Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

It was painfully cold. The rooftop of the apartment complex at night was a quiet place where someone could be alone and catch some fresh air. This is exactly why Seiko found himself up there at 1 am. He was a little frazzled after the meeting with the other players. Sitting on a crate, wrapped tightly in a blanket, he stared up at the moon. It was full, shining bright pale light on the sleepy world around him.

Finally, he spoke. "PVP players make good money. It would help us out." He said. It had been difficult for him, socializing with Hendricks and Shinobu, but this time somehow felt a little different than his past interactions with players.

"It's easier with you around. Dealing with people." he said to Oaklee who sat beside him, tiny and projected by his phone's holographic light.

"It should be." she remarked. "If anyone gives you crap, they're gonna have to deal with me."

"Thanks for that." Seiko seemed genuinely comforted at the thought.

Before Oaklee could respond, the door to the roof opened with a metallic creak, interrupting their conversation. It was a young man sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed by a middle aged woman with streaks of grey in her long black hair. The boy had a darker complexion than the woman but shared her facial features. She smiled warmly as she rolled him up next to the ledge then left. The boy looked to be just a little younger than Seiko.

After a long moment of uncomfortable silence, the boy cleared his throat and spoke "Been online for a while?" He said.

Seiko paused. "Uhh, yeah." How could he tell?

The boy pointed at his forehead.

"You have a... mark from the headset." He chuckled softly.

"A few hours." Seiko said, nervously wiping at the mark.

"Easy to lose track of time in there." The boy grinned.

"Ether?"

"Yeah."

They began talking shop about what they had been doing in game, their level, and the new updates that were set to drop. The words flowed effortlessly between them. Seiko was surprised at how easy it was to have a conversation with the boy. It was like they were old friends almost. Before he knew it, an hour had past and the woman had returned to take the boy back.

"Maybe we can team up sometime?" the boy asked as he was wheeled away.

Seiko smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that would be cool. Not sure when I'll make it to the wastelands, but I'll message you when I do. What do you go by?"

"I just use my real name. It's Thomas."

Seiko introduced himself as well and so did Oaklee.

With that, they said their goodbyes. Being uncharacteristically quiet through the whole exchange, Oaklee finally piped up.

"Seems like a nice kid."

A little smile appeared on Seiko's face. Makingfriends. He thought that was beyond someone like him.