Chapter 9:
Synthetic Love
Here I was, comfortably settled on the couch in the living room, the TV playing in the background, and a bag of snacks within my reach.
Last night after what had happened, glen finally let me go
He said he will give me time to think but he won't let me get away I couldn't stop thinking about what happened yesterday. Everything happen so fast and I don't even know how I got Involved
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice—
"A day without killing orcs is a day wasted!" Annie yelled playing video games at the corner. Sitting on the carpet floor
I asked Annie to come over but I guess opening up to her won't do any good
I could hear her mashing buttons and muttering under her breath, her focus solely on the game she was playing, the sounds of virtual battles and explosions rings in my ear
"Quite down Annie "I said as I yawned
"Why didn't you stay at Camela's place?" she asked, her tone filled with mockery. I could sense the amusement in her eyes, almost as if she found humor in my misery
"Did she fire you or something?" She shot me a sly grin. “Of course not “I casually replied “You’ve been acting weird since yesterday. Ever since the launch "I heard the trial for the self-driving car was a failure.
“You guys mysteriously disappeared after that incident. After the reporters arrived the self-driving car has mysteriously tripped over
“Did she mistreat you after that or something?" She asked
"It's nothing like that," I replied, my voice filled with uncertainty. I hesitated, unsure how to explain.
“Even if you won’t tell me anything, I know something had happened yesterday “Annie said in her usual voice “oh well, you don’t have to tell me anything “she added
"I just... thought maybe I should keep my distance and stay out of ..." My words trailed off, as I struggled to articulate the real reasons for my distance,
Of course I can't tell Annie “I’m the only one trying to worm my way out of their life anyways. It's not my problem anymore," I just want my normal, boring life back," I muttered through gritted teeth.
“I hate to admit it, but this whole mess wouldn't have happened if I didn't ask you to take those pictures of her “Annie said as she dropped the controller and looked and me
The memories flooded back, the sequence of events replaying in my mind. "Yeah I was just a part time janitor who got fired for taking pictures, “I laugh
“And I think all this happened because I asked you to watch the play, thinking my revenge plan would actually work. "Annie added “It wasn't really your fault Annie “I smiled
After all, Annie had gone to great lengths to set a trap for Camela as an act of revenge for me, she must have ft really bad that I got fired from wobut the sudden fire on stage wasn't her doing, and that idea weighed heavy on my mind.
"And the theater caught fire and then the one and only primrose cranberry approached us, offering you money in exchange for any information you could provide her" Annie's words were sharp, reminding me of the recent events.
"Just like a scene straight out of a movie," I muttered, "Look where that's led me now" I stated
“Are you really stupid enough to actually agree being camellas bodyguard?" Annie's mocking question made me think, realizing I hadn't really thought about why I agreed to Primrose's plan in the first place.
The realization hit me that this seemingly simple decision led me to this complicated situation, and I couldn't find a clear-cut reason why I had agreed. It was as if I had fallen into a situation without considering the reasons behind my actions, and now find myself caught in the fallout
“I don’t know what’s going on between you two but you can’t run forever you know” annie said as she glanced back at the screen in front of her “maybe you just need some time to process everything “she added
I took a deep breath as I contemplated the situation. Annie's words hit a chord within me, and I knew she was right. But facing Camella and accepting my feelings weren't easy either. It felt like I was hiding a secret within myself too.
Finally, I replied with a soft voice, "I agree. Running away isn't going to solve anything. But...It's complicated."
"Oh well" Her voice carried a calm yet serious undercurrent as she asked, "Did you regret going to the play?" Annie's eyes met mine, the room fell silent as I remained quiet, lost in my thoughts.
"Actually, deep inside, I also wanted to see Camela perform. It was partly my own decision to attend the play with you. “I sighed and admitted
"To be honest i never imagined a simple request from you would lead to all of this. My life has become a whirlwind, I was able experience things I never thought I could" I murmured, a hint of sincerity in my voice. "Thank you for everything. You're not just my best friend; you're like a little sister to me"
"Whatever “Annie responded with a smile and went back playing
"I'm going to head off to the convenience store to get some more snacks. “With Annie and I spending time at home, I decided to take a walk to the convenience store to grab some snacks and groceries for dinner
Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to a figure standing under the streetlight. She stood out with her blonde hair and captivating red eyes, staring intently at a bundle of white roses wrapped in her arms —like a living portrait.
It's fragrance filling the air
I paused, taken aback by her ethereal appearance and the stark contrast she created to the surrounding darkness. "Camela?"I thought as I stood still, feeling a mixture of surprise and confusion as she ran toward me, handing me the bouquet of white roses.
“I brought you flowers
It caught me off guard, it’s not Camela...."Nora Two? “I whispered, still trying to comprehend the unexpected encounter at such a late hour.
“What are you doing here?" I asked,
*I hesitantly accepted the bouquet, feeling a bit awkward holding such a large bouquet of flowers. She gracefully took the groceries from my hand, leaving me momentarily taken aback.
"Here, let me help you carry those," she said before taking the bags.
As Nora stood in front of me, her cheerful smile lighting her face, she looked like an ordinary girl. There was no hint of artificiality or mechanical element to her. She seemed like a regular person on the outside
We walked down the quiet street, the night sky above is dark
I couldn't help but steal glances at her, the dim light barely revealing her face. Her radiant smile seemed to radiate, adding a touch of beauty to the dark surroundings.
There was something mesmerizing about her, a subtle grace that made it difficult to look away. I wondered if I was dreaming, having a late night walk with someone radiating such quiet perfection. Nora2, having placed the bags on the ground outside, turned to leave.
"Well, I should be going," she said as she started walking away, Part of me wanted to call out and ask her to stay, curious about what had just happened.
"Stay for dinner" I offered, surprised by my own invitation. "Okay! “Nora’s responded with a smile
I was surprised she swiftly agreed without hesitation "She didn't even hesitate" I couldn't help but smile, I quickly followed her inside the gate,
When suddenly...my phone rang
"Primrose....."
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