Back In The Game

CHAPTER 21

3rd Person's Pov

The teams are lining up for the interview whereas Aleah and Maria are on the side, posing for the camera.

"Wow, they're on the next level." Kiboy complimented.

"Yeah."

It is now their turn for the interview.

"And now we have, Onic Indonesia, let's give them a round of applause."

"Hello, it's been a while."

"Yes, it is! How are you feeling? Especially being given an opportunity to showcase your skills in these boot camp?"

"I think this event will help the players learn to be versatile and to improve their gaming skills." Coach Yeb answered. The interviewer nodded.

"Of course, now that we are here, I could see that SZE—sheyy is also here. Hmmm? What's cooking?" she teased. Kairi and SZE just side-eyed her.

"Um, nothing is going on like that." Shey denied. "Kairi and I are good friends. I appreciate you all supporting us, and please refrain from shipping me to Kairi because it's a little awkward." SZE finally spoke about the issue. "Just a little info about our matter, we have our love interests so I would be glad if you could accept it," she said and bowed.

Knowing the consequences of her actions about speaking up about the matter without the management's consent, Aleah thought that SZE was brave enough to stand her ground about it. Kairi also followed SZE's lead.

"To our fans, we apologize for being humans, for having our thoughts. I would appreciate it if you could accept us as individuals, not with each other. SZE and I are good friends, we do not see each other in that way. So, please refrain from teasing us because it made our friendship awkward as it was." He told the audience.

"I was surprised that SZE took the initiative to clear up the rumors once and for all," Sanz commented.

They are currently going to their waiting room to get ready to play with other teams. Kairi massages his temple. "It's much better to clear up the misunderstanding than having people getting delusional. I was getting uncomfortable with all of you teasing me with SZE. Even she's tired of it."

His members felt guilty because of it. "Anyway, what will be our activity for today?"

Coach Yeb butted into their conversation. "We will be having our tour with Blacklist and ECHO in a while. Go and get ready." They nodded and fixed up their clothes. After a while, the staff led them to a room with Blacklist and Echo for the tour.

As the tour started. Kairi was being teased by Edward and Renejay about his speech earlier.

"I was expecting that you two are a couple, I can't believe that you hadn't fell in love with SZE." Edward nudged. Renejay nodded. "She was a good match for you, both of you are gamers and have similar interests."

"I already told you that I don't see her that way, we are only good friends, she has someone else that she likes."

His team and the other remaining teams shot him a look, curious of who that guy SZE likes. Kairi noticed that they were waiting for him to spill the beans, "Don't look at me, she only mentioned that she likes someone. But I have no idea who it is." A disappointing noise came from his members and Coach Yeb could only laugh at his team.

"If you're that curious, why don't you all ask her yourselves?"

"Like she would tell us about it. I'd rather wait until the revealing moment."

"Yeah, we're not that close with her, let alone being her friend you know."

They kept talking until they bumped into Aleah and Maria. The girls waved and approached them.

"What are you doing?"

"We're on a tour to be familiar with this place." Maria nodded and Aleah was busy swinging her scythe.

"Your scythe is on point; how did you manage to replicate it?" Albert asked.

"I would give that credit to my staff teams; they were the ones who made it." she told him and showed them pictures through her phone.

Kairi couldn't contain his curiosity and asked her, "Can I wield it?" Aleah nodded and gave her scythe to him. Kairi's mouth formed an o shape and smiled. "It also has weight."

"Of course, I wouldn't be perfect if it's as light as a feather." Aleah proudly boasted. Kairi chuckled. Renejay also asked if he could wield it. He acted as if he were a martial artist which made them laugh.

"Excuse me, we need to resume our tour." The staff interrupted them as the others were waiting for them to finish their conversation. They felt embarrassed about it and apologized. They agreed to hang out later after their tour. Aleah and Maria waved at them as they went somewhere while the guys followed the tour guide.

"I saw your eyes while staring at Aleah, Kairi." Edward teased. Kairi's eyes furrowed.

"What do you mean?" He acted unbothered. Edward grinned because he observed Kairi's expression when he saw Aleah.

"You like her don't you?" Kairi looked away and didn't answer. "Think what you want." He didn't deny it, nor even confirmed it. but, Edward was already looking forward to this development.