𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 • ᵐⁱⁿˢᵘⁿᵍ

Everything Is Normal 17.2

Minho is awoken by his alarm and continues to get ready for work like yesterday's events were nothing but a dream. While contemplating if he should talk with the boy about how to contact the reaper. The reaper has always been the one to make his appearance on his own accord, and it always seems to be at crucial moments—as if he's always watching.

In the kitchen, preparing himself some breakfast, Minho's ear twitches as he hears the floorboards from the hallway creak. "It's okay, you can come in." He softly speaks, not wanting to scare.

"You're you, right?" The boy's voice is cautious as he stands in the kitchen doorway.

"Yes, he's gone."

The boy's shoulders relax and he takes a step closer, "What's it like having a job, and working?" Felix tells the boy about some things from the outside world, yet, he feels it's easier to understand from someone who's experiencing it.

"A job?" Minho pauses as he thinks, "Well, it depends on what kind of job you have. You can work all different kinds of hours and days of the week. The most common is a nine-to-five. And then what job you do... some people choose based on what they like, what they're good at, or because of how much money they earn."

"Oh, then what is your job like? You seem to go and come back about the time almost every day."

"I work what's called retail. So I work in a shop and sell people things. Then because there are not many other people who work there, I work a lot of days. But I don't mind since the pay is good." Minho has decided to be honest and tell the boy the truth, maybe not about his name, but he'll answer the other questions. Kind of like warming up to ask about the reaper.

"Is having a job fun?"

Minho hums, "That goes back to what job you have. Sometimes you have to have a job just so you can have money, which is like me. Working in a shop isn't what I want to do, yet to be able to put food on my plate I have to. So... it's particularly fun, though there are parts I enjoy."

"Like what?" Jisung takes another step, joining Minho by the side of the counter.

"I like staking the shelves because something about the repetition is soothing. Also, it allows me to think about other things while not paying much attention to what I'm already doing."

"I wonder what kind of job I would have? Maybe a detective because those people solve mysteries... that's what Felix says at least."

Minho turns to look at the boy, he's staring at the ground with a sad expression that makes Minho want to tell him everything—his selfishness is what's stopping him. "I guess you would choose a job that you're passionate about."

"Really?" The boy looks up, and a small smile starts to appear.

"Yeah, you're passionate about finding out about your past, and anything you put your mind to you will do."

The smile quickly fades, "I wouldn't say I'm passionate. I just don't want to feel lonely."

"Now you've got me and the reaper. We are here for you." The words felt twisting in Minho's throat as he spoke. He will tell the boy, one day now isn't the right time.

"And Felix." The boy adds, chuckling.

"Exactly, but um... can I ask if there is a way to contact them?"

"Hmm? Not really. They tend to arrive whenever. However, sometimes when I'm really thinking about them they appear as if they knew—" The boy is about to say something else when a horn blares from outside. "Ah, you need to go now."

Minho sighs, thinking about Changbin's great timing. "Yeah." Putting his bowl in the sink, he gets his shoes, coat and cigarettes. "I'll be home late tonight. I'm going to try the library again."

"Oh okay." The boy stands on the edge of the step to the front room, swaying back and forth on the ball of his feet. "Thank you." He mumbles as Minho leaves.