Sometimes I run my imagination wild, earlier I honestly would thought these two men would put me in some kind of shack, tie me up and toture me. Well, that's just quite a really exaggerated delusion. And perhaps just me overreacting.
Well, I bet anyone would think the same if you've been drag along by these two men so suddenly not having an idea where they would take you, not to mention the other one meant to kill me in the past or rather a week ago.
In addition, I was initially gonna hang out by myself- along with this annoying Deity, yet here I am, having a warm cup of coffee together with the two who 'abducted' me.
The more I look at them, the more irritated I get. Why am I drag in here you ask? I too have no clue at all. Maybe they murdered someone and just thought it'll be better to confessed it to me thinking I'll be able to give them some consolation.
'It's like you're on a triple date!' Suddenly exclaimed Agapius who was sitting on the empty chair beside me. His tail keeps on wagging as if he's a dog whose excited. Keep in mind, he's a cat.
'Shut it.'
I shut my eyes heavily as I drink my last drop of coffee. I wouldn't say that it is, it's more of like two men whose gonna lecture their younger sister about something.
Although, people around me think otherwise. I could hear them whisper assumptions as their eyes were on us like we are some kind of attraction.
Can't people just assume us being friends who decided to hang out? Why must they think weirdly? Geez. If I were a man- which I was originally- I expect that no one would think of us like that...or not. Oh forget it!
Haaa.
"So," I started, breaking this tense silence. "Why drag me all the way here? You won't even let me leave."
One more thing for people to be staring at us was because of their two feet was linked in both of mine reassuring that I won't even try to stand and leave. As I do not want to cause a scene I just let then do whatever they want. It was uncomfortable but I have no choice but to stay put. May I say, they're older than I am, I'm just a boy who was about to turn 19 this year but happen to be drag here and suddenly became a heroine of a game.
"We need your help." Surprisingly Remus answered, his tone was candid.
I raised my eyebrow as I look at Remus and Shiki repeatedly before sighing. "At what exactly?"
Both looked at each other, I could tell Remus glancing at me back and forth signaling shiki to talk instead of him.
Moments pass they still haven't given me a respond instead they've been staring-talking to each other using their eyes.
While waiting for them to finish their eye talk I called a waitress since I can't stand currently. This time, I ordered frappe cappuccino and a black forest flavored cake of theirs, along with their fortune cookies. The waitress which is 'Zina' that was imprinted on her golden name tag that is resting above her chest, she wrote down my orders and eventually took the previous white porcelain cup I used.
Before leaving she looked at me then to the two men I'm with as she then glance down on my feet that was guarded by their feet. After that, she left with a suspicious look.
Murmurs and whispers echoed through the cafe. There's still no progress on the two, although, Remus kept on nudging Shiki. You could tell he's becoming irritated by how shiki ignores him and just keep on sipping on his half warm coffee.
"Can you guys just get straight to the point?" I for once am beginning to be impatient.
With that, I got both of their attention at the same time my second order arrived. Once again, they looked at each other then surprisingly they nodded in unison.
Remus wince when shiki went back to his own world. Clicking his tongue before glancing onto me.
Before he speak, he deeply sigh in frustration. "Fine," he retorted, his eyes flared with such firmness, I then got taken a back by what he said next "will you go to a maquarade ball with us?"
A masquerade ball? What kind of scene is this?
All of a sudden, there was a crackling sound and the translucent screen appeared but instead it was a task.
[ Task
Attend the Masquerade ball with Remus and Shiki
Reward: Backstory and an artifact
Remaining time: 3 Days
Accept ✔ Deny ✘ ]
Why is there a task all of a sudden? There was no task when shiki and I infiltrated the chamber? So what kind of crazy antic is this?
I Swiftly turned to Agapius who avoided my gaze acting dumb as if he doesn't know any of this. He could've at least told me about tasks!
Well, I guess I should've expected task, I am inside of a game after all. And, I can either accept or deny this task. Well, it's quite obvious on what choice I shall pick.
Click.
What?!
I kept on clicking the deny button but another screen keeps on popping up with 'ERROR REQUEST DENIED' what kind of fraud of a game is this?!
Why bother putting a deny selection when you cannot even click on it? Seriously, this is ridiculous.
"What are you doing? You keep on tapping the air." Remus remarked all of a sudden, looking at me as if I'm a weirdo.
Did I unconsciously do that? Tapping on thin air?
'That's embarrassing.'
I heard Agapius commented. My cheek flushed, I then took a sip from my untouched frappe cappuccino embarrassingly looking away from the two who are still giving me weird looks.
Cough.
Once I got my composure back, I turn to them. "What's with the Masquerade ball?" I asked.
Remus was about to speak when Shiki interrupted. He leaned back on his chair, arms crossed as he looked at me with dead cold stare.
"We're infiltrating a banquet." He bluntly responded.
I blinked numerous times my brows arched and mouth agape. Have he lost his mind? Infiltrate? I don't get it.
Glancing at Remus whom I expect to speak after, but instead he just casually nodded while his eyes are closed agreeing on Shiki's response.
What is the deal of these two? Are they making fun of me? Are they taking me for a fool?
Before I could even comment Remus abruptly spoke up, "Technically we need you as Shiki's partner, the banquet is only applicable for 4-8 group of people."
"Wait, what do you mean by infiltrate? Just what exactly is going on?"
"It's not exactly infiltrating since we have invitations given by my father." Remus replied.
'Too many Questions, just accept the task. It's boring to just sit around like this. I want some thrill!'
Agapius spoke through my mind while meowing tapping my side. Leaning back, sighing heavily as the translucent screen floating in front of me appeared once again. I swear, he's pressuring me.
[ Task
Attend the Masquerade ball with Remus and Shiki
Reward: Backstory and an artifact
Remaining time: 3 Days
Accept ✔ Deny ✘ ]
I guess I have no choice then.
"Nevermind, I won't asked further. But alright, I'll go with the both of you."
Click.
'You really accepted it?'
He speak as if he was not expecting the outcome. What is he expecting rather than me accepting it? Be stubborn and ignore that damn task?
Even both of the men was shock with my response. Well, they must've expected me to decline that's why they kept me from leaving, and probably been thinking on how they could've persuade me to agree with them.
"O..oh great! The banquet will be held 3 Days from now so we still have some time to prepare." Said Remus.
My eyes met with shiki, as always, he had his usual poker face and lifeless stare. Now that I think about he'll be my partner, right?
What about Remus?
"What about you?" I asked.
"Me?" Me answered with a question.
"Yes you, if I'm shiki's partner, then who-"
"Rei." Remus interrupted as he answered bluntly. More likely he doesn't want to talk about it further, his expression was rather spiteful.
"Do you hate Re-"
"No, I do not!"
He says that but his tone was ferocious, almost to the point he could yell at me.
I turn to shiki who just gave me a shrug, I could tell he wants me to not meddle in anymore.
Rei was the— what you can call the optimistic and social butterfly among the group. You could say she's the reason why the group would become lively along with Daryll.
I do not really seem to care about them at all. After all, too much affection would only be useless in the end.
Looking at Remus who seem to have cooled off, took my black forest cake and ate it to his heart's content.
There was a time I somehow happen to spot Remus and Rei alone in the classroom- no they are not doing anything indecent...at least. Anyway, they were more likely to be bickering with each other. I do not know what's all that about, the next day they ignored each other, they never really interacted so you can guess they went back to 'normal'.
Once again, silence built up after that conversation and we silently finished our food.
***
There was a consistent pitter-patter colliding with the roof of the bus station. People walking with umbrella and some persistently running towards a place to take shelter.
Looking up at the dark gray ominous clouds, I could tell this won't stop 'till evening. Moreover, i didn't bring an umbrella.
All I could do was sit quietly on the bus stop area and watch people as what they do with their lives. There was a few things I realized, one; No one uses magic, if you look at them they're nothing but ordinary people but if you have a keen eye you could see the mana surrounding them.
Suddenly, a grayish car stopped in front me. The door slowly opened revealing Shiki as he went out and opened a transparent umbrella. He stood in front of me.
"Get in."
It was like a typical scene from a drama. A rich man picking up his 'Love interest' in a cold heavy pouring rain while the girl was drenched. Unfortunately, it was at least nothing like that.
I first hesitated but then grab onto him as I squeeze myself inside the umbrella, Agapius on the other hand was wearing a barrier. Quite unfair if you ask me, although he was invisible as of the moment.
As I got into the passenger seat beside him which he insisted I then realized it was just us two. After getting on, he started the car and drove off.
Speaking of cars, the car on my home is probably already dusty. Perhaps I'll pay my apartment a visit later on.
"Where's Remus?" I asked as I was fixing my seat belt and Shiki stirring the wheel.
"He went to pick up Rei back in the academy, we're meeting at my cousin's tailor." He answered briefly.
We drove to our destination silently after that.
It has been exactly an hour and a half drive before we arrived at J's Tailor shop, which was owned by Shiki and Rei's cousin.
Just as Shiki said, we both met Rei and Remus a minute after we arrive on the shop. A person then came out with a measuring tape loop around their neck.
I couldn't exactly tell if it was a woman nor a man. The person was wearing a milky gray turtle neck overlayed with a dark blue long sleeve shirt that was tucked into a black pleated pants.
"Justin!" Blurted out rei as she came in running ahead as she hug the person firmly. Justin didn't hug her back, instead gently pushed her aside.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm happy to see you too. Anyway, first come in."
Now that he spoke, I now could tell he's a man for he has a very husky voice which doesn't really suit his very feminine features. He's quite the petite boy in body build, his hair was tied half parted, his hair was slightly longer than Rei
"He's Justin, our cousin in our father's side. You may mistaken him as a girl for...his, well feminine face perhaps though once he speak you could tell right away that he's a man." Explained Rei while we walk along pass the counter and is now heading towards a hallway.
Another room greeted us with antique looking design. Furnitures are quite exquisite and expensive, it was aesthetically pleasing in the eyes, everywhere was in the shade of brown and red.
Justin insisted us to sit as he went to another room which probably was the kitchen.
One thing caught my attention to this place, it was the clothes and the sample portraits of clothing. They're mostly on a vintage style or lolita dresses, although there were also mens clothes which was on the right side of the shop. It was a big shop that I could say, Justin probably thought of separating the woman and mens clothing.
The mens clothes caught my eye. There was a row for casual to such formal clothes, something like the clothes I read and see from historical fantasy manhwa and manga. Such a sight to see one in person, I would love to try one of them.
However, it'll obviously be one of those dresses. I'm a girl right now after all, just occupying one that is.
Justin then got back with a stroller tray that has cookies and sandwiches, cups and tea and coffee, as well as sugar cubes.
"No need tell me, I already know what you guys are here for." Said him elegantly sipping from his porcelain cup. Elegant? Yes for he does come off as posh and has decent manner.
"That's right, I want my dress in white got it?!" Exclaimed rei as she chomp the cookie instantly.
"What are you? Getting married? I only do white when it's for weddings, your dress will be maybe black." Justin response.
"Black?! I'm not going to a funeral!" Hissed Rei.
"Black doesn't always mean 'funeral'."
"And White doesn't always mean 'wedding' tsk."
Rei continuously gobble up the whole cookies which was in the transparent bowl.
"Well yes that's indeed true. However, I especially don't like doing white, especially if it's for you." Justin placed his cup down the coaster and leaned back as he scan Rei up and down. "Just look at you, there's no way I'll design you a white dress, I bet it'll get dirty before you even reach that party." He added as he scoffed.
"Enough."
Shiki then interrupted them as he heavily place his cup down.
"You'll break it, that cup's expensive." Justin commented.
"Then you shouldn't have let us used it in the first place." Muttered Rei on my side.
"This is why I hate being with her." Whispered Remus who was on my left, I may somehow be kind of left out on what is going on. Though, I am certain that... They're not in good terms, maybe?
With the two continued bickering with each other, I on the other hand excused myself for a bit. Surprisingly, Shiki went along with me, Remus beg us to stay but this one eyed man just drag me along out of that room ignoring him completely.
As we got out I hurriedly went to the right area of the shop, scanning through each clothing I could find adamant in my eye. Well, I pretty much avoided such colorful clothing and stuck to darker ones.
"I see that you prefer clothes that are for men."
Flinching as I turn around seeing Shiki leaning towards the doorway with a stoic face.
"Clothes such as this doesn't need to be 'just' for men." I responded emphasizing the word just, alot of woman had been wearing things like formal wear that only mane used.
I even tried dresses on when I was still in grade school, and I can vaguely remember mama taking photo of me and proudly taking it out whenever our relatives show up. It was one of the most embarrassing thing that has happened to me.
"Where's your pet?" He asked, changing the subject are we? Well who cares.
Now that he mentioned it I don't feel Agapius's presence anywhere. Did he ran off, damn bastard of a- he dare to leave me here?
"Probably went out and did some strolling." I bluntly answered.
Shiki then decided to approach me also scanning the clothes I pass by, "Aren't you worried about him?" He suddenly asked.
Why should I? He's a deity, the creator of this world even.
"He can handle himself just fine. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, what's with the Masquerade ball? And why are we infiltrating it exactly?"
It almost slip my mind about our conversation earlier in the cafe. They still haven't given me proper answers about the whole infiltration thing.
"It's just one of our line work." He answered bluntly, and by that he mean..? "Uncle- or should I say Remus's Father who was a detective ask us to infiltrate that party."
"I see, though I still don't get why? Are there perhaps criminals or illegal dealers that'll happen?"
I don't really need to know, but since I am going with them I supposed it's fine to stick my nose in their goal.
"No, it's nothing that dangerous, there will be just some VIP from an organization who is recruiting people to join them in using black magic."
Black magic? That's more dangerous than dealing with criminals! And if they're VIPs that must mean they're in a higher level. Look, we are just a whole bunch of...kids I guess, do we really have a chance against those people?
"We're not fighting them, we are just sent to investigate as one of the guests. That's all the work we need to do, uncle does not want us and our partners to be in danger." He answered as if he just read my mind.
Oh.
Though I don't feel relief at all, perhaps it's because I've been used to a peaceful and quiet life without any consequences nor danger, well, there are times but not 'this' dangerous.
"Well whatever, I can't take it back now anyway, I've already given my permission." I muttered as I shook my head disappointingly. It may not look like it, but I do am a man who keeps his promises no matter how subtle it is.
So much for telling myself to enjoy the weekends.