The morning sun shone brightly, casting golden light through the windows of Princess Villa. In her study, Kirana was already seated at her desk, papers scattered around her. She furrowed her brows as she examined her financial records—income and expenses written in neat columns that unfortunately didn't add up the way she hoped.
With an exhausted sigh, she muttered, "Ugh... if this keeps going, I'll never be rich. I need another source of income besides being a fortune teller at the night market."
---
Meanwhile, sunlight crept into Tama's bedroom, casting a warm beam across his face. He blinked awake, glanced at the clock, and panicked slightly—it was already 6:30 a.m.
"Kirana's breakfast is at seven! I've got to move!" he exclaimed, rushing to wash his face and brush his teeth.
Tama dashed to the villa's kitchen, still fixing his shirt buttons. There, he found Denok already busy plating breakfast.
"Well, look who's up early," Denok teased, noticing his disheveled appearance. "I was just about to deliver breakfast to the princess."
"Wait—can I do it today?" Tama asked, slightly out of breath. "I want to join her for breakfast, if that's okay."
Denok raised an eyebrow. "You? Having breakfast with Her Highness? Interesting... well, go ahead. Bring this tray to her room. I'll bring your breakfast later."
"Thanks, Denok!"
As Tama exited with the tray, Denok watched him go, arms crossed and eyes curious.
"Well, well… is someone getting a little too close to the princess?" she muttered. "But wait… Tama already has a girlfriend. Poor Princess Kirana…"
Suddenly, Limbur popped out of nowhere and startled her with a loud, "DORRR!"
"AHHHH!" Denok shrieked, nearly dropping the clay bowl in her hands. "LIMBUR! You idiot!"
"Oops. Sorry, my beautiful Denok. I just wanted to say good morning," Limbur chuckled.
"Ugh, I don't care! I'm still mad!"
They both stood in awkward silence for a moment before Denok smirked and said, "So... do you think Tama is getting close to the princess?"
Limbur shrugged. "Maybe, but it's probably just work. Don't forget—Kirana's true love is General John Willem."
"Oh, so you're still TJ? Team John?" Denok teased.
"Obviously. Loyalty is loyalty."
"Well, I'm Team Tama! Long live Tama!" Denok declared, sticking out her tongue before walking off.
"Wait—what about my breakfast?" Limbur shouted after her. "Do I have to cook for myself now?!"
---
Tama knocked on Kirana's study and entered carrying the tray.
"Good morning, breakfast is here!" he greeted with a cheerful tone.
Kirana looked up in surprise. "Why are you bringing it? Where's Denok?"
"She said she'd deliver mine after this. I thought we could eat together."
Kirana narrowed her eyes. "There must be something you want."
Tama laughed awkwardly.
Soon after, Denok arrived with Tama's breakfast and quietly left them alone. They began eating in near silence, until Tama noticed the paperwork on Kirana's desk.
"What are you working on?" he asked.
"Financial records. We're barely breaking even," she replied, sounding frustrated.
"Well, I majored in financial management at university. Maybe I could help?"
Kirana raised an eyebrow. "That's helpful... but don't expect overtime pay."
"No worries," Tama said with a grin. "But actually, I did want to ask permission to visit Devan today."
"Ah, I knew it!" she said, pointing a spoon at him. "Fine. But only after your work here is done. And don't forget—you have to be back before midnight to help with the financial report."
"Deal!"
---
By late afternoon, Tama had completed all his chores. He arrived at Devan's house, cheerful and hungry.
"Hey, let's eat at our favorite place," Tama suggested.
"What, tired of your fancy villa meals?" Devan teased.
"Nothing beats greasy fried rice with your best friend," Tama grinned.
They walked together to their usual local restaurant. But as they entered, neither of them noticed Ara sitting in a corner booth, wearing a hat and trying to remain unseen. Her eyes widened as she saw the door swing open on its own and Devan talking to seemingly no one.
She whispered, "Is he… is he possessed?"
Meanwhile, Devan and Tama took the table directly in front of her. Ara stiffened in her seat, pulling her hat lower. As Devan sat down, the chair across from him pulled itself out, and Tama's unseen form took a seat.
"Hey Tam, I've got great news," Devan said. "I got the job at that production house!"
"No way! That's awesome, man. What's the role?" Tama replied, slurping his soup.
"Creative team. I'll be working on their mystery-themed show."
"Perfect. You've got a ghost for a best friend—use me for reference!"
Ara stared in horror as the soup bowl lifted on its own. She could barely breathe as her hands trembled under the table.
After the meal, the two friends left the restaurant, unaware of Ara's traumatized expression.
"Oh my god... he's officially lost it," she whispered.
---
Outside, Devan and Tama strolled along the town square, enjoying the evening breeze.
"By the way," Devan said, "I left your letter with Nadia's mom. She came home really late that night."
Tama smiled sadly. "Thanks, Van. I owe you."
Just then, a sudden gust of black wind tore through the street—cold, sharp, and swirling like a small tornado.
"What the hell?!" Devan exclaimed.
Tama's eyes narrowed. "That wind… I know that presence. Come on!"
They followed it to a nearby tree, where the wind condensed into a cloaked figure—the Grim Reaper.
Clad in a tattered black robe, his presence exuded dread. Devan backed away in panic.
"T-Tama… is that who I think it is?"
"Yep," Tama nodded calmly. "That's the Grim Reaper."
"WHAAAT?!"
Devan nearly fainted, but Tama grabbed his arm.
"Relax. He's not here for you."
Tama stepped forward. "Hello, Uncle. What brings you here?"
The Reaper looked at them with a tired gaze, not speaking at first. Then he sighed deeply.
"I've lost track of a vengeful spirit," he finally said. "It's hidden inside a human host... and it's putting lives at risk."
"What happens if you don't catch it in time?" Tama asked.
"Then innocent people will begin dying prematurely. And that would make my job... far more complicated."
Tama and Devan exchanged a horrified glance. Both immediately thought of their families and friends.
The wind swirled again around the Grim Reaper, growing colder.
"This spirit... it's dangerous. And it's growing stronger."
Devan stepped forward hesitantly. "Can… can we help?"
The Grim Reaper tilted his head. "Perhaps. But be warned—if you do, you may become its next target."