slightly. “I’ll see you when you’re ready to help me. Until then, I’ll just see what I can get done alone.”

“Nice one,” Jae commented as you started to push your shopping cart towards the entrance. You shot him a subtle smile, trying not to bring much attention to yourself. You had learned early on into your outings with any ghost that if you had headphones in and your phone out, any passer-by would think you were talking to someone on the phone. It was a well-formed habit of yours now and when you were set up, you glanced at the couple beside you.

“Where should we start? Tinsel? Wreaths? A tree?”

“You’re the one wanting all this, Y/N,” Jae replied with a shrug, rearranging his glasses on his nose before looking down at Becky.

She seemed lost in thought, her brows slowly weaving together.

“Should have brought Dowoon, at least he would choose colours for me,” you lamented, turning to push the cart down the first aisle. You might as well just see everything the store had to offer.

Twenty minutes later, Sarah had returned and you were actually getting things you needed. You had found a tree whilst she had been gone, in which she was still marvelling at how you had lifted it in by yourself. You didn’t have the heart to tell your friend that Jae had attempted to bring a smile to Becky’s face whilst flexing his non-existent muscles helping you.

Still, his ghostly babe, as he so affectionately referred to her as, was not even present any more, her steps slowing down, trailing through the winter wonderland section in a daze. It concerned you, but you had to keep up with the conversation with Sarah, who was none the wiser. Jae was either just as affected by her change in mood, or afflicted by his thoughts, growing increasingly quiet. Just as you were about to ask them what was wrong when Sarah went off to ask a store clerk for help, Becky stilled, looking up at Jae, tears welling in her eyes.

“I remember.”

“What?”

“Why we don’t like Christmas. Or least, why I don’t like it.” You watched the couple carefully, Becky’s attention turning to you as the first tear fell from her eyes. “We were supposed to get married then.”

When you arrived back at the manor, you feigned having a headache to Sarah and then grabbed Becky’s hand, leading her into your bedroom and shut the door quickly. The whole drive back had been sombre, even Sarah picking up on the mood in the car. And while there was not a lot of conversation happening, your mind had been processing faster than the car was moving.

The brunette looked at you curiously. “What is it, Y/N? I’m sorry I ruined your outing-”

“No, don’t be. But can I ask you something?” you cut in, waving your hands about dismissively. Becky eyed your quick movements, giving you a small yet cautious nod. “I know you and Jae were lovers when you were alive. And when the fire happened…”

Becky’s head fell and you sighed, changing your approach immediately.

“You spent the rest of your life working away from here, and were displaced upon death.”

“I stayed in the house I died in until accompanying the descendant who brought me here, yes. I don’t know why I couldn’t leave her, though I did try. All I know is when I woke up in the afterlife; I could talk freely, despite not talking ever again after losing Jae. Then again, I had only accomplished saying five words by that time.”

“Both you and Jae now believe you were meant to stay with that family line until you ended up here. You were meant to be together.”

She nodded with a small smile. “Even when were alive. He was the only person who didn’t see me as different or broken. And what was shattered had been slowly healing.”

“And you were going to get married that Christmas,” you added on, Becky chewing on her lip as she nodded again. You smiled warmly at her, throwing your hands up in the air. “Why not get married?!”

“Don’t be foolish, Y/N, how can a ghost get married?”

You reached for her hand and shook it eagerly. “Why can’t you? You love him, don’t you?”

“With every fibre of my existence.”

“And you were going to get married at Christmas when you were together. Which you are now!”

Becky was slowly warming to your idea, her eyes flashing with a sense of hope. “Do you think I could even be a bride?”

“The most beautiful bride this manor has ever seen!” you replied, now bouncing with joy. Becky started to smile.

“You know, it would be lovely to go ahead with what we had planned to do before I lost him.”

“And now that you have an afterlife together, you can be forever his bride.”

“Y/N, do you think maybe this Christmas we could hold a ceremony here?” she asked earnestly and you nodded immediately.

Seeing the woman before you begin to smile with excitement, you knew that there would be a swift change in the Christmas spirit around here.

_________________

Part 2

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Spiritual Connection Masterlist

This world keeps on growing so I figure it really needs it’s own masterlist! 

Summary: Ever since you were a child, you had known the five men who lived in your Grandmother’s house. What you weren’t expecting upon returning as an adult was that they would still be there - and look exactly the same.

Pairing: Brian Kang / DAY6 x reader

Genre: ghost au / fluff / romance

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Other Stories Set In This World: 

Existence (Sungjin x OC) 

After his death, Sungjin had no idea why he was bound to the manor house but meeting Pearl gave him a reason to exist.

1 | 2

Her Name (Jae x OC)

All Jae wanted to know was the name of the woman who captured his heart from the first moment he saw her. Getting to know it meant going on an entire journey he hadn’t expected to take. 

The Spirit(s) of Christmas

It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

His Voice (Jae x OC) -- B’s POV from Her Name

All B wanted was to talk to her lover. But after the tragic way her mother had died, it felt as if misfortune would keep her thoughts inside of her forever. 

How To Love (Brian x reader)

Brian hoped taking you out on a date would help you both connect more like most couples did. Except, with him being a ghost, going on a date proves to be harder than either of you anticipated.

Chelle Chats Drabbles: Wonpil | Jae

All stories in chronological order: 

Her Name // His Voice // Existence // Spiritual Connection // The Spirit(s) of Christmas // How To Love

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The Spirit(s) of Christmas - Part 3

Summary: It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Pairing: reader x Day6 (ft. previous OCs)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / romance / fluff / minor angst

Warnings: none

A/N: Welcome back to the Seaside Manor! I knew we couldn’t just leave the ghosts to celebrate by themselves - which apparently, they aren’t so keen to do anyway! So we had to return and see if we could bring in some festive cheer!

This story is part of a previously written world. It may make some sense, but to understand all the characters, I highly recommend reading all the previous parts and spinoffs in the masterlist first before reading this series! They can be found in the link above.

The Spirit(s) of Christmas will be shared daily at 10am from 2 December NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

“You know, I don’t know how you do it.”

Glancing up from the breakfast dishes you were loading into the dishwasher, you gestured for Sarah to continue.

“You did half the decorations without me. This house is huge, Y/N and it’s decked out so well already!”

“To be fair, the Christmas tree is looking pretty bare as we haven’t decorated it with ornaments yet.”

That was because you were hoping to find a night sometime this week where everyone in the house would be inclined to dress the tree with you. It was a tradition from when you were little that you would wait until your grandmother would turn up before you put the first ornament on the tree. You smiled wistfully knowing that this year was truly the first time you wouldn’t even get to ring her to wish her a Merry Christmas.

“But the halls, the banister, I don’t even know how you hung up some of the stuff by yourself!” Sarah continued, shaking her head incredulously. “I swear when I’m not here it’s like you have friends who come out of the walls and keep you company or something!”

Sungjin snorted loudly as he continued to read the paper on the table. Shooting him a look, you then turned back to your friend. “If only those little creatures could fly as well. Then they could hang some of the décor around the chandeliers.”

“That’s what a ladder is for,” Sungjin quipped and you rolled your eyes.

Sarah giggled. “Like ghosts? You know, I’ve always thought we aren’t alone. There’s been a couple of times where I’ve entertained silly little thoughts in this house whilst working here too.”

“Such as?” you asked, noting that Sungjin’s attention was no longer on the fine print.

“Sometimes I feel like someone is watching me. Not in a menacing way. And I hear footsteps at night when no one is up. A couple of times I’ve sworn there’s been a guitar playing in the study. And…”

“And?”

Sarah laughed again, this time uncomfortably. “Don’t mind me. It’s just my over-imagination.”

“Tell me, you know you can trust in me,” you replied, leaning closer.

“Well, I’m pretty sure I once saw a man in my bedroom. I had been dreaming of him, and then he was sitting on the end of my bed watching me when I first woke up. As soon as I blinked, he was gone.”

You tried not to become evidently excited, a low whistle leaving Sungjin at Sarah’s admission. You reached out for her arm and shook it gently. “Did he look familiar at all?”

“Kim Wonpil, the guy who’s portrait hangs in the hallway.”

There was a sudden clatter on the floor, and when you turned to Sungjin, you noticed he was stunned but not looking in your direction. Lifting your eyes to the doorway, you found Wonpil standing there, the metal watering can he used indoors now rolling back and forth upon the tiles. After her startled scream, Sarah stepped forward, her eyes now wide.

“Y/N, was that there before?”

“Uhhhhh-”

“How strange. I’ll go put this back in the conservatory, shall I?”

Once gone, both you and Sungjin looked up at Wonpil. He visibly shook. “She… she saw me?!”

“Now, it’s rather improper to watch over someone who’s not aware of your presence when they’re asleep,” Sungjin chided but you swatted him away, all but leaping onto Wonpil and shaking his arm excitedly.

“Don’t listen to him. Sarah is aware of you!”

“Oh my,” Wonpil breathed, looking at you both in terror. “What do I do now?”

It had taken some encouragement from everyone in the household, but Wonpil was actively now trying to garner more of Sarah’s attention. And she was definitely picking up on his efforts.

“Y/N! Did you leave flowers in my room again?”

“Flowers?” you repeated down the hallway as you cleaned out one of the guest rooms. Sarah appeared in the doorway, holding up a vase. You smiled to yourself privately before shaking your head innocently at the woman. “Not me. If I gave you flowers, it would just be dumped in that vase. Looks like someone put a lot of effort into that arrangement.”

“I know, and it’s just so lovely I wish I could thank them for it!”

“Maybe you should stop by the portrait of Wonpil on your way back to your room and do just that!” you teased, and Sarah groaned loudly.

“I knew telling you that would become a liability for me! Just because I’m enchanted by the man in the portrait doesn’t mean his ghost is trying to romance me.”

“It could be him, you know.”

Sarah rolled her eyes dramatically. “Next you’ll be telling me you have the hots for Brian or something.”

“Hey!” you called after her, unable to control the blush forming on your skin. Leaning around the doorframe, you grinned. “What if I do? He looks pretty handsome for a ridiculously old dead guy!”

“Do I now?” Whipping your head in the opposite direction, Brian grinned at you. “Glad to know that even being ridiculously old and dead I have you completely charmed.”

“Ha-ha,” you voiced dryly, though you quickly took hold of his shirt, pulling your boyfriend into the room and closed the door.

Brian was rather flustered. “Feeling bold today, are we?”

“We need to help Wonpil do something else. Sarah is warming to the idea!”

“So no making out for me then,” he murmured forlornly, nodding his head soon after. “Fine, I’ll go help him write her a letter.”

Which was promptly read to you the following morning, Sarah’s voice an octave higher when she was done. “Y/N, what is going on?! Look at this handwriting, it’s not modern!”

“No, it’s very vintage,” you agreed, sighing when you recognised that Brian had written the letter in Wonpil’s stead. You couldn’t help but feel a little envious that she had received such a letter and Brian had yet to write you anything since you became an item. Still, the words written down were Wonpil’s and they had excited Sarah completely.

“Do you think Wonpil had a lover named Sarah and I’ve uncovered a love letter from before he died?!” she asked, staring back at the words fondly. You could tell she was a sucker for a good romance story.

“Or it could be for you,” you offered and Sarah’s neck craned in your direction in disbelief.

“A ghost can write love letters?!”

You shrugged with a tiny smile. “Well, if they can help me hang Christmas decorations, then I’m sure they are capable of a whole lot more than you’ve even thought of.”

Wonpil came racing down the hallway and into your bedroom, shaking you awake rapidly. You shrieked, especially when you realised Brian hadn’t left your bed overnight. Though Wonpil seemed unphased due to the distress upon his face.

“Get up, get up, get up!”

“What’s going on?” Brian wondered groggily, trying to help you up as Wonpil yanked on your arm repeatedly.

“Sarah’s fainted!”

Everyone moved into action towards Sarah’s bedroom, Jae soon appearing with the smelling salts. He handed them to you appreciatively as Wonpil flittered about the room.

“What did you do?” Sungjin asked and his friend let out a small wail.

“Nothing! I mean, I was just in here like usual. Sarah was reading over the letter I gave her and placed it upon her dresser. And then she looked up into the mirror and screamed before promptly passing out. Oh no, what if she doesn’t wake up and she’s injured in some way?!”

Becky reached out to soothe him gently. “I’m sure she’s going to be fine.”

“She’s breathing still,” Dowoon added on after holding his index finger to her nose. “She’ll wake up soon.”

You wondered if this was what it looked like when you became alert after fainting all those months ago when you saw Brian for the first time as an adult. When Sarah’s eyes opened, the occupants in the room all leaned in closer to ensure she was okay. Her gaze widened abruptly, scanning around herself slowly before her eyes connected with yours.

“Wh-what’s going on? Who are all these… are you Brian?”

“Well, she sees the dead now, congrats bro.” Jae slapped Wonpil on the arm playfully and got up, taking Becky’s hand.

“Should I go get her some water?” Becky asked and you nodded before turning back to the woman now gripping onto your arm.

“Did I die?”

“You’re perfectly alive.”

“But I see the men on the wall. I saw Wonpil in my mirror earlier on. In the flesh.”

Sungjin chuckled. “It’s not every day we get the pleasure of being recognised either, Sarah.”

“I can hear you! Oh my god, I think I’m going to hyperventilate.”

“Let’s take it slow, shall we?” you eased, helping her sit up slowly. Becky had returned with the glass of water in which you handed to Sarah. She marvelled at how she could touch the cup and then gulped some of it down. You nodded at Wonpil softly.

“I’m sorry for frightening you; I never meant to hurt you.”

After staring at him for some time, Sarah smiled weakly before looking up at you again. “So when you were talking to yourself, you weren’t really?”  

“Nope.”

“And the decorations?”

“I’ve got some helpers, though they don’t walk through walls or fly, sadly enough.”

“The flowers?”

“I gave them to you,” Wonpil admitted, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. “And the letter, well, Brian wrote it for me because I’m not very good with that.”

“You’ve been here all this time?” Sarah asked those in the room and they all nodded. “And you can see the dead, Y/N?”

You smiled, massaging her shoulder gently. “And now you can too. I hope it’s not a burden for you.”

“I mean, I have so many questions!”

“I’m your guy to answer them,” Brian offered with a chuckle and you couldn’t help but remember when you had bombarded him with your own.

Although it was early days, you were relieved. Having Sarah help out at the manor was a godsend but you always had been worried about her finding out about the manor being haunted and it scaring her away.

Now, with the way she shot small looks in Wonpil’s direction every few moments, you were hopeful she would be joining you all this Christmas too.

_________________

Part 4

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The Spirit(s) of Christmas - Part 2

Summary: It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Pairing: reader x Day6 (ft. previous OCs)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / romance / fluff / minor angst

Warnings: none

A/N: Welcome back to the Seaside Manor! I knew we couldn’t just leave the ghosts to celebrate by themselves - which apparently, they aren’t so keen to do anyway! So we had to return and see if we could bring in some festive cheer!

This story is part of a previously written world. It may make some sense, but to understand all the characters, I highly recommend reading all the previous parts and spinoffs in the masterlist first before reading this series! They can be found in the link above.

The Spirit(s) of Christmas will be shared daily at 10am from 2 December NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

So you didn’t quite know how to hold a wedding ceremony for those not in the world of the living, but in the very least, the house was starting to look ready for Christmas. Becky had enlisted Jae quickly into helping with putting up decorations around the manor and between the three of you – four when Sarah was about – you were starting to feel the Christmas spirit.

However, you weren’t without the rest of your less than enthusiastic housemates. Whilst you listened to Jae sing Becky a completely made up Christmas song about their love down the hallway, you found Dowoon sitting in the kitchen, a sigh leaving him as soon as you entered.

“You okay?”

“I am,” he answered unconvincingly and then he chuckled at himself. “Well, maybe not.”

“Is it because you died around this time?” you asked gently, not knowing how to broach the topic with your friends. You couldn’t fathom how you were so clueless until now. You had researched this house and the men who lived in it. Their stories were ones you shared at night with your guests or whenever you were asked about the vintage portraits in the hallway. But you didn’t really go into detail over their demise either. Perhaps that was why it has slipped yours and their minds entirely.

Dowoon looked at you and shook his head. “No, I came to understand my place in this world a long time ago. I’m no longer upset about my passing. I’m just a little, well can I be honest?”

“Of course!”

The tall man scratched the back of his head and chuckled again. You knew he was growing shy and hurried to finish making your peppermint hot cocoa, placing it down in front of him instead. Dowoon glanced up at you. “Y/N, you know I don’t need to drink.”

“Try it.”

“It smells really strong,” he mentioned as he picked up the mug, inhaling the sweet and refreshing fragrance of the chocolate and peppermint together. He took a sip and smiled. “Well, it’s warm.”

“I forgot you can’t taste as well as I can anymore,” you answered with a sigh, sitting down across from him.

Dowoon shook his head quickly. “No, but I’m touched. You made me a drink when you didn’t have to. Thank you.”

“So why are you so down?”

“It’s silly.”

“Try me.”

“I’m jealous. Everyone has someone in this house. Sungjin still pines for Pearl, Jae and Becky are getting married now, and you and Brian…”

You blushed. Whilst it was common knowledge you and Brian had moved from friendship into something more, it wasn’t something you were both openly sharing around the manor yet.

“Even Wonpil has a crush on Sarah and I have no one. No pretty ghost lady is coming for me. Not that I would even know what to do or say to one! I’m pretty shy.”

“I know, but I get it too. You want something that is your own.”

“Mm,” he hummed in agreement, sipping at his drink. He grinned at you. “Can you show me how to make this in the future for when I feel low? I really like it.”

“I would love to.”

Dowoon’s loneliness played on your mind for the rest of the day. Whilst you prepared for guests to arrive at the manor, and talked with Becky about wedding ideas she had written down in the parlour after lunch, you tried to think of ways to help ease some of his concerns. You didn’t know what kind of present to give him for Christmas, and frankly, with it being three weeks away still, you didn’t want to see him miserable right until the big day. Especially, in case you didn’t get him the right gift.

You were mindlessly preparing dessert in the kitchen when Brian came to find you, his lips brushing over the side of your neck softly. “The custard’s burning.”

“What?” Blinking out of your reverie, you gasped, taking the pot off the stovetop immediately. “Oh no!”

“What’s got your focus so much that I now need to worry about you standing near a hot oven, huh?” he asked after you dumped the pot in the sink, clasping your head in your hands a moment later. Brian’s arms slipped around you, pulling you into one of his comforting embraces. You didn’t even hesitate to lean back into him, letting out a dejected exhale.

“If you were to give someone who is lonely a present, what would it be?”

“Well, I’m not sure. How lonely is this person? Do they like pets? I see our neighbour has a cat. Isn’t there a trend where lonely people adopt cats?”

You nodded softly, thinking of Dowoon with a cat. As much as you knew he would befriend it, he had more energy than a cat did. You instantly saw him with a dog instead, and you perked up immediately at the thought, turning around to kiss Brian briefly. “You’re a genius!”

“Well, as much as I love your praise, are you going to tell me why?” he asked with a chuckle, watching as you prepared a new batch of custard for the dessert.

You shot him a bright smile and then shook your head. “It’s a surprise!”

“Why did we leave the house? It’s cold!” Dowoon whined and you glanced at your friend and grinned. You were too excited to wait any longer than a day, and as soon as you could leave the manor that morning, you had dragged Dowoon out to the car with you.

“Woon, it’s me who feels the cold more than you do.”

“When it rains, it’s cold. When it’s lower temperatures, it’s cold. When you’re in a fluffy coat like-”

You shot him another grin. “I get it.”

“Where are we going?”

“To cure your loneliness.”

He frowned, looking at the road ahead and then back at you. “I don’t get how you can do that by taking me out of the house. Are you adopting me out to a family in need of a ghost?”

Laughing, you shook your head. “We’re the ones adopting.”

“There’s a place to adopt ghosts?!” he asked in wonderment and you couldn’t stop laughing until you pulled up at the local animal shelter. You had rung first thing that morning to ensure there was at least one dog there. And when you stepped inside the building with Dowoon, the howling in the kennels out back grew quiet.

“Huh, they normally hear someone come in and start making a racket,” the shelter manager mentioned as she led you to the dog enclosure.

Glancing up at Dowoon briefly, you then looked to see the row of animals. When you had researched last night the affect spirits had on animals, it was a little conflicting. Some said they grew wary in their presence, and the first dog you approached was definitely just that. You saw Dowoon’s smile falter with the response and you sighed, gently tugging him along with you. Other websites mentioned that some animals really connected well with the energy around ghosts and would even prefer to spend their time in what seemed like empty rooms that were actually haunted. You had your fingers crossed that one of the dogs here would show that kind of interest.

There were six in total, and the first three all sat quietly in the back of their pens, watching Dowoon warily.

And then there was a bark.

“That’s strange; she’s never been very vocal before.”

“Maybe it’s just my aura,” you teased with a little laugh, looking towards Dowoon who crouched in front of the caramel coloured dog. She was bounding around the gate energetically, her tail wagging faster than Dowoon could pet her. His smile grew until he was laughing just as much as the dog was barking. You knew this was the right match for both of them.

“Looks like she’s chosen to come home with me,” you stated happily.

Of course, not wanting to impose on anyone staying at the manor with allergies, you had to make sure Custard the dog remained in the staff only part of the house. This didn’t seem to faze Dowoon at all, and if you needed to find him, you knew where to head. He did everything with Custard, and you honestly had never met a more settled dog. She was smitten with her ghostly owner, and whilst she was wary of the living, she would let you pet her for a little bit longer each day.

“Today I taught Custard a new trick, watch!” Dowoon enthused when you entered the back room, Dowoon standing up and then holding out his hands, turning one over. “Roll over!”

The dog did his bidding, exposing her tummy for a well-earned belly rub.

“Play dead!”

“Isn’t that a bit on the nose?” Wonpil wondered, looking up from the bouquet of flowers he was organising. “I mean, we don’t want your dog to actually die.”

Custard was now sprawled on the ground doing her best to be still.

You grinned at Dowoon after shooting Wonpil a bemused look. “She’s so clever!”

“I know I complained to you and it was a big deal for you to get a dog, but thank you! I’ve never received a more thoughtful gift before!”

“Honestly, I don’t mind. I love dogs and even if Custard isn’t the happiest around the living, she’s most certainly found her place in this world with us. I’m just glad to see you smiling again.”

“Easy for some,” Wonpil chimed with a sigh and you turned your attention to the man across the room again. “Getting someone to love you back is hard work.”

“Not again, Wonpil!” Dowoon whined, picking up the candy cane shaped squeaker dog toy for Custard to play with. With the pair disappearing outside to play since it wasn’t too cold out yet, you approached the remaining occupant in the room.

“Are you making Sarah another bouquet?” you wondered and Wonpil smiled sadly.

“I’m practising for Jae and Becky’s wedding. She asked me if I’d make her a bouquet since I like flowers.”

“Wow, that’s an honour,” you mentioned and he nodded, focusing back on the flowers. “Will you give Sarah this when you’re done though?”

You watched his eyes flash with acknowledgement. “She’s staying this week, isn’t she?”

“Actually, she’s here right up until we close for Christmas. Plenty of opportunities for you to try and get her attention, don’t you think?”

Wonpil glanced at you then, his dark stare bright for a mere moment before the light left his eyes. He lowered his head. “She doesn’t know I exist.”

“She could by Christmas,” you encouraged and Wonpil shrugged.

You had so far helped three of the spirits in this house find some festive cheer and it looked like now you would have to think on how to encourage Wonpil to do something about his crush.

_________________

Part 3

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Existence - Part 1

Summary: After his death, Sungjin had no idea why he was bound to the manor house but meeting Pearl gave him a reason to exist.

Pairing: Park Sungjin x OC, featuring reader & Day6

World: Spiritual Connection

Genre: ghost au / slow burn / romance / angst

Warnings: death

A/N: Welcome to Existence, a spinoff from Spiritual Connection. When I wrote the Brian/Day6 series, Sungjin’s moment with Y/N was actually unplanned from the original outline but it’s one of my favourite parts in the story. A lot of you also agreed and wanted to explore more of what got him to that point. So did I, and so here we are!

Since Pearl was established as a character in the series, I’ve chosen to write her instead of making her a reader insert. This story is also covering from the late 1800s to present time, so there was a lot to fit in, hence why it’s broken into two parts.

Word count: 3886

Index: 1 | 2 | Spiritual Connection

He never thought existing would be so difficult. After all, Sungjin had lived in this world for twenty-five years before he had died.

And in those twenty-five years, he had learned a lot about survival. The Industrial Revolution had made advances to those living after its time, and most noblemen were now focused on living a life of pleasure, parties and prestige.

Not that he had been destined to such a lifestyle.

He was by no means stricken by poverty, working the vast fields and gardens around a large estate was no easy task. Getting recognised for the sculpting he could do of the land meant he had no worries of where his next meal came from. And the Duke who owned the land he groomed meticulously had even gone as far as to build him and his team their own home. It held a grand neo-gothic facade on the outside, showing wealth and power to all those who saw it. On the inside, well, it was merely functional.

And that had been all Sungjin had ever wished for.

As he stared around the house he now sat within, he wondered why he had cherished this place like no either. Its walls enclosed on him and his misery a little bit more by the day. It made no sense to him, to any of them. The four others who had died along with him in the great fire of the main house were all that remained. Where was everyone else? He had woken to find chaos, smoke and ruin all around. His master was gone and left a widow and three children behind. The majority of the fire he had been attempting to put out was now smouldering ash on the ground.

All that was left was the godforsaken tower home, and no power, prestige or pleasure would come from being stuck in it. 

It took what seemed like decades before someone searched for more than cobwebs in their home. In reality, it had only been two years and the land that once was owned by the Duke of the county now had been sold, gifted and divided between many. The portion that was on the hillside closest to the sea had been sold to a small family, so Brian had heard when he was outside working in the gardens out of habit. Sungjin couldn’t face the outside world since passing into the afterlife; not that being indoors did much for him either. But he was fascinated by the changes that started to occur to his little home. The family had big ideas to build on several extensions that would make his functional little tower home into a grand manor by the sea.

And through this process, the walls extended out around him.

“Look, they’re adding on another wing!” Wonpil enthused, the sound of construction pounding from dawn to dusk.

It was rather impressive when they were done, the two bedroom turret tower now a vast, seven bedroom home with multiple day rooms, a study, large kitchen, dining and amenities that would ease the lives of those who would inhabit it. Even his friends were thrilled with the extension of their home, spreading throughout the building and no longer stuck in the same spot. Sungjin had chosen a ground level bedroom to spend his days within. It held a great view of the sea and sky from facing the cliffside and brought him some peace in this confusing overstay on Earth.

The puzzle of why he and his friends remained stuck on this land, as protectors of their home, still eluded him. Acceptance had arrived, as did the new residents.

They were loud people.

From parties to arguments, all this family could do was shrill from the top of their lungs. It had felt promising to have his home grander than ever. Now, he hoped for the simplicity to come back.

It was incredibly frustrating to simply exist in a place that was no longer his.

Still, nothing he or his friends came up with worked.

“I once read we should see a light come forth.”

“Candlelight?” Dowoon asked, pointing to what was illuminating the drawing room they were in. Jae smacked his friend around the head and groaned.

“No, an actual light. Maybe a tunnel and we get to walk through it.”

“Where does it lead to?” Wonpil wondered and Brian shrugged.

“Perhaps it’s towards paradise.”

“Jae, the book you were reading was the Bible and the light would lead us to salvation,” Sungjin announced, sighing heavily.

“Are we the damned then?”

“We only did our best to help our master until the explosion,” Wonpil mentioned with a pout and everyone fell silent.

And then Jae stood up, shaking his head before fetching his guitar from the corner of the room. His tune was troubled, much like their hearts were.

This sombre mood travelled into the new century where the manor house saw several owners come and go. The loud family came into money and moved to bigger prospects. The next fell into ruin and the house went into possession of the bank.

Sungjin watched grandeur enter and leave in an endless cycle until new money arrived in the late 1930s. A family with three children, though only giggles filled the home this time. He was enamoured by the way the light seemed to shine brighter in the manor house. It transformed, carrying a spirit from the past and meshing with the new with every pass of Ring around the Rosie played in the grand entrance.

It was a year later when everything changed.

“Won’t you play with me?” the youngest asked, doors opening and closing as she searched for her siblings.

“Jacob, Ruby, where are you?!” she called out desperately, opening the door to the downstairs bedroom that was now a guest room. She stepped inside, climbing up onto the large bed with a huff, cursing under her breath about being left behind yet again.

Sungjin lifted his focus from the book he was reading and chuckled at her disposition, deciding the youngest child of the family was definitely the most spirited.

“Who are you?” she suddenly wondered aloud and Sungjin looked up again to see who she was talking to. Staring right at him, he blinked, closing the book slowly and then pointed to himself. “Yes, you. I have never seen you before.”

“You can see me?” he tentatively questioned and with all innocence, she bounced her head up and down. Sungjin was amazed. “Really, you can see me?”

“Can you not see yourself?” she replied with a giggle, pointing to the mirror across from him. He smiled sadly and shrugged. Hesitance now gone, the little girl approached Sungjin and sat down across from him. “Do you have a name? Mine is Pearl. I’m the youngest lady of this house.”

Sungjin grinned. “The youngest lady?”

“Of course, don’t you see how much I’m growing? Why, I will be eight this summer!”

“Eight is a mighty fine age to be,” he told her and she grinned, giggling once again. “And my name is Sungjin.”

“Sungjin,” Pearl repeated, smiling as she liked how it rolled off her tongue. “Sungjin, do you know of a game to play?”

“A game?”

Pearl nodded again, leaning forward in earnest. What games did children enjoy these days? He was so out of touch with the world by now. Only one came to mind. “Hide and seek.”

“Will you play it with me? My brother says I’m too annoying to mind and my sister is learning a new skill. They say it will give her marrying prospects. Yuck! Imagine marrying because you can sew well.”

Sungjin chuckled at her open disdain. “Sewing will be a handy skill to have.”

“Can you sew?”

“Some.”

“Then I need not worry about it all. Shall we play now? Oh please, I wish to have fun again now that everyone else is boring and growing up.”

She reached out for his hand then, startling Sungjin at her ability to touch him as if he were among the living.

It was then that he found a purpose for his existence. Although he didn’t need to, he took in a deep breath, renewed by Pearl’s discovery.

And his own.

For years, Pearl enjoyed running around the house calling out to her friends. She would beg Brian for one more game and Sungjin to help her hide. She would always give herself away by giggling, perhaps too excited to have the turn to find her friends instead.

It worried the adults within the home.

“Pearl, you need to go out today.”

“But why mama, Sungjin and I-”

“My dear, I have no idea who your friend is that you talk of but it’s time for you to meet others to play with. Bring home friends from school, won’t you?”

“None of them want to play hide and seek though. They say at age twelve we shouldn’t run amuck as I do.”

“Perhaps they’re right,” her mother agreed, straightening out the collar to Pearl’s coat she had fastened her into.

The young girl glanced up at the five men watching on, Wonpil gesturing with his hands to go out and play. It took a little more convincing, but eventually, Pearl left with her mother to run errands.

“Well, it’s a good thing, right? I mean, how many places can we hide in now? She knows of them all,” Jae surmised, scratching the back of his head.

“I like when she giggles, it’s so easy to find her.”

“Or when she catches us as if it’s the greatest achievement of her life,” Brian added on to Dowoon’s statement, and Sungjin smiled fondly, eyes travelling to the front door.

“She needs to discover the world out there though, playing with us every day won’t be something Pearl can continue doing for much longer.”

He had been right. Pearl managed to make new friends, though it perplexed her whenever they came over to the house. “She said I was fibbing! Me, a liar?! I would never do such a thing!”

“Well, it’s not as if you can show your friend evidence, Pearl.”

“Sungjin, my reputation is on the line here. If Harriet goes back to school and proclaims I see spirits to everyone, will anyone sit with me at lunchtime? What will I do if I get picked last in class for teamed events? This is rubbish!”

“You sound awfully a lot like Jae these days,” he mused, turning back to his book.

“And you remind me of a bear. Are you hibernating? Where is your energy? I thought we would play today!”

“Don’t you have sewing to learn for the next hour?”

“I sew well enough, thank you.”

“Piano then.”

“Surely we can go a day without hearing me fumble through classical music that my short fingers have no part in playing.”

Sungjin grinned at her stubbornness. “Cooking?”

“We have Mary for that, and she’s as fit as a fiddle. Any more excuses? How about poetry? I had a session yesterday with Brian. Gardening? You showed me how to prune a rose bush last week. What else would a young lady of my status need? Ah yes, exercise. Now come!”

“Fussy little thing!”

“I will hold you accountable if you continue to sour my mood, Sungjin!”

They played all afternoon long and heard the scolding Pearl received for acting like a child over dinner. Throwing herself through the guest bedroom door, she came in and dashed right over to where he sat on the floor, diving into his arms.

“I don’t want to grow up. I don’t wish to let go of all of this. They tell me I am going mad, that I made you all up. Maybe I am mad! But to me you’re real.”

“We once were,” he reminded softly, stroking Pearl’s hair. “But now, maybe they are right. I don’t want you to miss out on any opportunities for a good life, Pearl.”

“And I won’t if I remain your friend, will I?”

“You might.”

“I won’t,” she concluded, though an air of uncertainty followed. “Hopefully, I won’t.”

The next morning, Pearl had a new resolve. She ignored Wonpil’s morning greeting. She side-stepped around Dowoon who came to hug her. As she dressed and readied herself for school, Pearl was cold, as if something had come into her body overnight and removed her remaining childlike spirit.

Pearl was the very image of a young lady ascending into puberty over the next three months.

No longer did she learn poetry with Brian at all, and focused on improving her piano skills. Her cross stitch was excellent and cooking ability grew greatly. With all the years of playing, she had somewhat neglected the normal growth around her. And so in those three months, she worked herself day in and out to prove something of herself that Sungjin couldn’t quite figure out.

It made her burn out completely.

Jumping when the door opened in the middle of the night, Sungjin looked up from the bed he laid upon, seeing what appeared to be a ghost in the doorway. Blinking, he realised it was Pearl, her eyes searching slowly around the room. When they connected with his, she started to move, running the distance from the door to the bed, diving into his embrace.

“I can’t do it!” she wailed, echoing around the room. “I don’t want to forget you! How can I? When you are all that brings me joy!”

“It’s okay,” he soothed, running his hand over her back gently. “Calm down, you can be who you want to be.”

“You mean that?” she asked as she pulled back and Sungjin nodded, wiping away the tear-stains on her cheeks. She grinned then, diving back into hug him again tightly. “Promise me you won’t ever leave me.”

“I’m bound to this house, where would I go?”

“You know what I mean, promise me. I can’t live another day without you, Sungjin. Without you all. Please, please don’t let me go.”

Staring at her as she shifted back in his arms again, Sungjin searched her face. If only Pearl knew just how much she has changed everything. Because of her, he no longer just existed. He would do anything she asked of him in a heartbeat. Nodding firmly, he watched as her anxiety eased. “Of course, I won’t leave you. I promise.”

The next morning, there was a lot more bustle on the ground floor bedroom of the estate.

Sungjin rubbed the back of his head as he watched his sanctuary transform. From guest room to feminine touches, Pearl dictated all that happened in here. The only thing that remained was the large bed that he had laid upon every night since Pearl’s family had moved in.

And now, he had a roommate.

“Care to tell me why my space is now yours?” he asked as Pearl returned after dinner, smiling happily before diving onto the bed. His simple blankets were gone and replaced by Pearl’s lush covers. He had to admit they would feel comfortable had he been truly able to feel them.

Since dying, some of his senses had faded over time. Others had intensified. Whilst taste and touch had dulled, his experience of his emotions overwhelmed him.

And right now he was feeling a lot of contempt.

Pearl waved him off excitedly. “This is our space.”

“Ours? Pearl, you’re thirteen. I’m a grown man. I will not share this room with you. It’s unacceptable.”

“You promised!” she whined and stopped his rash movement towards the exit. Watching out of the corner of his eye as she scrambled towards the edge of the bed, Sungjin sighed at her desperation. Turning to face her, Pearl clasped her hands to her chest. “You said you wouldn’t leave me.”

“And you decided last night that meant you would suffocate me?”

“How is this suffocating? We never have any problems spending all day together. When I’m not in school, we often spend from when I rise to when I close my eyes doing just that. How is this any different?”

He wanted to say many things. It wasn’t that she was wrong; he had no problem with spending his time with Pearl, or any of his friends. His years of forced solitude were long over. However, there was no denying that Pearl was growing up. She would need her space to deal with tasks that were far from his comprehension. He had once had an older sister, and whilst they had been close, he had not been privy to her personal experiences through the changes of adolescence. Sure, Pearl had a lot of growing up to do, and right now she wasn’t actively in the throes of it. But this had been his space for as long as the room had existed. He was disgruntled that he would have to give it up for her privacy when the time came.

Pearl’s face contorted and soon she was giggling loudly, rolling about the bed. “Are you… are you shy of a woman’s body?!”

“I wouldn’t be going around calling yourself a woman just yet, Pearl,” he muttered, spinning away from her again. Before he could leave, she had dashed across the room and hugged him from behind. His insides surged and he felt confused as to why he was so delighted by the embrace. “You should be more practical.”

“Sungjin, I’m not going to change my mind even when I’m old and grey.”

“About?”

Swinging around his waist so she was now in front of him, Pearl smiled up at him. “Ever since I met you, I’ve always thought you were the man of my dreams.”

“I am nothing of the sort, for one, I’m dead. And you met me when you were seven. How would a child be sure of anything that young?”

“I’m certain I’ll never meet someone as wonderful as you are in my time,” she stated and Sungjin began to feel faint from all the concern whizzing around inside of him. Shaking his head, he pushed her off.

“I am like a brother; see me no further than that.”

“Wait until I change into a fine woman, then you’ll have problems maintaining that stance,” Pearl told him with a huff, stomping back to her bed.

His bed.

Sungjin groaned, rubbing at his face before retreating to the new armchair in the corner.

“Are you not coming to bed?”

“It’s either this chair or I leave the room,” he announced darkly and Pearl nodded from within her bedding.

“Very well then, I’ll endeavour to make your space more comfortable for you over the next week.”

And that she had. Pearl spent the winter break sewing a quilted blanket that now rest on the chair for him to use at night. She ensured a small table was placed beside it for him to put his glasses and book upon each night, and had even placed a photo frame of herself there.

Over the next four years, she changed out the photo regularly. Because, as she had once stated, Pearl did grow into a fine woman.

Swirling around in her navy polka dot dress, Pearl laughed with delight. “Your face right now.”

“I said nothing.”

“You didn’t have to,” she mused, walking to his side. Glancing up at him with eyes alive, Pearl’s smile grew. “You think I look divine, don’t you?”

“It suits you,” he commented dryly, darting his eyes away unsuccessfully. At age seventeen, Pearl was dynamic. And incredibly aware that he often had to swallow back sinful thoughts that had grown over time. He disliked that he had fallen trap to her charms, and yet, looking back over the past ten years, he wondered if there was ever a point where he hadn’t been captivated by her.

“Merely suits me?” she wondered with another laugh, reaching out for one of his hands and tugging on it. He didn’t budge and she grumbled. “Surely, you have more to say than that.”

“It will turn heads at the dance tonight. There, is that satisfactory?” he offered and Pearl pursed her plump crimson lips together, offended he still hadn’t spoken the words that she could see within his warm eyes.

That she was beautiful. The most attractive woman he had ever seen in all of his years, dead or alive.

Her hand was still holding his and she stepped closer, looking up at him, now recovered from her annoyance. “I wish you could be my escort.”

“Don’t be foolish.”

“I know you would dance with me,” she continued and Sungjin chuckled.

“As will many others.”

“Won’t you dance with me?” she murmured, slipping a hand to his waist. He shook his head and pulled away, her touch now burning him down to the soul.

“Go dance with the eligible men and tell me about it in the morning. Goodnight, Pearl.”

He ignored her until she left with an outlandish whine, and whilst he waited at the window for her return all night long, by the time she had made it up the front of the house stairs and into her room, he had feigned slumber within his chair.

“Sungjin, I know you to be awake. You told me yourself, ghosts do not need to sleep, eat or drink.”

He shifted in his chair, angling himself away from her.

Hearing enclosing footsteps, he soon felt her weight across his lap, hands reaching for his face. Sungjin looked at her within the moonlight, enamoured by the young woman before him. Pearl had let down her hair, loose waves framing her face. With the guidance of the natural lighting, he was able to take in everything upon her face.

She was staring at him with a look within her eyes that spoke a thousand words.

He couldn’t avoid her now, even if he wanted to.

“Won’t you dance with me?”

“Aren’t you tired from doing so?” he murmured back and she shook her head, waves of blonde crashing against her face as she did so. He reached out for her cheek and Pearl instantly nuzzled his hand.

There was no return now.

“One dance,” he agreed, helping her stand before joining her at the space by the large window. With the moon guiding their steps, they danced for what felt like forever. Bodies soon drifting together, flush with one another’s clothing.

“I love you, Sungjin,” she whispered as she gazed at him and smiled. Before he could respond, she stretched up and placed those crimson kissable lips he had marvelled over earlier in the evening upon his.

Taste and touch returned, and colour truly morphed around him. As he kissed her back, slow and exploring, Sungjin believed his heart jolted. Somehow the dormant way it laid within his chest now jerked, attempting to beat once more. It was the closest he would get to feeling alive again.

“I love you too,” he told her when his lips separated from her, adoring the dishevelment he had caused. Pearl grinned, pulling him back towards her bed.

“I just want to sleep in your arms tonight, can you grant me that?”

Sungjin nodded, his surprise over her brazen move now easing. “I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

_________________

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The Spirit(s) of Christmas - Part 4

Summary: It was your first Christmas at the Seaside Manor since you had inherited it. Whilst you were ready for some Christmas spirit, the ghosts haunting it weren’t as willing to celebrate.

Pairing: reader x Day6 (ft. previous OCs)

World: Spiritual Connection (masterlist HERE)

Genre: ghost au / romance / fluff / minor angst

Warnings: tissues may be needed for this part

A/N: Welcome back to the Seaside Manor! I knew we couldn’t just leave the ghosts to celebrate by themselves - which apparently, they aren’t so keen to do anyway! So we had to return and see if we could bring in some festive cheer!

This story is part of a previously written world. It may make some sense, but to understand all the characters, I highly recommend reading all the previous parts and spinoffs in the masterlist first before reading this series! They can be found in the link above.

The Spirit(s) of Christmas will be shared daily at 10am from 2 December NZST.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

The mood around the manor had definitely turned festive. There was a countdown for the upcoming wedding in place and when you weren’t making sure your last guests for the year were comfortable and enjoying their stay, you were darting back and forth from meetings with Becky and Sarah. Although she was still stunned, when Sarah learned of Jae’s and Becky’s upcoming nuptials, she had insisted on making the perfect wedding cake.

It couldn’t be going any better.

Well, there was just one person left who wasn’t as festive as the rest. You found Sungjin reading a book in the living room the Sunday before Christmas, his eyes lifting to the barely decorated tree when you sat down beside him. “Do you even plan on hanging anything more than tinsel on this tree?”

“Of course.”

“Y/N, it’s three days until Christmas, shouldn’t you have done it by now?”

You nodded, laughing a little. “You still nag me so well, Dad.”

Sungjin didn’t respond, though you noticed the way he glanced away, swallowing down the lump that had formed in his throat. Choosing it as a perfect time to shift closer, you buried yourself into him. It wasn’t really something you had done much since returning as an adult but you could remember doing this almost daily whenever you stayed as a child. You couldn’t help but tear up when you felt his protective hug envelope you just as he did when you were little.

Sungjin chuckled hoarsely. “You’re not as small as you once were. You used to fit in my arms completely.”

“Still feels good to me.”

“Same.”

“I miss her so much,” you mumbled into the embrace and he held you more tightly. “I wish she was here.”

“I’m sure your Grandmother is watching over us all from somewhere nearby, knowing her.”

“She should visit then,” you grumbled, lifting your head up from his chest and instantly feeling his thumbs wipe away your tear stains. Sungjin then nodded in agreement, looking around the room.

“It would be nice if she could see how well this place looks. You’ve done a good job this year.”

“You all helped me, don’t forget. If it weren’t for you, I’d not have the courage to be out here running this business. I would have just sold up and moved on probably.”

“Your Grandmother would’ve hated that,” Sungjin teased, his smile soon losing its humour. He brushed your hair away from your face instead. “I’m glad you stayed.”

“Is it weird that I’m so much older now and yet you’re still like a parental figure to me?”

Sungjin shook his head. “I’m dead and way older than you; I’m still your Dad as far as I’m concerned.”

“I knew you heard us that time! When I was telling Grandma how I felt. It was you who made the bang, I saw you.”

“Did your Grandmother ever tell you about how she loved you like the child she didn’t get to have too? Your mother is so much like her father that Pearl could never quite relate to her like she did you.”

“So I’m your love child?” you offered and Sungjin blushed. “Whatever our relationship is, we still have so much to talk about. I feel like I never just sit and hear the stories of you and Pearl.”

“Should you call her that?” he warned lightly and you grinned.

“Can I tell you something first?” Sungjin nodded and you produced the box you had come in with. “I never hung up a single ornament on the tree until she arrived at my house. That’s why I haven’t been able to do it this year because I know there’s no way she can.”

You opened the box, showcasing some of your favourite ornaments, the ones that your grandmother had cherished. With tears falling, you smiled up at Sungjin. “Can you hang them with me?”

After placing on the ornaments together, Sungjin had led you into your grandmother’s room which had been left the way she had last done so. You had actually transformed two of the downstairs rooms into bedrooms, the once six-bedroom manor now boasting eight rooms, allowing Sarah to have her own space and your grandmother’s to remain as a place you could step into whenever you missed her. You were already heightened enough from hanging decorations with Sungjin that being in here felt like a home you hadn’t visited in so long. You reached for your favourite handmade cushion from her bed, hugging it to yourself.

“I want to show you something.”

“Oh?”

“There was a time where your Grandmother insisted that she married me. Of course, in what realm would that hold up? Still, she was certain that day would come for us and so, she made something for it.”

Sungjin pressed on the wall panel that you knew as a hiding place, stepping inside only for a moment before he retrieved something from within. Returning, he held out a garment bag whilst smiling. “I almost forgot about this dress until you suggested Becky and Jae get married. Now, it’s not much. I for one think it’s gorgeous but that’s because Pearl made it.”

Unzipping the bag, you retrieved the ivory dress from the inside, gasping when you saw it. It was a simple dress and yet you loved everything about it. You could see her craftsmanship within every stitch you admired. Glancing up at Sungjin, you gave him a watery smile. “Did she ever wear it in front of you?”

“Isn’t that bad luck?” Sungjin asked, shaking his head softly before smirking. “I may or may not have taken a peek during her final fitting.”

“I wish I could wear this one day,” you murmured, running your hands across the fabric fondly. “She would have been a beautiful bride at your side.”

“So will you, one day.”

“I’m not going to get married,” you answered pointedly, though your heart fluttered at the idea of Brian in a suit at your side. It was unrealistic, even if you would want nothing more than to marry the person you loved most.

You knew you could love Brian wholeheartedly without announcing any I do. You had already said that when you stepped into this relationship with him.

“But we both know someone who is,” Sungjin mentioned, ushering you towards the door. You grinned before darting down the hallway to the study. Barging through the door, you cringed when Becky yelped.

“Oh, I’m useless at sewing! No matter how much I try, this gown isn’t working out.”

Grinning, you held up the special dress. “I might have something to help you out.”

Monday went by in a blur, fare-welling your final guests before going over remaining wedding touches with Becky and Jae. Brian had been assisting Jae and all his needs whilst you focused on trying different hairstyles and makeup with Becky and Sarah. Admittedly, you were enjoying both their company greatly. You never felt overwhelmed with being the only female living here for some time but you hadn’t exactly made a lot of friends you could just hang out with either.

Now with Sarah in the knowledge of the afterlife, and along with Becky, you were more than content.

However, your relaxed nature of the day before was gone when you got up early on Christmas Eve and with but a mere kiss for the still sleeping man in your bed, you dashed to the bathroom where you could hear pre-wedding jitters going on.

“This is crazy,” Becky breathed as Sarah curled her hair. “I’m getting married.”

���Yes you are!”

“After nearly one hundred and fifty years of being apart.”

“Love can last more than a lifetime,” Sarah breathed dreamily and you smirked at her dazed smile.

“Do you think that this is silly at all?” Becky asked a moment later and both you and Sarah shook your heads. “No?”

“What’s silly about telling the man you love that you want to be his bride forever?” Sarah wondered and you reached out to hold Becky’s shaking hand.

“Jae is going to freak out when he sees you.”

“Not if I don’t first!” she admitted with a giggle.

Two hours later, everything was almost ready for your Christmas wedding. The manor looked the part, both a winter wonderland and ceremony ready. Wonpil had scattered petals on a pathway up to the makeshift archway Brian and Dowoon had built. Sungjin was setting out a small number of chairs and Jae appeared to be the epitome of an anxious groom.

“What if I forget what I want to say? I mean, I’m good with my words, right? It’s how I got here in the first place. I never shut up when it came to B! We dated and we fell more in love and I still did the most of the talking and that was okay. But what if I can’t talk today?!”

“You got this, bro!” Dowoon enthused and Wonpil nodded as he fixed the bouquet a final time.

“Even if you can’t talk, I’m sure Becky will, which will be a nice change from when she couldn’t,” Sungjin offered.

“You’ll be fine. Just don’t cry too much because then your eyes will grow smaller and-”

“Brian,” you called out to the man who was teasingly working up his best friend. He turned, his mouth falling ajar at seeing you there. You had changed into a mint green dress you and Sarah had picked up for the special occasion, and you had to admit that seeing all the hard work everyone had put into this ceremony and of your bridal look as well had your stomach full of flutters.

Until you realised there was one role for this wedding missing.

“Hey um, it looks really great in here and I know you’re ready to get on with this but who’s going to run the show?”

“What do you mean?” Jae asked, his eyes widening behind his glasses.

“Well, at most weddings, there’s usually a celebrant or pastor or someone. Did any of you figure that out yet, like I asked you to?” Watching the five men look sheepishly at each other, you groaned in realisation. “Guys!”

“Well, I thought we had sorted it,” Brian mentioned, scrunching his nose up a little as he thought. “Did we not decide on someone?”

“I was on flowers,” Wonpil announced, handing you the bouquet you needed for Becky.

Dowoon pointed to the archway. “I helped Brian build this.”

“And I can’t do it myself,” Jae said, looking around at his friends. “Could you imagine that?! That’s more words.”

“Well, I thought Brian was doing it.”

“Does it matter who? Just choose someone and do it now!” you hissed, pointing to the clock. “We wanted to start at ten!”

“How about if I do it?”

All of you turned around, completely shocked by who had turned up for the Christmas wedding.

_________________

Part 5

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