Chapter Text
“Actually, I’d love to start a ghost-hunting Youtube channel,” Renjun said and took a sip of his drink.
“Oh my, guys, I think Renjun’s mojito isn’t actually virgin.” Jaemin rolled his eyes.
“It is. Just like your sorry ass.”
It was another normal Saturday evening. They always spent them in the same way: they would invite their friends to their place and drink non-alcoholic beverages. Renjun called it “kids’ meeting”. That was only partially true, since one of their friends, Mark, became an adult that year. But no matter how often they joked about it, they couldn’t kick him out. After all, he was a friend.
That evening was no different. Chenle and Jisung were discussing something passionately, their voices low. Mark and his best friend, Donghyuck, were for some unknown reason playing rock-paper-scissors. The game seemed to be very heated.
Renjun, Jaemin, and Jeno were seated on a sofa.
“I’m just saying… It wouldn’t make sense to base an entire channel on something nonexistent.” Jaemin rolled his eyes.
“Okay, Jeno, scratch the idea for ‘Jaemin’s sex life: the channel’, he’s right.”
Jeno tried to hide his smile behind a glass but it didn’t work.
“Your eyes are smiling, traitor. I thought you were supposed to be neutral!” Jaemin pouted.
“I am, I am. Sorry, that was just funny…”
“Almost as funny as Jaemin’s beliefs. You really think ghosts aren’t real?”
“I know they aren’t, idiot. It’s basic science.”
“Basic science, my ass. You’re just scared,” Renjun hummed.
“Am not.”
“Are, too.”
“You’re the one that’s scared. After the bottle incident you were ready to burn the house down.”
“Jeno, better hold me if you don’t want me to throw hands with this kid.”
Jeno rolled his eyes and separated the two.
“No throwing hands today,” he said. “And… Here’s a fun idea. Maybe you guys should start a channel together? Like… go to haunted places and try to prove that ghosts are or aren’t real?”
“That is…” Renjun raised his eyebrow.
“A brilliant idea! Unless you’re too scared of not getting any proof of your stupid ghosts existing?” Jaemin jumped with excitement. “Scared, Renjun?”
“You wish.”
“Hey! No Harry Potter quotes!” Jeno rolled his eyes. “So… You both agree.”
“Agree on what?” Donghyuck lifted his head up, interrupting the conversation. Suddenly the only thing disturbing the silence was Jisung’s voice.
“No, Chenle, you can’t just make an infinite chocolate bar.”
“Well, then what about THIS?” the Chinese boy showed him a sketchbook with some drawings.
“This is still not eviden… Oh, my God. Everyone’s staring.”
“Yes, we are,” Mark said slowly. “Chenle, can I see these drawings later?”
“Sure.”
“Cool, now… What are you guys agreeing on?”
“Renjun and I are starting a Youtube channel to prove ghosts aren’t real,” Jaemin smiled.
“To prove ghosts are real,” Renjun corrected.
“That’s cool!” Donghyuck smiled. “Is Jeno going to be the cameraman?”
“That’s a great idea, Hyuckie! See, Jeno, you have a job now.” Renjun clapped and poured himself a glass of non-alcoholic mojito.
“Oh, hooray. I have a job now,” Jeno said without enthusiasm. “You guys have to do some research on haunted places though.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Renjun got up. “I’ll be back in a sec, Hyuckie, take care of my mojito.”
“Yes, sir.”
Renjun went to his room and smiled. Finally, he had an opportunity to prove it once and for all. He wanted to win over Jaemin so hard. He knew ghosts were real, he knew from the very beginning of his life. He didn’t need to prove it to himself. But the thought of Jaemin finally acknowledging the truth was thrilling. And showing it to the world…
He took a big, old notebook out of a grey box. He smiled and looked at it.
“Finally,” he said. “Our time to shine.”
“STOP TALKING TO YOURSELF, CREEP!” Jaemin shouted from the living room. Renjun sighed and went back to his friends.
“What’s that?” Jisung asked. Donghyuck smiled.
“Please tell me it’s a notebook with a list of haunted places, please tell me it’s…”
“It’s a notebook with a list of haunted places,” Renjun announced. Hyuck almost jumped out of his chair.
“Hell yeah!”