He suddenly approached me, catching me off guard, "I think it likes you, a bald man probably in his forties with his neck slit and tongue dangling wants you to be his that's why it seems that he wants to kill you," he slowly caressed the wound on my neck sending shivers to my spine.
"Kristoff, what are you—" I tried to step back, but he pulled me closer, his grip firm but not painful. His expression shifted into something playful, yet I could sense an underlying seriousness.
"Let's just wait until it goes away," he murmured, his voice low as if we were sharing a secret. His breath was warm against my skin, and for a moment, I couldn't tell if he was teasing or if he was genuinely concerned about the threat lurking outside.
The air around us felt cold and heavy, like something unseen was watching. My skin crawled, the sensation of being targeted settling in. I could almost feel the presence Kristoff was talking about.
"Is it gone?" I asked quietly, still feeling the chill lingering in the air.
Kristoff glanced around, then gave me a firm nod. "Yeah, it's gone. That man really likes to scare all the beauties that's why they all quit. Honestly, the three of us are already sick of always seeing each others faces so I'm glad you can hold on."
I let out a small, shaky breath, trying to steady myself. "So it's not just me? This has happened to others too?"
Kristoff chuckled softly, his smirk still in place. "Yeah, you're not the first. Most of the girls who worked here couldn't handle it, and they ended up quitting after a few days. That ghost is really a pervert."
He shrugged casually. "We've gotten used to it, I guess. Us, night shift workers have been here long enough that it doesn't bother us as much anymore. But, you—you're a fresh face, and well…" He looked at me with a grin."You're handling it better than most."
I wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or not. "I'm not sure I can keep ignoring it forever, though."
He grinned at me, "Don't worry, I'm here and besides you don't really believe in ghosts right? I prefer girls like that over those who are easily scared."
I rolled my eyes internally, 'Typical playboy,' I thought. "So, can you really see ghosts?" I was half in doubt and I couldn't help but inquire. Perhaps it was out of curiosity as well. What would he say back to me?
"Then, shall you try looking at it?"
I raised an eyebrow at Kristoff's response. "What do you mean, 'look at it'?" I asked, half curious, half wary. His smirk was still there, but his eyes took on a more serious glint.
"You asked if I can really see them. How about I show you one, just this once?" he said, his tone lowering as if inviting me into some hidden knowledge.
I hesitated, unsure if he was messing with me again or if he was serious. But something in his voice made me pause. "Are you joking?" I asked, my heart beating a little faster now, unsure whether I wanted the answer to be yes or no.
Kristoff shook his head, stepping closer. "You said you don't believe in ghosts, right? Then this shouldn't bother you," he said. He extended his palm in front of me waiting for me to place my hand on it.
I was about to say 'yes' and grab his hand when he chuckled and lightly flicked my forehead, "You're really fearless huh? I was just joking."
I felt a mix of annoyance and relief wash over me at his words. "Very funny, Kristoff," I retorted, rubbing my forehead where he flicked me. "You really know how to scare a girl."
He laughed, that teasing glint returning to his eyes. "I'm just trying to see how far you'll go. Most girls would have jumped at the idea of seeing a ghost." He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms and looking at me with genuine interest. "But you… you're different. I think I'm slowly falling for you."
My cheeks flushed again, and I quickly averted my gaze. "Yeah, well, maybe it's just that I'm too tired to care about ghosts right now." I was really relieved that it was all a joke but I don't know which part he played out as a joke.
"You'll be able to see it too, Cici. If you're alone, be careful and don't do things that attracts them."
Again with that joke of his.
His cryptic words hung in the air, leaving me both intrigued and slightly unnerved. I shot him a sideways glance. "Are you trying to scare me again? Because it's not working."
Kristoff chuckled, clearly enjoying this back-and forth. "Your choice. You'll understand me if you meet Xavier this coming Friday, I won't be accompanying you that day."
Despite all the stories I have heard about him, I felt that he was the shadiest of all the night shift workers.
I just shrugged my shoulders at him.
With that, our conversation ended, and we both got busy restocking the shelves. Kristoff, of course, couldn't resist slipping in a flirtatious comment or two whenever he got bored. I'd roll my eyes at him, but there was something oddly comforting about his playful demeanor. At least it kept the mood light, despite the eerie atmosphere that sometimes settled over the store late at night.