Their Parallel Universe ✓

Chapter 21

They seriously need to stop playing this type of stupid game. First, it was the King's Game at Cloud's place, now it's this ridiculous game of Spin the Bottle-Truth or Dare.

On top of that, someone has to stop issuing these absurd challenges.

"You want me to hug the friend for whom I am most thankful?"

Eujae observes as Poll gives Risa a look that's asking for confirmation.

Nodding, Risa answers, "Uh-huh, except for Tem. She's your twin sister, and we don't want you to play it safe."

Well, it's not as ludicrous as being dared to sing, Eujae decides. His friends know that he can't sing if his life depended on it, but Cloud still asked him to do it. Or perhaps it's exactly because they know he's terrible at singing that they dared him to do it, just so they could have a reason to make fun of him.

To be fair, he can play a few musical instruments because he was taught by his parents when he was young. He's also been told a lot that he has a nice speaking voice. However, singing is a whole different story. He is just not cut out for it.

"Okay, no big deal."

At Poll's voice, Eujae breaks out of his thoughts. Apprehension rises within him all of a sudden as he watches the guy stand and look around for his subject.

His heart starts to pound against his chest, seeing Poll walk in their direction.

The male twin then squats beside Lia, asking with a wide grin, "Do you mind?"

Instantly, Eujae feels his heart drop. What was he even expecting? Of course, it has to be his cousin. In the first place, Ten-Ten already admitted that she was his favorite friend.

However, as Eujae observes the natural interaction between the two, he finds himself questioning if that's how Poll still sees Lia. Aren't they too affectionate for just being mere friends?

Eujae gives a hard stare, his whole body tensing, when Poll puts his arms around Lia's shoulders. The young woman lets out a soft giggle, before returning the hug.

He feels his mouth dry as he keeps looking at them. Then he clenches his teeth so hard that it almost hurts. The muscles on his face tighten.

Unable to take it anymore, Eujae springs up and grunts, "I'm sorry. I suddenly don't feel well, so let me step out for a bit to get some fresh air."

He doesn't wait long enough to see any of his friends' reactions as he immediately turns away and walks out of the beach house.

As soon as he reaches the waterside, Eujae grabs a handful of his hair, aggressively messing it up. Exhaling, he crouches right in the middle of the shore and bends his head down, his left hand still on his disheveled hair. With the other arm stretched in front of him, he balls his right hand into a fist.

This doesn't suffice to allay his frustration. He has a strong urge to scream. He wants to hit something, do anything that would rid him of this nasty feeling.

What in the world is this? He has been like this for the whole day.

While he is still in the same position, Eujae catches a glimpse of his phone peeking from the side pocket of his white button-down polo shirt. Straightening up, he moves his hand from his hair and lets it rest on his nape. He then pulls out his phone and unlocks it, expecting to see a couple of notifications, only to be reminded that the Wi-Fi in the area is terrible.

He sighs, before opening the settings of his phone to switch up his internet connection. Immediately upon turning the mobile data on, messages from the game application pop up.