Thursday Plans

***

Ravel and Fantasia stroll along the evening streets of Bratislava, heading for the bus stop where Fantasia will catch a ride home.

“You really didn’t have to walk me all the way, I’m going to be fine! … is what I’d like to say, but I enjoy you just too much~,” Fantasia leans against Ravel, wrapping her arm around his.

“My mom would never forgive me if I let a girl walk alone in the evening.”

“Eeh~? So you’re doing it just because you’re supposed to? So mean~,” Fantasia’s comment, albeit playful, stings him in the heart.

“No, no, no! I’d do anything to ensure your safety! Besides… This is one way how to prolong the time I’m spending with you.”

For a while, they both enjoy the peacefulness of the evening and the comfort of each other’s presence.

“Your parents are very nice, they accepted me immediately. And they think I’m your first girl, heheh,” Fantasia teases.

“When I met your father, I was very nervous, but you were so natural in front of my parents… I’m impressed.”

“You’re just a perfect blend of your mom and dad, so talking to them put me at ease. Your mom is such a beautiful and caring woman~,” Fantasia speaks with a soothing calmness in her voice.

Having lost her own mom, Fantasia finally found a woman figure that made her feel the same way her mom did.

Ravel realized she was able to remain her usual self for one more reason. His parents didn’t show any antagonistic intentions, weird gazes or insensitive remarks. With all of the reasons combined, the Unique family have managed to create a second home for her.

“Yeah, while your dad wanted to kill me. He’s nothing like you,” Ravel says with a hint of tease in his voice.

Arriving at the bus station, Fantasia fangirls over a stray cat that sits on the bench.

“Look, look!! The kitty has such unique coloration!” Fantasia points at it with her finger, not wanting to get closer so that she doesn’t scare it away.

The stray cat had four different colors on its fur so if anything, it looked like a chimera to Ravel at first sight. However, he was not surprised at all that Fantasia found it beautiful.

***

At Bratislava High School, another lively day unfolds. Ravel, Seko, Zhang and Yutaka enjoy their meal during the lunch break.

“Man, I’m glad it’s just the four of us again, I don’t like people,” Seko has been the most antisocial of the four, at least according to him.

“You can’t avoid people and then complain you’ve never had a girlfriend,” Yutaka fires at Seko.

“Buuuurn!” Zhang says loudly.

“Shut up, you’re as guilty as Seko when it comes to relationships,” With another shot from Yutaka, this time aimed at Zhang, the only one left to diss is Ravel.

“I don’t need any women in my life, I’m satisfied with my games. Indifference to outcome!” Zhang proclaims resolutely.

“Hey, guys, I need your opinion. I’d like to give something to Fantasia for her upcoming birthday, but I don’t know what…” Ravel wears a serious expression.

“Give her puzzles with your photo on it!” Seko says proudly.

“Fucking hell…” Zhang disapproves.

“You like to sing, write her a song,” Yutaka suggests.

“A song? … Hmm…“ Ravel’s deep thoughts are cut off by a female voice.

“Hello boys, wanna get honored by Vice Miss’ presence?” Eleona approaches them with a tilted head upwards. Fantasia is right behind her, chuckling.

“Take this seat next to me!” Zhang immediately offers holds the chair for Eleona, who blushes slightly and immediately takes it.

“You hypocrite!” The other boys call him out on his inconsistent behavior.

Fantasia sits next to Seko, opposite of Ravel, which makes Seko twist his mouth in disgust.

“Hey, Seko,” Ravel frowns at him, gripping the fork, with which he eats his spaghetti, tighter, “wanna exchange the seats?”

“No, no, I certainly don’t,” Seko tries to ignore the true meaning of that question.

Whatever, jerk.

“Yutaka, you needed some new clothes, too, right? Wanna go shopping with me and Fantasia after school?”

“No, it’s okay,” Yutaka refuses sooner than Ravel is able to even finish the sentence properly.

“Oh, but I can’t go today actually, remember? I’m supposed to go check the water system at the house of the guy from yesterday!” Fantasia reminds Ravel of the encounter they had with Fantasia’s plumber fan.

“OK, I’ll go,” Yutaka has changed his opinion out of nowhere.

This is weird… even after all that, the guys still haven’t accepted her, it seems. What should I do?

“So, boys? Any plans for the upcoming summer holidays?” Eleona breaks the ice with a well thought out question.

“No plans, I’m free, why do you ask? Wanna go somewhere? Yeah, I’ll go! Sorry, lol,” with a wide range of emotions, Zhang blurts out his words so quickly nobody is even able to catch them.

“Actually, I think we should do something as a group!” Fantasia proposes.

You’re right! We need to connect somehow!

“That’s a great idea! But why wait for summer holidays? Let’s use the last week of school before people scatter for summer vacation!” Ravel suggests.

“H-hey, are you going s-somewhere, big sis?”

Leanna suddenly appears next to their table with Silveria accompanying her.

Fantasia’s eyes widen, she’s very glad to see Leanna. “Yes, and you’re coming with us! Hehe!”

“Hey, that’s the girl who exercises!” Seko’s eyes light up.

“Alright, I’ve shown you where the cafeteria is, so I’m not needed anymore,” Silveria turns on her heel after bringing Leanna who has never eaten at the cafeteria with people before. Silveria’s trying to leave before she is stopped by a certain fanboy.

“Silveria, wait!” Yutaka interjects. “Wherever we’re going, please come with us!”

“’Silveria’? Shouldn’t you address me Ms. President? I’m not a Queen anymore, but I’m still the head of the Student Council. Show some respect,” Silveria coldly shuts him down, making his face fill with disappointment.

“Ms. President!! You should definitely come with us! Or do you already have any other plans for Thursday?” Fantasia stands up and makes effort to break through to her.

“Okay, okay, you’re such a good persuader~, I’ll come, fufu” Silveria accepts the invitation instantly.

Wow, that was quick. Is she really so fond of Fantasia?

“This is so nice! Ravel, Seko, Zhang, Yutaka, Silveria, Leanna, Fantasia and me! The lineup is unbeatable!” Eleona throws her hands in the air with excitement.

“B-but where are we g-going?” Leanna hasn’t been filled in yet but so has nobody else.

“Hmmm, eight people… it’s a perfect number of players for that game,” Ravel smirks, while Yutaka and Zhang smile at each other.

“So you mean we’re going there?” Zhang knows exactly what Ravel has in mind.

“But there is a high possibility that we will encounter her,” Yutaka cautions Ravel.

“Yeah, I know. But we’re over it now. Besides, we haven’t played for months!” Ravel starts trembling with excitement.

The girls just watch their exchange of much-telling gazes, while Seko, doing the same, doesn’t understand what the trio is talking about.

“Hey, dickheads, you were somewhere without me?? What are you talking about??” Seko berates them.

“You’ve been there, too, you idiot!” Yutaka explains to Seko that he has just forgot, as usual.

“But where? I haven’t! You’re just keeping it a secret from me!” Seko further panics.

“Embrace yourselves! In two days, we’ll meet in Trnava, the hometown of the best board games club in all of Slovakia!” Ravel attempted to sound like a true warrior.

***

Thursday has arrived and Ravel, Fantasia, Leanna, Silveria and Eleona are already waiting at the designated meeting spot in a narrow alley in front of the entrance to the board games club, Gaming Guilt.

“Heeey! Thanks for waiting!” Seko, Zhang and Yutaka are coming from the other side of the alley.

“Li’l Joes?” Ravel offers a fist bump to all of them, while they all accept.

The trio has come to Trnava sooner to have some burgers prior to the game.

“I would have issues finding it, who would have thought it’s meant to be hidden like this, fufu,” Silveria says.

“Now we’re all here, so let’s get going! I made a reservation with my friend Lordo!” Ravel opens the door and leads all of them inside. There is a staircase descending into a basement.

“H-hey, w-where are you taking us??” Leanna gets the chills, instinctively taking Fantasia’s hand.

“Gaming Guilt’s situated in a nuclear shelter,” Ravel explains, opening a heavy steel door, leading to the board games club. “After you!”

Ravel lets everybody pass through the hall so he can close the door.

Upon arriving at the main room, they all marvel at the racks where countless games are carefully placed.

Ravel and company are met with piercing gazes of nerdy looking men seated in groups, pausing the games.

Girls.

That’s the only thing that floods their minds.

CHAPTER 32: END