Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 21: The Ultimate Hangout

The weekend had come, and the vibrant sun illuminated the busy city with golden rays. Xio, Jules, Nadia, Igor, and Dmitri planned to hang out all day and no one objected. Over the last half-year, they had bonded closely, with each member contributing their own special qualities—Xio's humor, Jules's sarcasm, Nadia's stories, Igor's pranks, and Dmitri's charm.

Today, their agenda was straightforward: dine, chuckle, and relish each other's company.

Breakfast at the Diner

The group had arrived at the diner they liked the most. It was the type of establishment where the servers memorized their names and regular meals, and the greasy cuisine was unexpectedly tasty. Sitting in their regular booth, the jokes started right away.

"Alright, I have a fresh challenge for everyone," Xio announced with a smile, scanning the faces at the table. If you refrain from making a joke for the longest period, you are responsible for covering the cost of everyone's meal.

Everyone stopped briefly, looking at each other with suspicion.

"I'm totally on board," said Nadia, her voice laced with mischief. "I am the reigning champion when it comes to facing difficult tasks."

Jules arched one eyebrow. Are you the one? Is the queen known for never telling jokes? "That's wealthy."

Nadia gave her a playful wink. "You're going to witness a part of me that you weren't even aware of."

"Okay, count me in," Xio confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "But don't cheat. Do not make a serious expression while telling a hilarious joke.

Igor quickly joined the conversation. How about puns? Is it permissible to make puns?

Dmitri, who had been silent, suddenly spoke out, his face flushing red. I believe I can't go a single minute without making a pun. "That's basically my entire character."

"Absolutely," Xio replied, smiling. This is the reason why you are disqualified instantly. Now, let's find out who can endure the longest, the rest of you.

And so, the challenge started in an instant.

During the initial five minutes, the group attempted to remain solemn, yet whenever Xio made eye contact with Jules, he would break into a smile. Jules, always sarcastic, would quietly say something and make a sly remark, causing Nadia to stifle a laugh and choke on her coffee.

Jules remarked, biting her lip to hold back laughter, "I can't believe you all are actually attempting this." "This is absolutely absurd."

Xio triumphantly declared his victory, leaning back in his chair. No jokes, no other things. "I am concentrating."

Suddenly, Nadia exclaimed, "Do you believe that the toaster in this place is actually intelligent?" It consistently toasts my bread to perfection!"

All were looking at her in confusion before Xio burst into laughter.

"You're finished!" Xio shouted while indicating Nadia.

Nadia attempted to protect herself, but her words escaped as a burst of laughter. I promise, it was only a remark! No laughing matter!

"That was just a jest!" Jules remarked while shaking her head. "Nadia, you are really fixated on toast."

While the rest of the group kept laughing, the challenge ended, and they all ganged up on Nadia with playful comments.

"You are thinking about toast too much," joked Igor as Dmitri gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "Have no fear, Nadia, we still care about you, even though you're the one who didn't win."

After the challenge ended, they promptly grabbed their food and everyone began eating.

Afternoon at the mall

Following breakfast, the group opted to visit the mall to spend some time together. Xio suddenly wanted some new gaming equipment, while Jules required a new set of shoes. They wound up in a store that carried a wide range of items, including clothes, gadgets, and silly novelty products.

Xio insisted, showing a toy resembling a rubber chicken, "Believe me, this is artistic." In the worl of modern toys, this is considered a masterpiece.

"Are you for real?" Jules inquired, arching one eyebrow. "Are you really going to purchase that?"

What is the reason for this? Xio said with a smile on her face. "It will be a valuable new addition to my assortment of items that serve no purpose and will never be utilized."

Jules firmly stated, "I refuse to purchase that." "Should you choose to do so, you'll be reminded of it forever."

Xio lifted their shoulders in a gesture of indifference. "Okay, I'll reserve it for my future great concept." Similar to placing it on a shelf and pretending it is the secret to my achievements.

Dmitri walked towards a corner, entirely engrossed in a display of glow-in-the-dark socks. "Would these match my vibe?" he inquired, showing a pair of vibrant green neon socks.

"I think," Xio stated, looking to the side, "they would give the impression that you want to be taken by aliens."

Nadia could not help but laugh out loud. "Dmitri, you'd be the mistaken alien they'd abduct, because they'd assume you're already one of them."

"Dmitri expressed his gratitude with a eye roll and a smile." "Exactly what I needed to listen to."

Following a few additional episodes of playful banter and much laughter, they ended up at the food court, enjoying bubble tea and fries as snacks.

"Okay, I have a significant question for all of you," Xio stated, gazing intensely at the group. "If you could select a single superhuman ability, which one would you pick?"

Nadia responded right away, "Teleportation." I refuse to stand in queues any longer!

Igor interjected, saying "Mind control." In that way, I could make every teacher believe I am a superhero and receive A grades.

Jules rejected, saying, "No, thank you." I would choose the power to manipulate time. And every chance to take a nap would have been ruined by being disturbed.

Dmitri nodded with deep consideration. I would choose to be invisible just to watch you all secretly.

"Sorry," Xio chuckled, shaking his head, "we can't have that. "You would be absolutely terrible if you had that skill."

Jules chuckled softly. Yes, we definitely don't want you eavesdropping on the silly moments in conversation.

Following their laughter, Jules felt the warm embrace of a smile. They not only enjoyed themselves; it was also fortunate that she didn't have to focus on the past. Currently, surrounded by her classmates, [Yochelson observed], she was navigating high school as well as possible, and spending every day with Xio was always exciting.

They ended the day with ice cream sundaes, and as the sun was about to set, they walked back to their cars, still laughing about the day's enjoyment.

"Shall we meet at the same time next weekend?" Xio inquired, flashing a mischievous grin at everyone.

"You can count on it!" Nadia and Igor shouted simultaneously.

Another weekend went by, characterized by laughter, jokes, and memories that would be cherished for years to come.