Shyri stretched her arms, the familiar, comforting hum of her VR set still ringing in her ears. Her mind was still half-immersed in the world of Westhound, but the real world’s pull was stronger now. With a sigh, she removed the VR headset and set it aside carefully, rubbing her temples and adjusting her eyes to the dim lighting of her apartment.
Her stomach growled, reminding her that it had been hours since she last ate. Deciding to make something simple for dinner, she wandered into the kitchen, feeling a slight stiffness in her muscles from being seated so long. She opened the fridge and began pulling out ingredients—some leftover vegetables, rice, and a bit of tofu—enough to make a quick stir-fry.
As the sizzling sound of food filled the apartment and the comforting smell of cooking spread, the door creaked open behind her. Shyri glanced over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow when she saw Kame stumble in, looking like she'd just stepped out of a rave. Bright, neon glowstick accessories hung from her neck and wrists, some still faintly glowing as if she had been at an all-night party. Her hair was a bit wild, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement.
"Had fun, I take it?" Shyri asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Kame grinned, pulling off one of the glowsticks from her arm and tossing it on the couch. "You bet! My guild pulled off a world-first kill on a boss tonight," she said, practically beaming. "We went out to celebrate after! Drinks, dancing, the works." She waved her hands as if reenacting the party, still riding the high of the achievement.
Shyri chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement as she turned back to stir her dinner. "So that's why you’re glowing like a disco ball?"
"Yep!" Kame laughed. "Totally worth it though. That world boss was insane. Took us forever, but we finally nailed it."
"Congrats," Shyri said, plating her food. "Must’ve been a rush."
"It was!" Kame plopped herself down at the counter, watching Shyri with interest. "What about you? Did you dive back into the game after our sushi meet-up?"
Shyri nodded, setting her plate on the table and joining Kame. "Yeah, I had a pretty intense session. Took out a dungeon full of gemstone golems and got some new gear. Oh, and I’ve got a new sword now—Trinity. Glorn fused three of my weapons into one. It’s... incredible."
Kame’s eyes widened, impressed. "Glorn? That old blacksmith actually did it for you? Wow, you’ve really been busy! That sword must be something else."
"It is," Shyri replied, her voice carrying a note of pride. "And the best part? I’m leveling fast. Might actually be ready for the next big quest soon."
Kame smiled, resting her chin in her hand. "That’s awesome. You’re really making moves, huh?"
Shyri took a bite of her food and nodded, enjoying the quiet satisfaction of a productive day in both the game and real life. "Yeah. But I think I’m done for tonight. You’re the one who looks like you could still go another round."
Kame laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Trust me, I’m spent. Even I have limits, you know. Plus, I gotta wind down after all that excitement."
As the two of them sat there, the noise of the day finally winding down, the comfortable silence between them was only interrupted by Kame’s occasional storytelling about the party and Shyri’s contented bites of dinner. It was a nice end to a long day.
As the soft chime of Shyri's alarm broke the stillness of the early morning, she groaned and slowly opened her eyes. The pale light of dawn filtered through her curtains, and the digital clock blinked the time: Thursday, a day she could take at a more relaxed pace with just one class to attend.
Shyri stretched and slid out of bed, padding across her room to her closet. Today, she felt like dressing up, something to match the confidence she was beginning to feel after her progress in the game and recent experiences. She pulled out a short, form-fitting dress that hugged her curves perfectly. The material clung to her body in all the right places, enhancing her natural silhouette. The dress was simple but chic, a shade of deep burgundy that complemented her dark hair and pale complexion.
She stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying lipstick—a bold crimson that gave her a sharp, striking look. After a few moments of consideration, she decided to pin her hair up, securing it loosely to allow a few strands to frame her face. The hairstyle added a sense of casual elegance to her overall appearance.
Satisfied with her look, Shyri grabbed her bag and stepped out of her room, only to find Kame already waiting by the door. As always, Kame was dressed to impress, wearing a stylish, modern ensemble that made her look effortlessly fashionable. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, and she accessorized with bold jewelry and a designer bag slung over her shoulder. Shyri could tell she was in her element, looking like she'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
“Looking good, Shyri,” Kame grinned, clearly approving of her friend’s style for the day.
“You too,” Shyri replied with a smile, adjusting the strap of her bag.
The two linked arms naturally as they stepped out of their apartment, walking in unison across the campus. The morning air was cool and crisp, a light breeze swirling around them as students milled about, heading to their own classes. Together, they made quite the duo, drawing more than a few eyes as they strolled through campus. Their confidence was palpable, the kind that came from owning their personal style and walking with purpose.
As they passed by a few students, Kame leaned in with a playful smile. “Hey, by the way, I wanted to invite you to lunch later. Alesia’s joining us for some girl time after classes. You in?”
Shyri glanced at her, intrigued. “Alesia? Yeah, that sounds fun. I could use a break after class.”
“Perfect!” Kame replied, her smile widening. “We’ll grab something good and catch up. It’ll be nice to have some time with just the girls.”
Shyri nodded, already looking forward to it. Today was going to be a good day.
As Shyri’s class of the day finally came to an end, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. The academic weight was lifted for now, and her mind wandered to the plans ahead. She made her way to the large, intricately carved statue near the campus courtyard, a favorite meeting spot for many students. Shyri stood at its base, leaning slightly on its pedestal, adjusting her dress, and smoothing her hair as she glanced around, waiting for Kame.
Moments later, Kame appeared, striding confidently toward her. She gave Shyri a wave, flashing her usual energetic grin.
"Ready for a fun afternoon?" Kame asked, linking her arm with Shyri's.
"Of course," Shyri replied with a smile
Together, they strolled toward the campus shuttles, which would take them downtown to meet up with Alesia. The ride was a smooth one, filled with light chatter and laughter between the two as they passed through the city. The shuttle finally stopped in front of the lively downtown district, with its vibrant energy and busy streets.
They stepped out in front of the karaoke hall, where Alesia had invited them for a fun girls' afternoon. The building had colorful neon lights running across the exterior, and music could already be heard faintly from the rooms inside.
Shyri and Kame entered the karaoke hall, the lively atmosphere greeted them immediately. Neon lights flickered along the walls, casting a vibrant glow across the room. The hum of music, laughter, and voices filled the air, giving the place a sense of life and excitement.
Walking past a few of the private karaoke rooms, they quickly spotted Alesia seated gracefully in one of the open lounges. She wore the distinct uniform of the prestigious all-girls college she attended—a tailored navy blazer with silver accents over a crisp white blouse, paired with a pleated skirt. The uniform gave her an air of authority and grace, making her stand out in the otherwise relaxed environment. Despite her poised appearance, there was an easy elegance to her as she smiled warmly when she noticed Shyri and Kame approaching.
Alesia’s posture was straight, yet her expression was relaxed as she greeted them. “There you two are,” she said in a calm, but friendly tone, waving them over. “I was starting to wonder if you got lost.”
"You look like you came straight from a board meeting," Kame teased, giving Alesia a once-over.
Alesia smirked, crossing her legs with a refined motion. "I like to keep things polished. Besides, someone has to balance out your energy," she said, giving a small wink.
Shyri smiled at their banter, feeling a sense of ease as she and Kame slid into the booth across from Alesia. The three were an interesting mix of personalities.
"Ready to have some fun?" Alesia asked, her authoritative tone giving way to a more relaxed smile. Shyri could tell that despite her composed exterior, Alesia was just as excited for their time together as they were.
The three of them entered one of the cozy private karaoke rooms, the dim lighting and neon accents creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. A plush sofa wrapped around the room, with a large screen at the front displaying the karaoke selection. A small table in the center was perfect for the food and drinks they were about to order.
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After settling into their seats, they quickly scanned through the menu, deciding on a few appetizers to share—crispy calamari, tempura shrimp, and a plate of savory gyoza. Alesia ordered a round of refreshing cocktails for them to enjoy while they sang. Kame was the first to grab the mic, grinning like she had been waiting for this moment all day.
“Alright, let’s get this started!” Kame exclaimed, bouncing to her feet and quickly navigating the karaoke playlist until she found a few of her favorite J-pop songs.
As the first few beats of a high-energy track filled the room, Kame’s enthusiasm was infectious. She wasted no time belting out the lyrics with passion, her voice surprisingly strong and carrying the tune. Even though she wasn’t hitting every note perfectly, her sheer love for the music made up for it, and Shyri and Alesia couldn’t help but cheer her on between sips of their drinks.
“Kame’s a natural,” Alesia commented, her usual graceful demeanor softening as she chuckled at her friend’s wild performance.
Shyri smiled, taking in the carefree joy on Kame’s face. There was something both entertaining and heartwarming about watching her completely let loose, dancing around the room with the mic in hand, pouring her heart into the upbeat J-pop lyrics.
By the time the first song ended, Kame was a little breathless but completely satisfied, grinning widely as she flopped back onto the couch. “Your turn, Shyri!” she declared, shoving the mic in her direction while giggling.
As Kame rehydrated with a long sip of her drink, the appetizers arrived, filling the room with the delicious aromas of fried food. Shyri exchanged a glance with Alesia, who smirked knowingly, as if anticipating Shyri’s reaction to being the next singer up.
Shyri grabbed the mic with a small smile, shaking off any nerves she might have felt. Scrolling through the song list, she found one of her all-time favorites: First Love by Hikaru Utada. It was a love song that always resonated with her, and tonight, she felt ready to give it her all.
As the opening notes played, Shyri closed her eyes for a moment, holding the mic close to her lips. Then, she began to sing.
The soft, emotional tone of her voice flowed effortlessly with the melody. Her voice was pure, delicate yet powerful, hitting each note perfectly. There was an undeniable depth in her performance, as if she was singing from the core of her soul. Her delivery was heartfelt, and the vulnerability in her voice echoed the love story in the song. It was as if the entire room became a quiet stage for her voice alone.
Kame and Alesia, who had been chatting and laughing just moments before, fell silent. Both of them stared at Shyri in awe, completely taken aback by her talent. Kame, who had known Shyri for a long time, had never heard her sing like this before. She could only sit there, wide-eyed and speechless, watching as her friend sang with such beauty and control. Alesia, who was always poised and collected, was equally stunned, her graceful expression softening into one of pure admiration.
Shyri’s voice floated through the room, rising and falling with the emotion of the lyrics, her eyes half-closed as she got lost in the music. It wasn’t just her voice that was impressive, it was the way she conveyed the feelings in the song—longing and love. The whole room felt it, and by the time she reached the final lines, both Kame and Alesia were completely captivated.
As the last note faded, the room was silent for a moment, as if no one dared to break the magic of the performance. Then, Kame and Alesia exchanged looks before erupting into applause.
“Shyri!” Kame exclaimed, still in disbelief. “How have I never heard you sing like that before?”
Alesia nodded in agreement, her usual composed demeanor giving way to a soft smile. “That was incredible. You have an amazing voice, Shyri.”
Shyri, a little bashful now that the song was over, gave a small, humble laugh. “I just… really like the song.”
Kame, still wide-eyed from Shyri's stunning performance, leaned forward with a playful grin, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Okay, okay,” she said, nudging Shyri with her elbow. “That was amazing, but now I’ve got to ask… was that song dedicated to a certain someone?”
Shyri, who had just sat down, blinked and raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What do you mean?” she asked, though her cheeks betrayed her with a slight blush.
Kame leaned in even closer, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Come on, Shyri. That was way too emotional to be just a random song. Is it because of Kalem?” She practically whispered his name, but her teasing tone was unmistakable.
Shyri tried to keep her composure, but her blush deepened. She shook her head, attempting to laugh it off. “No, no! It’s not about him… It’s just one of my favorite songs,” she said, though the thought of Kalem not being on the game with her for a few days did cross her mind.
Kame smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh, sure. So it has nothing to do with the fact that Kalem won’t be around for a few days? You’re not missing him or anything?”
Shyri’s blush only grew brighter, and she found herself unable to meet Kame’s gaze. “I mean… maybe a little. But it’s not like that,” she insisted, though even she wasn’t sure how convincing her denial sounded. The truth was, the thought of Kalem had lingered in her mind as she sang, and she couldn’t help but miss him a little while he was busy with his exams.
Alesia, who had been quietly observing the conversation with a knowing smile, chimed in. “It’s perfectly normal to miss someone you care about, Shyri. And that performance certainly had a lot of heart in it.”
Shyri, feeling a bit exposed now, gave a small laugh. “I guess… maybe it was a little bit about Kalem,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kame grinned, satisfied with the confession. “See? I knew it! It’s cute, though. He’s definitely going to be thinking about you while he's off studying, no doubt about that.” She leaned back in her seat, clearly pleased with her detective work.
Shyri quickly shook her head, pushing thoughts of Kalem to the back of her mind, determined not to let Kame and Alesia tease her any further. Standing up, she grabbed the mic, flashing a playful smile at the two. "Alright, no more of that. I'm singing again, so you’ll both stop being nosy," she said with a small chuckle, scrolling through the song options on the screen.
After a moment of searching, Shyri found a song she liked—" Here" by JUNNA —and without hesitation, she selected it. The opening notes filled the private room, and Shyri's mood shifted, focusing entirely on the rhythm and lyrics. She gripped the mic confidently, swaying slightly to the music as she let herself get lost in the melody.
Her voice flowed effortlessly, capturing the essence of the song’s energy and emotion. Kame and Alesia, now familiar with Shyri’s hidden vocal talent, sat back, their teasing temporarily forgotten, enjoying the show once again. Kame couldn't help but smile as Shyri belted out the chorus, clearly in her element.
The atmosphere in the room lightened even more, as Shyri put everything into the performance, the earlier teasing forgotten as her passion for the music took over. By the time she reached the final verse, any lingering embarrassment about Kalem was long gone. Shyri finished the song with a triumphant smile, bowing dramatically as if she were on stage.
“There,” she said with a laugh, placing the mic back on the stand. “Now will you both leave me alone about Kalem?”
Kame, still impressed by Shyri’s voice, raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! No more teasing, I swear. But seriously, you could be a professional singer if you wanted!”
Alesia nodded in agreement. “You’re really talented, Shyri.”
Alesia stood up with a confident smile, grabbing the mic as she selected her favorite K-pop song and began to play. The upbeat rhythm filled the room, and Alesia waved eagerly at Shyri and Kame to join her. "Come on, you two! Let's do this together!" she said with a playful grin.
Shyri and Kame exchanged quick glances, giggling as they stood and moved to Alesia’s side. The three of them began to sing with all their energy, blending their voices into a lively harmony that filled the private karaoke room. Alesia led the verses, her voice smooth and enthusiastic, while Shyri and Kame backed her up on the chorus, their combined efforts turning the performance into something more special than any one of them alone.
As the song's beat picked up, they danced along, matching the energy of the music. Shyri laughed as Kame struck playful poses, and Alesia let loose swaying to the rhythm with an infectious smile.
The three of them sang their hearts out, losing themselves in the music. As the song reached its high-energy climax, they belted out the final chorus together, their voices merging into a joyful shout that left them breathless and laughing when it ended.
"That was amazing!" Kame said, still catching her breath as she set the mic down. "We should totally make this a regular thing."
Shyri, grinning ear to ear, nodded. "Agreed. This is way too fun."
The evening went on like that—song after song, laughter after laughter—until the hours slipped by without them even realizing it. Time flew, and the trio found themselves singing to their hearts' content, swapping the mic between each other and harmonizing to every song they knew. Appetizers and drinks were left forgotten on the table as they got caught up in the shared joy of singing and letting loose.
Eventually, the sun began to set, casting a soft glow through the windows of the karaoke hall. The time had gotten late, and they all realized it was time to wrap up. With smiles on their faces, the three gathered their things and exited the hall, stepping out into the crisp evening air. The atmosphere was light, and they felt closer than ever after such a fun time together.
"Same time next week?" Kame asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Alesia chuckled. "We'll see. Maybe."
Alesia stepped gracefully into her sleek private limousine, the door held open by Royce with Dorian at the wheel, Shyri and Kame waved to her with warm smiles. Alesia returned the wave with a small smile before disappearing into the luxurious vehicle.
The limousine's dark windows reflected the city lights as it smoothly pulled away from the curb, leaving Shyri and Kame standing at the bus stop, the cool night air surrounding them.
"She really knows how to make an exit," Kame said, chuckling, nudging Shyri as the two watched the limousine glide away.
"Yeah," Shyri agreed. "But it suits her."
As the school bus shuttle approached, its bright lights illuminated the street. The girls boarded, finding seats together near the back, settling in for the ride back to campus. The bus's engine hummed as they sat in comfortable silence, the city’s nightlife passing by in a blur outside the window.
The energy from the karaoke night had simmered down to a gentle calm, but the two still felt connected after their time with Alesia. Shyri leaned her head against the window, the gentle rumble of the bus a soothing backdrop. She glanced over at Kame, who was tapping her fingers lightly on her knee to some imaginary beat, still riding the musical high from earlier.
The ride wasn’t long, and soon they arrived back at campus, the familiar surroundings of the university coming into view as the bus pulled into the stop. Stepping off the shuttle, Shyri and Kame walked side by side through the quiet campus, the cool breeze brushing against them. The evening had settled into a peaceful quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the city they'd just left behind.
By the time they reached their apartment building, both were relaxed, though there was still a bit of a buzz from the fun they had. Shyri unlocked the door, and the two of them entered their shared space, ready to wind down for the day.