The Draxionex Brothers

As I stand there, still trying to process the bizarre turn of events, Tom points at me and emits a sound that resembles laughter.

"Look at her! She's so shocked!" Meanwhile, Sam remains hidden behind his brother, peeking out with a smile that suggests he's not as comfortable with the situation as Tom is.

"Let me guess." Tom says, pausing for dramatic effect. "You've never seen an alien in your life?" Tom then starts making poses in front of me like he was in a photoshoot. Naomi, who has been watching the exchange with a smirk, can't help but let out a hearty laugh. "Never change, Tom! Never change!" It's evident from their interaction that the two of them know each other already.

"I'm really sorry. It wasn't my intention to offend you. It's just that I'm a bit... surprised." I say, my voice shaking slightly. "I-I think it's impressive that you can speak Japanese so well." I add, trying to change the subject and ease the tension. Brainy rolls her eyes and flies closer to me.

"They don't know Japanese, you fossil brain! You can understand what they're saying because your humanoid model can translate languages in real time!"

"Oh... I knew about that feature because I read about it in my manual. But it didn't specify that it can translate ALIEN languages also!" I reply, amused.

"Hey, Brainy." Tom walks closer to me. "No need to be so harsh on her! She's new here after all." The alien then turns his attention back to me, his gaze lingering as he sizes me up from head to toe. "If I had known a cutie like you was going to be here, I might have considered opting for a humanoid model instead," he says, his voice laced with what I can only assume is flirtation.

Huh?

I'm caught off guard by his comment. And for a few seconds, I'm at a loss for words. There's no way Tom is flirting with me! Is he? It's true that my mother had joked about the possibility of me dating an alien before, but this feels so strange.

Just as I was about to reject him, Sam interrupts me.

"Brother, we already have our own dates, remember?" Sam says, his tone a blend of exasperation and amusement.

"Details, details!" Tom says while waving his hand as if to dismiss Sam's comment. "Anyway, where were we, Airi? Oh yes!" He takes my hand in his. The alien's skin feels cold, unlike any human's I've ever touched before."I was just about to tell you about my six Galaxy Cup wins. It's quite the achievement, you know." He flexes his arms, which are surprisingly skinny for someone claiming to be a champion.

"Keep your alien hands to yourself, Tomorandaliusrexon!" As if sensing my discomfort, Brainy steps in front of me, slapping Tom's hand away from mine. Her protectiveness catches me off guard while Naomi just laughs and moves towards the crimson seats, checking out the filming equipment.

"Violence, really?! And you're using my full name, too!" Tom replies in a sarcastic tone. "I'm so scared!" he says as he wiggles his slender legs in order to belittle Brainy's protective stance.

"But in all seriousness," he adds, turning his attention back to me. "I've had relationships with humans before, so it's not entirely out of the question."

"I'm not interested in you, Tom!" I give him a firm answer: "I am here for Issei and Issei only." I say before I cross my arms.

"Ah, oh, of course, of course! After all, I don't want to anger Issei." The alien lifts both of his slim hands and takes a few steps back. "He's a good guy after all."

"You know Issei?" My eyes grew wide.

"Yes, I do. We're good friends, actually. Small world, isn't it? In fact, he told me to—" 

Before Tom can reveal any more, Brainy flies in front of the alien and puts both of her tiny hands on his mouth.

"You're breaking the rules! Contestants are not allowed to know things about their dates beforehand," the little humanoid shouts. Tom's eyes widen in surprise, his voice muffled against Brainy's palms. It's clear that he was about to reveal something significant about his relationship with Issei.

"But I was just about to tell her—" he protests as his words are cut off again.

"Not another word." Brainy narrows her eyes.

Sam, who had been quietly observing the exchange, appears on the verge of panic. "Brother, I think it might be wise not to provoke her."

"Ok, fine, I'll play your little game and follow your silly rules." He then looks at me again. "But let me tell you, Airi, you're going to absolutely adore Issei. He's quite the catch!" The alien gives me a thumbs up.

Naomi, who had been busy surveying the filming equipment, finally decides to intervene. "Alright, that's enough. We need to keep the show moving." She smiles. "Brainy, Airi, let's get this interview over with so we can move on to the next segment." I nod before I make my way towards the stage, with Brainy following me from behind.

The interview continued without any more distractions. They proceed to ask me about my favorite color, my preferred season, and other mundane topics. Meanwhile, Sam and Tom remain in the background, waiting for their own turns on the red couch. I would have loved to stay and watch their interviews also, but I had to go back to the hospital and get registered for the TELE-PORT.

Once my interview wraps up, Naomi offers to escort me back for my registration process. "Why don't you let me take you back to the hospital?" she suggests. "We can use Twinkle." I nod and thank her before heading out again.

The journey back to the hospital was swift, thanks to Naomi's flying skills. She seemed very eager to assist in any way she can to ensure my preparations for the TELE-PORT are as smooth as possible.

In a few days I will be able to use the device and finally meet Issei. While the anticipation of finally coming face-to-face with him is making me feel a bit nervous, I'm eager to embrace all the exciting adventures that lie ahead!