Chapter 21: A Day of Wandering (1)

"Sir. If you please." The driver bowed, but it was weird 'cause I didn't have a name. How the hell was I going to address him.

'Shouldn't they introduce themselves first?'

I didn't really care all that much as it was just genuine curiosity. I had bigger things to worry about than some name, so I'll just do it like every other human and ask!

"What's your name?"

"Ah. My apologies, it's Marcus."

"Gotcha. Thanks for the help today!"

"It's in the job, sir."

My lips twitched. "You and Jack are so similar."

"He is my brother."

I stared at him, deadpan. Marcus looked like an undercover badass spy—sharp suit, silver hair, presence like a loaded gun. Jack, on the other hand, looked like a plain NPC you pass by in the tutorial zone.

'I really can't see the connection.'

Sliding into the back seat, I sank into the plush leather and buckled up. The faint scent of new car and cologne lingered in the air. I reached forward, placing my phone on a sleek little stand that slid out from the front passenger seat like it was built just for convenience.

"Where to, sir?"

"Know any good food places?"

"Yes, sir, but I will say it's a little rowdy."

"That's fine."

Marcus responded with a nod, and I swore I caught a slight smile on his face—but I could've imagined it. This place—whatever it was—must be good if just the thought of it changed his mood.

"Hey, maybe I can meet up with you?" Kate asked, her voice light but hopeful through the phone speaker.

"Don't you have class today? Plus, you've got that party."

"I can skip class!"

"No. Go to class."

"Meanie! I demand reimbursement for emotional damage!" She clutched her blanket tighter like it owed her compensation, her pout nearly audible.

I looked at her through the screen. Our eyes met hers almost all the way up but still soft from sleep, mine already warming with amusement.

My smile widened.

"A weird way of asking me out on a date, Kate!"

"NO, IDIOT! Ask me properly! You don't get to pull this shit." She sat up straighter, cheeks flaring red as she jabbed a finger toward the camera like I was physically there.

"Why? You just asked me out!"

"Fine then. But you can't get mad at me when I make the plans," she said, crossing her arms with a mock huff, eyes narrowing just enough to make it a challenge.

"…Why would I get mad?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, genuinely confused as my brows knit together.

"I don't know. Don't men get mad whenever women go shopping and stuff?"

"Absolutely not. I think men get mad whenever the time frame is off."

"Huh?" She tilted her head, confused.

"Like when you say it'll be an hour, but it ends up being two or twelve."

"Ohhhh. That makes sense. I'd be mad too."

"But if you want to go shopping and stuff, that's perfect. I planned to do some shopping today anyway, so I'll just look around and shop with you."

"Great! Don't back out on me, Eiz. I'll hit you."

"I feel like you'll hit me regardless."

"Probably. When do you want to—"

"Saturday?" I interrupted, locking down the date before she could overthink it. I wasn't backing out either way, but I didn't want her nerves talking her out of it. Ophi was already going to be one hell of an obstacle for her.

"Sure!"

"Speaking of—which, since you're coming over Friday, do you just want to stay over?"

"H-Huh?! No no no, it's too early for that!"

'Why is she freaking out? I don't think I sai—OH MY GOD!'

I frantically darted my eyes around the car, searching for anything to pull my attention away from the sudden realization. I didn't think Kate was that dirty-minded! My brain was short-circuiting.

"N-No, you dirty-minded fool! I didn't mean it like that."

"Don't call me that! You're the one who said something weird!"

"Okay, Dirty Idiot."

"D-Dirty idiot?! You're a… uhhh, a clean idiot!"

[HAHAHAHA~ Watching two mortals go at it has never been this entertaining.]

Ignoring Ezryn, "Kate, I hope you kn—"

"I know. I'm hanging up. This is so embarrassing!"

The call disconnected.

I looked up and saw Marcus glance at me through the mirror.

"What are my chances, you think?"

"Forgive me, sir, but that is a stupid question."

I nodded. "Hehe~, you may be right."

"By the way, we'll be there in five minutes."

"Huh? Seriously?" I glanced out the window, surprised the ride had gone by so fast.

Marcus gave a single, quiet nod from the driver's seat, eyes still on the road.

'How long was I on the phone for?'

"Forty-five minutes, sir."

'H-How did he read my thoughts?!'

"I didn't, sir. You are just easy to read."

'…He's totally a spy.'

"I'm not a spy."

'…'

[He's totally a spy.]

'SEE! You agree with me!'

[Yeah, this dude is scary.]

'Woah—stop praising him.'

[No, like, he's actually badass for that. Why couldn't I be with him…]

'Dick.'

[Hahaha~ I truly enjoy our banter.]

'Whatever.' I rolled my eyes and shook my head, laughing a bit. As much as Ezryn and I went at each other, it was always lighthearted. He was my first real friend in this world.

[I hope you know th—Never mind.]

'Hmm?' Ezryn sounded like he had more to say.

The car came to a slow stop. We parked at the side of the road, and unfortunately, since this was a busy city, we had to pay for parking.

'Such bullshit.'

I got out of the car and inserted the payment. Still, it was annoying to waste money like this. Once done, I turned to my side—Marcus was staring at me oddly, but I didn't comment on it. He probably wasn't used to rich kids doing things without assistance. Oh wait—most rich kids, mind you.

I followed behind him, and after a short walk—barely two minutes—the food was in sight.

"Here we are! The best pizza joint in the country!" For the first time, Marcus spoke with genuine emotion. He dropped the professionalism completely and looked more like an excited kid.