Leslie And Sean's Mystery

Today, the sky looked clear. White clouds were chasing above. The birds chirped happily, making the day even brighter. The scorching sun made the atmosphere this afternoon feel hot. Even though the breezy wind that blew made the air move slightly, it could make you feel hot and stuffy momentarily.

Another thing that distracted the hot atmosphere in this bustling place was because now everyone was busy watching the chase action in the field area. Ten people, to be precise, the men, were chasing after the ball with only one goal: to put the ball in the basket. Yes, there is a pretty fierce basketball match at the moment. The basketball team from the law school is facing off against the basketball team from the economics faculty.

The crowd cheered loudly when a player with number 11 from the law school managed to snatch the ball from his opponent. He ran while dribbling the ball. None of the players could hold back or grab the ball from him. A moment later, he had made it under the basket, and with a high jump, he managed to get the ball into the basket.

The referee's whistle indicated that the ball had been declared in, and the basketball team from the law school got an additional point.

"Aaaaa! Cool!"

There were screams from the audience, which women dominated. They hailed the name of the player with the back number 11. The man whose name was being called lifted his right hand high up with a clenched fist as if showing the satisfaction he was feeling right now for successfully executing a perfect slam dunk. His hair, wet with sweat and flowed down his handsome face, made him look even cooler. Of course, it invited enthusiastic screams from the women who saw him.

The referee's long whistle signaled the end of the game. The final score on the screen shows the numbers 152-108, with the law school team winning. The audience cheered and applauded, especially when they saw the look of joy on the faces of the players from the law faculty team.

Shortly after that, many female spectators were running toward something. I followed the steps of the women and made a sullen face when I saw them crowding the man who had been the center of attention from the start of the match. Yes, that man is none other than the man with jersey number 11. Indeed, a sight like this is not something I have just seen. Every time that man finishes a match he participates in, it always ends like this. He was surrounded by many women who screamed hysterically, shouting his name like a fangirl. Every time I see this scene, my heart warms up, and even though I don't see it in the mirror, I'm sure I'm putting on a sullen face right now.

I was still standing, looking at a man surrounded by his fangirls. He tried to avoid them even though it was clear he was having quite a hard time because the women were crowding him without giving him any space to escape.

The man's eyes stared at me. He finally noticed my presence. He gave me a regretful smile, and I only replied with a snort, which he couldn't hear. I couldn't stand the sight anymore, so I decided to leave.

I had just set foot when a call made me stop.

"Leslie, wait!"

I heard it. I heard it clearly, but this annoyance kept me going.

"Hey, I said wait, right? Haah, Haah," said the person, more precisely, the man, with an exhausted breath. Yes, it's only natural that he felt tired. He had just finished a basketball game, which was draining. I ensured he had just run after me, who walked away from him.

"You mad, Leslie?" he said as his breathing started to sound regular.

"No. Why should I be angry?" I lied. I was annoyed and angry with him. Or the word jealous is more appropriate to describe my current mood.

"Sorry, I was trying to run away earlier."

"But you seem to have enjoyed it earlier. Surrounded by many beautiful women, "I said in a flat tone.

"Hahaha... I knew you were jealous."

Embarrassed? Of course, I'm embarrassed now because it looks like I was caught feeling jealous of him.

It's only natural that I get jealous when I see my boyfriend surrounded by many beautiful women who keep shouting his name like a fan who just met an idol artist. They are also very aggressive, so they don't let them escape. But I realize it's a risk because I have a popular boyfriend.

"OK, don't be pouting. Your face is ugly when you're sullen," he said, trying to tease me. But what he said pissed me off.

"Sorry if I'm ugly," I replied in a flat tone in my voice.

"Sorry, sorry, I was just kidding. Don't be angry anymore." He calmed me down again while stroking my long hair gently. He came closer to hug me, but I quickly stopped him.

"Your body is drenched in sweat. Clean your body first, "I rebuked, which he responded to with a grin.

"Hahaha... yes, sorry. You're not mad anymore, are you?" I shook my head while smiling as a sign that I was not angry with him.

"Huff... thank God," he said while exhaling slowly.

"I'm going to the dormitory.first, OK? Don't forget to accompany me to the library this afternoon, OK, Leslie."

"OK," I said, and he walked away from me.

I stared at his back, which was getting farther away at the back of the man who had been my boyfriend since we were students at Grandes High School. His name is Sean Maxwell, and just like when we were in high school, he's still popular. Many women idolize him even though we are now students. Yes, that's a natural thing because he is handsome and cool. Am I happy to have a boyfriend like him? Of course, I was very happy. I even felt proud when the women looked enviously at me when they saw me walking hand in hand with Sean. I always smile when I remember the annoyed looks on the faces of Sean's fangirls.

I had broken up with Sean before, but we decided to get back together when we realized we still loved each other. Now, Sean and I are college students. Grandes University was the name of our campus. I majored in Economics, while Sean majored in law. The reason Sean majored in law was that he wanted to be like his father, who was a lawyer. Yes, since I'm his girlfriend, I should always support his decisions.

On this campus, there is a rule that all first-year students must live in campus dormitories. My house is just a short distance from campus, but I have no choice but to accept the rules of this campus. When the holidays come, I often go home with other students.

This is my new life as a college student. I've been studying here for three months, and everything has gone smoothly, with no problems dealing with ghosts. I'm relieved because this campus differs greatly from the haunted Grandes High School. Although now the school is back to normal like a school. When I remember Grandes High School, I always think of my best friend, Angie. She is happy now. She has married the man she loved a long time ago. Although I rarely see her, I often communicate with her via cell phone.

The days I spend on this campus will be smooth and peaceful.

***

As I promised Sean, I will accompany him to the library this afternoon. That's why now I'm sitting in one of the chairs in the library. I was busy watching Sean, who was doing his college assignments. Coincidentally, I didn't have any charges, and there weren't any books that made me interested in reading them because that's why all I've been doing since earlier is just staring at my boyfriend, who looks frustrated with many college assignments. Sean and I have been in this library for almost an hour. Seeing the look on his face, I felt sorry for him. It wouldn't hurt if I helped out a bit.

"Sean, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Hm, there's no need. I can still do it myself," he replied without looking at me, his gaze still focused on the books before him. It's like this: he always asks me to accompany him when he does his work without ever accepting my kind offer to help him. If I look at the assignments, it seems that majoring in law is more difficult than the economics major I took. Yes, that's what I think if I see Sean's many tasks almost daily. Not that I don't have duties. Of course, I do, too. But Sean's college assignment is more than mine.

"You have nothing to do, Leslie?" he asked, which made me jerk from my reverie.

"Yes, but I did it last night. Today I happen to have no work."

"It's delicious, you just make me jealous," he said with eyes that didn't even look at me. He was still busy looking at his books.

"There's still a lot of work?"

"Yes, and unfortunately it must be collected tomorrow."

"You, this is your fault. Already know that there are many tasks, why did you play basketball? You always care more about basketball than studying."

Sean seemed annoyed by my words because now his gaze shifted to mine.

"That's not it, it was the economics faculty that challenged us to a match. There's no way we can refuse it."

"Yes, yes, it's up to you. I think you care about basketball anyway." He looked annoyed at me. I ignored him because I didn't think anything was wrong with what I said. I've been dating him for a long time, so I know his personality quite well. He loves basketball so much.

"Wow, Leslie and Sean are here too, huh?" A voice sounded and succeeded in making me and Sean stare at the owner of the vote. A beautiful girl with only shoulder-length hair was standing beside us. She was holding several books in her hands. Sean and I know her very well. Her name was Muggie Maxwell. She's Sean's cousin and my best friend in college. I'm in the same faculty as her, and not only that, she's even my roommate in the dormitory.

"What book is it?" I asked Muggie.

"Textbook, I'm studying for a quiz next week. Are you studying with Sean here too, Leslie?" she asked, which I answered with a shake of my head.

"No, I'm accompanying this basketball maniac to do his work," I replied, staring at Sean lazily. Sean put on a strange face and made me want to laugh at that. It was obvious he didn't like what I was saying.

"Hey, what do you mean basketball maniac?"

"You are a basketball maniac."

"Don't talk carelessly."

"That's the truth." I kept arguing with Sean without noticing that Muggie was laughing at us.

"Hahaha... you guys are a unique couple, huh? I was surprised to see you too, Sean. You're usually cold and stiff, but you turn into someone else when you're with Leslie." A blush appeared on Sean's face. What Muggie said is true. The first time I met him was at Grandes High School. He was indeed a bit stiff. He rarely talks, and according to Angie, he is very cold to women. But I'm happy because now he is very open to me. Every time he had a problem, he would tell me. Of course, I did, too.

"Don't say anything weird, Muggie," Sean said, still blushing.

"Oh yes. Sean, are the rumors true?"

"What rumors do you mean, Muggie?"

"Ghost rumors in the Men's Dorm." I was very surprised to hear Muggie's words. Sean didn't even tell me about the rumors.

"What rumors are there?" I asked Muggie.

"So Sean didn't tell you?" Once again, I answered her question with a shake of the head.

"Hm... sorry, Leslie, I don't know about those rumors either. You better ask Sean. Oh yes. Sorry, I'm back at my desk first. Leyna must be waiting for me." Without waiting for my approval, Muggie just left. I also looked sharply at Sean, asking for an explanation.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Why didn't you tell me about the ghost rumor?"

"If I tell you, you must want to involve yourself with the ghost," he replied lazily.

"Huh? At that time, you said you could accept this ability of mine. But what you said now seems like you still haven't accepted my abilities?" I'm mad at Sean.

"It is not like that."

"Then tell me, what rumors are there in the men's dormitory?" Sean put on a lazy face. It was clear he didn't want to tell me at all. But I kept staring intently at him until he finally let out a rough breath. It looks like he gave up and is going to tell me.

"There is a room that is always locked and empty. That the room should not be occupied because there had been a student who committed suicide there. Everyone believes the ghost is haunted."

"Why would they think the ghost is wandering?" I asked enthusiastically, while Sean still had a lazy face.

"Often heard the sound of crying in the room. Besides, some of the people who used to occupy that room are always possessed."

"Oh, I see? Why did that student kill himself?"

"Well, how do we know? After all, that incident was a long time ago, around 3 or 4 years ago." I was silent, and Sean looked back at his books.

"There must be a reason that makes the ghost wander."

"Possible. Come on, it's none of our business." Sean's words pissed me off. How could he possibly speak so lightly? He didn't care, and I did because I could communicate with the ghost. I had promised Angie to use my skills to the best of my ability. So how could I not care?

"Sean, come with me later, okay? I want to investigate why the ghost is haunting." Sean's eyes widened perfectly. It was clear he was very surprised to hear what I said.

"I knew you would say that. That's why I didn't tell you."

"It turns out you really can't accept my ability, huh?"

"It is not like that. The problem is the ghost is in the men's dormitory. There's no way I'm taking you to the boys' dormitory!" Sean must be annoyed with me. You can hear from the tone of his voice that snaps at me a little.

"So what? I, right, want to investigate the ghost. After all, how come so many male students go to the women's dormitory to do their assignments," I answered while grinning.

"Yes, that's because they are working on group assignments and have already reported this to the dormitory guard. Well, you, what do you want to report? There's no way you're reporting for permission to investigate ghosts. After all, you're my girlfriend. I don't want other people to think bad things about us." I agree with Sean's statement but want to help the ghost. I felt I shouldn't stay silent when I could help him return to his realm.

"Sean, I beg you. Let me think about the reasons. Accompany me, okay?"

"But now there is no Angie. Are you sure you can do it alone?"

"I am not alone. I'm with you, Sean. The two of us will help the ghost. I'm begging you, Sean." I put my hands together, indicating that I was begging him to grant me this wish. Sean just stared at me silently. Then he exhaled lazily. I knew if he had shown that expression, he would have given up and would have granted my wish.

"Okay, next Sunday we will investigate the ghost. But you were the one who thought of an excuse when you reported to the dormitory guards."

"Ready. Leave that matter to me."

"Now shut up. Let me do my college assignments in peace," I responded with a nod and a smile. I'm very happy because Sean wants to grant my request. I've decided to find out why the ghost in that room has become a haunting ghost.

As Sean and I had planned, this Sunday, we were going to investigate why a ghost was haunting one of the rooms in the boys' dorm. I didn't want to lie to the dormitory guard, so I told the truth about my intention to enter the room. I said my goal without hesitation and even spoke about my strange ability. Does the dormitory guard believe what I say? Of course, the answer is no. He didn't even permit me and Sean to come into the room even though I had begged him many times.

Sean had told me to give up, but of course, I couldn't give up that easily. I finally had no other way but to ask Angie for help. Yes, I called Angie, and I told her everything that happened. Angie is my best friend. She always supports my decisions and does whatever it takes to help me. Over the phone, Angie told all about me, the dormitory guards. Angie even asked for help from other teachers at Grandes High School to tell the truth about what I said about the fact that I am an indigo girl who can see and communicate with ghosts. Thanks to the help of Angie and the teachers at Grandes High School, the boarding guard finally allowed Sean and me to go to that room. He even gave us the key to the room.

This is where we are now. I'm already in the men's dorm. This dormitory is similar to the female dormitory. However, it's very quiet here. The reason is that today is Sunday, so everyone decided to go back to their homes instead of wasting their holiday time at the dormitory.

"Leslie, let's go to my room for a while, OK?" Sean said, which made me stop.

"What for?"

"Something is missing," he said with a smile.

I remember well when, in the library, he said he didn't want to take me to the boy's dorm because he feared that people would think bad things about us. But now? He invited me to his room. Isn't my boyfriend so weird? Yes, although I have no other choice but to follow his wishes. I didn't want my refusal to lead to an argument with Sean that might make him change his mind and not want to accompany me to the haunted room again.

Sean opened a door with 203 stamped on it, which was his room number.

"Come in, Leslie."

"Hm, yes." I stepped into Sean's room. The room looked neat, considering it was the men's room. Of course, Sean needed help possibly occupying this room because even in the female dormitory, one space is occupied by three people. The men's dorm is the same. What I'm thinking is true judging by the three beds in this room.

I was quite surprised when I realized a man was in the room. Of course, he's Sean's roommate. I hope he doesn't misunderstand me because I walked into this room with Sean.

"Hey, Carl. You're not coming home?" Sean asked the man I just found out was called Carl. Carl ignores Sean's question. He stares at me. After that, he walked away without answering Sean's questions or greeting us.

"What about him? He's so arrogant," I said, of course, after the man left the room.

"Just let him be, he's just like that."

"He's your roommate, right?"

"Yes."

"Even though you've been living in one room for three months. Does he always ignore you like that, Sean?"

"That's how it is. Maybe he hates me. I think it's only natural that he hates me." I didn't understand Sean's words at all. I wanted to ask him, but I discouraged him when he asked me to leave the room.

"Actually, what did you miss?" I asked. Sean answered by showing a flashlight in his hand.

"Maybe the light in the room is out, so we should take this just in case." I just nodded my head in response to his words. Our footsteps went back to the haunted room.

We climbed a ladder. The room was on the top floor. I felt goosebumps and chills when I set foot on the 3rd floor of this dormitory. This dormitory has three floors. The cold was increasingly felt when we walked down a hall with room doors facing each other.

Our footsteps stopped when we were in front of a door with the number 303 stamped on it. Immediately, I felt a tremendous pain in my head. Until unconsciously, I held my head to endure the pain.

"Are you all right, Leslie?" Sean asked frantically.

"Yes, I can sense ghosts in this room. Is this the haunted room, Sean?"

"Y-Yes. Do we just undo the intention to enter this room? You look in pain."

"It's OK, Sean. This is a sign that there is a ghost in this room. Quickly open that door, Sean."

Even though Sean still looked doubtful, he still followed what I said. He inserted the key in the door and opened it slowly.

When the door opened, I felt the wind blowing inside the room, and a strange smell wafted into my nose. The cold air made my whole body shiver. The darkness in the room added to its spookiness.

"Let's go in, Sean," I told Sean. I stepped in front of Sean, and Sean followed me from behind. However, before Sean entered the room, the door closed by itself. I tried to open the door, but it was useless, as if it was locked. I could hear Sean banging on the door from outside. I heard him screaming my name. As for me, I couldn't get my voice out. It was as if my whole body was stiffening. I could only clearly feel the figure of someone behind me. Very slowly, I turned my body towards someone behind me. So...

"Aaaa!"

The scream left my mouth by itself.

The figure floated because his feet did not touch the floor. The figure wore a black robe with a head tilted to the side. His tongue stuck out, and blood dripped from his mouth. His eyes were red, and he was glaring at me. In addition, there are dark circles on his eyelids. My body trembled even more as the figure floated toward me. My body felt so weak that I fell to the ground without realizing it.

The figure was now standing right before me, and he slowly brought his scary face closer to me. My eyes met those bulging eyes. This sensation is already familiar to me. Yes, I know that figure will show me his memories.

An unfamiliar sight was before my eyes at this moment. I looked around, and it seemed I was in a room. Someone was sitting in front of the study table. I approached him. I see a man is seriously studying. When I looked at his face, I felt I recognized this face. This is the face of a ghost who is showing me his memories. What's his name? I wanted to ask his name, but of course, I couldn't because I can't communicate with anyone in this world of memories.

***

"Eric."

A sound came from the door, and a middle-aged woman entered the room. Eric, so that's the name of this ghost.

"Your father called you."

"Is he going to scold me again, Mom?" There was a sad look on the woman's face that I just found out was Eric's mother.

"I don't know, I hope not. Meet your father."

"Yes, mom." Eric got up from his seat and walked to follow his mother. Of course, I walked with them.

Arriving in front of a room, a middle-aged man was seen sitting on the sofa arrogantly.

"Dad called me?" asked Eric with a hint of fear.

"What about your grades? I hope it doesn't disappoint. You have to remember Eric, you're the only boy. You have to get a perfect score. Don't lose to your sisters. Don't make me regret that I paid your high school fees. You understand, right? I will never forgive a failure."

"I-I understand, Father."

"Go on, continue your studies."

The man, who was not Eric's father, got up from his seat and left Eric just like that. Eric still stood frozen with his gaze downcast. Even though he looked down, I could see his eyes filled with tears, indicating he was holding back tears.

My surroundings suddenly spun. I knew this was a sign I was about to see another memory. My guess was right when I was now in a room. But I know this differs from Eric's room I saw earlier. Could it be that I'm in Eric's dorm room? I was right when I saw that there were three beds in here.

Once again, I saw someone sitting on the bed. I knew it was Eric. I approached him. I was shocked when I saw his face was filled with tears that never stopped flowing from his eyes. He was crying while staring at a piece of paper he was holding. I dared to stare at the form. If you look at the scribbles on the article, that's the test score. I also know why Eric was crying. Eric did not get good grades in his exams, which would make his father very angry.

Eric crumpled the paper and walked towards his study table. Then, he took out a book and a pen. He also seemed to start writing something on the form. He wrote long enough until he finally tore up the paper that was filled with his handwriting and put it in an envelope. He tucked the envelope into his pillowcase. I wonder what he will do after this. My answer was answered when he walked over to his bag lying on the table. He pulled out something that made my eyes widen.

That thing is nothing but a rope. Now I know what he will do. Using the chair as a platform to stand on, he tied the yarn through the ventilation slot in the door and made a loop at the end of the rope that was the size of his head. He stuck his head into the string and kicked the chair with his foot. I closed my eyes as tight as possible because I couldn't bear to witness the seconds when Eric breathed his last.

My surroundings were spinning again. I opened my eyes slowly, and now the darkness filled my vision. Even though it's dark here, I can still see the floating figure before me. Yes, it's the ghost figure of Eric. It's like I've returned to the real world, and I'm in Eric's dorm room like before I went to Eric's memory world.

My eyes, which are getting used to the darkness, can see Eric's ghost hand pointing somewhere. I'm sure the place his hand was pointing at was a bed. I also realized what it meant.

"You want me to give the letter to your parents?" I asked the ghost of Eric, and he answered with a nod.

"Okay, I'll help you give the letter to your family. Please open the door."

Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door opening. Then I listened to the footsteps of several people entering the room and approaching me.

"Leslie, are you all right?" The owner of the voice asked frantically. Of course, I knew the owner of that voice was Sean.

"I'm fine, Sean. Please turn on the light."

"The lights in this room are dead," answered someone who seemed to be the caretaker of this dormitory.

"Sean, where's your flashlight?" Sean handed me his flashlight. After that, with the light of the flashlight, I walked toward the bed that Eric's ghost had pointed to. I opened a pillowcase lying on the bed. I felt an immeasurable relief when an envelope fell from inside the pillowcase.

This letter, yes, is why Eric's ghost has not been able to return to his realm. He had not felt at ease before this letter was given to his family. Now, it's my job to provide this letter to Eric's family.

***

I told Sean and the dormitory guards everything. The dorm guard didn't seem to believe what I was saying, but when he saw the letter in my hand, he had no choice but to believe me.

"We have to deliver the letter," Sean said, and of course, I agreed with him. But the problem is how can we find the address of Eric's family.

"You can go to the library and look for student profile books from each year. There are written bio data of all students who have studied at this campus." These words came from the dorm guard. Sean and I could find a way to see Eric's family address, thanks to him. Without wasting any more time, Sean and I went to the library.

Luckily, even though it's Sunday on our campus, the library is still open. Sean and I headed to the shelf where the student profile files were kept.

After touring our campus library, which is quite large, we finally found it. Along the shelves are files of student profiles from each batch.

"Sean, Eric killed himself three or four years ago, right?" I asked Sean, who was standing beside me.

"Yeah, I heard the rumors that way." I quickly took the file with the year number on the cover written about 3 and 4 years ago.

First, I opened the student files of the class 3 years ago. I open sheet after sheet carefully. I pay close attention to the names of students and their photos. However, I was a little disappointed when I couldn't find it even though I had opened it to the last sheet.

Now, I switched to opening student files batch 4 years ago. Like before, I opened sheet by sheet carefully. I read carefully the student's name on each sheet and noticed the student's photo. My hand movement stopped, and my eyes widened perfectly when I finally found Eric's profile. Yes, I'm sure this is a profile about Eric if I see the names and student photos on the paper.

"I found it," I said cheerfully. Sean quickly typed Eric's family's home address on his cell phone.

"Come on, let's go there now," said Sean which I responded with a nod.

Riding Sean's motorbike, Sean and I went to Eric's address, which was quite far from campus. It was already noon, and I worried we would be late back to the dormitory. However, I ignored that thought because the most important thing right now was helping Eric's ghost return to his realm as soon as possible.