After

“What happens beyond life?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like, after we die.”

“Well the point is that we don’t know.” 

“But what do you think will happen?”

“The most we’ll get is an empty void, or just nothing.”

“Doesn’t that scare you?”

“A little. But I’m not worrying about what comes after death, I’m more worried about the now. The present.”

“I am worried about the now. It’s just fun thinking about it.”

“About what comes after death? It’s just wasting your time. Why not focus on now?”

“It’s not really wasting my time. I think about it mostly in the shower and then I tell you. Like, what if reincarnation does exist—”

“Probably doesn’t.”

“Well you don’t know!”

“It’s highly improbable.”

“I don’t like you and your logic sometimes.”

“Hey. I’m sorry. You can say whatever you want.” 

“...” 

“I’m serious. Truly. I like hearing your ideas. I wasn’t trying to dissuade you or anything, just that there’s probably not anything after this life. I want to focus on the now. On us.”

“I guess. But imagine if we were reincarnations. And that we were together every past life leading up to this one. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“I think you’re reading too many romance books.”

“I’m watching now. The romance books have been too linear.” 

“Watching, got it. Anything you like especially?”

“Not really. There’s a lot of cute things the main leads do.”

“Do you get jealous?”

“What? No! Why would you ever think that.”

“...”

“Don’t turn away with that smug look.” 

“Not doing anything.”

“I’m going to start tickling you.”

“No no, I’m sorry. Please don’t do that.”

“Ok. I won’t.”

“Your face tells me otherwise.”

“My face doesn’t tell anything! Let go of my hands.” 

“Hey— I knew you would do it.”

“Yeah. The opportunity was too good to pass up.”

“...”

“...”

“I think if reincarnation does exist. I’d try to find you in every life. Even if you hate my guts.”

“Will you even remember anything?”

“In this book, there’s a legend of the Red String of Fate and the romance surrounds all of that. Eventually I’ll learn to rely on it.”

“They’re legends for a reason.” 

“I know.” 

“I think that's sweet though.”

“What?” 

“Well, you know, the fact that you’d try to find me in every life.”

“I guess. Thanks.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m thirsty.” 

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“We were talking.”

“Next time you tell me when you’re thirsty. I’ll get you water.”

“Can I come with?”

“Sure. Whatever you want.”