(Mike entered his classroom.)
Mike sat on his bench and noticed his new benchmate—Misa. He blinked in surprise but quickly masked it with a small smile.
As he settled in, thoughts about Misa circled in his mind. Was she really just a transfer student? Or was there something more to her sudden arrival?
Misa – "Hi, my name is Misa, and I'm new to this school. Can I know your name?"
Mike studied her for a moment before replying, "Acting all new, huh?"
Misa – "Oh, can we be friends then, MIKE!!"
Mike (in mind) – I think she's trying to manipulate me so that she can take my position. Huh, I'm not going to fall for her trap.
Misa – "I'm not trying to manipulate you."
Mike stiffened slightly. Did she just read my mind? He kept his face neutral and said, "It can't be said, really."
Misa tilted her head. "Would you be or not?"
Mike smirked. "Depends on you."
Misa – "Have time?"
Mike leaned back. "How about this evening at my house?"
(That night, at Mike's house)
Mike sat at his desk, completing his homework. The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room—until a voice disrupted the silence.
A high-pitched, eerie voice called his name. "Mike..."
Mike looked around, his muscles tensing. The room was empty.
Shaking his head, he refocused on his work, but then—
"Mike..."
The voice again. This time, closer.
Mike exhaled sharply. "Come on, Mr. Ghost, show yourself."
A ripple of darkness twisted in the air. A strange figure materialized—a being clad in a cloak, a mask concealing its face, and a massive scythe resting on its shoulder. From behind the mask, two red, demonic eyes glowed.
Strange Figure – "I'm Mars; I need your help."
Mike leaned back, unimpressed. "I'm Earth; what kind of help do you want?"
Mars – "The lower class of spirits is in danger."
Mike – "Good."
Mars's red eyes narrowed. "There are four classes of spirits: first, those who go to heaven; second, those who come from hell; third, those whose spirits stay on earth; and fourth, the lower class—Controlium."
Mike waved a hand lazily. "Thanks for your unasked explanation. Who cares about those spirits? I don't work for free."
Mars – "In return, I will provide you with heaven after you die."
Mike chuckled. "Nah, hell sounds more fun. But fine, I'll do it—if you give me anything I want."
Mars – "I can't give you everything, but I can do anything related to death."
Mike – "How about a guaranteed death wish?"
Mars – "Everyone has to die."
Mike smirked. "Exactly."
Without another word, Mars vanished.
Just as the eerie presence faded, the doorbell rang. Mike took a breath, pushing the strange encounter aside, and went to answer it. He opened the door to find Misa standing there.
Mike – "Thanks for coming."
Misa – "Would you have a problem with my visit?"
Mike – "Just say it."
Misa – "Take me to your room."
(Sus)
Still, he led her upstairs. Misa settled on the couch, her gaze sharp as she studied him.
Mike – "Then say..."
Misa – "I think Mars contacted you. What did you ask for—"
Mike – "Asked?"
Misa smirked. "You're not someone who would do something for free, or are you?"
Mike – "Aren't you like that too..."
Misa – "Changing the topic won't work."