Chapter Text
Chapter 1- To Start With
It had to be fate. It had to be fate that the universe was rewarding her with the worst luck. The worst kind of luck for a traveler, that is.
It had been a difficult day.
Early in the morning, she had arrived to South Korea with nothing but a suitcase, backpack, and high expectations. She dozed on and off on the airport chairs until the first train was on duty. She then wandered to the city center, near the place she was to lodge in for the trip. The AirBnB host had let her know she would be available at around noon, and to come by at that time. She walked a bit until she found a small café to set temporary camp, and get a much needed meal. Then a little before noon she was to go to her destination, happily meet the host who was gracious enough to let a foreigner stay in her home, and tour like there was no tomorrow.
At least, that was supposed to be the plan. It had all gone south when the host called her, apologizing profusely in basic English that she had to cancel the reservation due to an emergency. When asked to explain, the poor woman had one word.
Termites.
A termite infestation, of all things. Which meant the house had to be off limits as it posed a potential danger to anyone who inhabited it. This included a certain unfortunate traveler who was supposed to spend a killer two weeks abroad.
She couldn't be mad at the poor host, of course, and she didn't blame the misfortune on the poor woman. The host promised to reimburse the payment made. Which, despite being good news, meant that the traveler was out of lodging options until the money was wired back into her account in two business days.
A hotel? Too expensive.
A motel? Probably not in the budget.
Another AirBnB? No availability whatsoever.
A hostel? Tried to book, but the beds were all taken.
It was a traveler’s worst nightmare, thousands of miles from home, in a country where knowledge of the language was minimal, and with nowhere to stay.
Hoping for a miracle, she opened up Tripter on her cell to vent out her frustrations.
BRUJERIA
@jabberw0cky
“Place to stay? Bust. Stranded in South Korea. UNIVERSE, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME SO? I came here to have a good time, but I feel so attacked rn”
Hitting send, the girl signed and hunched over the café table, throwing herself a silent pity party. Every other trip had gone without major conflicts. Granada, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Mexico City, Cologne, even Cairo had gone better despite the heat. While she was incredibly proud of adding another thumbtack to her world map with Seoul, she couldn't bring herself to stay positive given her current predicament.
The only good thing was having cell service, which given she started traveling even a few years earlier, she would never have gotten away from the dreaded roaming fees. That, at least, was a relic of the past she appreciated.
She had run out of ideas. She couldn't bum around, sleep under bridges and park benches, in the summer heat. Her pride was too great for that. Not to mention that she stuck out like a sore thumb in a country like Korea; Hispanic American with caramel skin, large reddish brown eyes, long burgundy hair, multiple piercings, and a number of tattoos large enough to turn eyes if her features weren't enough. And she had chosen to wear a tank top dress that displayed her ink in all its colorful and expensive glory. Her hair was already a mess, putting it up in a lazy bun hastily when she arrived at the airport in a jet lagged blur. Standing at 5 foot tall, at 23 years old, most of the world already towered over her. Somehow she was a walking spectacle. She was not pleased, as she preferred to be a spectacle on the stage rather than in public.
Thirty minutes passed, and knowing she was loitering at this point after a cup of an espresso with extra sugar, she wished for a miracle.
It was a wish that would be granted.
Her phone buzzed. She lazily grabbed it, and input her password. She thought she had gotten a text, but she was intrigued to find that her inbox had no new messages. She saw no new notifications either. Strange. She checked Bluebird, Tumble, Instantgram. Nothing new whatsoever. Before checking up on one more app, she noticed it. A strange icon on her home screen, one she had never seen before. It was a yellow square with a black question mark. Okay, THAT was new. She stated at the screen for a moment, hesitating. Then, curiosity giving in, she opened the app.
A string of weird text, scrolling rapidly. Then the screen settled.
Then, a message.
Unknown: Hi!
Unknown: Finally, somebody to talk to thank god…!
She was floored, fully attentive now. She couldn't believe it, a strange app revealing a mysterious person wanting to chat? And in English, too. Without a second thought, and out of sheer boredom, she replied.
NAME?: Who are you? What is this?
The replies were almost instant.
Unknown: hehe
Unknown: I'm an app developer!
Unknown: and this is a chat room I created
Unknown: Hope I didn't surprise you!
Too late on that one.
Unknown: don't be nervous, I'm just an ‘ordinary’ person.
Quotation marks? That was fishy. Her overly skeptical side took a leap.
NAME?: okay, why would you emphasize the word ordinary? It doesn't make me nervous, just highly suspicious.
Unknown: you're funny lol
Unknown: but I can't say I'm extraordinary when introducing myself
Unknown: shouldn't I be humble and modest?
Unknown: In fact...I'm really excited
Unknown: Cuz the first person to come in is you, Luna!
Unknown: I was worried that no one would come in as I was making this app.
This person knew her name. If she wasn't awake before, she sure was now.
Luna: Wait a minute, how the hell do you know my name? What the hell do you want?
Luna: ah balls my name is there now
Unknown: Oh, thanks for asking!
Unknown: cuz there is a favor I want to ask…
The absolute nerve of this stranger, to ignore her questions.
Unknown: Though I know it’s too much to ask from a stranger…
Unknown: there is something I really want you to help me with.
Luna scoffed.
Luna: I’m not buying it, just answer my question.
Again, the messenger ignored her.
Unknown: Why don’t you decide after hearing what I’m selling?
Unknown: Even bed and board is provided!
Unknown: Isn’t it amazing?
Unknown: Hear me out first^^
Luna stopped. Now, that she wasn't expecting. What were the odds of an offer of free room and board, upon the request of a stranger? Luna, while being still skeptical, now felt curious. It was that curiosity that fueled her to keep prying for information from this strange individual.
Luna:...alright, I suppose I can listen. Let’s hear it, hurry up.
Unknown: Thank you! To make this explanation brief…
Unknown: This app isn't just a messenger app, it’s a messenger game app.
Unknown: I wanted to ask you if you could test it out for me.
Unknown: The game concept is chatting with pretty/good-looking guys?
Now that was something familiar. Luna knew what the stranger meant. The genre of game was otome, or a dating simulator where you pursue a specific characters. She had not played one of those in a long time, but she had never heard of a developer just selecting random individuals to beta test a game like that.
Luna: Why don’t you test it out yourself?
Unknown: That’s quite a reasonable remark…
Unknown: But it’s difficult to gain an objective evaluation because I’m the creator.
Unknown: I want to know what others think of this!
Unknown: The chats aren't everything.
Unknown: There are also hidden stories...
Unknown: Amusing stories
Unknown: that will stir your imagination!
Unknown: all you need to do…
Unknown: is to play the game and tell me your honest opinion.
A photo was sent. It was a photo with five people in it, all with unique looks Four men, and one woman tucked away in the background. She tried not to chuckle, as they all looked like they fit some video game trope. Though, she wondered, if this game has such a good plot, she would be able to pursue the woman too.
Unknown: These are the characters that come out in this game ^^
Unknown: They’re not real people, but characters created with AI.
Artificial intelligence? Luna was colored impressed, as it was still a young science.
Unknown: What do you think? Don’t you think it’ll be fun?
Luna hesitated. As much as she was tempted to accept the offer, she was flooded with more questions. Why should she believe this person? Was this a scam? She needed a place to stay, why not just try it? Maybe it will be interesting if you go, what did she have to lose? It’s free lodging, after all. Don’t want to find out? Didn’t you start traveling for the adventure?
She was still unsure.
Luna: no thanks, not my style.
This was a lie, of course. A game like this person was asking to test out would always gain her interest. She just didn't want to make a rash decision. Yet.
Unknown: just a little…
Unknown: couldn't you try it out for just a little?
Unknown: it won't take long to decide if it's your style or not after trying it out.
This person was persistent. Again. However...this person insisted it won't take long. It wouldn't hurt to try, right? She thought to herself. That free room and board now screamed at her through the phone screen. She could always leave if she doesn't like it. It could be a temporary setup until another means of lodging was found.
She didn't have anything to lose.
Unknown: hello? Are you still there?
Luna typed her reply.
Luna: Fine. I'll try it out.
Unknown: Thank you!
Unknown: I think it'll be better if we talk over the phone about the details.
Unknown: Let's talk over the phone.
Unknown: Don't freak out when you see an unknown number and answer the phone plz ^^
Then the app closed itself. A few seconds later, her phone began to vibrate. It was an unknown number, as the messenger had said. She watched it vibrate, debating whether or not to answer the call. The debate would answer itself when the phone picked up the call without her doing anything.
Okay, that's new, she thought, and put her headphones on.
“Hey, it's me, the one who was just chatting with you” said the caller.
The voice speaking at her was not what she expected. It was soft, pleasant to the ear. Baritone. It was also a man’s voice without a doubt; and he spoke English very well, even if it did have a hint of an accent. She didn't mind.
She decided to tease him a little.
“You got the wrong number, sweets”
“What? Are you sure? There's no way that's true...my algorithm is never wrong.”
he says, then a brief silence.
“As I mentioned in the chat room, I called to explain to you about this app. And I also thought that talking while you hear my voice will be more credible. In truth, a tutorial within the game was supposed to explain everything
but it's still being modified.”
Yeah right, Luna thought to herself.
“Can't recall” she answers dramatically.
“Maybe they weren't as good-looking... sorry, but could you check your chat-log again later?
The image of the five characters should still be in there. All five characters in the image are part of an association called R.F.A.
“RFA? Does that stand for Ramen Filled Association?” she said sarcastically, not being able to hold back a laugh.
“...I'll just forget you said that” he said, a bit flustered.
“So, what's the hourly pay?” Luna, not quite done with her banter.
“Umm….” he said, sounding like he was seriously thrown for a loop.
“Can’t you think of this as volunteer work? I just need a tester for a bit-”
“I was only kidding, you know. Free room and board is compensation enough and actually…” Luna trailed off. “Exactly what I need right now”
“Oh...so that's what it was, I didn't even realize hahah. You were just playing a prank on me. That's pretty mean, miss first tester” he responded, giving a soft laugh himself.
“So it will be a win-win for both of us!”
She was certain it wasn't pure coincidence. It wasn't pure coincidence that she was chosen among the many many people of Seoul. With her, it was even less likely to be a pick, because she didn't even live there. She knew something greater was at play here...she just didn't know what yet.
And her curiosity was eager to find out.
“Anyhow...RFA is a closed organization with the purpose of holding fund raising parties.The plot is set to open a fund raising party with your help. You've been set as the party coordinator, in charge of inviting guests. Just think that you are the one choosing whom to invite to the party.”
Seemed simple enough, she thought.
“So...am I recommended guests, or do I have to choose at random? Are there any merits?” asked Luna. No harm in asking, as it was in his best interest anyway.
“You're sharp. You will in fact be recommended guests by the members…and as for merits, I suppose a boost in my sales?....I’m just kidding, it would be no fun if I spoil everything right now. Oh, and as you've seen from the image, there are not only male characters but also a female one.”
He didn't need to tell her twice. She was always a sucker for cute girls, fictional or otherwise. This will be a breeze, Luna thought.
“So all you have to do is download the app into my phone” she said with confidence.
“Right. But this game hasn't been released yet and cannot be revealed to the market. So, to perform the tests, you have to come over here.” said the man.
Uh oh.
“Where's here?” Luna quickly interjected.
“You probably won't know even if I told you. It's in the mountains and doesn't appear on the map. To maintain confidentiality before the release, it's being developed in a sparsely populated area. Of course, you don't have to come here yourself as it's troublesome. I'll send a car over to your place if you tell me your address. Hop onto that and head this way.”
Oh, that was complicated. Growing up in a big city, Luna had to grow some street skills. And going in a stranger’s car unless they are deliberately paid was a huge no.
“Listen, I don't mean to offend, really, but I have this rule of not getting into suspicious vehicles...and as for my address, I am afraid that won't be possible” said Luna, being frank with every word.
“Can’t you just send me the APK file? I have experience with those files, I can handle it on my end”
“Ah, it doesn't have to be your address. Tell me the nearest address. I'll send the car over where it's convenient for you. And sorry but I can't just send the file. It's protected with special data leak prevention security. Even if you download the file, it's uninstallable. I need to directly install it to your smartphone...
I would appreciate it if you could understand this.” he explained.
Luna sighed impatiently. Her skills of bullshitting were simply not working today. Though she did need this offer.She knew it, she really did have the worst luck.
“And I also want to meet you in person before you play the game.”
Meet him in person, huh? She thought. Wouldn't be the first time she would meet a stranger, but that was mostly for flings or single dates where the connection was lost before it began. For some reason, though, something about this caller drew her in. For the time being, she brushed it off as thinking how amusing it was to hear him be so shy and flustered. She played around some more.
“Well, if I go, can I pursue you?” said Luna, low and layered with honey.
“Y-You want to pursue me?” asked the caller, almost hearing the blush in his voice.
He cleared his throat.
“Yeah, you and I can chat, make phone calls, and exchange messages on this messenger too. Haha... I'm slightly baffled because I didn't expect to hear that…And to answer your question of pursuing me…”
Luna chuckled.
“I thought I might give it a shot” she said.
“I'll be helplessly sad if you thoughtlessly play with my heart...Please don't do that, okay?” said the caller, almost melancholy.
Luna felt a slight twinge at the heartstrings, almost feeling guilty for teasing. Almost.
The caller continued his dialogue.
“Anyways...wouldn't we naturally become deeply involved if we keep close? To give you a tip, I'll be quite different because I'm an actual human being, unlike the other AIs in the messenger.”
What an odd thing to say, thought the girl.
“For instance... wouldn't our relationship deepen if you work hard and test the things I want you to? I was hoping that you would come where I am at... I'm asking you as a favor. I'll be nice to you, I promise.”
“Let me make myself clear” said Luna, “You probably don't intend to be pushy, but being bossed around? Doesn't work well with me. I think as long as we respect each other's boundaries, and show mutual respect, we can get along just fine. So under those conditions, I accept your offer. I'll go.”
The unknown caller was silent for a moment.
“Okay! I understand. It's important to respect and trust each other. I can't wait to meet you, miss Luna”
“Let me text the nearest address. It might be confusing, since I really have no idea how addresses work here”
Luna got up to ask the cafe employee the name of the establishment and address, overhearing her speak decent English earlier, and then she texted the name of the cafe to her unknown contact.
“I'll send a car right now to the address you've sent me. Please be there. Oh. I'm telling you this in advance, so don't freak out.
The location I'm at is also confidential, and it can't be revealed. You won't be able to see the road to this place. Don't be scared and do as I tell you.” he explained.
Luna scowled.
“Oi, we just discussed about being bossed around. Don't you go back on our deal now.”
“Sorry, sorry. I promise that once you get here, I won't order you around. I will ask everything nicely, just for you. I should hang up now. I should also get ready to greet you.”
Luna’s heart started beating faster at the thought of meeting this mysterious individual. Did she make the right choice? What was she getting herself into? What if she-
“My heart's fluttering from the thought that I can meet you soon...Everything will be complete once you're here. Then...I'll see you later.”
Then the call ended. Luna wasn't sure what to think of this development, and the confusing last words of the caller. He was either a total airhead, or a sinister mastermind. She was about to find out which.
After moving to one of the lawn tables of the cafe, she waited under the parasol until a black car pulled up. A man in sunglasses dressed in black came out from the driver seat, and approached Luna.
“Are you Luna? I've been ordered to pick you up.” said the man.
Luna got up, making sure to keep her distance from the stranger.
“Yeah, I'm her. Now load these bags for me, will you? It's been a long day and I want to get this over with…” she said, the weight of her nearly sleepless night finally catching up with her.
The man silently heeded her request, putting her bags in the trunk, and then opened the door for the back seat.
“The location is confidential, can you put on these sleep masks.” explained the driver.
“Excuse me? I'm not about to be blindfolded for a damn car ride” said Luna, in probably a harsher tone than she intended.
“I'm sorry but please understand. Even the road to the place is confidential…”
“I won’t put it on, I am not even from this country, I wouldn't even know where we are” she said, crossing her arms.
“I also have sleeping pills ready for use. If using the sleep mask is uncomfortable, would you take a sleeping pill?” The driver suggested, growing weary of hearing such a strong voice from such a small woman.
“Oh for fuck's sake... Give me the sleep mask. I'm very tired, so I'm going to be sleeping. Wake me up when we’re very close. And don't try anything funny, or it will be hell for you” said Luna, snatching the sleeping mask from the driver’s hand and getting into her seat. She took off her glasses and put on the mask.
If Luna could see the driver’s eyes through his sunglasses, he would see that they were wide with shock, as he had never met such a rebellious and foul mouthed woman before. He said nothing, of course, as he only had to accomplish his job. Fortunately for him, his passenger really did stay asleep for the duration of the ride. She had woken up herself, a bit before arriving at their destination, saving the driver from the terror of waking up such a cranky traveler.
Not even ten minutes later, a voice called out.
“We have arrived. Please don't get off yet. And I'm sorry, but you have to wear the sleeping mask again.”
“Oh yeah and while I'm at it, want me to let you kiss my ass?” Luna snapped back, not at all amused she had to be kept blindfolded like an animal.
The driver said nothing, instead choosing to purse his lips in frustration.
Luna heard the sound of the car door opening jn front of her, then the creak of a wooden door in a short distance. Soft and careful footsteps approaching, then a floral aroma wafted in her direction.
Your host has arrived, miss” said the driver, leaving Luna to the new presence.
“Welcome. I've been waiting. Welcome to this wonderful place. It wouldn't have been an easy decision to come here... Thanks for trusting me.”
“Oh, is that Unknown?” Luna replied, her irritation temporarily forgotten as she heard the familiar sound of a baritone voice.
“You knew who I was by just listening to my voice?” he asked, genuine amazement echoing.
“You'll find, sweets, that I am very good with sound” she said,
“Yeah, it's me. Username Unknown. Didn't you think Unknown was a funny name? It was a default name because I didn't set up a username. No special meaning. My name is Ray. Thanks for coming all this way.”
She could hear the smile in his voice. She appreciated the warmth of his tone, after such a hectic and stressful day. Ray, that was his name. Her curiosity grew by the second.
Ray couldn't help but look directly into her fluttering lips, fascinated by their shape and natural hues.
He continued speaking.
“I really want to show you around, I prepped up this and that while waiting for you. Oh, don't take off the mask yet. You can't take it off until we reach your room. I was worried because I didn't know what you’ll like..I hope you like it.”
“Listen, doll, I get that you want this aura of mystery, and I do like it don't get me wrong, but wearing this mask is really not good for my vision. I need it off. Plus, it's so shady that I can't even see my surroundings, don't you think?” Luna monologues, openly challenging her host.
“I do apologize, but you can take it off very soon I promise. There's nothing shady here. This place is like my spiritual hometown. Trust me... There's no way I'm going to hurt you. You're my priceless guest. It was tough bringing you here, girl.”
Did he just call me girl? Luna thought. She was going to have to have to very firmly correct him later. Though Ray hadn't tried to retaliate from the taunt, which surprised Luna.
“I'll hold your hand on your way down the car.” Ray offered.
Luna was quick to reply.
“Not so fast, I’m not a child. I can get down by myself.”
“...I'm worried. You can't even see. What if you fall as you come down by yourself? I'll help you if I think you're going to fall. Calm down, and take your time.”
Despite Ray’s offer, Luna got out of the car herself just fine.
“Shall we go? Just trust me and follow me. Hold on to my hand.”
“Fine” said Luna begrudgingly.
The hand that led her felt warm under her touch, and the texture of fabric brushed her palms. Most likely gloves, she thought.
There was silence for a while, so deafening it was almost eerie. Neither of them said anything, Luna thinking about her next sarcastic remark, Ray trying to find the right words. He was ecstatic out of his mind that he was able to bring someone to the place he called home, and a girl no less. He had such plans for her, he hoped that she could like the place as well.
They both began climbing a flight of stairs.
“You have no idea what a relief it was when you said you'll help. What a relief, thanks to you, you'll be a big help.” said Ray, hearing the quiver of joy in his voice.
“Just so you know, I am only here for the reward. I will play this game, as part of our bargain. Soon as this game is over, I'm gone.” declared Luna. The ground was level once more.
“I really am thankful you are doing this for me, regardless of intentions. Of course, it would be good if maybe you could extend your stay, if you have a good time”
Ray stopped suddenly, Luna almost crashing into him.
“We're here. Come, I'll remove your mask.”
Luna felt a hand brush her face briefly, gently sliding the mask off her face.
Luna slowly opened her eyes, blinking a few times to let her vision adjust to the brightness before putting on her glasses.
Then she saw the room. It was a spacious place with dark wood furniture, deep reds and grays complimenting each other as accents. A fancy chaise lounge, a loveseat, a coffee table with a black lace runner. Double doors that most likely led to the closet, and a single dark door that led to the bathroom. On the other side of the room, was a king sized bed with sheer curtains forming a veil around the tall bed frame, like the bed of a princess. On the walls were various hanging plants, giving the room life. Above, on the ceiling, were various spotlights and a small yet detailed chandelier in the center. The windows were large and French styled, with black and white striped curtains adorning them; and right by them, was the staple piece of the room. A glossy, black grand piano in all its majesty.
Luna just stared in amazement, mouth agape, suddenly at a loss for words. The room was something straight out of her wildest dreams, all her aesthetics coming together. She quickly darted from place to place, feeling the furniture and taking closer looks, her eyes wide in wonder like a child in a candy shop.
Ray let Luna have this moment, his heart glowing to see his guest so excited to be in the room he had so carefully prepared. His heart also beat faster as he watched her in awe, with those curious eyes and that radiant energy she gave. She was quick on her feet, inquisitive, and an eye that took in every detail. He wondered if, maybe, if those eyes would be able to see straight through him.
Luna was about to go straight to testing out the piano when she felt a soft presence behind her. She had lost herself in admiring the room that she almost forgot about who had brought her here.
She quickly darted back, facing her unknown caller for the first time.
Ray nearly lost his composure as Luna faced him in a flash.
“Hi! First time seeing each other face-to-face, isn't it?”
There he was. He was a tall, thin man who stood so formally, his hands standing at attention, covered with black half-gloves.. He was wearing polished black dress shoes, spotless tan pants, and a suit jacket of a color that could be described as magenta, and it's gold accents. She spotted a black vest underneath, and an adorned blue rose lapel pin on the right side of his breast. She then noticed his facial features. Once more, Luna was at a loss for words. This man in front of her, was without a doubt handsome. He had rosy bow lips that looked soft to the touch, pale skin like porcelain doll, which complimented his silver hair that had signs of being meticulously groomed. He had a simple, small nose that made him look softer still. His eyes were a hypnotic blue, almost mint-like. There was something about his eyes, something that made him look tired, weary, wondering secrets they held. Overall, he looked as if he had stepped out of a storybook.
“Wow, seeing you, I want to pursue you first!” Luna said, not stopping herself in time from blurting her thoughts out loud.
“Me? Haha...but I'm not a character in the game…”
The light flush that had begun to form in his features was just a treat to look at.
“Anyway, you like my looks, Luna? That feels good!”
Oh hell, she thought. The way Ray looked so flustered was so unbearably cute. She decided to play it cool, going back to her skepticism. For now. She had to remember the situation she could be in.
“Thanks for trusting me and coming here. This is your room. I've tried my best in preparing all this...still, let me know of any inconvenience. You're free to roam this floor, but for other floors you'll have to tell me first. The reason... you know why, right?” asked Ray.
She found an opening.
“Honestly, I have no idea. If only had some context, more background about where I am, I could understand a bit better” said Luna, hoping that will get her some more intel.
“It's because of security. We can't have any information leaked. I mean, wouldn't it be a big deal if someone found out what game we're developing even before it's completed? You understand, right?” Ray answered.
Ray had completely evaded her real inquiry, Luna realized.
“Why are there so many things forbidden to do? It's not as if I actually know where I am. Hell, it's my first time in South Korea altogether.” insisted Luna, trying to push the subject further.
“I know it can be a bit frustrating, but I'm only telling you what you shouldn't do for your sake. There's a reason why a secret's a secret. But in due time, you will understand why.” Ray explained, genuinely looking apologetic.
Luna decided that her conquest for information wouldn't work at the moment, so she went for another tactic. She stepped closer to ray, close enough to really look into his eyes. He was taller than her, and his gaze went down to meet hers. She took Ray’s hand
“You will explain it to me later, won't you Ray?”
“Of course, miss Luna. You are my precious tester after all.”
Oh, he was a charmer alright. Luna would rather die than admit it to him out loud, but she adored being praised. Judging by the fact that his face remained flushed, Luna could see an innocence in Ray’s demeanor that she found absolutely fascinating.
“Just Luna is fine, Ray” she said softly.
It was delightful to see the shy smile that now beamed in his features.
“We still have some time left, I'll explain a bit about the game.” said Ray.
Another opening.
“Let's sit and discuss the game, you and I. I'm tired of standing around” Luna declared, quickly darting to the chaise lounge, and sitting with her legs tucked under her.
“Well, come on!” Luna encouraged, giving the friendliest grin.
Ray followed, he too intrigued by the girl he had chosen, taking a seat next to her. She was loud and brutally honest, unafraid to say what she wanted. It was a trait he severely lacked in. Though, in a way, he admired it. Then he saw once more the curious Luna, the childlike wonder in her quick movements, the way she filled the room with her presence. How she could so easily adjust to her surroundings, while remaining watchful. Ray found himself…excited. More than he ever has been.
“So, do tell, Ray”
Ray was only too happy to oblige.
“As I mentioned before, the purpose of the game is to hold a party with RFA. All the characters that appear there are AIs that I've designed. There's one problem as I've tried to make it super-realistic with the AI.”
He tried not to think about it, but Ray couldn't help it. Luna’s sudden closeness was something he hadn't expected to receive. He took in the color of her dark hair, a deep rich burgundy with flecks of red reflected by the light coming into the room. Her large attentive eyes, a hue of orange like that of the setting sun, behind the frames of her brow lined glasses, with long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Ray had never truly met a foreigner before, so he was quite intrigued by the structure of her face, her darker skin that made her eyes stand out even further. She had fuller lips than he expected, and upon a closer look, he saw that they simmered with a light coat of glitter. What Ray thought were some kind of skin markings near her lower lip, he realized was metal jewelry, two sitting side by side. There was another one, on her nose, only this time the jewelry had a stone. He couldn't help but notice her arms, which had various images on them. They were tattoos, he’d realized. A compass with smaller designs all around, a bottle with a key, a large reptilian being wrapped around her bicep and down the upper arm…
He was close enough to smell her perfume; a distinct lavender scent.
“What problem?” said a voice, which then Ray realized was Luna, bringing him out of his thoughts.
“It's... Umm…” he tried explaining, internally reprimanding himself for letting his mind wander so far.
“Is there a bug?”
“No, not a bug but…” he corrected, finally finding his voice again.
“The AIs turn super-suspicious when a new person comes in. Your concept is that someone hacked your messenger and that's how you got into the RFA chatroom. Quite suspicious, isn't it?” Ray explained, relieved that Luna hadn't seemed to notice his distraction.
“Someone hacked the messenger?” asked Luna in realization.
“Yes. You're picking things up fast. And then you join the chatroom. So, everyone will be cautious of you. That's the setting of the game. It's no fun when everyone likes you from the start, is it? They'll ask you about the hacker. But you can't answer them because you know nothing…”
He looked directly at Luna, finding that she was paying attention, taking in every detail.
“They'll try to find out how you got to download this app, where you currently are...and might even try to pry out about the creator, me. At that, you can't reveal the truth. You keep the secret to the end. Can you promise me that you won't reveal what we've been talking about to the AIs?”
Luna raised her eyebrows. There it is again, with the odd things he says, she thought.
“What happens if I speak the truth?
“Game... over?” Ray said hesitantly, as if he hadn't expected such a question.
“I'll also be devastated when you finish as game over... So never ever tell the truth”
“Don't forget -How you got this app, your current location... it's all a secret. And who I am, the fact they're AIs are obviously a secret. You have be careful, if the game goes through forced shutdown, you have start all over again from the beginning. There are slight difference depending on how you talk to them, but if they don't accept you into the association easily, say, ‘Someone called Rika sent me to hold the party.”
“Who's Rika?” asked Luna. For some reason, the name felt strange to say.
Ray was finding himself unable to fully keep up with Luna’s curiosity. Fortunately, for this one, he already had a answer prepared.
“She's a character within the game. The other characters will tell you what kind of character she is, but simply put, she's the one who founded the group in the game. And as I mentioned through the phone, your role in the game is party coordinator. Depending on how you talk to your potential party guests, they will either come to the party or decline. Inviting the guests is more crucial than you think, try to invite them with your best effort.
pas006790:Ray;Don't forget that there might be more interesting events than the RFA party, depending on what choices you make. And last of all, this is the most important thing. You have to tell me what you think as you play the game. Even the smallest thing is okay. Tell me everything, how the party went, what the characters said to you...that way, I'll know how well the game is going... Your role is important.”
Luna nodded.
“I have a lot of experience with video games. I will make sure to win.”
“You have confidence. That's good. Well then, can you give me your phone for a sec? I'll install the game.” Ray asked.
Luna hesitated, but she figured, if he was going to try to play some trick, he would have done it already. She realized she had been unconsciously gripping at her phone very tightly, and felt her hand ease the tension after she silently handed Ray the phone.
“Luna, it's password protected. Could you please unlock it for me, please? I wouldn't want to invade your privacy.”
“Do I have to?” Luna asked in a final effort to turn the tides over in her favor.
“Yeah. I can't tell you the download route of the app for security reasons. That's why someone who knows it has to install it directly.” Ray explained apologetically.
Ray held her phone screen towards her, and Luna punched in her password and the screen unlocked.
“Thank you, Luna. This won’t take long…”
Ray got to work, his concentration focused on the phone screen and his incredibly fast typing. He looked so precise when he did it, too, not faltering even once.
“It's done. Here, it'll finish installing in a few minutes. Do you have any other questions about the game?” Said Ray, handing Luna the phone back.
“How do I pursue you, Ray?” said Luna really leaning into the flirtation.
“Me? Hahaha...Though I'm not a character inside the game…” Ray spoke shyly, this time the pink flush reaching his ears. “I've always dreamed of someone who's a good listener to what I say. My voice is quite small... most people don't seem to listen very well.”
“Remember what I said, Ray? I'm very good with sounds. I'll listen, promise” said Luna, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear, in a listening motion.
There was more jewelry there, Ray noticed. Three more pieces. He wondered just how many more details she had hidden under the surface. Would he be able to discover them over time? Somewhere deep, a seed had been planted.
“That would be really kind of you, Luna. Oh, and lastly... I know I keep emphasizing this but... don't forget to keep the secret. Don't ever... try to get the game over easily. Promise me that, please?”
“Umm, they're really AIs, right?” Luna asked. She had to ask, at least, because for one reason or another, she had this feeling that something greater was at play. Though considering her situation, she found it best to play along and quietly keep watch around her. For now. Until she could find a better opening.
“No doubt. You will be able to tell right away. I want to talk to you a bit more, but I have to get going now. Okay then, give it your best, coordinator.” Ray encouraged.
“I promise to keep the secret, but come back to see me, will you?” asked Luna, putting her hand over Ray's. Though intended to show Ray an amiable gesture, somehow the feeling comforted Luna as well.
“Of course I will come visit, Luna” Ray said gleefully. “Well then, excuse me”
At that, he got up from the chaise lounge and headed directly to the door without looking back, closing the door behind him.
Being left to her own devices, Luna quickly changed into something more comfortable to lounge around in. An oversized t-shirt and some soft cotton shorts were her go-to. She let her hair down, letting the locks cascade and relax down her back. Leaving her suitcase abandoned, she simply plopped down on the bed face down, propping a pillow below her chin. Luna was going to treat this situation as one of her long gaming sessions. She unlocked her phone to find that there was an unfamiliar app on her home screen. It was a black rounded square with gold cursive letters that read R.F.A.
“Well, here goes nothing” she says.
Then she opens the app...