Blink. Reese was no stranger to the looks in the eyes of those who dared to overstep their boundaries as the 'pets' of these demons. Even if Xylos was very patient and sweet to him, there were still things that he shouldn't do. That included denying the demons of their pleasure.
He had seen so many who grew too daring that the demons struck them down.
"June, I don't think you should say things like that…" Reese murmured. He was aware of Lantis's presence even if he couldn't see the demon. He could also hear Lantis's voice faintly. June was even referring to Lantis by his demon name to his face—which was rather offensive to their kind.
"Interesting." Contrary to what Reese imagined, Lantis flashed a malicious grin. "Then, I must serve their identities before the night comes to its fullest. You should return to them for now and seek the shelter of numbers. They are aware that they failed."
"Okay, but you take care, too. I can't get you wounded or something because I got too willful." June would rub the back of his head, but the bandages were keeping his hands off of it. Even if the injuries were mitigated, all of them still hurt like hell. After all, the female lead was tackled down by a man whose speed was comparable to another car.
His words caught Reese and Lantis off-guard, but the demon left with a laugh. The talent manager pushed up his glasses and smiled at the actor. "Let's just wait for results. I'm not one to do illegal things, but what's the fun of not watching you deal with them the way you would. Since he allowed you, can I witness it?"
A nod was all that June was capable of doing. He feigned feeling dizzy, just as the female lead came to him with a pack of juice and biscuits. They would have to reshoot the last bit, but June didn't have to show up all that much. Close-ups from inside the police mobile were enough ingredients for the video editor's magic. After all, they could just film how June's character was taken away.
"I'm really saddened by the accident. It's good that Mr. Verrier didn't sustain grave injuries." The executive producer of the show had come to see the people. After all, it was a significant hazard if someone so deranged broke through their barricade. Also, a guest star was the one who got the most hit.
It's just that… the man seemed to be hesitant in looking in June's direction. Not only did he look anxious, but he was also scared of making eye contact. Reese was quick to pick up on it, but he didn't want the other person to know that he could notice.
Reese only smiled as he removed his glasses. "We both didn't want the accident to happen. The crew didn't have oversights, either. This is such an unfortunate isolated case. I really hope this wouldn't put a strain on our future cooperation, Mr. Stone."
"Ah, yes, yes, of course." Mr. Stone caught a glimpse of Reese's glinting eyes before taking a deep breath. He then looked around first, only to look straight at June's face. "Mr. Verrier, I'm sorry. We're hearing a lot of news lately. It seems that Wings didn't like what you have done. As business affiliates, I don't think we can support you anymore as soon as Jonathan gives the word.
"D-Don't worry. I'd do my best to get this episode out before that happens." Mr. Stone waved his hands as if unwilling to part with such big money for an episode he couldn't air. "Mr. Verrier is not blacklisted yet and has gone cheaper to book, so they shouldn't find any fault in me."
"Oh, that's… thank you, Mr. Stone." Reese only chuckled before putting his glasses back on. At this, the color in Mr. Stone's face started to drain. It was as if his mistakes had just dawned upon him. "June is getting headaches. We might need to wrap up the taping soon."
June only thanked the man and walked away with Reese. He glanced at the bespectacled manager. "No one could lie to you?"
Reese shook his head, soon giggling despite the smile of resignation on his face. "It's more powerful than that. Looking into my eyes will induce them to tell me the truth about what I want to hear. It's just that… I will temporarily go blind the longer I make use of it."
The manager held onto June's closer shoulder, crying out softly. "I can't see shit right now. Don't let me run into things, Mr. June."
"Don't worry, I got you." June laughed a bit.
…
When the main door opened after a jiggle of keys, Eurkodach perked his head up from the kitchen. The glutton client that Lucirien forced on him had returned just in time for lunch. Since he only needed to reheat the clear soup, he grew really excited again. With the fridge filled with all he wanted for his creations, he couldn't wait to serve the food.
It's just that he was picking up a notion from the client. Eurkodach crept like a gremlin from the kitchen door and opened it a crack. He saw June removing his shoes and walking barefoot on the polished floor of his unit. Their eyes met before the small demon frowned with a loud growl.
[You're not eating here?!] Eurkodach almost screeched in June's ears.
"No, I just thought of bringing lunch to my mom in the agency. I have no idea if she could afford more than the cup noodles sold in the vending machine." June offered a smile at the angry demon. "That's what I thought of when I… uh… I said I don't want to eat here."
[Leaving now?]
"Nope, still going to change. I got blood on my shirt, so it's not a good sight for her. Can I pack the food you made?" The actor wanted to see his kitchen even once, but Eurkodach only growled louder.
[I pack food. Beautiful look!]
The kitchen door then closed. June only laughed before turning in the direction of his bedroom. The most he could do was to look decent every time. Now that he was free to see his mother without fearing jail time, he would come to see her every day he could. The only problem was how to explain the existence of the top-tier food in those top-tier boxes.
June only took a few minutes to get into a new set of clothes. He wasn't even aware of who laundered his stuff that he would deal with tomorrow. He whispered, "How many of them did Lucirien hire for me? Is this how it feels like to be taken care of by some bigshot?"
When he walked out of the bedroom, he could already see the decorative boxes that Eurkodach was stacking on the couch. There was also one more demon wiping the boxes from any spills that might stain the couch. They were shrieking at each other as if those high-pitched noises were how they spoke. From the way they acted, it was like the other demon was making sure it wouldn't have to clean the seats.
[It's ready!]
Eurkodach and the other demon looked at June as soon as they were done packing the boxes inside two nice bags made to be transported. With a smile, June walked closer… only for the two demons to take one each and carry them to the parking space right next to the unit.
Once again, June lost his chance to touch the boxes. He'd just enjoy them when he's eating out of them later. For now, he could only take out his phone and tell his mother that he was bringing her some food for lunch. After sending the text, he got to the car…
"You guys will deliver the food with me?" June only chuckled at the insistence of the two little demons holding the bags upright in the backseat. It seemed that the wares were very expensive.