Oh no no rhino! *

I forgot about this woman! Kyle isn't here yet, I can't use him to escape! Where are you, Kyle?!

I was staring at her while thinking of a reason to excuse myself, but her eyes narrowed down in annoyance.

Lady: "Hey, did you hear me?"

Michael: "Yeah, yeah, I did."

Suddenly, the door opened.

Kyle: "Hey hey hey! I'm here! Oh?"

Kyle did a curious pose, with his face clearly enjoying my predicament.

Kyle: "Did I disturb something? I did, didn't I?! Ha ha! Sorry I'll sit somewhere else! Enjoy your time!"

This guy!

I was left with my mouth agape and helpless with what's about to come. He went to the counter to order while saying such ridiculous things.

Lady: "Looks like your friend left you. Shall we? As I said—"

Michael: "You want to talk in private, yeah? Fine."

I sigh.

The barista had a surprised face. Maybe because I agreed too easily? But there is no way to escape this, so let's just resolve this right now. I don't want to abandon this cafe just because I didn't want to confront this lady.

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I stood from my seat and followed her. She leads me to a room upstairs, specifically, the room from before.

She sits on one of the chairs near the table, I stand with my arms crossed and my back against the wall. I may look arrogant, but I'm currently near the door, so I can bolt out the moment things go south.

I am adamant that I will not sit anywhere near her!

Lady: "You don't want to sit?"

Michael: "No thanks. I don't know what you're gonna do to me, after all."

Lady: "True."

This girl—!

I sigh again. I'm gonna lose my happiness if this goes on. I look straight at her.

She sits with her arms and legs crossed. It is currently dusk, with the sunset shining through the window. Her long, blond hair glistens with the sunset, almost looking like gold. And the most prominent feature of hers is her emerald-colored eyes. In this dimly lit room, her eyes shine like gems.

If this was a painting, it could probably sell a fortune.

Unfortunately for me, I'm kinda in a tight spot. This isn't the time to be admiring her.

She sighs.

Lady: "Don't worry. I won't do anything to you. Not now at least."

Michael: "Am I supposed to feel relieved to hear that?"

Lady: "I've yet to determine whether you pose a threat or not after all."

Michael: "I'm harmless. You can even ask my friend."

I raise my hands in response. I mean, what can I even do? I'm a void. I'm harmless, really.

She eyes me curiously.

Lady: "A harmless person doesn't disappear in a room without a sound."

Michael: "Ah, that? I didn't do anything. Even I don't know how that happened."

Lady: "You're lying again."

Michael: "I'm not."

I stand straight and lock my eyes at hers.

Can't you feel my sincerity here? My eyes speak no lies!

She stares back. We were like that for a minute.

I hear the clock tick. The sunset slowly dims away. It will soon turn into night.

She sighs again.

She stands from her chair and approaches.

Not me, but the door to my left.

Lady: "I know you're keeping secrets from me, but I'll let you go this time. It's almost time for the night shift to start."

Michael: "Come on, lady. I told you—"

Lady: "Camelia."

Michael: "What?"

She stops just outside the door, her voice barely reaching my ears.

I turn to look. I can only see her back, and her long hair.

Camelia: "My name is Camelia. I'll be going."

She walks outside of my vision. After a few minutes, I can no longer hear her footsteps, but the night rush has started, and I can hear the wave of customers flowing. The floor has become busy.

I scratch my head in annoyance.

I should go. Kyle's also still waiting, and he's offered me a ride back home. It'd be a waste to not accept it.

I sigh again.

Night has struck, and the only light illuminating the room is coming from the hallway.

I leave, thinking that this matter has yet to be resolved and will surely trouble me in the future.