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My cousin Miyeon earnestly cautioned me, "Soyeon, I beg of you, don't even think about going there, no matter how intrigued you are by the chatter of other students. Please, for heaven's sake, disregard them."
She was referring to a forsaken mansion in the vicinity of our school, notorious for being haunted. People have shared spine-chilling stories about eerie happenings within its walls.
"I don't see any signs of it being haunted," I responded nonchalantly.
"Are you serious, Soyeon?! The rumors are all over the campus. You can't possibly be considering going there?"
"Well, my curiosity is piqued, so perhaps."
"Jeon Soyeon, have you lost your mind?!" she cried out. "There's a chance you might not be able to escape once you step foot in that dreadful house."
"I'm still mulling it over, eonnie."
"Soyeon, I know you too well. Once your curiosity is sparked, there's no stopping you."
She was right. If I become curious about something, I won't rest until I've uncovered the truth.
"Goodness, you're incorrigible. It's perilous out there, you could be risking your life. I don't want anything bad to happen to you," she warned, her voice filled with genuine concern. Despite her worries, I felt an inexplicable pull towards the house.
"Don't fret, eonnie. I'll be cautious, I promise," I reassured her with a comforting smile.
She let out a sigh of disbelief and retorted, "Since you're so stubborn, all I can say is be careful. Call me immediately if you need my presence; I don't want you to venture there alone."
"I will, thank you, eonnie," I responded cheerfully before taking a sip from my drink.
They often say, "Curiosity killed the cat," but that doesn't deter me. While I acknowledge that curiosity can sometimes lead to danger, I also believe in the adage, "satisfaction brought it back." That is to say, the rewards might outweigh the risks, and I'm prepared to take that leap.
//
I find myself alone, standing before the imposing edifice of what locals dub a haunted mansion. I decided that it was best for Miyeon not to join me, considering the potential dangers. We were unsure of what awaited us, so I thought it prudent to venture alone, not wanting to put her at risk.
Let's go back to the present. Here I am, before the mansion's grand entrance. How did I manage to get here? Interestingly, the main gate was unlocked and wide open.
As my mind began to swarm with questions, the door eerily swung open on its own, much like a scene from a horror movie.
I stepped inside the mansion. Contrary to the terrifying descriptions, it was beautiful and intriguing. Upon entry, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, or perhaps, it was just my imagination playing tricks on me.
Something else struck me as odd. I had assumed that an abandoned house would have no power, yet the lights were on. Could it be that a caretaker or perhaps someone else is currently living here? I might be intruding, but I had been told the mansion was deserted for years.
Pushing my doubts aside, I ventured further in. I had expected a filthy, cobweb-infested interior. However, what I saw was quite the opposite of the stories I'd heard.
How could an abandoned mansion be so well-maintained?
This was indeed perplexing. I figured someone must be caring for the mansion. If I encounter them, I'll explain that I'm here to investigate the strange tales surrounding the mansion. If they wish for me to leave, I'll respect their wishes.
I continued my exploration. Everything seemed antiquated. Portraits, antiques, furniture, a rocking chair — all were present, yet I experienced nothing out of the ordinary. No eerie feelings, no spine-chilling sensations. It all felt surprisingly normal.
Am I abnormal?
This mansion is simply too stunning to be ignored. I can't help but wonder why its owners would abandon such a beauty.
What a waste.
Up to this point, I hadn't encountered anyone. I found myself pausing before a flight of wooden stairs. Intrigued by what could be upstairs, I decided to ascend.
I was met with a sight of five doors. Four were ordinary, but one stood out - a door of... gold?
Drawn to its uniqueness, I approached the golden door, grasped the handle, and swung it open. What I saw inside left me utterly speechless.
The lights are on, and the room is immaculate. A flurry of questions whirls through my mind. This entire situation is shrouded in mystery.
I made my way to the bed and sat down, my gaze darting around the room.
Are they absolutely sure this mansion is haunted? I've yet to encounter anything supernatural. And are they positive no one resides here?
Because if not, why does this place appear so well-maintained?
I'm beginning to believe that someone does indeed live here. Perhaps they're the new owners, I'm not certain. But I am sure that if they catch me, they might accuse me of trespassing.
Should I make a swift exit? Yet, I'm not quite ready to depart. However, if I linger, the owners might be upset. What a dilemma! I suppose it's best if I leave.
I was about to exit the room when I froze in my tracks. My jaw dropped, not out of fear, but out of sheer astonishment. Why? Because I found myself face-to-face with a woman.
Our eyes met. Her hair was a cascade of black waves, adorned with delicate bangs. Her lips, a vibrant shade of pink, and her hazel eyes were captivating. Dressed in a fitted black vintage nightgown, she exuded an irresistible allure. She was incredibly attractive and seductive.
"I...I apologize, ma'am, I didn't mean to intrude..."
My apology was interrupted as she asked, "You can see me?" Her voice laced with surprise.
A nervous chuckle escaped me, "Ah, yes, I can see you."
"Are you speaking to me?"
"Who else?" I responded, slightly baffled.
She graced me with the most charming smile I've ever seen, and I swear it warmed my heart.
"I'm sorry for barging in. I assumed this mansion was deserted; I didn't expect-"
"Finally! Someone who can see me! I've been waiting for this day!" she exclaimed.
Eh? What's going on with her? She's beautiful but....a bit odd. "Are you okay, ma'am?"
"Just call me Yuqi, and yes, I'm fine," she reassured, flashing another radiant smile. She really is stunning.
"And what's your name?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over me. What was that about?
"You can call me Soyeon, my full name is Jeon Soyeon." Honestly, I'm a bit unsettled by this situation.
"Beautiful name, suits you," she said, smirking in a way that suggested she was... flirting? Is she trying to charm me? If she is, I'm not opposed to it. Just kidding, I wouldn't go there, I barely know her.
"Thank you, and you're quite lovely yourself," I responded, grinning. "May I ask you a question?"
"Of course." She sounded eager and intrigued.
"Aren't you upset that I entered without your permission?"
She laughed at my question, "Silly, many people have trespassed here. I'm more upset with them; they can't see or converse with me. When I try to interact, all I get is screams. They seem terrified of this house, or maybe it's me."
"Thank you for not being angry with me. But why would they be scared? You're not a ghost or anything, and even if you were, you're not frightening."
"But what if... I am?" she blushed, "Would you still not be scared?" Our eyes locked.
"It might sound unbelievable, but no, I'm not scared." I chuckled.
"Are you certain you're not afraid of me?"
"Definitely. If I were scared, I would've bolted," I laughed. But then, she vanished right before my eyes, leaving me stunned.
What just happened? She disappeared. "H-How did you manage that, Y-Yuqi?"
"I'm here," she called, causing me to spin around to find her reclining on the bed..
"Y-You disappeared." It suddenly dawned on me, "You're... you're a ghost!"
"Yes, indeed," she replied, her smile beaming with pride. She seemed pleased to admit it. "Come here, Soyeon," she tapped the invitingly soft mattress.
"W-Why?" I asked nervously, not because she was a ghost, but because of the suggestive way she wanted me to sit beside her on the bed, looking so alluring.
"Just come," she insisted, and I reluctantly complied.
"S-Sure," I stammered, shyly smiling at her. I sat down awkwardly, intentionally keeping my focus on the front, avoiding the view of her legs and cleavage. Stay focused, Soyeon.
"If you're not afraid, why aren't you facing me?"
"I'm not scared, Yuqi; I was just..." I trailed off, unsure of how to explain myself.
"Take a good look at me if you're really not afraid," she suggested.
"Fine," I agreed, turning to face her, our eyes locking. She sat up in bed, her gaze fixed on mine. Her beauty completely captivated me. My heart raced as I beheld her stunning appearance.
"I know you have many questions, so feel free to ask," she said softly.
This woman's contrasting nature is perplexing. Earlier, she exuded seduction and flirtation, but now she seemed innocent.
"Are you truly a ghost?" I know it sounds foolish to ask since it's evident, but I just wanted to confirm. Dah.
"Yes," she giggled, causing my heart to flutter.
"W-What happened to you? What led to your death?"
"Death?" She burst into laughter. "I am indeed a ghost, Soyeon, but not your typical ghost. I didn't die."
"You didn't die? But aren't people supposed to become ghosts after they die? So, what are you then?" I asked, my brow furrowing.
"Let's just say I'm the guardian of this house."
"Like a protective angel or something?"
She erupted into laughter. "I'm a guardian, not an angel. I'm simply here to protect the mansion." But to me, you're an angel, my angel. Excuse my words, I can be so cheesy sometimes.
"And what are you protecting it from?"
"Everything."
"Why?" I inquired again, and she chuckled heartily.
"You certainly have a lot of questions, don't you?"
Feeling embarrassed, I rubbed the back of my neck. "Sorry, I'm just curious," I explained, my shyness evident.
"It's alright, you don't have to apologize. And to answer your question, this house is unique, which is why I'll safeguard it for as long as I can."
I regarded her with skepticism. "What do you mean by that exactly?"
"Our Goddess Shuhua is the owner of this mansion. I have no clue why she built it; she didn't even bother to inform me," she chuckled.
"Wow, it's hard to believe. Am I in some kind of fantasy movie?"
"I suppose you could say that," she chuckled.
"I thought this mansion was constructed by a person, not a goddess, as you mentioned," I replied, smiling.
"I believe she has a purpose, though I'm uncertain of what it is. As a guardian, I will continue to protect this mansion."
"How noble of you, Yuqi," I commented, a smile spreading across my face.
"Thank you," she beamed.
"And, by the way, where are you from?" I asked.
"I am from the Kingdom of Nevelynth. Regular people cannot see or visit there."
"Why is that?" I inquired, furrowing my brow.
"Well, it is a place reserved for special individuals."
"Really? That's truly remarkable."
"Yes, indeed. But let's shift the focus to you. How did you summon the courage to enter this place alone, despite its haunting reputation?" she chuckled.
"I'm not entirely sure either. I just... became fascinated by people's assumptions about this house, so I decided to come here. I simply wanted to find out if they were right, but honestly, I didn't find this mansion creepy, scary, or haunted like they claimed."
As I was about to ask another question, she suddenly disappeared.
"You're something else, Jeon Soyeon," she said, but I couldn't see her.
"Where are you?" I asked, looking around the room, but she wasn't there.
And then, to my surprise, she completely caught me off guard by wrapping her arms around me from behind.
"Miss me already?" she asked seductively, her husky voice sending shivers down my spine and making me tense up.
"I-I can feel you, but how?" I mean, she's supposed to be a ghost, right? So why do I feel like she's in her human form?
"Because you are special," she replied, leaving me with that cryptic statement before disappearing for the third time, but this time she vanished completely.