Kai opened the door of his room, he immediately saw Rio in front of the door. He smiled at him but, Kai noticed his eyes showed a bit of worriness.
"Hey man," Rio gave the greeting gesture just like he knew before. "How is it going?"
Kai stared at Rio for a second, still thinking about what was Rio doing outside his room at that time.
"What are you doing here man?" Kai asked him immediately.
"Oh come on man," Rio a bit annoyed at how Kai asked him straight to the point. "Is that how you said hi to your good friend?"
"What?" Kai confused. "Don't you think it's late now?"
Rio patted his head as he was frustrated with Kai's attitude. But Rio immediately gave a slightly serious look as he was a bit worried about Kai.
"Hey, are you doing okay so far?" Rio immediately asked Kai.
"Yeah I am doing good dude," Kai answered him. "Why are you asking?"
"I am glad you are doing good man," Rio was a little relieved by Kai's answer. "Nothing man I was just kinda wondering if you are a bit down, since the last time at the class division scanning test, I saw you a bit down."
Kai didn't know what to say, but he appreciated Rio because he was worried about him.
"Yeah," Kai said. "I did not know you notice that."
"Well, I was kind of wondering too, why you are the only Chronostrider in the division," Rio said what he had been thinking lately to Kai. "Must be something odd there."
Kai decided not to tell Rio as of now, he thought Rio might be a bit shocked or even jealous if he knew that Chronostrider was better than any class divisions.
"Nothing is odd right there," Kai confirmed him. "It's just my skills and abilities that suit Chronostrider the most."
Rio stared at Kai intensely for a few seconds, just to make sure Kai was okay. Rio knew Kai was the type of person who could hide his feelings. But Kai thought that Rio might be suspicious about something that he said a while ago.
"Okay," Rio broke the silence. "Now, it's good that you don't feel down."
"Hehehe..." Kai was relieved that Rio actually agreed with him. "Yeah."
"By the way," Rio suddenly showed an excited face expression. "There will be an acquaintance party tomorrow."
"Party?" Kai asked Rio.
"Yeah," Rio answered him with excitement. "It is for us a freshman, I think it's also a welcoming party. The board members and the faculty set up this party for us, you are coming right?"
Hearing the word party, Kai was a little anxious about it. Although Kai is a man who can socialize, parties are not a cup of tea for him.
Rio leaned in conspiratorially, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "The ladies from the Psionic Warlords class division will be there. You know, they are famous for having many beautiful women."
Kai couldn't help but chuckle at Rio's enthusiastic description. "Beautiful ladies, huh?"
"Absolutely!" Rio exclaimed, his excitement contagious. "Imagine dancing with those ladies? If I were you, I would be there!"
Kai's lips curled into a half-smile. "Sounds intriguing, but I'm not really into parties."
Rio leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, come on, Kai! You've been so serious for all this time. A little break won't hurt. Besides, where else can you find such fun with beautiful ladies?"
Kai sighed, torn between his dedication to his Chronostrider and Rio's infectious enthusiasm. "I don't know, Rio. I have so much to focus on."
Rio's eyes twinkled with determination as he played his final card. "Just think about it—imagine the girl that you saw last time, she will be there!"
Kai's resistance was slowly weakening, and a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. "What is the connection between her and the party?"
"Dude, I knew you couldn't keep your eyes off of her last time!" Rio exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "And who knows, you might see her, besides, it was a set-up party to welcome us as a freshman."
Kai chuckled, realizing he was being expertly cornered by Rio's persuasive tactics. "Alright, alright. I'll consider it."
Rio pumped his fist in triumph. "Yes! That's the spirit, my friend! Just remember, we need a little fun too!"
As Rio danced away, leaving a bemused Kai in his wake, Kai couldn't help but shake his head in amusement. Maybe a little break and attending a party was not bad at all—a chance to get closer to the people and enjoy as young blood, and perhaps, just perhaps, encounter some unexpected fun things along the party.