98. Till the day when we met once again
"Did you do something to them?" she asked suspiciously
Lex let out a smile when he heard it. The best reaction was to smile when you didn't know what the other part was talking about. And that was precisely what Lex did.
(Them? Did I do something? I almost forgot about you. How could I do something strange) Lex thought. Usually, he would reply like that. But Lex couldn't do it today because It would break the character he showed her the other day.
"I don't understand. What are you talking about?" Lex showed a peaceful but mysterious smile. It looks like a usual smile, but whoever saw it could feel like there's a second meaning.
That is how Alice took his smile. She believed that he did something to those bullies. Since that day, all the bullying she usually receives every day was gone.
It's gone without a trace. Her memory of being bullied all those days was only a dream now, and that never happened in real life. She was relieved. She felt like she could breathe again at the school, but it was only for the first two days.
In the end, The harm had been done. With those memories, Alice becomes paranoid. They disappeared in an instant without any explanation. She felt like it was calm before the storm. She became more afraid and disturbed than on the days she was bullied.
In those hard to breathe situations, Alice remembered the young man 'Shounen A,' who made her safe and receded her anxiety.
"See… you got the connection stronger than them now. So… what will you do next?" Alice remembered those words, and it finally dawned on her that she had these strange situations.
Alice didn't think the young man was joking. She believed in his words about 80%, but she still couldn't choose. She couldn't ignore the rest, 20%. Her family and her parents' livelihood were on the line. If she could abandon that, she won't suffer this much.
With just one look at him, Alice felt the air become richer. She felt like she could breathe slowly and peacefully then. After seeing his reaction, she was relieved. She finally found the answer… the reason.
(He didn't want to admit it…) Alice thought. (if that's what you wanted, then I'll play along) "It's fine," she replied, "And as for your offer the other day… thank you very much, but I refused" (Because you already helped me).
On the other side, Lex was a bit bewildered by her refusal. (Maa~, that's fine if she didn't want it)
To Lex, helping her was a small matter. It was the same as assisting some strangers to pick up something they dropped, as simple as that. There was no particular reason for him to help her. So even if she refused his help, it doesn't change anything. It was just a bit unexpected for him.
"Is that all?" Lex asked
"Heh?"
"I mean, the reason you called me here today just to tell me this?" Lex rephrased his words. It was just a pure question without any particular reason behind it; It was just his way of asking it, a bit misleading, and Alice could not understand that.
(Is he angry?) she thought (When I felt it again, I just refused him instantly, am I rude to him? but he already helped me. What should I do?) Alice was flustered, unable to respond to Lex's question.
When Lex saw her strange reaction, Lex immediately understood how his question was a bit misleading too. So, he quickly said, "have you eaten yet? Are you hungry?" he asked to save the situation from becoming more awkward.
"Eh?" once again, Alice was surprised "erm… No, thank-" she stopped mid-words (I'm just about to reject him again! How stupid!) "Yes! I'm a bit famished," she said as she reached the menu. Actually, she didn't feel hungry at all but was afraid of being rude to him again. She still ordered a piece of cake, the smallest one which she could afford easily.
(Cute~) Lex thought he was amused by her antics (this feeling might be why I'm trying to help her). Lex thought he felt a smile creeping up toward his lips just by watching her. Still, Lex didn't smile. He was a mysterious Male Lead on Shoujo Manga today! He must be mysterious, and a mysterious character didn't smile a lot like a blooming flower! So he held himself.
After Alice ordered, Lex ordered a piece of cake too, something he had never ordered before. Well, because this is only the second time he has come to this café. He still had a long way before conquering the whole menu. And because the cakes were pre-made before the restaurant opened, it didn't take long for their orders to come.
(Mm~~) Lex enjoyed his sweets cake silently with a sweets candy in front of him. Usually, when he ate.
While Alice was nervous as she could be! (Did I make him angry again? He didn't say anything at all after that!!)
(Uuu~ I can't feel the cake's taste~) Alice thought
(Still, even at this point, I...., why did I still feel secure like this! It was the same as the last time we met. I know it was untrue, but somewhere inside I still think he won't harm me no matter what!)
(What happened to me!? Am I becoming crazy?)
Finally, the enjoyable time for Lex and the torture time for Alice ended.
Alice was trying to pay but was rejected by Lex as he paid for both of them. Then they went out of the café together.
It was time to part… but Lex noticed something about her.
He noticed it the last time they met and noticed it again this time. Alice seems strange to him. His first impression of her was of a timid and meek character. But after talking to her, he realizes that she didn't look timid at all at someplace. Instead, she was wild and naughty too.
(Strange…) He thought, and he saw Alice seemed wary of her surroundings as she sometimes observed her surroundings and tried to avoid everyone's attention.
It attracted a bit of his curiosity. (Anyway, I have a lot of free time) then he asked…
"Do you like games?"
***
(When we left the café, it dawned on me this might be the last time we met. At the same time, the free, weightless feeling I had was gone and replaced by pressure which I'd long used to and added by something else… it felt there's something intensely gripping my heart.) Alice unconsciously grabbed the end of her uniform. She felt like she was back from the oasis into the middle of the hot desert again. She also habitually tries to avoid others' attention. The mindset of 'I can't fight back, and as long as they can't see me, they won't do anything' had been embedded in her mind.
Actually, bullying has become worse only in the last year. But because Alice had been bullied in smaller cases long before it, as long as she can remember her daily life in middle school, she subconsciously came to think that she was constantly being bullied.
When Alice was asked "Do you like games?" she turned to him and made eye contact with him before immediately avoiding his eyes. she didn't understand the reason he would ask her this, still she replied truthfully, she nodded "I like games".
"Then let's go on a date," Lex said as he grabbed and held her hand.
The unexpected situation blanked Alice's mind for a moment. She stood in a daze while Lex took that chance to fix how he held her hands and held them more tightly.
Alice once again helps the same secureness as before. However, instead of being calm, she becomes more agitated (No! it is just delaying the inevitable!) She screamed inside her heart.
She struggled to release herself from Lex. But it was impossible because she didn't have the strength to beat Lex. Even if she bit his hand, she was sure he wouldn't let go.
(Remember Alice…The moment you got used to this feeling was the time you would be broken beyond repair)
(Like how hope can amplify despair multiple times. The sweeter these times are, the bitter and unbearable the latter will be. It's time to wake up to my bitter reality…)
That was what she thought at that time, she knew and tried to avoid it, but she still almost drowned in it! Even when she stopped being bullied the last few days, that doesn't mean the chains that always held her down would just disappear like nothing. She always has a fear that disaster might strike again.
"Please let me go. I don't want to go" a sliver of hope left in her heart that he might stop if she asked him sincerely. Instead of replying to her, Lex stared at Alice again. And Alice immediately tried her best to avoid his gaze.
"Nah, Impossible," he replied.
(But why!?) she screamed inside her heart. "w, why?" she let out a small trembling voice.
"didn't I just treat you the last time and this time? so, accompany me for a bit, okay."
"I'll give you all my money!" she quickly replied
"Nope, not enough. Didn't you also call me out like this? I was busy, you know," he stated.
Then, Alice finally remembered (he was this kind of person! A jerk!!). She stopped her struggle and gave up. She also could imagine her broken self after today. With a dead eye on her face, she was dragged by Lex.
***
Alice observed her surroundings again once they arrived at the game center known in the city. It was a well-known place where every kind of game could be found, from a small crane game to a big basketball game.
She was observing, entirely detached from herself. She felt like she was playing a game and watching everything outside the screen. She didn't care anymore.
Lex brought her inside without hesitation. And after filling the charges to play the game, Alice was brought into a cartoon cart racing game.
The control was simple. Even if Alice had never played this particular game, she could easily understand the mechanics. Also, she played something similar to this before too.
There are many items they can get to block or slow down the other player or boost themselves in the game. It was the same as many other racing games, the fastest the winner.
Alice was unable to understand his purpose in doing this. If he wanted to take advantage of her, why would he bring her here and play games like this!
If others were to see Alice's situation, they might think, why didn't she scream or run away? The answer is Alice was grateful for Lex. She misunderstood that it was Lex who helped her with stopping the bullying. Also, she felt that he wouldn't harm her. Instead, the situation was good and sweet for her too. So sweet that she was afraid she couldn't handle the bitterness again.
After choosing a character, the game started. Lex chose a pretty simple map and only a single lap to win the game for the first game. Unfortunately, because the AI of this game was too stupid, only the player competed with each other.
Alice in the first place and Lex right behind her. She saw he was trying to bypass her but failed again and again. So, in the end, the game ended with Alice in the lead and Lex unable to surpass her.
Somehow Alice felt a tuck in her heart when she won the game.
Lex didn't say anything and continued the game, this time, he chose a more complex map and laps to win the game.
The game started in the first lap. After that, Lex was in the lead, and Alice was right behind him.
The same as Lex before, Alice tried to surpass him too. And she succeeded. The second lap was led by her. But not for long Lex once again surpassed her, and he was in first place till the fifth lap.
Until Alice bypassed him on the sixth lap and the seven on the final lap, Alice was still in first place, and just when the finish line was in front of her.
*fwoosh
Lex bypassed her and won the race.
Alice was stupefied by the result. He peeks at Lex, who was on her side, only to see he is grinning with a smug face winning the race.
Alice was forced and dragged here by him and invited to play a game she had never played before. After winning against her, he even dares to act smug and mock her. it was impossible for her not to be irritated by him.
"Again!" she said before focusing on the game once again.
The result was… complete defeat. From the beginning till the end, Alice couldn't surpass him. "Grrr" she unconsciously glared at him when he mocked her. Without her knowing, something was tucking her head again.
She played again and again. But she was far from winning against him. On the contrary, each loss made her more irritated. At the same time, the unwillingness to lose against him takes a bud and quickly blooms on her mind.
After a few more tries, she still loses. (No, I can't win) she thought then when she saw a game she knew (That's right, I just can't win on this game because I'm new with this game)
"Let's play that next!" Alice pointed at the game she knew. Of course, Lex didn't mind her suggestion.
But even after changing to the game. She still loses! She didn't believe that and tried it again. And finally… she won!!
Alice glared at him with a very smug face. This time it was Lex who made the same expressions as Alice before. "Again!" he said before winning the game again.
After another streak of losses, Alice suggested changing the game again. Without her realizing it, her long-forgotten trait of hate to lose has surfaced to the front. Also, she didn't even know she was enjoying competing with Lex. The thought of disaster in the future has long been forgotten by her. There's only one thing that can explain her right now, and it is that she's having fun.
On the other side, Lex was smiling, seeing Alice enjoying herself (looks like it worked), Lex thought.
These kinds of games all depend on the player's reaction speed, a little bit of thinking, and luckiness. Lex, who had already surpassed human abilities in many places, it was very easy for him to win the games.
Correct! From the beginning, all those winning and losing, even how he reacts when he loses, were all an act. A calculated move.
(To think it would succeed on the first try, as I expected no one hates games) Lex noticed the contradiction in her personality. He didn't know the reason. However, Lex knew she was stressed. So, He brought her here to help her relax and release some stress. If it didn't work, he was prepared to try any game to help her release some tension. His basis was that no one hates all games. There must be some kind of game they like, no matter who it is.
Why would Lex help her? Well, Lex enjoyed his time with her in the café, so he decided to repay that back like this. He knew she couldn't take a step forward without being forced like this. That's why he did it.
When he saw her clouded eyes, Lex almost doubted his own actions (I'm glad it works…), he thought.
They continued playing games. It was no longer focused on the competitive game. They tried all kinds of games, even those that needed two people to work together. In other words, they are having fun together. Until…
"Yo, Bro, aren't you two having so much fun! Mind if we join?" Alice and Lex suddenly heard a voice calling them. When they turned, they saw two people older than them.
They had strange hairstyles and wild outfits. The older one was the big brother than the younger one with a milder style. Just one look and you found they were bad people the way they style themselves it was as if screaming 'I AM PUBLIC'S WASTE!!" to the whole world.
Alice unconsciously hid behind Lex's back, while Lex… (Is this for real!? This is too cliché!!) he thought. (They would take an interest in Shoujo B while underestimating me, then I would beat them up, increasing the favor of Shoujo B while also provoking their backing, making the chain villain till the last boss! Cliché! Damn Cliché!!!)
"Come on! Say something, will ya!? Hm? Oh! Quite a cute girl there!!"
(Is there any way for us to avoid this….Haa~~ how troublesome…)
Lex thought it would be better to finish it as soon as possible if he couldn't avoid the event "Okay, okay, we want to be alone. Now say your lines and finish it fast," Lex replied.
At first, both of them had a strange look on their face. They looked at each other and said, "That's so?" then they turned to leave Lex and Alice alone.
"Eh?" Lex was baffled by the situation (did they just leave like that?) "Wait," he called out unconsciously.
Being called out, the duo turned their face to Lex again, this time with a sign of anger in it. "What? You thought we're going after a girl too?"
"You're not?" After Lex said that, he finally caught up and understood just how wrong this situation was… he felt his face was getting hotter and hotter because of embarrassment. At the same time, "Pfft" Lex could feel Shoujo B behind him, also understanding the situation, and was holding her laughter toward him.
(Aaarghgh~~!!) he screamed inwardly. If there is a hole nearby, he would unhesitantly jump into it.
"Even if I look like this, I am a man with principle, even if your girlfriend is cute. I'm not interested!"
*cough *cough they heard someone choked by that, but they ignored it.
"I had a girlfriend too, sure she didn't look as cute as her, but she's the only one for me!" the older thug stated proudly.
(Ghh!!) unknowingly he had already indirectly attacked Lex again.
Then as if waiting for his cue, "I don't have one, but I had someone I liked too! I've been going after her for more than five years. I'm sure she will be mine next month!! Of course, she's the only one for me too," The younger one also followed, stating proudly.
(Guhaaa!!) Lex was on the verge of collapsing. He was being attacked from the inside, from the front to the back in all directions.
"We like games too. We just saw how you two are having so much fun playing. So, we thought maybe we could play together. The more, the merrier, something like that. But! Each time we invited someone like that, they thought we were hitting on their girlfriend! Did they think their girlfriend was the only girl in the world!?" The older thug said vexedly. He released the stress he had accumulated all these days toward Lex and Alice.
"Why would everyone think we're hitting on their girlfriend in the first place?" he said in a confused tone. While the younger one nodded as he felt the same as his older brother.
At first, Lex and Alice are unable to refute his words. Instead, they feel ashamed of their misunderstanding. While Alice didn't take action, she actually thought the same way as Lex when those two approached them. However, when they heard his last sentence, another feeling quickly bulked up inside them. And exploded.
""Isn't it because of the way you are asking it!!!?"" Alice and Lex shouted in anger to the thug brothers simultaneously.
""!!?"" the thug brothers flabbergasted (Shouldn't it be us who are angry, why would they become angrier than us?) they thought.
When both sides were getting more aggressive suddenly, a voice called, "Ah! There you are! Sorry, I'm late today!"
Both sides immediately turned to the newcomer. It was a plain girl, not pretty but not ugly either. She's just a bit unique with her wild dressing style. It's what Lex would call a Gyaru style!
"Oooh! Bertha, you finally come!" the older thug said. Then he immediately sweeps his hand, hugging the girl's waist. Bertha also didn't dislike his action and accepted it.
"Un" Bertha nodded, then she glanced at Lex and Alice. She could also feel the tension between them. "Mario, what happened?" she asked the older thug.
Then Mario explained what happened between them. At first, Bertha glared at Lex and Alice in contempt because of his half-assed explanation. However, before she could shout her bad words toward Alice. Lex explained it again in detail without missing any words they talked about.
*Pak
"Aw!" Mario shouted in pain as his head was slapped by Bertha. She understood the whole misunderstanding started from her boyfriend's choice of words. "You too!" she also beat the younger thug's head "Aaw!" he's also shouted in pain. "Sis, why did you hit me too!?" he said in protest, which ended up with another hit on his head.
After the comedy-show-like scene, Bertha bowed her head toward Lex and Alice, apologizing in thug brother's stead.
Lex also didn't make a big matter of this. Instead, he said he was sorry for their misunderstanding too. (she's unexpectedly a proper lady!) while thinking rude things about her.
(Damn! I seriously will never believe this novel's logic again!!!) Lex thought resolutely.
Everything ended well without any bloodshed. It was the best outcome for all of them. Then, Lex glanced at Alice, who had already stood beside him. An idea showed up in his head.
"Now that we know we have solved our misunderstanding, why don't we have fun together?" Lex suggested.
"oh! That sounds fun!" Bertha replied, then she turned to the thug brothers, "What about you guys?"
"Of course, we're in!" Mario replied with spirit, while the younger one nodded vigorously.
Then all their eyes turned to Alice.
Sure, she's having fun and forgot about all the pressure and insecurity she usually has. But now, she's remembered it all. She only wanted to go home as soon as possible. Alice wanted to refuse.
It was then that she felt a squeeze on her hand. Without her knowledge, her hand was already held by Lex. She turned to Lex and saw how he smiled brightly at him.
(There's nothing I can do… I can only accept it) she thought dejectedly. She had already given up, she thought (Today would be my best memories for the past few years, also the day…. when I could no longer endure all those bad things… and broken apart…)
***
""Hahahaha~"" Alice and Bertha's laughing voices echoed loudly after checking the photo they got from the photo booth. Lex also unconsciously let out a smile seeing Alice.
***
Alice knew she was baited once again by Lex. But, even if she knew it, she couldn't escape from it.
(It was fun, It was fun, It was fun!!!) she thought excitedly. They played all the games they could play, even the embarrassing ones like dancing and singing.
(It was in elementary school I felt this much fun)
(But it was also in elementary school when I felt this sad) Alice thought. It was time for them to part away. She also got Bertha's contact. It was easy for them to play together again. However, she also knew that she wouldn't meet him again. Even when she's got his contact…, she still could feel how he would easily disappear…
Before she knew it, the suffocating pressure that always lingered around her no longer felt the same.
It's more like Alice finally realized that the school wasn't the whole world. (It was my stupidity that narrowed down my view…, now that I think about it. She also had friends in the school, her friends from elementary school, and a few friends she made in my first year. My first year was quite a peaceful one too. It was only recently that I felt my whole world was falling apart. It was also me who started to distance myself from the other girls, which ended up with my misunderstanding that I was always alone.)
(Just how stupid am I….) before she knew it, her eyes were already clouded.
She thought she had always been enduring the bullying at school. Then, the guilt of lying to her parents that she had friends and always had fun at school was a pressure suffocating her both in school and at home.
(And the one who woke me up is…) she took a glance at Shounen A (I thought I always loved Lex… but it's different… the feeling I had toward him was different from this… he was more like a big brother to me)
(At that time, when I misunderstood my feelings toward Lex. I couldn't say what I wanted to tell him the day he left. I don't want the same thing to happen again… this time, I will…)
"Shounen A," Alice called out. They just said goodbye to the trio in the lobby of the game center. Like many other big lobbies, there are receptionist tables in the middle. But there is also a conspicuous big screen. It was for others to watch when there was a big game tournament held in this place.
Her voice wasn't loud and wasn't quiet either. Shounen A turned to her. Alice made eye contact with him for the first time and didn't avoid it. Instead, she stared straight into his eyes.
"I…"
"""WOAHHHH!!!!""" the surrounding people shouted in the hype. Alice was almost scared silly by that. She unconsciously glared at her surroundings only to find out everyone was watching the big screen.
Most of them knew what happened, but a few of them, like Alice and Lex, didn't understand the reason behind their hype. Some who didn't know quickly asked their friend who knew, "it's a teaser of Diamond's new album!!"
"Diamond?"
"What!? How could you not know about her!! She's the most popular newcomer!! Listen to one of her songs and ta-da! You're a fan like me!"
Alice quickly understood by eavesdropping on the others. She saw a girl who looked the same age as her on the big screen after a spectacular opening video. Long purplish hair and red-ruby very eye-catching eyes and wearing a one-piece dress mixed with purple and red color, and definitely a beauty.
(…) Alice watched in silence for a moment. Seeing the sparkling girl who looked the same age as her, she couldn't help but compare herself with her. At the same time, she also subconsciously peeked at Lex about whether he was interested in that kind of sparkle girl or not.
To her surprise, Lex had already turned away from the big screen in disinterest! Looking at his reaction, Alice immediately became excited on the inside.
"Sorry, I missed your words just now. What did you just say?" Lex asked rather than being surprised by the sudden hype of the other visitor. He was more surprised by the sudden change of Shoujo B. He never expected this much of a change.
Alice tries hard to hold down her fast-beating heart and excitement "I…," but her words are cut again. And it was none other but herself who cut it. it was because she heard…
#~We separated from each other~#
She heard… No, they listened to a familiar voice. When Alice and Lex listened to the singing voice, they instantly turned their head to the big screen again.
#~Who knows how far away we are~#
#~Even so…~#
#~We are still close to each other~#
#~Your precious things left on me~#
#~My precious things left on you~#
#~ I'm sure we treasure it forever~#
#~Till the day when we met once again~#
#~I won't give up…~#
#~I will find my way toward you once again~#
#~Huu…~#
"I'm right here… maybe…. Just maybe… you will come and find me…." Diamond's last word before the teaser MV ended. It was a mellow and sad song of separation but still retained a slight hope for rendezvous.
"""""Woahhh!!" """" The visitors who listened to Diamond's song no longer cared about their surroundings and shouted in excitement. Some older fans even cried on the spot while the others congratulated their newest members.
Alice and Lex are stunned even after the end of the song. The song resonated with their heart. Both felt Diamond's voice was familiar but also alien at the same time. Still, Alice and Lex accepted different messages from that short song.
Alice felt hope that today's goodbye won't be the end and that she'll definitely meet Shounen A again someday.
Lex felt he had lost something and needed to look for it, but he didn't know what it was. while he was thinking about what that is…
"Shounen A," Alice called him again.
Lex responded as he turned to Shoujo B. His eyes widen because what he saw
Alice showed Shounen A her brightest smile "goodbye," she said sweetly before turning her back and running in the other direction.
Lex was thunderstruck for a while. He didn't expect that move...
Then he also returned with a gentle smile on his face.
***
It's been a few days since that event.
Everything has become a good memory for both Lex and Alice.
But they didn't expect to meet again in just a few days.
"Maya, you didn't need lunch too?" Lex asked while making breakfast. Today was his turn to make it.
"Un," Maya nodded, "Ella told me they will eat at the school cafeteria today. it's a waste of money, though," she added and pouted, showing a bit of dissatisfaction on her face.
"Haha," Lex was amused by Maya's cute gesture. "Actually, why don't we leave one day a week or one day in two weeks to eat lunch in the school cafeteria? They also had many interesting menus."
"it's a waste of money" Maya rejected the idea.
"Now, now, let's say it's a necessary expenditure to widen our view."
"But…" even after hearing Lex's logic, Maya is still hesitant about wasting money like that.
"How about this?. After Maya knows the taste of the school cafeteria, I'm going to make an even tastier food than them!" Lex said as he acted triumphantly, "I need Maya to know their taste before I can stomp them down!" Lex persuaded once again. However, Maya still showed a bit of hesitation.
"Or what? Did Maya think I wouldn't be able to win against them?" Lex said slyly
"Muu," Maya pouted again. "That kind of question is unfair!!" she sulked
"Is that so? So Maya thinks I couldn't win against them," Lex replied. "Shun~" he no longer tried to persuade Maya. Instead, he turned back, preparing breakfast very, very, very dejectedly.
"Uuu…."
"Aarrgghh" Maya yelled. "Alright, alright, I understand, so stop that act!!"
"Hehe, that's my girl" after making sure everything was alright, Lex went to pat Maya's head for a moment.
"Gunununu~~" Maya sulked again, which made Lex let out a huff of laughter.
After their usual breakfast, Maya and Lex went to school separately like usual. Maya went with Ella while Lex was on his own.
On the way, Lex recalled the reason he didn't bring lunch today.
It was the day before when Justin suddenly told him not to bring lunch today. And when Lex asked the reason, Justin kept his silence and said, "it's a secret~" in a very annoying way.
Lex decided to ignore him, but Justin didn't give up. He kept reminding him at every chance possible! In the end, Lex gave up and promised him not to bring lunch today.
It was then Lex felt something fall toward him from the sky. He unconsciously side-stepped and found its identity. It was a bird dropping!!
Seeing it, Lex felt a bit strange within him.
He continues his way, then finds a black cat crossing right in front of him.
(….)
Then the next second, he felt something fall toward him with much better force and faster than before. Lex was more vigilant after the first drop. He side-stepped again and…
*Crash!!
A loud voice! Lex turned and saw a broken flower vase! A fucking flower face fell toward his head!
"I'm sorry~!! Are you alright!!?" Lex heard a hysterical voice from above. "I'm okay!" Lex shouted to calm the flower vase owner before continuing on his way again.
Then when he was trying to cross the road
*Toonk *Toonk!!
A huge truck suddenly went toward him. with his superhuman ability, Lex easily dodged the coming truck. (The fuck!? Is there someone trying to send me to an isekai?) he thought.
At this point, Lex could feel something accumulating within him (I have a very bad feeling today)
***
*Ping *Pong *Pang *Pong
When the chime rang. Justin immediately stood up and pulled Lex with him. "Hurry!!" he shouted. And to Lex's surprise, it wasn't Justin alone who was like that! Almost every male in the class acts the same way!
Pulled by Justin, Lex also ran toward the school cafeteria. And it was another surprise for him. It wasn't just the boy from his class. Almost every class was racing to the school cafeteria!!
(What the hell!?) he was amazed (Are there any special menus today?)
When they reached the school cafeteria, everyone was racing to catch the seat closest to the middle. Leaving only the middle table.
It was chaos! But also fair at the same time, once someone got the seat, no one tried to steal it forcefully. It's like all of them have an agreement.
"Damn it!!" Justin cursed. Their class wasn't the closest one to the school cafeteria. Even when he and Lex ran the fast, they could, not too close also not too far away from the middle table was the best they could get. "Haa~" Justin sighed dejectedly, "Let's go order some food."
"O, oh," Lex was a bit taken back by the whole situation. "Is it okay to leave our seat like that?" he curiously asked.
"Mm, it's fine. Everyone knows the rules. Breaking it is the same as banishment. No one would ever do that."
"O, oh, okay" Lex decided to shut up. Many things in the world are better left unsaid and unknown.
Then with food in their hand, Lex and Justin went back to their seats. Before long, the school cafeteria became very noisy. If the situation before was filled with so many people chattering, now it is like a morning market with every trader shouting and yelling to attract customers.
Obviously, it also piqued Lex's curiosity. Copying the others turned his eyes in the same direction as others. He didn't know how to react anymore when he saw Justin suddenly become excited like others. Lex had already guessed the reason behind it.
(They say seeing is believing, this sure has an impact! I know she's popular, but to think it was to this Extend)
The pair of girls who got the attention of almost the whole student in the school cafeteria was none other than… Kate Bentley.
"Spifer!" Justin called excitedly. "I told you about Prez's special person before, no? it's her!" he turned his chin toward Alice, "Prez's special person, special friend, Alice Vernalis."
(Alice?) Once, he heard her name. Lex immediately remembered the memory of his elementary school about Alice and about Dia.
Lex didn't get surprised that Alice became Kate's best friend. He knew it was a natural thing for it to happen. But, (What about Dia?) It also makes him wonder why it is only Alice alone.
He remembered how cute Alice was in childhood, and he was eager to see the change in his friend. He turned his attention to the other girl and…
"Pfft!!!" He spurted water he had just drunk toward Justin
"Hey!!" Justin cried in surprise. He instantly stood up and pushed down his seat in between
*Bam!
The sound echoed to the whole cafeteria. But it didn't register in Lex's brain. His brain was already full-packed with the other matters.
(Shoujo B!?) He screamed inwardly (What the hell!! Am I dreaming? This is just my imagination, right?) his brain was at full capacity in the running away from reality
"Ah!" Lex snapped out. He finally woke up when his body was shaken by Justin. And he was finally able to see what happened to Justin, and he quickly apologized.
Justin was annoyed by Lex's sudden burst, but when he saw him was utterly panicked. Instead of getting mad, Justin becomes worried. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.
"Yea, I'm fine. It's just my old sickness to spurt out water whenever I hear a beautiful girl's name," Lex said with an earnest face. After becoming friends with Justin for days, Lex knew he wouldn't be mad at simple matters like this, so he joked around to prevent him from asking further questions.
"Like I said! Just what kind of sickness is that!!" Justin retorted loudly, and Lex let out a burst of laughter as Justin replied the same as he expected.
It was then. The two of them finally realized the whole students' attention had been centered on them.
When Lex realized it, he quickly turned in Kate's direction, the whole reason this event happened. And what he saw was…
A pure shocked expression on Kate's face was staring at him. Then when they made eye contact, that shocked expression turned into a very bright smile of happiness.
Lex was frozen in place. It won't be an overstatement to say that he's enamored with Kate's reaction.
After Lex. Justin also turned his attention and became frozen solid, followed by the other students a moment later…
"OOOOOOOO AAAHHHH!!!" The whole school cafeteria broke out roars of excitement.