The boy inside the matrix box

6

Nothing's gonna hurt you baby

Nothing's gonna take you from my side

Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby – Cigarettes After Sex

Paul and Nataniel are eating a kebab while playing Battlefront - not without difficulty, when the sound of a new message on their group chat is heard.

"It's Ness" says Paul, looking down at the screen on his mobile phone. "I think I can decipher the word 'party'. Wait, pause, she's really talking about a party!"

With a sigh, Nataniel pauses the game and lets Paul read the message.

"Charles is organising a Halloween party and we are invited."

"Cool," says Nataniel without any real enthusiasm.

"No, not cool," replies Paul. "I'm not going to this guy's house!"

"You do as you like. Sam and I won't forget to think about you."

"Are you serious, man? Are you really going to go?"

"I don't see any reason not to go."

"Maybe because it's going to be at Charles's house?"

"Just because you have a problem with him doesn't mean it's the same for everyone, Paul. Charles screwed up with Nessie, but right now she just wants to have fun, and if it's with him then good for them. If she's enjoying herself, why would you want to find something to complain about? It's not like she's been in love with him... He didn't break her heart, Paul."

Faced with his friend's stubborn silence, Nataniel restarts the game.

"Hey!" Paul shouts while picking up his controller.

Night has already begun to fall when Nataniel walks Paul back to his bike.

"I can't wait to get my driving licence," sighs Paul.

"How are your driving lessons going?"

"Pretty well. I've already told my instructor that I'm going to get my driving licence on the day I turn seventeen! My parents said they'd give me a car if I got it the first time."

"Wah. Lucky you!"

While they are still chatting, the young blond man notices Seven sitting on his usual bench. He nods to Nataniel while holding his cigarette to his lips. So, once Paul is gone, Nataniel walks towards his neighbour from upstairs.

"Hola," greets Seven.

"Hello."

For once, Seven doesn't start the conversation first and Nataniel wonders for a moment if he wouldn't be disturbing him.

"Hm... Are you going to Charles's party?"

"Charles's party?" repeats Seven in an amused tone.

"Yes, for Halloween."

"I don't think so... Are you going?"

"Yes. Yes, I'm going."

Seven stares at him for a moment with his big blue eyes. "Then I might reconsider my decision not to come."

"Will you?"

"I will," replies the art student with a smile.

Once again Seven stares at him from the depths of his ocean gaze. Nataniel has this feeling of being analysed. That doesn't make it unpleasant.