Eating and playing

Inside the store, Maros, Vany, and Alice wandered through the clothing racks. Alice was visibly excited, mixing bright colors with wildly mismatched styles. Maros, still dressed in his sweet maid costume, offered occasional remarks, though none stood out. Vany gave a faint smile, but behind it, her thoughts were quietly unraveling.

Vany (in her mind): Maros… he’s fun, sure. But he’s also unpredictable. That potion… this disguise… it all feels like part of something bigger. Something we haven’t figured out yet.

She watched Maros closely. Too calm. Too... calculated.

Vany (in her mind): Is he testing us? Or is this all part of an experiment?

Alice, oblivious to Vany’s unease, held up a deep purple dress.

Alice: “Van! This one’s perfect for you! Look, it even has a secret pocket!”

Vany nodded slowly, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. But one question kept echoing in her mind:

Vany (in her mind): Could Maros be dangerous to us? Or… is he just watching how we react?

In the corner of the store, Shadow lingered quietly in Maros’s silhouette. Silent. Observing.

Vany remained quiet among the clothing racks, her eyes lingering on the purple dress Alice had shown earlier. But her mind wasn’t in the store. She was still thinking about Maros—his movements, his calm demeanor, and the motives behind his disguise.

Vany (in her mind): Is this just a game? Or is he orchestrating something bigger?

Suddenly, Maros approached with a smile that felt... a little too friendly.

Maros: “That’s enough shopping. Time to recharge. Lunch is on me.”

Alice immediately cheered, “Yay! I want ramen with lava egg!”

Vany turned slowly. Maros looked at her for a moment, as if he knew her thoughts were tangled.

Maros (lightly): “Don’t worry, Vany. No poison today. Just noodles, iced tea, and... a bit of observation.”

Vany didn’t respond, but her feet followed Maros and Alice out of the store. Inside her, the questions hadn’t faded. Maybe this lunch wasn’t just lunch. Maybe it was the beginning of a new chapter in an experiment they hadn’t yet named.

Inside the store, Maros, Vany, and Alice wandered through the clothing racks. Alice was visibly excited, mixing bright colors with wildly mismatched styles. Maros, still dressed in his sweet maid costume, offered occasional remarks, though none stood out. Vany gave a faint smile, but behind it, her thoughts were quietly unraveling.

Vany (in her mind): Maros… he’s fun, sure. But he’s also unpredictable. That potion… this disguise… it all feels like part of something bigger. Something we haven’t figured out yet.

She watched Maros closely. Too calm. Too... calculated.

Vany (in her mind): Is he testing us? Or is this all part of an experiment?

Alice, oblivious to Vany’s unease, held up a deep purple dress.

Alice: “Van! This one’s perfect for you! Look, it even has a secret pocket!”

Vany nodded slowly, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. But one question kept echoing in her mind:

Vany (in her mind): Could Maros be dangerous to us? Or… is he just watching how we react?

In the corner of the store, Shadow lingered quietly in Maros’s silhouette. Silent. Observing.

Just as the tension began to settle into silence, Maros turned to them with a cheerful tone.

Maros: “That’s enough shopping. Time to recharge. Lunch is on me.”

Alice lit up instantly. “Yay! I want ramen with lava egg!”

Vany glanced at Maros. He met her gaze with a smile that felt rehearsed.

Maros (lightly): “Don’t worry, Vany. No poison today. Just noodles, iced tea, and... a bit of observation.”

She didn’t respond, but followed them out of the store. Her thoughts remained tangled, her suspicion intact.

At the restaurant, they sat by the window. Maros ordered generously—ramen, buttered toast, grilled chicken with herbal sauce, iced tea, and more. Alice dove into her ramen with delight.

Alice: “This is so good! The egg melts like lava in hell!”

Maros smiled and placed a portion of grilled chicken onto Vany’s plate with unnerving elegance.

Maros: “Eat, Vany. Today’s my treat. Consider it... a reward for your participation.”

Vany stared at the food. The aroma was tempting, but her mind whispered warnings.

She glanced at the iced tea—lemon slices perfectly symmetrical, too perfect.

Her hand trembled slightly as she picked up her chopsticks. Maros watched, saying nothing. Just that unreadable smile.

Alice, unaware of the tension, asked for more toast.

Alice: “Maros! Can I get more bread? With strawberry jam this time!”

Maros nodded and called the waiter. His gesture was simple, almost meaningless to anyone else... except Vany, who kept her guard up.

She looked at Maros again, trying to read something—anything—from his expression. But he just smiled, as if everything was unfolding exactly as planned.

Vany stared at the plate, then shoved it away with a sharp motion. Her spoon clattered against the table—small, but loud enough to cut through the air.

Vany: “I’m not eating this.”

Alice turned, confused. Maros simply smiled, calm as ever.

Maros: “Why, Vany? You don’t like the food?”

His voice was gentle, but there was something behind it—like he already knew the answer and was just playing along.

Vany stood up, her expression tight.

Vany: “Alice, let’s go.”

Alice hesitated, then followed her. But before they reached the door, Maros stepped forward and blocked their path.

Maros: “The food’s not finished. You’re welcome to eat as much as you like.”

He looked directly at Vany, his smile unchanged.

Maros: “And you, Vany... I’d like to speak with you. Somewhere quiet.”

Vany glared at him. Alice glanced at her, waiting for a signal. The air between them felt heavy—like the story itself was holding its breath, waiting for the next move.