The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 5 (Part 2)

Turning to Denis, Chloe curiously asked, "Hm, what's your place like?"

"Well..." Denis muttered, scratching the back of his head. "Well... you know... geez... it really... really... sucks..."

"Oh?" everyone murmured, except for Harris, who was truly steadfast in his personality.

"Everyone hates each other. If you exist, there'll be some sort of prejudice towards you and whatever you belong to. There's no peace, no harmony. Like, God, it's just full of crap. If you're different, there'll always be people that want to oof you. Well... I wanna be different... but... that's another story," Denis explained, his words tumbling out in a rush.

     As Denis speaks and narrates, describing his world, Harris discreetly glances at him. His face creases in disgust. Weird. It seems like he is giving Denis a harsh judgement, though he hasn't learned the full story yet. Nevertheless, Harris will judge him for as long as he wants.

"Well, then. I guess it's time to continue the story!" Philip said. He then clapped, catching everyone's attention. "Gather up, everybody! We'll be going to our oracle!" he stated.

Unexpectedly, Denis' stomach rumbled. Embarrassment flooded over his being as he hid his belly with his forearm.

"Oh? Are you hungry, Denis?" Meredith asked kindly.

"Nope," Denis replied, shaking his head. However, his rumbling stomach betrayed his answer.

"Nonsense! Lemme order some food for you," Meredith offered with a smile. She then addressed the cashier beyond the counter. "Hello, can I order some honey fritters and beignets?"

"Sure," the cashier responded.

"Hey, you three," Meredith called out to her siblings, Harris, Chloe, and Felix, looking at them with a smirk. "Hungry?" she asked.

"I have to pass," Felix replied.

Harris remained quiet momentarily, glancing at his siblings. "...I'll have fries and a shot of whiskey," he requested.

"I'll have another round of fries, two slices of pepperoni pizza, and mozzarella sticks, please!" Chloe ordered politely.

     The food is served, and Denis takes a curious bite of his honey fritters. Once his tongue touches the sweet, delicate glaze, he cannot help but moan in delight, his eyes widening. Meanwhile, Chloe immediately gobbles up her food. Once she finishes her food before Harris, she begins plucking fries from Harris' plate while his eyes are closed. When he opens his left eye, his other eye still closed, he spots Chloe stealing food from him.

"Oops, hehe," Chloe giggled. "Brother? May I have your fries?" she asked with a kind smile.

     Chewing his food, Harris slides down the plate towards Chloe. With a huge, toothy grin, Chloe chows down every bit of fries. Tightening his lips, Denis watches as Chloe eats, shocked by her tremendous appetite. Harris then grabs his glass of whiskey and downs a shot. Surprised to see Harris drink, Denis' eyes widen, curious about Harris' age.

"Hey there!" Denis addressed Harris with a bashful but friendly smile. "You seem... heh, you know? You still look young. But you're already drinking alcohol," Denis said timidly. "How old are you, if I may ask?" he inquired.

Harris wiped off the stains on his lips and averted his gaze. "It's none of your business," Harris replied. He then stood up and left Denis on the counter.

     Caught off guard by Harris's abrupt departure and guarded response, Denis found himself fixated blankly on the wall before him as he processed the interaction. Snap out of it, he chided himself inwardly, his smile faltering momentarily as he shook off the lingering bewilderment. Seems like that wasn't his cup of tea, Denis mused wryly to himself as a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.