Chapter Twenty Two

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It was the middle of the day. Zerra was causally passing through a shopping district somewhere in the city. She stops by a shop's window and curiously looks at the beautiful dresses they had on display. While she was admiring them, someone from behind squeezes her cheeks.

Zerra: OuchOuchOuch! L-Let go...!

She force the hands on her cheeks to let go. She turns around to see that it was Erica.

Zerra: Jeez, what was that for?
Erica: Nothing really. Sorry I took so long. (smiles)
Zerra: You better be sorry! I've been waiting for 20 minutes already!
Erica: Sorry, Sorry. Our meeting went longer than I expected. I'll treat you something nice, so forgive me, alright? (winks)
Zerra: Sigh. Whatever. Let's just get this over with. I should be by Jun's side since I'm his Servant you know.
Erica: Oh this won't take long. It'll be over in a flash! (giggles)

Erica unexpectedly grabs Zerra by the hand and pulls her while she was leading the way.

Erica: Let's go! There's so much I want to show you today!
Zerra: Alright, alright! There's no need to rush! S-Stop pulling! Jeez!

Erica leads Zerra into the busy shopping district. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Jun and Maya were inside a cafe. Jun was trying to act calm while Maya, who was sitting opposite to him, was intensely glaring at her friend. Jun was hesitating but after a moment, he finally manage to break the awkward silence.

Jun: A-Are...you mad?
Maya: Isn't it obvious? Of course I'm mad. You suddenly disappeared yesterday and you didn't even say anything.
Jun: S-Sorry...(murmurs)
Maya: Do you have any idea how worried I was? You could have at least sent me a text or something.
Jun: I know, I know.

Maya slams both hands on the table. Her sudden action startle Jun a little.

Maya: Don't "I know" me. You're lucky that I'm not the kind of person who makes a scene in a place like this.
Jun: S-S-Sorry....Really....

Jun nervously drinks his cup of tea. It was obvious to Maya that the tension was killing him. She gives a deep sigh before she continues the conversation. This time, the tone in her voice was normal, indicating that she wasn't mad anymore.

Maya: Listen Jun. If you're in some sort of trouble, I'm more than happy to listen.
Jun: N-No, no. It's nothing like that.
Maya: Is it something you can't talk about?

Jun can tell from her expression that Maya was truly worried about him. He thinks about it before giving her an answer.

Jun: I don't want to drag you into this. I have no choice but to come up with a lie. Knowing her, she'll believe almost anything I say as long as it's believable enough. (thinks to self)

Jun drinks his cup of tea while Maya waits patiently for his answer.

Jun: To tell you the truth, it's about my mother.
Maya: Your mom?
Jun: She said she can't come home this Christmas because of her work. Of course I understand and said to her that "it's fine". But I couldn't help but feel bitter about it. That's why I skipped class.

There was a short silence as Jun anxiously wait for Maya's reaction. He quietly gives a sigh when he notice that Maya had a look in her eyes like she was feeling sorry for him.

Maya: I...I had no idea. I'm sorry for getting mad like that.
Jun: It's fine. It was my mistake for not getting in touch with you. Sorry for making you worry.
Maya: I'm just glad that the misunderstanding is cleared.
Jun: Anyway, I'll be sure to talk to you whenever I have something to say.
Maya: Of course. When the time comes, I'll be all ears. (smiles)

Maya drinks her own tea but she seems a little too happy about something. Jun soon notice this and points it out.

Jun: What's up with you?
Maya: Eh? What do you mean?
Jun: Well, you have a wide grin on your face.

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