Keiro watched Han Marsha chug down the cola and fries. Marsha's terms were simple. You feed her and she gave you information.
Nothing happened in school without Han Marsha knowing. She was the first to know about the new activities of each club, the plans of the school management, even changes in the relationship status of every teacher and student. She had helped Keiro in becoming one of the promising members of the newspaper club and Keiro had helped her to put on weight.
After she had finished treating Marsha, Keiro made her way to the basketball club. It seemed practice was still going on and Keiro seated herself in a such a manner that would give her a good view of her red haired crush.
Shimlee joined her.
Keiro: "Can you see it?"
Shimlee: "Not yet."
Shimlee could see ghosts as shadows. According to her, most ghosts did not have a physical form. They were merely shadows with a single lingering thought. It was this remaining thought or desire which kept them in certain places instead of passing to the afterlife with the rest of their soul.
Keiro: "Could it be the ghost of a basketball player?"
Shimlee: "Or it could be the ghost of a girl who was a secret admirer of the player."
Keiro: "You mean a 'die hard' fan?"
Shimlee giggled.
After the match ended the students dispersed and so did the players.
Keiro and Shimlee went up to the captain and introduced themselves.
"The ghost club? Hahaha!"
The basketball captain guffawed.
Captain X: "You girls actually believed that crap the previous manager made up?", he laughed again.
Captain X: "I think it is some deal between him and the new manager, May Rusa."
Keiro looked at May Rusa. She was a beautiful girl with golden hair and light green eyes.She seemed to be busy handing over towels and drinks to the red head. No way... Why her of all people?... Keiro would stand no chance against the school beauty.
Shimlee: "Don't look so sad. You don't even know his name, and call him 'red head' all the time."
They made their way from the court back to their dorms.
To further destroy Keiro's mood they ran into the student council president.
President Moncee and his followers were making their way out of the council room.
Moncee: "Jan Keiro! How's life in the ghost club? "
President Moncee was not only a model student, but he also looked like a model.He was a tall guy, with chocolate brown wavy bangs that grew just enough not to cover his clear sky blue eyes. He had an aura about him that screamed that he lived in a different world from their own. But as everyone described it, he was too kind hearted to be called proud.
Many guys and girls admired him, and by the time he passed into second year, he was unanimously voted the student council president.
Keiro knew what his special ability was. He was good at finding out a person's weaknesses and using them to do his bidding.
The other members of the student Council were standing around him as if to protect him from Keiro.
If they only knew what kind of monster he was!, thought she.
Moncee: "This must be your friend Gara Shimlee who can see ghosts. Nice to meet you."
He shook hands with Shimlee who seemed to be taken in by his charisma.
Moncee then looked kindly at Keiro. (This is how everyone saw it.)
Moncee:"I heard you had some trouble entering into clubs because you went against me. If there is any other club you would like to join I am willing to personally speak to their club leader..."
The students around looked at their president with admiration and pride. What a kind guy he was! Even offering help to the girl who had plotted against him!
Shimlee: "Keiro, if you want to change clubs you can tell the president. I don't mind at all."
Keiro smiled at Moncee.
Keiro: "I love the ghost club. I have always loved ghosts from childhood. Thanks for your concern Prez!"
Moncee suppressed a smile. Before he left he whispered to Keiro,
"If you are thinking of becoming one, I can help you."
He then left with his usual charismatic smile and his admirers left with him.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Next day
7am
Ghost club
Keiro: "Why exactly are we here early in the morning?"
Shimlee: "The basketball captain has asked for a consultation. Berthy asked me to take the case."
Keiro: "Why did the Captain change his mind?"
Shimlee: "Looks like the new manager also saw the ghost last night."
Keiro rolled her eyes... Then her face lit up.
Keiro: "Is she quitting the club?"
Just then the basketball captain arrived. He took a seat in their club room which was decorated in a vintage fashion.
Captain X: "I didn't think I would say this... but I need your help."
Shimlee: "Go on."
Captain X: "Our manager May Rusa saw something like an apparition last night."
Keiro: "What exactly was she doing there last night?"
Captain X: "Cleaning the court of course."
A manager's life sure is hard, thought Keiro.
Keiro: "So your initial claim was wrong, that the old manager had cooked up that story?"
Captain X: "I take back my words. I phoned the old manager today to clarify and he told me he indeed saw something similar and even wet his pants... Oh, but that last part was supposed to be a secret."
Keiro: "Even though our comrade, Shimlee, is the one who can see ghosts, as an ex investigative journalist, I would like to ask you some questions."
Captain X: "Please do."
Keiro: "Is your new manager quitting or not?"
Shimlee looked at Keiro.
Captain X: "Well, technically she can't quit, unless she finds someone else to fill in her position."
Keiro: "I see."
Shimlee gave Keiro a look that said 'Don't even think about it.'
Keiro: "Next, what's the name of your new red haired player?"
Captain X: "Do you think he must have something to do with this case? Well these so called ghosts started coming after he arrived."
Keiro: "Well... It is a possibility... So what is his name?"
Captain X : "Don Heeden"
Keiro took her phone out and asked Shimlee to continue with the rest of the questioning.
Shimlee: "Is there anyone related to your basketball club who died recently?"
Captain X thought for a moment...
Captain X: "No.."
Shimlee: "I see… We shall personally do an investigation tonight, so please make sure your practice ends early."
Captain X thanked them and took his leave.