Hakuba slowed his step and paused, watching the ghost girl with equal amounts of fear and caution. He then took a half step back, biting his lip. Did he really need to talk to her? Was there any other way? He glanced down at his hand, the reminder that this was, in fact, not just a joke or illusion, and then back at her, jaw setting firm. Then, he crouched down to put himself at her eye level and tried to smile.

“Ah, little miss… what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”