𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐘

Chapter Seven: All is...Calm?

I woke up to sunlight streaming through my windows, and the sound of birds chirping amongst the trees. It was a perfect morning. I looked down to see myself tangled in my bedsheets, and the events of the night before, both good and bad, filled my mind. A smile passed over my face as I remembered what had happened mere hours ago. I glanced over to see that Techno was disappeared from my bed, most likely having woken up before me.

I threw back the covers and attempted to stand, my legs wobbly from last night's events. I might've fallen over if I wasn't skilled in balance. As I slowly maneuvered my way down the stairs, a heavenly scent filled my nostrils.

"FOOD!" I exclaimed, continuing my descent far quicker than I had before.

Techno was awaiting me in the kitchen, holding a frying pan and a spatula in his hands. As I moved closer, I saw that he was in the process of cooking pancakes and eggs.

"Techno, you didn't have to-"

I didn't get further before Techno spun around, placing his lips over mine, instantly shutting me up.

"It's quite alright, Wonder," he told me, smiling. "Anything for you, love."

It took all of my willpower to stop myself from emitting a high-pitched squeal of happiness at that moment. I was so happy that Techno was here with me. He was such an amazing person, and I loved him with all of my heart.

But do you?

The sudden disturbing thought entered my mind, and I shivered. What if I didn't? What if my heart had been invaded by another unnamed party, one that had died, but remained in my heart, and there was some part of me that didn't love Techno?

I quickly shook off these thoughts. I loved Techno, and that was final.

We both sat down at the table to eat breakfast. As I consumed my meal of pancakes, eggs, and orange juice, Techno spoke.

"So how was Squid Game last night?" he asked.

"Things are really getting interesting," I told him. "The game they played was Tug-of-War, and they had teams of ten people. Obviously all the good guys teamed up, but I didn't see who wanted cause the damn episode ended on a CLIFFHANGER. I hate cliffhangers."

"Well, now you know how the readers of this story felt after the first book," Techno said. "Did anyone die?"

"Oh fuck yeah, half the people there died cause there was a fight in the dorms," I explained. "And then more people died in Tug-of-War. It was awesome."

The mention of death stirred a memory in my mind, and I almost choked on my food.

"Where's Ennard?" I asked suddenly.

Techno thought for a moment before replying. "I took him into your laundry room. I didn't want him on the floor of the kitchen."

"Is he awake?"

"I don't believe so, but you can check."

I stood up and walked over to the room he mentioned and opened the door. All color drained from my face as I glanced around. Only broken ropes lay in the place where Ennard had been.

"Techno..." my voice shook slightly as I spoke. "He's not here."

"What?" Techno ran over to where I was standing. A slightly worried expression passed over his face. "Where did he go? How did he escape?"

"I don't know," I told him. "Did he go to Quackity?"

"Maybe he just went back to his apartment," he reassured me. "or the hospital. You hurt him pretty bad, you know."

The moment he finished speaking, the doorbell rang as if on cue. We both turned in the direction of the door.

"Who's that?" Techno asked. "Were you expecting someone?"

"No," I told him. We both walked over to the door to answer it. I grabbed the handle, pulling the door inward, and gasped in shock.

"Hello again, Wonder."