Gun Gale Online - Phantom Memories

05 - The Third Member

Later that night, I settled into my cozy chair, the glow of my computer screen illuminating the dim room. The familiar sound of my phone ringing broke the silence, and I eagerly answered it.

"So, how's the player recruitment going?" Kazune's voice crackled through the line, a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm palpable in his tone.

After a hot shower and a simple dinner that barely registered as a meal, I felt a rush of energy.

"Well, I've just found one," I replied, my heart racing a bit at the prospect.

"Ok, you got the name?" he asked, sounding eager.

"Yeah, her in-game name is, uhh... Sinon." I felt a twinge of excitement; the name felt significant somehow, a doorway to an unexpected journey.

Suddenly, I heard a sharp intake of breath followed by an eerie silence on the other end. 

"What's wrong, Kazu?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

"W-What's her name? Again?" There was a hint of panic in his tone now, a sound that sent alarm bells ringing in my head.

"Umm... It's Sinon," I repeated, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"Oh god... I never expect that..." he murmured, almost to himself.

"What's wrong, man? What's a matter with her?" I pressed, my worry deepening.

"What, you don't know who she is?" He sounded incredulous.

"No, I haven't," I admitted, feeling a bit foolish.

"Dude, she's basically one of the top players of GGO out there. One of the best snipers around." My eyes widened as the truth of his words sank in. 

"Seriously?! She's that good?!" My disbelief spilled into my tone.

"That good!? She's WAY beyond 'that good'." I could hear the excitement radiating from his voice now, the awe painting his words. I let out a nervous chuckle, my mind racing.

"Oh man, I can't believe that you actually met her."

I raised my brow, the corners of my mouth quirking upward. "Well, it's not like I intended to meet her. She was being harassed by some girls on the street, and I just intervened. Then she decided to buy me a treat as a thank you."

"Huh? So, what you're saying is that you saved her from being bullied, and then she bought you a treat," he said slowly, digesting the story.

"Well, yeah, that's basically the case," I replied, feeling a bit sheepish.

"Huh. What a small world we live in. Well, you've got my biggest approval for that." His laughter rang out, infectious and warm, and I couldn't help but chuckle along.

"Well then, if that's the answer, just tell me where to meet in the game so I can confirm with her."

"Don't worry, I'll message you." I could almost picture his grin through the phone. Shortly, I received the message, and a rush of anticipation coursed through me. 

"Oh, I've got the message. Ok then, I'll tell her about this."

"Alright, see ya tonight," I said, excitement bubbling in my chest.

"Sure." With that, we hung up.

I scrolled through the player list until I found Shino's profile, my heart racing again. I froze, staring at her avatar, my index finger hovering between the dial and text buttons.

(Come on, Aoi, just make it short.) 

I chided myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. Finally, I pushed the dial button, my heart pounding in sync with the ringing.