a conversation that relieved Ray, Maria joined them and continued eating her delayed meal due to Ray's earlier antics. Meanwhile, Harry was already full and had fallen asleep on the spot.
Ray watched closely as the food entered Maria's mouth. It was evident that Maria was thoroughly enjoying the meal she had prepared herself. Seeing this made Ray smile, realizing that even something as simple as this could bring happiness to Maria.
Although Ray didn't know the reason why he also felt happy seeing it, he was certain that he felt happy seeing others happy. It made him realize that happiness is actually something easy to find.
Ray's mind was now starting to open up. After going through several confusing events, he now truly wanted to find genuine happiness. He realized that happiness was always around him, he just couldn't see the happiness he had been searching for all this time.
And now, for the first time, Ray smiled genuinely in front of his classmates.
Maria had been aware that Ray had been observing her. She pretended not to notice and continued eating while trying to hide her embarrassment. Several times, she glanced towards Ray to check if he was still paying attention.
Seeing her actions, Ray realized that Maria had been aware of his continuous observation all along. He didn't mean to do it, but his instincts kept urging him to look at the face of the girl in front of him.
Feeling embarrassed, Ray turned his face away.
Being a guy is quite difficult...
An awkward atmosphere was created, causing them to avert their gazes from each other.
Ray was actually full since earlier, but he didn't want to leave Maria eating alone. Because Ray knew how it felt to be lonely, he didn't want others to feel the same way. That's why he chose to eat slowly, just to accompany Maria.
Maria saw Ray's face as he enjoyed his meal with delight. It piqued her curiosity, and she spontaneously asked, "Is it delicious?"
Ray was slightly surprised by Maria starting a conversation.
"Uh... Y-yeah, it's delicious. Did you cook all of this?"
"Yes, cooking delicious food is also my hobby. The more delicious the food I cook, the happier the person who eats it, right?"
Ray smiled and replied, "Yes."
"So... are you happy after eating it?" Maria asked, her expression filled with shyness.
Ray observed Maria's gestures and expressions, noticing her shyness.
Does she like me?
Ray sighed and smiled.
That's impossible, I'm sure it's just a natural response from a girl.
Although I'm someone who can never understand a woman. At least I'm aware of myself.
Ray nodded and answered, "Hmm."
"Well, I'm glad then," Maria said with a smile.
Suddenly, Ray thought about their other classmates. He was no longer worried about the fate of their classmates who were still in the original city, as Ray knew they were most likely dead.
"Maria, can I ask something?"
"Sure, go ahead. Why are you being formal with me? Just ask me directly, Ray."
"Hehehe...," Ray tried to smile while hiding his true feelings.
This is the first time I've had a casual conversation with a girl. If I were still the same as before, when I didn't care about anything around me, I'm sure I wouldn't even try to ask you.
Maria sighed after hearing Ray's answer and then said, "That's why you have difficulty finding friends. Change your bad attitude, practice talking to someone close to you. For example... me?"
"What you're suggesting, I can do it later. For now, I want to know who else came to this city."
Maria thought for a moment, holding her chin, and answered, "Hmm... It's me, Harry, Willy, Rumi, Momo... Hmm, who else?"
Ray felt disappointed and asked again, "Alright, just mention those who are staying with the princess."
Maria smiled widely and replied, "Ah, I know about that because there are only a few of them there. Most of them chose to come here because they didn't want to be exploited."
I'm not surprised, it's normal. Yeah... I'm sure Jimmy is still there.
Maria continued, "Jimmy is definitely there. You know how he is. Tony is also still with him, well, they're best friends, so it's normal.
And there are also three girls who always hang out together. Robert is also still there, his personality is even worse than Jimmy's.
Yuki is still there too."
Ray didn't know one of the people mentioned by Maria, which made him curious and asked, "yuki? Who is that?"
Maria looked at Ray with a disappointed look and then said, "Ray, you really need to change your habit."
Ray felt annoyed for being reminded of it over and over again. It made him release his emotions and said, "You talk too much. I already know. I know the ugliness of my personality more than anyone. How many more times do you want to tell me that?"
Maria also felt annoyed hearing Ray raise his voice. It made her angry, and she retorted, "I'm giving you this advice because of your bad habit! Why are you getting angry at me?"
Ray clicked his tongue and replied, "Are you my mother or something?"
As soon as he let out all his thoughts, he regretted it and wrinkled his face in fear that Maria would distance herself from him. He realized that he was wrong and should be grateful. But the annoyance of being advised repeatedly made him sick and lose control. This was also the first time Ray failed to control his true thoughts, the first time he let out the negativity in his mind through words.
Anxiety attacked his mind, causing his body to tremble unconsciously. Ray now closed his eyes and surrendered to his fate, believing that his relationship with Maria had come to an end.
But so far... It was the first time I had a relaxed conversation with a girl. But I messed it up just because I couldn't control my emotions.
I'm really stupid...
Ray felt the world closing in on him and the air around him thinning. He felt isolated from the world, even feeling like the sky would fall and crush his body. But on the other hand, he realized that all those feelings were just his hallucinations.
After thinking for a while, Ray realized something.
Does strange hallucinations like this appear when my mind is in chaos? It seems so...
Not long after Ray realized that thing, he heard someone calling him repeatedly from a distance.
"Ray? Ray! Ray, wake up! What's wrong with you? Raaaaayy!"
Ray slowly tried to emerge from his thoughts and gradually realized that the voice was actually coming from right in front of him at that moment. It reminded him of Maria, who was currently holding his cheeks and trying to wake him up. Maria's worried face made Ray feel guilty for doubting her earlier. He thought that Maria no longer wanted to be friends with him, but he realized that he was mistaken.
I was just overthinking... Hahaha, thank goodness...