The Cause And Effect (2)

"Yo! William!"

Startled, William tensed up, his tail wiggling cutely as he eagerly turned around. Upon spotting me, his expression lit up, his chin raised with enthusiasm.

"Vallen! Long time no see!" he greeted, the corners of his lips curling upward.

Amused, I closed my eyes for a brief second, shook my shoulders, and settled into the chair across from him. I signaled the waitress to take my order.

"So, what have you been up to lately?" I turned my attention back to William. He leaned back comfortably and responded with a soft hum.

"Mostly family business, and the rest of my time is spent hanging out with my girlfriend," he said, a hint of smugness in his tone.

I rolled my eyes at his response and sighed. "Yeah, right. I'm getting jealous."

"Liar," he retorted, pursing his lips. "Your expression clearly says the opposite. Anyway, how's your eyes? I thought you wouldn't be able to see."

"Ah... Well, let's save that question and enjoy the snack first!"

As my order arrived, he let the matter of my eyes drop and shifted the conversation.

"It's been a while since Persia and you met. She mentioned wanting to hang out with you sometime!" William's eyes beamed, indicating his enthusiasm for the idea.

"Nah, take your girlfriend on your own. She's too eccentric and extroverted for me to handle," I replied with a touch of truthfulness.

William thought for a moment before asking, "Is it because of your trauma?"

"What? No! Of course not! I've moved on from that," I sighed deeply, making a dismissive head shake. He fell silent for a moment, prompting me to search for a lighter topic to change the mood.

My attention was drawn to the bouquet of flowers hidden behind him... What was that for? A surprise for his girlfriend?

William must have noticed my gaze as he pulled out the bouquet, vibrant with flowers of different colors, capturing attention effortlessly.

"These? These are for Persia. Today's our sixth anniversary, and I thought of giving her these," he said innocently... He really like spoiling her, doesn't he? I sighed and took a small box out of my pocket, placing it on the table.

Confused, he opened the box out of curiosity. "A ring?" he questioned.

The ring I gave him served the same purpose as the ones I had given them back when I was still Athan.

If something were to happen at his partner, it will immediately inform William about Persia's whereabouts. It also had a new effect; it can basically protect it's holder from sustaining a life-threatening injuries for as much as three times!

Although excited, William managed to compose himself. "What's this all about?" he asked.

I yawned, taking a sip of my chocolate drink. "Nothing. Just think of it as a friendly gift. Both rings have special functions. I'm too lazy to explain, so make sure to check the internet."

William weakly nodded before putting the box into his pocket.

I added, "You can use that ring for a proposal."

"Shut up!"

...

..

.

We engaged in a quick chat, catching up with each other.

While enjoying his pasta, William brought up a cautionary note. "Oh, right. Make sure not to leave your home exactly at midnight. It's dangerous; the troops informed me about sightings of the 'resistance' in these areas."

"Alright. You don't have to worry about me that much. It's not like I'm a girl," I said, exaggeratingly.

He rolled his eyes and swallowed another bite of pasta.

Although I appreciated William's concern as a friend, I felt it was unnecessary. Besides, he should be focusing more on celebrating his anniversary with his girlfriend.

While I was silently thinking about these, my eyes landed on a certain scene happening outside.

"...hey, William," I called out to him. He turned to look at me, but my attention was fixed outside the window.

Three masked individuals caught my eye. One held a magic gun, while the other two brandished swords... They looked intimidating, to say the least.

"...Vallen?" William called my name in confusion, tilting his head. I clicked my tongue in frustration and stood up from my seat... Annoying, just when I thought I can finally take a break from all these.

"...?" He was puzzled, so I gestured lightly that everything was fine before leaving him alone.

Anyways, it had been a while since I last took someone's life.

I hope these three would provide some entertainment.

***

(William POV)

Confusion washed over me as I witnessed Vallen taking out a pair of white gloves from his pocket. I couldn't fathom his intentions, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at me, suggesting that whatever he was planning, he was up to something no good.

This wasn't the first time Vallen had exhibited such strange behavior. Although I hadn't grown accustomed to it, I had learned that trying to prevent him from carrying out his plans was futile.

"...Ah, he's gone," I murmured to myself, shaking my head as I settled back into my seat.

Reflecting on the conversation, I realized that Vallen had skillfully evaded discussing how he regained his vision. While my curiosity about the topic lingered, I recognized that pushing him for details would be anything but friendly.

In matters of romance, I admittedly lacked expertise, but discerning truth from deception was a skill I honed since childhood. Vallen, despite his honesty, seemed to be concealing something significant. The mystery gnawed at me, fostering an increasing desire to unveil the truth.

Yet, a thought lingered...

Had Vallen finally entered into a romantic relationship...?

Sighing, I rested my chin on my forearm. I was certain that Vallen harbored no romantic feelings for Alicia; his interactions with her appeared more like an attempt to gain her attention for some unknown reason.

Regardless...

I closed my eyes, taking a sip of my drink.

Vallen's behavior had become increasingly peculiar since our first meeting. If he did finally met his match, then all is good.

Still... I never knew that he can push himself hard.

...Was the girl he met really that special?

"I guess the saying 'love will make someone change' had some truths in it."

Not gonna lie, I hope that the changes Vallen will experience won't turn him back to his previous years.

And so, a new misunderstanding had occured.