Mei pursed her lips, feeling uneasy as she watched the Phoenix and Flowers Guild members mingling together. The two groups had agreed to merge into the Phoenix Flowers Guild, a move spearheaded by CEO Gregory Bates to revitalize their flagging portal exploration company.

While Mei understood the business rationale, she couldn't shake her skepticism about Bates' motives. And the way his son Ethan kept making eyes at her frankly made her skin crawl.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" remarked Sofia, joining Mei. "A new beginning for our guild." But Mei noticed the strain in her mentor's smile. The buyout deal had essentially forced Sofia out of leadership.

"I suppose," Mei said carefully. "I just hope they actually uphold ethical standards, not just profits."

Sofia's expression darkened. "You still doubt me after everything, don't you?" She sighed heavily before Mei could respond. "No, perhaps you're wise not to trust so readily anymore."

Mei touched her arm reassuringly. "This is just a lot of change quickly. But we'll adjust and ensure our values carry on."

Their conversation was interrupted by Ethan sauntering over. "Well hello ladies, excited for our first mission together?" He gave Mei a wink. "With your skills out there, I know I'll feel safer already."

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Mei forced a polite smile. "Let's just focus on cooperation, shall we?" She quickly excused herself before he could continue his transparent flirtation.

This merger already felt like a mistake, but Mei knew voicing further objections now would seem petty. She could only hope her misgivings proved unfounded, and that the new unified guild would usher in an era of prosperity guided by ethics. But glancing back at Ethan's wandering gaze, she highly doubted it.

Booker blinked in surprise as Mei smiled shyly at him across the table. "I know this is a bit sudden, but would you like to maybe go out sometime?"

"You mean, like a date?" Booker asked, caught off guard. Mei was a cherished friend from their shared trauma back in Ares, but he'd never thought she saw him that way.

Mei blushed a little. "I suppose so. I just thought it could be nice, since we haven't gotten to really catch up."

Booker hesitated. As much as he cared for Mei, something felt off. "Hey, you know you can tell me anything right? Is everything okay?"

Mei bit her lip. "Well, I was hoping we could also...make Ethan Bates a bit jealous if he saw us together." She flushed deeper. "I know, it's silly high school drama. But he just won't leave me alone!"

Booker softened in understanding. Good old selfless Mei, always trying to help others even at her own expense. "I'm happy to pretend date if it'll get that creep off your back," he assured her.

"You will?" Mei clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, I know it's ridiculous roping you into this-"

Booker waved her off. "We're in this together, remember? What's a fake romance between portal survivors and friends?" He grinned playfully.

Mei laughed, the first carefree sound he'd heard from her in a while. It made Booker's heart lift to see her smile again.

"Just promise me one thing," Booker added seriously. "If that Ethan tries anything more, you tell me. Powers or not, I'll set him straight."

Mei smiled. "My brave defender. How did I get so lucky?" She leaned over and kissed Booker's cheek in appreciation.

Booker blinked, skin tingling where her lips had touched. Suddenly this whole fake dating plan felt unexpectedly complicated. Because he realizes Mei means a lot more to him than just an old friend.