It had been a few hours since Yami visited Arsène. After the thorough questioning and getting answers to some of his questions, Arsène was now more puzzled than ever. What exactly caused the Mass Extinction event? He knows its because of humans but unsure who or what exactly caused it. And what was this prototype. He got the fact that it was alive but what is it exactly? Some kind of alien? An artificial spine with sentience? To hell with that! How was he supposed to live while knowing some sentient thing is acting as his pseudo spinal cord?!

Despite all of this question and stuff, what exhausted Arsène the most was the fight with Agares. Sure, the fight with Marbas was quite exhausting in itself but Agares was outright horrendous. Not only did Arsène lost a lot of blood but he almost had died. If it wasn’t for the armor taking control and recovering quickly, Arsène might be actually dead by now.

The door to the room creaked open, as Vanessa peaked through, before looking around. She had a look of concern over her face as she spotted Arsène completely exhausted resting on the bed. She took a step in and stood at the entrance of the room, her silhouette framed by the light from the hallway. She silently took a step in, walking slowly as she carried a box in her hands.

As she made her way to Arsène’s bed, she put the paper box on the table next to him and quickly peeked at Arsène. She smiled as he was still breathing.

“Still alive, huh?”

She chuckled, sitting in the chair that Yami had sat on a few hours ago. Arsène opened an eye, looking at Vanessa who was sitting in the chair. A gentle smile formed across his face as he turned to look at her.

“Barely made it, but you didn’t come all the way here just to check if I kicked the bucket, did you?”

Vanessa chuckled and nodded, a gentle smile similar to Arsène’s as she spoke. Pulling her chair closer to the bed.

“You’re right. I came to make sure you’re not just sitting here feeling sorry for yourself. Again.”

Arsène let out a groan of pain as he sat up, smirking as he looked at Vanessa.

“You know, you could show some more bedside manners. I just fought a literal walking earthquake.”

Vanessa nodded then looking at Arsène with a smirk of her own.

“And you survived.”

She shot back, to which Arsène’s slightly widened his eyes but chuckled. Vanessa continued.

“I am not here to pamper you buddy, life’s not just about brooding in a dark room or fighting demons. I am here to remind you that there are more stuff than that.”

Arsène raised an eyebrow, looking confused.

“And how do you propose I do that?”

Vanessa smirked, taking the box she brought with her and opening it, taking out the wrapped sandwich and tossing it. Arsène catches it with one hand, looking at it. Vanessa then continued.

“Simple, you earned yourself a break. I am gonna take you out, your coming with me.”

She cleared her throat, continuing.

“But first, eat something. You need your strength.”

Arsène unwrapped the sandwich, taking a bite then chewing and gulpiung it down.

“At least it has meat in it.”

He then looked at Vanessa.

“Where are you taking me?”

Vanessa grinned, resting her head in her hands as she looked at Arsène.

“You will see. Its a secret, as all dates are ought to me.”

Arsène nearly choked on the sandwich, looking at Vanessa. Then looking down as his cheeks went a hue of red.

“A date.. Huh?”

*

A few minutes passed as Vanessa and Arsène slowly walked through the corridor. Arsène looked around as Vanessa held onto his wrist and led him down the corridor, a smile on her face.

“You need some fresh air.”

Vanessa said, looking back at Arsène for a moment.

“What I need…”

Arsène countered, adjusting the loose scarf around his neck.

“Is to lie down before my ribs decide to cave in.”

Vanessa chuckled, looking back front.

“Come now, don’t be like that. I know you have a hard time talking to others or even going out but its good to catch some fresh air time to time.”

Arsène sighed, looking out the building. He could see the city outside. Arsène raised an eyebrow wondering, he then looked to Vanessa.

“Hey Nessa, why are we in the city?”

“Hmm?”

Vanessa turned around to look at the city, a smile tugged on her face.

“Well, I personally have never visited the city…But when I heard from Kami that you got injured, Yami approached me and told me I could visit the city and visit you too.”

Arsène raised an eyebrow. Vanessa never visited the city? That’s a surprise for him. As they took the elevator down to the lobby, Arsène looked at Vanessa. She was wearing some casual outfit men tend to wear when going outside.

Wait… Why masculine clothing?

Arsène wondered, unsure why Vanessa, wore clothes men would wear. But he decided to not think too much of it. Maybe it was just her preference? The elevator then came to a halt as they entered the lobby. Arsène looked around and saw the same busy lobby as the day he woke up. He followed Vanessa, as they exited the building.

Arsène’s eyes shot wide open as he saw a familiar face. It was the chaperon from the first day, the one that dropped Arsène off at the school. The man bowed down at his waist, then back to his straight posture as he looked at Arsène.

“Hello Sir Arsène. We meet again.”

Arsène nodded nervously, smiling as he looked at the man.

“Yeah… Its been a while uhh..”

“Victor, sir. My name is Victor.”

Arsène nodded, bowing back at Victor.

“Oh goodness, you don’t have to bow in front of me, sir!”

Victor chuckled, before opening the car door. Vanessa quickly got into the car, settling down on the seat. Arsène hesitated but also climbed in. As Victor also entered the driving seat, the seatbelts automatically attached themselves as the vehicle came to life. Victor quickly entered the road. Vanessa looked in awe as she looked at the buildings around the city, to which Arsène just chuckled.

“So where are we headed?”

Arsène asked, intrigued. Vanessa looked at Arsène, thinking for a moment, then she turns to look at Victor.

“Hey sir, do you know any good cafe?”

Vanessa asked, to which Victor immediately responded.

“Oh please, just call me Victor. And yes, I know of a pretty good cafe around here. Would you like me to drive to that location?”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Yes please!”

Vanessa smiled, then looking back out the window. Arsène looked surprised for a moment, then looking out the window as he smiled.

A cafe, huh? Maybe this will go well.

He thought.

As the car weaved through the city streets, Arsène found himself stealing glances at Vanessa. She was practically glued to the window, her wide-eyed curiosity making her seem far younger than her usual sharp and confident demeanor.

“You're staring.”

she said without looking at him, a sly grin tugging at her lips.

Arsène coughed, quickly turning his gaze toward his own window.

“Just making sure you don't try to jump out and explore on your own.”

“How considerate of you.”

Vanessa quipped, her tone light and teasing.

Victor chuckled from the front seat, his eyes on the road but clearly enjoying the banter.

“Miss Vanessa, you’re quite the lively companion. It's a pleasant contrast to Sir Arsène’s usual... stoicism.”

“Stoic, huh?”

Vanessa glanced at Arsène, her grin widening.

“I think the word you're looking for is 'broody.' But don't worry, Victor, I'm working on that.”

Arsène groaned, sinking lower into his seat.

“Is this what my life has come to? A group intervention?”

Vanessa laughed, the sound warm and infectious, as the car slowed to a stop in front of a quaint cafe. Its exterior was charming, with ivy creeping up the brick walls and fairy lights strung across the windows. A small chalkboard outside read: Today’s Special: Sweet Treats for a Sweeter Day!

“Here we are.”

Victor announced, stepping out to open the door for them.

Vanessa hopped out first, her excitement practically radiating off her as she took in the café’s cozy ambiance. Arsène followed more hesitantly, his movements still stiff from his injuries.

“Come on!”

Vanessa urged, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the entrance.

“You’re going to love this.”

“I doubt it.”

Arsène muttered, though the faintest of smiles lingered on his lips.

Inside, the cafe was a haven of warmth and comfort. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air, and soft jazz music played in the background. Vanessa made a beeline for a corner table by the window, her enthusiasm unyielding.

As they sat down, Arsène leaned back in his chair, watching Vanessa as she scanned the menu with childlike delight. For a moment, the weight of his questions. About the extinction, the prototype, and even the fight with Agares—seemed to fade.

“Thanks for this, Nessa.”

He said quietly, his voice carrying an unusual softness.

Vanessa looked up, startled, before her expression softened into a smile.

“What are friends for?”

Then she falls silent for a moment, smiling again.

“Then again, we are student and substitute teacher.”

Arsène nodded, letting the simple sentiment settle in his chest. For now, amidst the chaos of their lives, this moment felt like a breath of fresh air. For a moment, there was absolute silence as Vanessa looked through the menu. Arsène glanced at Vanessa. He looks as he realizes something.

Wow, she is quite pretty.

He thought to himself. Until now, Arsène hadn’t noticed how gorgeous and beautiful Vanessa looked. That long black hair, fair skin, soft lips and nice body. Her eyes were quite big and nice, nose that looked good. Arsène clenched his shirt, looking down as he thought of all this. He hadn’t even realized that his heart was beating a bit faster. But why? Why was that?

“I will take today’s special!”

Arsène looked up to see Vanessa looking at him. He nods and smiles nervously as he replies.

“I-I will take that too..!”

Vanessa looked a little puzzled as to why Arsène was nervous but she just shrugged her shoulders, then proceeds to order what they wanted. Arsène looked back down, realizing he shouldn’t be feeling this way for Vanessa… It just wasn’t right. But he couldn’t stop thinking, he was quite captivated.

He then looks up to see their orders already arriving. Vanessa slowly took her drink, blowing air as if trying to cool it. Arsène however just started drinking it, as he is used to drinking stuff or eating stuff while they were hot.

“Mmm! This tastes good!”

She says as she takes a bite out of the blueberry cheese cake that on today’s special. She seemed to enjoy the food and drink she god, savoring it. Arsène watched carefully as Vanessa drank and ate, watching every single of her move. Then for a moment he puts his drink down, looking at Vanessa.

“This is gonna sound way out of the blue but…”

Vanessa looked at Arsène, expecting to be asked something.

“Do you have a partner?”

In that very moment, Vanessa froze, She choked on her drink as she then coughed. She then started laughing almost amused.

“W-Woah there bud, where did that come from?!”

Arsène blushed, looking away as he tried to avoid Vanessa’s gaze.

“Well… I was just wondering if a girl as gorgeous as you had a partner. Regardless of gender.”

Vanessa slapped the table as she laughed, sometimes coughing. She finally came to a halt after a few seconds, looking at Arsène as she smiled.

“Well, I don’t. Does that come off as a surprise?”

Arsène for a moment shook his head, looking away.

“Well, it was just my curiosity piqueing, nothing else.”

Arsène replied, trying not to sound suspicious. Vanessa chuckled, but then grinned, looking at Arsène.

“You know… I don’t have a type…”

She said, then she grinned wider as she continued.

“But if I had a type. It would definitely be a cute, adorable and almost a flustering mess.”

Arsène then looked at Vanessa, looking confused.

“Like who?”

Vanessa chuckled, then looked at Arsène.

“Someone like you.”

Arsène’s heart skipped a beat as his mouth flew open.

“Eh?”

*