As the door swung open, my heart skipped a beat. There was the girl standing before me, in the black clothes. It was her, the same girl that had accidentally bumped into me earlier in Elizabeth's mansion. My eyes widened as I took in her appearance. She wore a peculiar sweatshirt that seemed out of place, yet somehow fitting for her mysterious aura. Before I could react, she swiftly closed the door behind her and disappeared into one of the rooms.
I quickly averted my gaze, glancing over at K and Sho, I wondered if this girl was one of their girlfriends. But then I remembered how difficult it was to handle these two guys, and I couldn't imagine anyone willingly dating them.
I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Um, K? You said there were three people here including me, so what's she doing here?"
K shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, that's Rachel. She's sort of like a shadow member of our team. She never speaks to us, and we don't speak to her either. We've tried reaching out, but she always refuses. It's not that she's an introverted or anything but rather she actively avoids people."
Then Sho spoke up, sharing what he had heard about the girl. "Well, you know, she was kind of abused because of her lack of skills. From what I've heard, she screws things up all the time. It seems like she doesn't know how to do anything properly."
K chimed in, confirming Sho's statement. "Yeah, last time we were on a mission together, she was so nervous and freaking out that she actually ran away from the mission. It was pretty surprising."
I couldn't help but find it strange that she would just bail on them like that. "That's weird. Why would she just leave you guys hanging like that?"
K shrugged, dismissing her actions. "Well, bro, we can't really blame her. She's kind of a wimp and honestly, she was pretty useless to us anyway. It was probably for the best that she ran."
Sho added another detail about her habits. "Yeah, she usually eats from outside and doesn't really prioritize healthy food either."
Letting out a sigh, I contemplated the situation. On one hand, I had two people who I knew were mental but they are supportive. But on the other hand, there was this girl who seemed to be struggling. If I could just find a way to talk to her, maybe I could understand her problems better. Of course, I could discuss it with Elizabeth about Rachel, but I didn't want to hear her annoying voice.
K smirked mischievously and leaned in close to my face, his finger playfully poking my chest. "Well, genius, we've shared our abilities with you. Now it's your turn. What can you do?"
I paused for a moment, contemplating my response. "Well," I began, "I am skilled in combat. That's all I can reveal for now. But I assure you, I have other talents as well."
K folded his arms, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Well, it seems we have a capable leader who knows how to handle himself in a fight. We're counting on you. Don't let us down, alright?"
I couldn't help but feel a surge of pressure at his words. I looked down, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I'll do my best," I replied softly, "but I can't make any promises."
As I glanced up, I noticed Sho giving me a series of peculiar glances. He then approached me, his gaze fixated on my hair. "Are you shorter than me?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Looking up at him, I nodded slightly. "I suppose I am a few inches shorter than you."
Tears welled up in Sho's eyes, catching me off guard. I instinctively took a step back, feeling a mix of confusion and discomfort. "Dude, what's your deal?"
Sho sniffled, wiping away his tears. "Finally," he choked out, "Someone to look down at. I haven't had this feeling since I turned eleven."
My anger began to ignite, a fiery heat building within me. "I AM NOT THAT SHORT YOU IDIOT!" I retorted, my voice laced with frustration.
Okay calm down, taking a deep breath, I glanced at my watch, noticing that it was already 7 o'clock. Fatigue weighed heavily on me, and I still wasn't feeling well. "Well," I said, trying to change the subject, "let's make dinner."
Sho abruptly blocked my path to the kitchen, a determined look on his face. "No one enters my kitchen," he declared firmly. "I am the chef here. I will make dinner, and you guys can just sit back and relax."
I shrugged, realizing that arguing with him would be futile. "If you say so. Thanks, Sho. So, what are you planning to make for dinner?"
A mischievous smirk played on Sho's lips as he replied, "It's a secret."
It's going to be something with toast for sure, then I surveyed the kitchen, my eyes scanning the room filled with small fragments of toast scattered about. However, to my astonishment and slight disappointment, the toaster itself was impeccably clean, glistening under the light. Feeling a mix of surprise and disappointment. With an awkward smile, I asked, "Guys, do you ever clean the kitchen?"
K paused for a moment, seemingly contemplating my question. Finally, he responded, "Well, we did clean the kitchen a week ago. I'm sorry you missed it. You should've come sooner to see it." I gave awakard look to his response.
Sho, with a determined look on his face, picked up a soft piece of cloth and confidently declared, "I will clean it, don't worry."
I glanced over at K, "Well, do you never cook then?"
K smirked mischievously and replied, "I don't cook on days which end up with 'Y'."
His response left me raising an eyebrow in confusion, unsure if he was joking or being serious.
As Sho diligently began cleaning, he couldn't resist teasing K about his cooking skills. "The thing is, K is a fabulous cook. The last time he cooked, the smoke alarm was giving him all it got by cheering him on," Sho chuckled.
K defended himself, "Hey, that happened by accident!"
Sho playfully retorted after cleaning it, "Yeah, definitely. Well, guys, let me show you how a real chef does things. Cooking is an act of love that brings everyone closer and since we will be together from this moment, let's get along with each other."
K couldn't resist smirking and replied, "Shut up and stop pretending to be a chef when all you can do is make toasts."
Unfazed, Sho returned the smirk, "Well, at least I can make a toast that doesn't burn! Cheers to that!"
Continuing his banter, Sho added, "You always manage to burn toasts and set off the smoke alarm."
K, not one to back down, retorted, "Well, next time I'll just turn off the smoke alarm from the beginning. How's that?"
The playful argument between Sho and K continued, trying to outdo each other. Their lighthearted banter filled the room with laughter and camaraderie, showcasing their deep friendship.
To be honest, I felt like an odd one out. I let out a sigh, resigning myself to the unknown. Pulling out a chair from the dining table, I took a seat, feeling a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. As I waited for dinner to be served.
Sho embarked on the artful journey of crafting toast sandwiches, infusing each step with a touch of aesthetic finesse. With a sense of purpose, he gathered the necessary ingredients, carefully selecting the finest slices of bread, their golden hues promising a delightful crunch.
Next, Sho delicately spread a velvety layer of creamy butter onto each slice, its smooth texture gliding effortlessly across the surface, creating a canvas for the flavors to dance upon. The butter, like a gentle whisper, whispered promises of richness and indulgence.
As he reached for the slices of cheese, Sho's eyes sparkled with anticipation. The cheese, a mosaic of colors and textures, held the promise of a melty embrace, ready to envelop the taste buds in a symphony of savory delight. He placed the cheese slices with precision, ensuring an even distribution, a harmonious balance of flavors.
With a flick of his wrist, Sho summoned the warmth of the toaster, its fiery glow transforming the humble bread and cheese into a masterpiece in the making. The toaster hummed a melodic tune, its gentle vibrations resonating with the anticipation in the air.
As the sandwiches toasted, a tantalizing aroma filled the room, a fragrant melody that enticed the senses. The scent of toasty bread mingled with the rich, nutty notes of melted cheese, creating a sensory symphony that danced through the air, beckoning with every waft.
Finally, the toast sandwiches emerged from their toasty cocoon, adorned with a golden-brown hue that spoke of perfection. Sho's hands, now adorned with oven mitts, gently lifted the sandwiches, placing them on delicate plates, as if presenting a work of art to be admired.
With a flourish, Sho placed the plates in front of us, the sandwiches exuding an irresistible allure. The sight of the perfectly melted cheese oozing from between the slices of toasted bread was a visual feast, a testament to Sho's dedication to creating culinary beauty.
And so, with each bite, we both embarked on a journey of flavors, the crispness of the bread giving way to the creamy, molten cheese, a marriage of textures that delighted the palate. Each mouthful was a symphony of tastes, a harmonious blend of buttery richness and toasty goodness.
In that moment, as I savored the toast sandwiches, I couldn't help but appreciate the artistry behind Sho's creation. It was more than just a sandwich; it was a masterpiece.
We both thanked him for making dinner.
After finishing dinner, Sho took it upon himself to wash the dishes while K showed me to my room. As we walked in the house, K also pointed out Sho's and Rachel's rooms. I nodded in acknowledgement and entered my assigned room, closing the door behind me.
Taking a quick glance around, I found my room to be decent enough. I placed my bag near the bed and decided to freshen up with a shower. The water was refreshing, and I wrapped a towel around my body as I stepped out. I rummaged through my bag and retrieved my black clothes, quickly changing into them.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I began contemplating how to handle K and Sho. These guys possessed extraordinary abilities, yet they seemed unable to tap into their full potential. I knew I had to find a way to help them unlock their powers. And then there was Rachel, a mystery I needed to unravel. I had to establish a connection with her in order to understand her struggles.
Admittedly, understanding people's emotions was not my strong suit. Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly remembered Dwayne. Perhaps he could provide some guidance in navigating these complex dynamics. With a sense of urgency, I got up from the bed and retrieved my phone from my bag. Dialing Dwayne's number, I anxiously awaited a response. However, my phone displayed a frustrating message - no signal.
It seems like my phone has a talent for timing! It knows exactly when to play hide and seek with the signal, just when I need it the most. Damn it!
Determined to find a spot with reception, I ventured out of my room and searched throughout the house. Finally, in the kitchen, I discovered a spot with enough range. Pulling out a chair, I sat down and dialed Dwayne's number, hoping for a connection.
My heart raced with anticipation as I waited for Dwayne to pick up the call. After a few seconds, his voice filled my ears, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Hey Vinny boy. Did you miss me? How are you doing? Are you eating well? Did you make any new friends there? How was the journey? How is Miami? Is it good? Do you want me to come there? If you need my help, just tell me. How's that bitch doctor treating you? Why are you silent bro? Say something will ya, it's rude to not answer any of the questions."
Overwhelmed by his barrage of questions, I couldn't contain my frustration any longer. "YOU MORON! ONLY IF YOU GIVE ME TIME TO ANSWER ALL OF THOSE QUESTIONS! ASK ONE QUESTION AT A TIME!!!" I yelled, hoping to regain some control over the conversation.
Dwayne chuckled on the other end of the line, his laughter soothing my frayed nerves. "Oh man, I missed your voice," he admitted, his amusement evident. "Sorry about that. I just wanted to hear your yelling. It's been a while since I annoyed you."
His words melted away my irritation, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "I hate to admit it, but I missed your voice too," I confessed softly, my voice filled with warmth and affection.
Dwayne's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Well, what's up Vinny? Let's get straight down to business. I know you want my help."
My gratitude for his willingness to assist me surged within me, and I eagerly responded, "Yeah, I really need your help. You told me that I should call you whenever I want, and you'll be by my side."
Dwayne's voice held a hint of mischief as he replied, "Yeah, alright. I will help you, but I want 10 favors in return."
A heavy sigh escaped my lips, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of exasperation. "Dwayne, seriously? 10 favors?"
He chuckled once again, his playful nature shining through. "Well, if you don't want to, how about 10 pizzas?"
A small smile played on my face, realizing that his lightheartedness was his way of making negotiations more enjoyable. "Well, 10 pizzas work better than favors. It's a deal," I agreed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "So now tell me, I want to learn how to talk to a girl properly with respect and how to read her feelings."
Dwayne's voice came through the phone softly, concern evident in his tone. "Did something happen between you and Alice?"
I held my phone tightly against my ear. "No, it's not like that at all. It's about another girl."
Suddenly, Dwayne's voice raised in anger. "ARE YOU CHEATING ON ALICE? SHAMELESS BOY, YOU SHOULD DIE! I AM COMING THERE RIGHT NOW! HOW DARE YOU GO OUT WITH ANOTHER GIRL HUH! JUST WAIT, I AM GOING TO CALL ALICE RIGHT NOW!"
His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and my ears started to ring from the intensity of his yelling.
I yelled back, "YOU IDIOT, LISTEN TO ME FIRST!"
I quickly tried to explain the situation to him, about my mission in Miami and my weird roommates and also about Rachel. Dwayne listened carefully, his anger subsiding as he pieced together the puzzle.
"Oh, so that's your problem," Dwayne said, his voice softer now. "Well, you should have told me sooner. I wouldn't have yelled that much at you."
I couldn't help but feel frustrated as I replied, "I did try to tell you, but you didn't show any sign of listening."
Dwayne continued "So about this girl Rachel or whatever. She must have gone through something bad to be avoiding people like this. Maybe she's an introvert or not feeling well."
I shared everything I knew about Rachel with Dwayne, and he advised me to take things slowly, to try and understand her behavior before jumping to conclusions. I mentioned my time constraint, and he reassured me that everything would work out in the end.
Dwayne exclaimed with excitement, "Well hey, hey! Tell me all about those two mental guys. I would absolutely love to see them. How do they act?"
I replied, a hint of amusement in my voice, "To be honest, they're quite similar to you, just not in the mental sense. They're incredibly funny and supportive as well, for now I guess."
Dwayne's enthusiasm grew even more as he exclaimed, "Oh, boy! I am dying to meet them. I just know I would fit right in with them."
I responded, "Yeah, definitely! You share the same sense of humor and energy as them. It would be a perfect match." We both chuckled after that.
Dwayne bluntly expressed his opinion, saying, "And dude, seriously, do something about your black clothes. Wear something different because whenever you wear black clothes, you look like a villain who is going to kill people, you look really cold."
Taken aback, I responded, "Wait, really? I thought I looked good."
Dwayne's response was equally direct, as he stated, "Nah, bro, you look like an idiot, to be honest. You are smokin' hot, that's for sure, but you need to change a little."
Feeling a mix of surprise and self-consciousness, I finally replied, "Alright. I will go shopping tomorrow."
"Thanks for calling me," Dwayne said warmly. "I'm glad you're relying on people. Don't try to do it all by yourself, okay?"
I nodded, feeling grateful for his support. "Sure, Dwayne. Good night, take care."
As I pocketed my phone, I let out a sigh of relief. Talking to Dwayne had lifted a weight off my shoulders, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Just then, a gentle tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality, and I turned to face. I saw something really weird.