Elysium

Level 9.2

Nine point Two

AETHAN

“Uhmmn . . . Yana? I have something to tell you.”

“Is it a joke, Aethan?” Yana smiled at me, and then noticed my look. “No, I guess. You’re serious. What is it?”

“Well, it is some kind of personal matter. Could you promise me that you won’t get mad at me?” My hands were sweating.

“What kind of question is that? Of course I won’t.”

“Could you promise me that we still be friends no matter what I’ll tell you?” My knees were trembling.

“Aethan, are you okay? You look sick. Tell me, what is it?” Yana asked, clearly confused with my questions.

“Promise me, Yana!” I insisted.                                                                           

“Depends on what you’ll say.”

“Please?!” I begged, making me looked like hell.

“Okay, I promise,” Yana replied in a small voice, staring at me with concern.

“Thanks,” I sighed then breathed deeply. I hesitated for a moment but pushed through anyway.

“Yana, you are a uhmm, a v-very special p-person to me.” I sweat like crazy.

“You sure you’re okay? You’re becoming pale.”

I ignored her comment.

“I uhmmmn, I lo-”

“We’re back, guys!!!” Seiko shouted from the doorway, interrupting my quiet solo time with Yana. I cursed silently.

“Oh! For goodness sake,” I mumbled.

Seiko and Drial went out to buy some food and drinks for our lunch. Maren fetched Glitch from Astal. Yana and I decided to stay in our apartment, fixing the things needed for the last part of our quest.

I planned on making another weapon, maybe a sword of some sort, while Yana fixed her bazooka when I started to open up a conversation to say some important things to her.

For me, my timing was perfect. However, many circumstances were bound not to cooperate with me. The blasted entrance of Seiko and Drial carrying our lunch was a great example of my failure.

“Ooooohhhhhh pasta! One of my favorites!” Yana exclaimed, forgetting our serious talk.

“Wow! That’s my choice. It’s delicious! Aethan, want some?” Seiko offered.

I shook my head. “Na, I’m cool with a drink.”

Drial, who had the bag for the drinks, handed me a soda. I took the can gratefully then took a sip.

They ate in silence while I drained my can. Maren arrived midway of our lunch, with Glitch in her arms.

“Glitch was complaining to me about ditching her before our quest. She looked uncomfortable there,” Maren grumbled as she took her seat.

“Because you’re too vulnerable Glitch.” Seiko smiled broadly at Glitch and rubbed its –er chin I guess. The puffy returned the smile. “Here are some cookies for you little one. Maren, want some pasta?”

“Sure!” Maren began to eat, barely stopping to breathe.

“So, what’s our next plan?” Seiko asked after a while, breaking the silence.