Chapter Text
June 16, 20XX
___________________________________
The fervently hot breeze sweeps through the office, settling itself along the endless piles of paperwork strewn about the desk
Reki sits, slumped forward, sweating elbows struggling to hold traction on the condensation-ring clad table. He fumbles for his, previously cold, and now pitifully lukewarm bottled water, nearly knocking it over on the piles of old patient plans. Sweat clung to his neck, his shirt sticking uncomfortably to his back. The air was thick—humid, stale, and completely unforgiving.
He reaches for his phone, filtering through his apps to find his savings account.
740,000 ¥
How much is it for an AC repair? Doctor Oka should have more than enough money to repair something like this— how hard is it to install a new AC unit altogether?
“This man is going to get it,” he mumbles, dropping his phone back onto the desk.
Since the AC was broken, Reki had skipped lunch—the heat twisting his stomach into knots. He wanted to go home. No—he wanted to quit.
His mind wanders to Yoh and Koyomi. What are they up to..? Eyes tracing the wall for the clock, he reaches for his laptop, clicking open his group chat.
_______
12:58
<< Did you guys eat?
>> [Koyomi] Nopee (╥_╥) I’m craving fried chicken tho.
>> [Yoh] Yeah, I just got fucking full off getting chewed out. I feel like I can starve for the rest of the week.
_______
That was quick.
Another notification chimes.
___________
1:03
>>[Yoh] Dude. I’m going to strangle my boss I swear. How does he expect me to finish all this in one day? I bet that fucker couldn’t even do it himself.
>>[Yoh] Bald-headed bastard. Next time I’m drunk at a team dinner I’m gonna beat him.
>>[Koyomi] (°ᯅ°)
______
Reki lets out a quiet sigh and clicks out.
With nothing else to distract himself, his thumb hovers over another contact.
Carve.
Reki hesitated for half a second.
Ah, whatever.
______
1:13 PM
<< You still sleeping?
______
No response.
Reki leaned back in his chair, a little bitter. Some people really did have the luxury of sleeping in.
Thinking about him stirred a feeling of unease. He’s forgetting something.
______
[June 9th, 20XX]
Reki shoves open the heavy wood door to his bedroom, chips of old paint scattering onto the floor from where his palm roughly hit the door.
His chair sits idly by his desk, the cold navy of the chair barely illuminated by a pathetic floor lamp.
He snatches his headphones off his desk before collapsing onto the chair, reaching to type in the password. The screen flicks on, casting the messy desk in a cold blue glow. Dishes, pencils, files, you name it. It’s another day’s problem anyway.
Clicking through to a game, the loading screen shows up before popping to a landscape, sprawling grassy fields, thick bushes and tall grass.
[You’ve got mail. 1 new message – 23 min ago]
_____
[New Message]
[From: C6rve]
Are you awake yet? I know you wake up this early for work but you have today off, right? I can’t blame you for sleeping in.
ദ്ദി´ ˘ `)✧
Do you like when I send you these little things? I think they're kind of cool. I thought that one was cute. Thumbs up. Ahah. cool.
I’ll be in the greenhouse when you get on.
[Attachments: 2 Hydrangeas, 1 opine remnant, 5 crystal candies]
______
Reki hums, reading over the message before clicking open the map and through to the greenhouse waypoint. His screen fades to white before a garden appears before him, rambling on into the distance. The slow descent of the worn cypress stairs cuts through the thick shrubbery and down to the greenhouse, each step illuminated with a warm collection of string lights and lanterns.
Reki makes his way down, the greenhouse door opening up before him. The dimly lit room is cast with the soft glow from the moon and a couple flickering strands of lights.
C6rve is standing idly by a collection of potted plants, probably AFK. Reki can barely make out his features on the screen with the light yet, still, not bothering to turn his screen brightness up.
He takes a seat in a chair beside him, taking his hands off his keyboard to impatiently tap his fingers against the desk
______________
[Direct message]
2 new messages - just now
>>[C6rve] Hey.
>>[C6rve] Sorry to keep you waiting.
<< You're good
>>[C6rve] Why’re you off today?
<< Called in sick
>>[C6rve] Are you sick?
<< No
>>[C6rve] Good. I’m glad.
<< The AC in the office broke a couple weeks ago and I don’t want to step in there until I buy an industrial fan or something
>>[C6rve] Ah.
>>[C6rve] Couple weeks? Wow.
<< It’ll probably be at least another two weeks
>>[C6rve] Really? If it's been this long it shouldn't be any more than a week.
>>[C6rve] Doesn’t your manager work in the same building?
<< Yeah. I don’t know how its not bugging him
>>[C6rve] It probably will eventually. He’ll need to fix it some time.
<< doubt it.
<< Wanna bet?
<< Loser has to do whatever the other says
>>[C6rve] That'd suck.
>>[C6rve] Seems a little high stake for something like this.
<< Well
<< How confident are you?
>>[C6rve] If you really want i’ll bet on it.
>>[C6rve] I’d give it a week to get fixed.
<< Bad move dude.
>>[C6rve] Good to know.
>>[C6rve] Anyways.
>>[C6rve] Wanna check what the shops in Pertuelle have today?
<< Hell yeah bro
<< I’d be down
⸻
Today’s the seventh day. He should start thinking of what he wants out of him now..
A sharp and repetitive snap hits Reki like a cold bucket of water, hand instinctively moving to slam his laptop closed.
“Reki—“ Oka starts before pausing to observe the mild shock laced through Reki’s features. His brow furrowing for a moment, he adds “Daydreaming on the job? These papers won’t file themselves..”
“Oh— yeah! Yeahh.. I’m working on it. Just.. ahah.. thinking!” He chokes out before flashing a quick double thumbs up.
“Well— I’m glad to hear that,” Oka hums “But Reki—Y’know you really shouldn’t make a habit of that.. Just lucky you aren’t skateboarding right now.”
“I mean— I haven’t really been skateboarding recently..” Reki mumbles.
“Haven’t been skateboarding? What do you do when you get home?”
Reki pauses for a moment before starting, “Well— I dunno, man.. I’ve been swimming lately I guess..”
He does swim occasionally. It's not really a lie, but the difference between how he presents himself outside–energetic, dependable, andhard-working–stands in complete contrast to the person he chooses to be on his own time. At home, he spends every free, conscious moment hunched over his PC, headset on, lazing around, at least, as of about a year ago.
What would happen if someone, with an image like his, told everyone they stopped skateboarding as often because they were helplessly addicted to rpgs?
The answer was obvious.
He’d get nagged relentlessly.
“Uh huh? Swimming.. That’s new. Every day?” Oka asked, amused.
“Well, not every day per se, but—”
Oka sighs, putting a hand on Reki’s shoulder.
“Reki,” Oka interrupts smoothly, “There’s no use beating around the bush. I know what you’re hiding.”
Reki furrows his brow, stopping his rhythmic tapping on the desk “…Huh?”
“You’ve got a lover, don’t you?” Oka croons.
“Sorry?”
“I have eyes like a hawk,” Oka continued proudly, taking his hand off his shoulder to cross his arms. “You pack your things in a hurry, leave exactly on the dot every day, and–not to mention– you've been slacking. You really don’t fool me Reki..”
“I— what? No, no,” Reki spits.
“C’mon Reki, don’t be so secretive— There’s nothing wrong with youngsters like you dating.”
“I really don’t,” Reki insisted, an unmistakable and sharp heat creeping up his neck “I just have stuff to do, man—“
Oka raises his eyebrows, unamused.
“I really don’t— serious! Listen to me for like.. 5 seconds—”
“Ah.. hm,” Oka muses. “You’re just flirting then? Mhm mhm.. I see how it is.”
Reki watches him, dumbfounded, occasionally massaging his temples.
A shrill chime pierces the thick silence, prompting Reki to swing his head around so hard it almost hurt, his face draining of color.
_______
1:03
>>[Carve] I’m up.
>>[Carve] My classes were canceled today so I slept in mb.
_______
“Canceled class…” Oka murmurs, reading shamelessly over Reki’s shoulder.
“A university student?”
Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.
Another notification chimed.
_______
1:04
>>[Carve] Is the AC still not fixed? Poor thing.
1:05
>>[Carve] The AC works at my house, wanna come over? (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ )
>>[Carve] Did you see that?
>>[Carve] That little emoticon.
>>[Carve] It’s cool.
>>[Carve] I spent a while typing that out.
>>[Carve] It’s me.
>>[Carve] I’m the winking thing.
_______
Reki sat in absolute horror as Oka patted his shoulder and winked, clearly taking it as confirmation.
“C’mon dude— seriously? It isn’t what it looks like!” Reki blurted. “My friend is just— joking!”
“Ah? Your girlfriend is joking? Yeah, yeah,” Oka waved him off, already walking away. “Cheers to your relationship!”
“Wait- Oka.. My dude— My man! Just listen to me! It’s a misunderstanding!” Reki called out, fumbling to turn his notifications off helplessly.
“Ohhh.. to be young and in love,” Oka sang, disappearing down the hall.
Reki stood frozen before running his hand over his face, replaying the entire exchange in his head.
Carve is, in fact, not his girlfriend. He huffs before mindlessly moving to file the remaining papers. Just a younger guy he met online through gaming– who was now constantly bugging him about meeting up.
_______
1:08
<< Stop joking around man
>>[Carve] It’s not a joke.
>>[Carve] You said you were curious about my house.
<< For your cat
<<I wanted to see your cat
>>[Carve] Why send a picture when you can come see yourself?
1:09
>>[Carve] ₍^. .^₎⟆
>>[Carve] That’s my cat.
>>[Carve] Look at her.
_______
Relationships should stay online and, anyways— wasn’t this suspicious? He kept tempting him with this mysterious cat, yet refused to say her name—or even her fur color.
Didn’t that scream ulterior motive?
What if he’s a convicted felon? Or in a cult?
Panicking, Reki typed again.
_______
1:10
<< Don’t text me
>>[Carve] Why?
>>[Carve] You texted first.
<< You can’t have a normal conversation
<< People around me think you’re some weird creep who wants my love or something
<< You’re lucky people don't read my messages over my shoulder more often than they do
<< I almost got in trouble just now
>>[Carve] I do want your love.
>>[Carve] That’s how friendships work.
<< No dude
<< It’s actually not
>>[C6rve] Do you not love your friends?
>> I do
<< But that wasn’t the kind of love I meant
>>[Carve] However you want to skin the chicken I guess.
<< What?
_______
Reki paused, running his hand through his hair with a sigh
Ping
_______
1:11
>>[Carve] I’m starting to get the feeling you don’t reciprocate my feelings.
>>[Carve] I’m hurt.
>>[Carve] Was everything just a lie?
>>[Carve] Let’s break up.
<< Sorry to break it to you man
<< That's not the right phrase for it
_______
Ha.
_______
1:13
>>[C6rve] We need to talk.
>>[C6rve] Better?
<< Please stop
>>[Carve] Have you realized you want to be friends again?
>>[Carve] I’m touched.
<< What??
<< No
_______
Reki stabs at his keyboard, trying— and failing— to come up
with something clever.
_______
1:15
<< Hah.
>>[Carve] Ah.
>>[Carve] Laughing because you got caught?
>>[Carve] You don’t want to break up.
>>[Carve] I see.
>>[Carve] This is your admission?
<< Im on my knees man
<< Pull yourself together
>>[Carve] Hm?
>>[Carve] Crying because you got caught.
<< Cmon dude.
_______
The heat finally caught up to him, his head aching as exhaustion settled deep into his bones.
Silence settles over the office, just the gentle whirr of a pitiful floor fan, recirculating thick, damp air back into his face. Reki sighs, sinking into his chair.
A hollow thud breaks the silence, the heavy wood door slamming into the wall. It’s surprising the window hasn’t shattered yet.
“Knock knock! I’ve come to repair the AC~!”
Reki jolted upright, instantly revived as he stared at his savior.
“Hell yeah man.. Finally..” he sighs.
_______
1:16
<< Gtg man
<< AC guy just got here
_______
In his defense, he wasn’t thinking clearly—he was drunk on relief.
Only later—after the mechanic finished and the hot air in the office had been replaced by a much needed wave of ice cold air—did Reki return to his computer and freeze. But not from the temperature.
_______
1:43
>>[Carve] Don’t you remember the bet?
_______
His coworkers called his name, but the shrill buzz of his inner ear drowns them out. He messed up. Big time. He’d been so blinded by AC repair that it had slipped his mind. And to think he would forget something he was just thinking of. The thought must’ve beaded up and escaped down his spine while he wasn’t paying attention.
He should’ve shaken this man off while he could— It feels like it's been at least a year since he’s been stuck with this guy. Maybe it is his fault? He chose to be friends with him. Kind of.
___________________________________
[20XX - 1 year, 5 months ago]
The untouched calendar sits idly on his desk, spattered with a mix of knocked over ramen and spat-out old coffee. January 4th– 20XX is already here, huh?
The empty resume rests beside it, a testament to his unwillingness to sort the mess. Something reminiscent of the collection of wires behind the tv console. Don’t touch it. Don’t touch it. It can stay— it’s worked so far, right? Cover it with a couple tacky wire organizers and it’ll look better from the outside. It’s far easier to quell the stress of choosing what to do with your life with buggy rpgs than think about it.
Will it be the pain of change or the dull ache of staying stagnant where you don’t belong?
Perhaps he’ll try the former some other time. He’s far too comfortable nestled where he is right now. Between scattered dishes and the kind of nagging dissatisfaction that barely licks at your nose, enough for you to notice, but not nearly painful enough to stir you into action.
He sat at his computer, vacant minded. He’d gone through countless games already, bugs everywhere, no real funding behind them, blatant pay-to-win systems and so on. Last time a game got him hooked–Labiturium register–it fell flat on its face. All the same reasons as the last handful.
Reki decided it was time to drop it and find something better.
Actually this time.
He scrolls, drifting through the mind numbing rush of colorful games and flashing, pretty graphics.
Something catches his gaze from the corner of his eye.
Sigils of S.
_____________________
Sigils of S.
An up-and-coming game advertised as the long-awaited game of the decade.
Sure bud.
A 3D MMORPG with open world exploration, an intuitive combat system, and a structured and well made storyline.
Players could choose to join a guild, sometimes called a convoy, which was highly recommended for beginners and experienced players alike, as Sigils of S was notoriously difficult to advance through solo.
_____________________
“Eugh,” Reki muttered. “Have I seen this before? Er— wait.. no. Actually? Maybe. Probably.”
He huffs and creates an account anyways, settling on the username kickd. He briskly clicks through character customization options. Messy black hair, simple clothing, and a thick plaid scarf. Rad. Good enough anyway.
His head empties as he brings his fingers to the keyboard, practiced movements string his fingers along.
The alarm clock flashes a couple times. 1:57 am.
Huh.
Is that right?
Once you’ve played so long your eyes sting you’re bound to notice a thing or two. Like how the teleport screen flickers if you teleport to a waypoint just before dying, or how just about everyone around him seems to be part of a convoy.
Pitiful guild requests sit under his “sent” tab, remnants of the strive to complete the primary quests as quickly as possible.
Running out of options here.
Most of them were farming guilds—little quest progress, barely active.
Are any other guilds recruiting?
Ah— the Halfwise Guild.
It looks active and the levels aren’t half bad either.
Reki pauses before requesting to join their party.
Maybe striking up a conversation would be good?
Something like “hey dudes. Lemme in your gui–”
Ping
Reki raises his eyebrows for a moment, caught between a pang of surprise and a wave of mild relief. “Jeez man— that quick? Maybe they’re desperate,” he mumbles, tapping rhythmically on his desk as his screen fades to white. Teleporting. Slowly, at that.
______________
[Party chat]
1 message - Just now
>>[4vium] Hold on one second. Client at the door. Be right back.
<< Heyy!
<< I’m not intruding, right?
______________
No response.
The sound of sharp and hurried footsteps rings from his right headphone, followed by a dull skid.
A character with silky matte white hair parted neatly down the middle skids to a stop in front of him. Fluffy snow leopard ears sat atop their head along with the name “C6rve” , followed by a long, full tail, scraping the rough foot traffic-beaten path beneath them.
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< You’re from the Halfwise Guild, right?
______________
No response.
Seriously?
______________
[Party chat]
2 messages - Just now
>>[C6rve]: Hey?
>>[C6rve]: Weak.
______________
Reki pauses, furrowing his brow
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< What?
>>[C6rve]: I said you’re weak. Just an observation.
<< I know that’s what you meant
<< Cmon dude I’m not that weak
>>[C6rve]: Ignorant. Didn’t you read the requirements before requesting to join the party? Don't bother to ask for a guild invite.
______________
Requirements?
Reki hurriedly checked.
Ah.
Lvl. 200 required / Frequently active / Interview / Willing to comply with daily guild quests
Reki’s gaze traces the screen, fixing on his level.
130.
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< Mb dude
<< Just read it
<< I’ll probably hit 200 soon enough though
______________
C6rve stands there.
Weirdo.
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< I hit 50 on my first day yknow
<< It can’t be that big of a deal
______________
The silence stretched, heavy and awkward.
C6rve makes a move to walk away, moving through a gap between rough bushes.
Reki follows him, slipping through promptly after.
No way he’s going to run off after that.
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< Hello?
<< Cmon man
<< Who do you think you are?
>>[C6rve] Stop following me.
>>[C6rve] Stalker.
______________
Following? Sure. Stalking? That’s pushing it.
______________
[Server chat]
1 message - Just now
>>[C6rve] First person to kill kickd gets 50 mil.
______________
A muddy mix of footsteps hums in his ear.
[You have been killed by Kiy00]
After reluctantly clicking respawn—and accepting the EXP penalty—the familiar landscape is sprawled back in front of him.
What the hell just happened?
______________
[Server chat]
2 messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] DM me a screenshot of the kill.
>>[Kiy00]: Okey dokie~
<< Dude.
<< What was that??
<< Is this like a misunderstanding or something?
>>[C6rve] Misunderstanding? How?
<< I’m not stalking
>>[C6rve] Yeah right.
>>[C6rve] Cut the act already.
>>[C6rve] Aren’t you tired of making so many alt accounts?
______________
What the hell is this dude talking about?
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< I don’t know where you’re getting this from
<< But either way you’re way wrong.
<< This is my main
>>[C6rve]: Why would your main be so weak?
______________
Reki slams his palm onto the table, ignoring the thin splinter now digging into his index. “I— what?? I just started. Are we serious? You really expect me to be—“ Reki, trails off, pursing his lips as he takes a moment of silence in his, very much empty, apartment.
______________
[Party chat]
2 new messages - just now
>>[C6rve]: You’re a stubborn stalker, aren’t you?
>>[C6rve]: What’s wrong in that sick head of yours?
______________
Sick? Reki clenched his jaw, irritatedly tapping his free hand next to the keyboard.
______________
[Party chat]
No new messages
<< I was just trying to join a guild
<< And you killed me
<< Whatever’s going on in your life, don’t you think you’re being way too harsh on some random dude?
>>[C6rve] A+ for confidence.
>>[C6rve] F- for that excuse.
>>[C6rve] I’d say we round down to a D-.
<< Im sorry about whatever you’re dealing with
<< But I’m going to make myself busy elsewhere
>>[C6rve] Rage quitting?
>>[C6rve] Finally.
>>[4vium - Halfwise head] Carve.
>>[4vium - Halfwise head] What do you think you're doing?
______________
The guild head is finally back.
Doesn’t matter.
[kickd has left the party]
Guess you’re bound to meet a whole bunch of weirdos here. He pulls up the map, playing a quick game of roulette with the waypoints before his screen fades to white.
In front of him now the bustling city of Pertuelle– the shuffling of commerce caught between tall buildings of worn brick, with sharp, dark metal accents. The layer of fallen snow dusted about coats tall pointed roofs, the windows that reside below them spilling warm light onto the street. Cafes, book stores, and farmer’s market stalls, all filled with people in heavy winter coats and pretty scarves, helpful for fending off the cold affect from being in a place like this. Worst case scenario, your defense might go down, but it's better to not have to be bothered at all.
[You have been killed by C6rve]
______________
[Direct message]
1 new message - just now
>>[C6rve] Finger slipped.
>>[C6rve] Sorry.
>>[C6rve] I might’ve been more careful if you stopped stalking when I told you to.
<< Where do you get off??
<< I already told you man
<< I’m not stalking
<< No need to keep a close eye on me
<< I have no interest in you whatsoever
>>[C6rve] Well.
>>[C6rve] let’s fix this misunderstanding then.
>>[C6rve] My rank dropped because of you.
>>[C6rve] Please talk to the guild head and clear this misunderstanding.
______________
The head? Oh.
A sweet sense of sick joy washes over him.
______________
[Direct message]
No new messages
<< You got demoted for that?
<< Good
>>[C6rve] ???
<< I said good
<< Serves you right
>>[C6rve] Excuse you?
>>[C6rve] The guild master called me an insolent peon because of this.
>>[C6rve] Take responsibility.
<< Peon?
<< Sorry man
<<Tell your guild master he’s right
<< Cya
______________
What a weirdo.
This is why we can't have nice things.
Reki clicks onto the farthest waypoint he sees.
This time he finds himself in the middle of tarrion, a frigid sea-side nation. Largely unseparated by cities and sub sections, unlike most other locations. The expansive fields of tall frost-dusted grasses reach all the way to both sides of the rocky landscape. It's a much less popular nation, mainly for the frequency of opine encounters and– by extension, deaths.
Finally reaching some state of peace, Reki heads toward a warbling stream of ice cold water. Maybe fishing would be fun? Peace and tranquility has been restored, he is at peace no—
______________
[Direct message]
2 new messages - just now
>>[C6rve] Who do you think you are?
>>[C6rve] Just tell the guild master you’re my stalker.
______________
Reki stares at his screen, dumbfounded.
______________
[Direct messages]
1 new message - just now
>>[C6rve] Hello?
______________
C6rve skids directly in front of him
______________
[Direct messages]
1 new message - just now
>>[C6rve] Can’t you see my messages??
______________
Reki huffs and slides past him.
Ignore him.
Ignore him.
Keep walking.
[Friend request - C6rve]
Rejected.
He begins to fall into a rhythm of rejecting friend requests. Ping— no. Ping— no. Ping— no.
As. Clingy. As. A. Burr.
The silence resurfaces for just a moment the crisp noise of water spray hitting the rocks filling the atmos–
______________
[Direct message]
2 new messages - just now
>>[C6rve] Hello?
>>[C6rve] Quit rejecting my requests.
<< Why?
<< I have no intention of being friends with you.
>>[C6rve] Just accept.
>>[C6rve] Do you think I want to stalk you?
<< Ironic.
<< Maybe?
>>[C6rve] I’ll stop following you.
>>[C6rve] But you have to tell the guild master we made up.
______________
Reki rubs his temples, just about ready to reach for the off button.
______________
[Direct messages]
No new messages
<< I dunno man
<< Why exactly would I do that?
>>[C6rve] I really don’t get you.
<< Seriously?
______________
C6rve runs around in circles, swinging his weapon at random intervals.
______________
[Direct messages]
3 new messages - just now
>>[C6rve] What about my rank?
>>[C6rve] Can’t you humor me here??
>>[C6rve] Give it back.
<< Jeez
<< Sorry bro
>>[C6rve] Actually?
<< Eh
<< No
<< Not really
<< Sounds like a you problem, man
Reki was bombarded with friend requests once again, the hollow click of his mouse ringing throughout his head.
Enough.
Forced shutdown.
That should fix the problem.
But seriously—what is up with this dude? He completely ruined the mood. There's always tomorrow though. The sun might start rising any second anyways.
_____
Reki drops back into his gaming chair, spinning slightly as he settles in, dragging his mouse over to the Sigils of S icon on his desktop. He reaches to flick on his LEDs, barely avoiding knocking over a soda can pyramid.
[You’ve got mail. 1 new message – 9 hours ago]
_____
[New Message]
From: c6rve
I am truly sorry. I’m sending this message because I
Don’t remember apologizing to you yesterday! I’m
Like super sorry and I will reflect on my actions.
You didn’t deserve that. I was a
Jerk. From now on I will become a better player.
[Attachment: Healing Potion x50]
_____
Seriously? He can't even manage using the enter button correctly.
Reki reread it. And then looked over it again– and then maybe another glance.. Shouldn't you be more thoughtful with proper spacing in an apology?
Oh.
He skims over the first word of each line.
“Hah.”
Reki chokes out a few insults under his breath before leaning back in his chair, staring blankly at the screen.
Closing the message and returning to his inbox, Reki noticed another notification.
_____
[New Message]
From: 4vium
Hello kickd,
I am the Halfwise guild head. I’m sending this message because one of my members was disrespectful toward you yesterday, and I should have intervened sooner. While I was away, you were targeted and exposed to such unruly behavior. Please accept my sincerest apologies.
However, not long ago, someone with malicious intent joined our guild. He made numerous unreasonable demands—such as forcing others to carry him through quests—and began spreading rumors about our guild and its members online. He shared personal information and used it to instigate false claims, which eventually led to multiple reports being filed and caused further issues.
I am aware this does not excuse how you were treated, but given the current situation, our guild is on edge. I genuinely believe c6rve acted out of sensitivity due to this environment. In response to his behavior, we have demoted him and informed him that if he offered a sincere apology, he would be promoted again.
Once you’ve received his apology and feel better, please message me.
_____
That explains the defensive behavior..
It’s a sucky situation to be in, sure—but at least the guild head seems reasonable. Reki could understand where they were coming from.
But seriously—what the hell was Carve's “apology”?
Looking back, his extravagant fuss over being demoted made it pretty clear that losing rank was a big deal in that guild. If he’d just followed his head’s advice and actually apologized properly, this would’ve been over already.
Instead, he sent a message like that
Yeah, right. As if he’s just letting that go.
___________________
[Direct message]
No new messages
<< Hey
>>[4vium] Greetings. You’re the player from yesterday, correct?
<< Yeah
<< I read your message
<< And I also received c6rve’s apology.
>>[4vium] Thank goodness.
<< Could you send a message to him for me?
>>[4vium] I don’t see an issue with that. What would you like me to relay?
<< Let him know I received the potions he sent.
<< And his message too
<< Tell him to hide it better next time
>>[4vium] …Hidden message?
>>[4vium] Are you implying he bothered you again?
<< I wouldn’t say bothered but the first word of each line spelled out another sentence
<< I’m not sure if it was intentional or a one-in-a-million coincidence or anything
>>[4vium] I see. May I ask you to forward the DM to me?
<< Sure thing
<< One sec
<< Sent! Sorry for dragging you into this and causing trouble, dude
>>[4vium] It’s no trouble at all.
_____
Carve has won the battle but he will not win the war.
Reki clicked over to his daily quests tab, debating whether to start with the easier ones and work his way up—or jump straight into the harder ones.
Then—
The all-too-familiar sound of rapidly approaching footsteps rings through his headphones.
Of course.
Just seconds later, the footsteps stop, replaced with a sharp whoosh.
___________________
[Direct message]
6 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] Seriously?
>>[C6rve] Why do you feel the need to do this?
>>[C6rve] You say you’re not my stalker, but why does everything you do feel like it’s targeted at me?
>>[C6rve] I know you didn’t call me out simply because of your sweet thirst for justice or something.
>>[C6rve] You could’ve noticed, told the head I sent one, and moved on. It was harmless.
>>[C6rve] Quit ignoring me.
<< Serves you right
>>[C6rve] I can’t wrap my head around your thought process.
>>[C6rve] You know what?
___________________
The feeling of Reki’s triumph slowly drains from his body.
There was a brief silence as both c6rve and kickd stood idle. Reki started growing impatient, waiting with bated breath.
___________________
[Direct message]
No new messages
<< What?
___________________
[Marriage proposal - C6rve]
What. The. Hell.
___________________
[Direct message]
2 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] I said I couldn’t understand you.
>>[C6rve] Let’s get to know each other better from now on.
___________________
His character dropped to one knee, holding out an absurdly massive diamond ring.
Would you like to accept?
Y / N
The sound of teleportation floods Reki’s headphones as players began appearing one by one, forming a scattered group around them.
A few stand out immediately.
The guild head stood nearby—light pink hair tied back in a long ponytail, glasses framing his sharp gold eyes. Next to him was a green-haired man with… no shirt on? Moving on.
Someone takes a seat on the ground, Black cat ears idly twitching, accompanied by black hair and an oversized green coat. Across from them stood a woman who looked robotic, light purple hair matching an elegant kimono adorned with delicate lavender depictions.
And at the very edge—
A clown with an orange mohawk and edgy face paint.
What a lineup.
___________________
[Server chat]
7 new messages - just now
>>[matchyaa] ??? What’s this?? This came out of nowhere
>>[Miyao] LOL I came to watch the slime apologize
>>[Miyao] How did this turn into a proposal??
>>[Hirodrangea] HAHHHAH
>>[Hirodrangea] Has he finally lost it after getting demoted?
>>[crrla] Statistically, 50% of marriages end in divorce.
>>[4vium] …
___________________
Are these all Halfwise members?
___________________
[Server chat]
2 new messages - Just now
>>[miyao] Damn it… my screenshot isn’t working~
>>[matchyaa] Hah. I think he broke Cherry.
___________________
Heart-shaped sparkles emanate from the ring as Carve stayed kneeling, ring still extended.
Reki backs up from the screen for a moment, head softly hitting the chair headrest. He huffs and rubs his temples before promptly sitting back up.
___________________
[Server chat]
1 new message - Just now
[c6rve] You’re going to accept my proposal, right?
___________________
Yeah. When hell freezes over.
Reki rejected it immediately.
[You have rejected an engagement proposal.]
[A 10-minute Confession Event buff has been activated.
Minimum damage increased by 25%.]
___________________
[Server chat]
1 new message - Just now
>>[Miyao] I kinda feel bad for the other guy… how did he even get stuck with someone like Carve? /ᐠ - ˕ -マ Ⳋ
___________________
Yeah. Same.
___________________
[Server chat]
2 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] What a waste of 700 yen.
>>[C6rve] I could’ve bought something else with that.
___________________
—Wait.
Yen? As in real money?
___________________
[Server chat]
No new messages
>>[c6rve] I bought about 50 of these. Should I buy more to win you over?
___________________
How shameless.
50 rings.. 700 yen each..
35,000 yen.
On rings.
He’s joking.
___________________
[Marriage proposal - C6rve]
Again?
___________________
[Direct message]
1 new message - Just now
>>[C6rve] 48 left.
___________________
His character dropped to one knee again, holding out another diamond ring.
Would you like to accept?
Y / N
This time, Reki hesitated.
This is real money. Is it right to let someone burn that much cash on him? If he keeps rejecting, it’ll just go to waste—
The pressure built.
___________________
[Server chat]
No new messages
<< Why are you putting all this on me?
<< Stop wasting your money, man
>>[C6rve] The guild head told me to show sincerity.
___________________
There’s an excessive pause between messages
___________________
[Server chat]
No new messages
>>[4vium] …C6rve. When did I ever say this?
>>[4vium] This is a misunderstanding, kickd. I only asked him to apologize—not make a
spectacle of himself.
>>[C6rve] You said, “If you show your sincerity and he accepts it, you’ll get your rank back.”
>>[C6rve] You never specifically said it had to be an apology.
___________________
Annoyingly enough, he wasn’t wrong.
All that money… that’s like 3 weeks worth of food..
Reki could feel himself sweating. Money had always stressed him out.
___________________
[Server chat]
2 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] Here’s my “sincerity.”
>>[C6rve] You’re gonna accept, right? There are still 48 rings left anyways.
___________________
The gears in Reki’s head spun wildly.
Screw it.
He clicked Accept before he could rethink it.
[A couple has been formed!]
[New skills unlocked.]
[Please check the Couple Window.]
An agonizingly long cutscene played—multiple dramatic angles of the ring sliding onto Reki’s finger.
___________________
[Server chat]
2 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] Huh. I didn’t think you’d actually accept.
>>[C6rve] Don’t tell me you really like me, stalker?
<< You’re full of it.
___________________
Reki’s head hung low, fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.
He had now officially obtained an online lover.
Something like it.
Not really.
_____
[Direct Message]
1 new message - Just now
>>[4vium] I sincerely apologize. I’m appalled by his actions and did not encourage this. He will be reprimanded properly.
<< Don’t worry about it man
<< I’ll figure something out
___________________
[Couple chat]
4 new messages - Just now
>>[C6rve] Cool. With our new label, I can view your other stats.
>>[C6rve] Hm. You should be working on your defense advancement quest, right?
>>[C6rve] The one in Tarrion, right?
>>[C6rve] You should know to watch out for the opine already, right?
___________________
Does he really need to use the couples window?
___________________
[Couple chat]
1 new message - Just now
>>[C6rve] Let me help you.
<< Absolutely not.
>>[C6rve] No need to be shy.
<< Can you read?
<< I said I’m good dude
<< I don’t need your help
>>[C6rve] No need to play coy. Weren’t you applying to guilds?
>>[C6rve] I’ll help you level. Just get ready.
>>[C6rve] And stop tattling to the guild head.
>>[C6rve] Also, don’t bother talking to the other guild members.
>>[C6rve] I doubt they want any of your trouble.
___________________
So this is what he wanted.
Carve thinks he has him right where he wants him.
A chorus of pings rang out.
[Friend request sent to 4vium ]
[Friend request sent to miyao ]
[Friend request sent to matchyaa ]
[Friend request sent to crrla ]
[Friend request sent to Hirodrangea ]
No way in hell he’s listening to him.
Reki stretches, satisfied with himself.
Most friend requests are accepted quickly after, sending a series of sharp chimes through his ear.
Though, who was he to complain?
If anything, this would definitely get under c6rve’s skin.
___________________
[Direct message]
1 new message - Just now
>>[C6rve] What are you up to?
___________________
[Friend request - C6rve]
___________________
[Direct message]
1 new message - Just now
>>[C6rve] ?
___________________
Reki clicks Decline.
Almost immediately, another ping rings through his headphones.
[Friend request - C6rve]
Decline.
___________________
[Direct message]
1 new message - Just now
>>[C6rve] Why aren’t you accepting my friend request?
>> Why would I?
>>[C6rve] Because I’ve been trying to be nice?
>> Yuh huh?
>>[C6rve] Seriously? Yes.
<< You might want to double check that dude
>>[C6rve] I know I have been. I don’t need to check.
>>[C6rve] I apologized.
>>[C6rve] Are you really going to accept my proposal but not my friend request?
>> It was out of pity
>> feel free to end our couple status if it bothers you
___________________
Reki slams down the enter key with extra force. Maybe Carve would recognize his faults, rethink all of this, and rightfully distance himself.
Satisfied, Reki sends some quick goodbyes to everyone, logging out before Carve has a chance to think of a decent response.
_______________________________
[Sigils of S - Bulletin board]
[Author: M1mpyssback]
Halfwise is accepting new members again.
Don’t make the mistake of joining them lmao.
I warned you guyss.
_______________________________
Comments:
>>[K33LY] Why do we hate them again?
|
>>[Anonymous] Not everyone does but a lot of people say they just use people to get stuff during guild ranking szn
|
>>[Sor11] I heard they use exploits and stuff too
>>[Onlymaudee] I saw this one dude from Halfwise legit teleporting. Like not to a waypoint or anything but like really far really quick yk?
| |
| >>[Maykohh] Prolly a speed glitch or something. I saw some people talking
| about it on here not too long ago. Ig it’s going around
|
| >>[Anonymous] One kid was flying n stuff. Every time I see that one he’s always doing something
_______________________________
Reki shoves himself out of bed hard enough to get a concussion, the lens of a long, heavy sleep obscuring the location of his incessantly ringing phone. He flings his feet over the side of the bed before shifting his weight onto the floor, the bed letting out a soft and easing creak behind him.
Reaching for the phone, his eyes trace the screen, settling on the most recent notification.
An email.
Reki chokes out a few astonished whoops, the kind sharply enunciated by the crackling grog of sleep roughly coating your throat, before reading the sender’s name multiple times and hurriedly tapping it open.
_____
[To: Kyan, Reki]
From: Hokama Nori, Recruitment Manager
Good morning, Mr. Kyan,
I am a recruiting manager for physical therapy offices in this area. You have passed the screening process, and I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for an interview at a location near you.
Please confirm your interview details using the link below:
Best of luck,
Hokama Nori
_____
The moment he finishes reading, Reki gets up, pumping his fist in the air while trying to jump as quietly as possible, nearly tripping over a pile of empty soda cans.
The adrenaline from the shock still pulls at his head in a way that makes him feel slightly lightheaded.
He hadn’t expected to even hear back. Sure— he had all the qualifications, looked pretty decent on the resume too honestly, but him? Reki Kyan was chosen?
Slowly it feels as if all the blood has rushed from his head to his feet, the panic starting to softly gnaw at his spine.
This isn’t a job yet. It’s just an interview.
Am I even prepared?
Do I have interview clothes?
When was the last time I went to the dry cleaner’s?
Where did I leave my suit?
Can I ask mom to drop it off..?
Reki springs toward his closet—only three steps away, thanks to his painfully small room—and begins rummaging through his clothes.
There it is, luckily.
A suit, stuffed into the very back, barely visible. He reaches into the overfilled corner, yanking the hanger free.
Perfect.
With his outfit secured, Reki clicked the scheduling link and chose a time one week out, giving himself enough time to prepare.
_____
The week flew by.
Reki spent most of it studying common interview questions and gathering all the necessary paperwork. Because of that, he barely had time to log in.
No major Halfwise incidents.
No snow leopard issues.
Peace.
Then interview day arrived.
Reki got ready meticulously. Hair styled neatly, his usual headband abandoned, and squeezed into his freshly pressed suit from the dry cleaners. He looked—surprisingly put together?
After one last glance in the mirror, he hurriedly collects his bag and keys, locking his apartment door and heading down the stairs.
Pulling out his phone, he searched for the best subway route that minimized walking. Once he found the quickest option, he headed out immediately.
About thirty minutes later, Reki checked the time.
Hah.. yikes.
He left too early. By a lot.
With nearly thirty minutes to spare and no desire to freeze outside, he decided to find a café to wait in and review some last-minute notes.
Scrolling through nearby cafés on Google, nothing seemed right—too expensive, reviews said it smelled like smoke, or just plain rundown.
Then one name caught his eye.
Dope Sip.
He looks the directions up and down, only about a block away.
Picking up the pace, he makes his way down the sidewalk.
About halfway down, an alleyway stands stretched out in front of him. Confused, he checks his phone—no signal.
Convenient.
He waves his phone in the air, hoping to catch something.
Nothing.
Reki reluctantly travels down the alley, stepping over spilled drinks and discarded plastic containers.
“Dope Sip… Dope Sip…” he mutters, scanning the buildings.
Some man stays squatted by the corner, his long blue hair obscuring his face. A black cap sits atop his head above baggy graphic tee, accompanied by a dark long-sleeve undershirt and plaid pajama shorts. Something you’d wear if you weren’t quite anticipating warm weather and weren’t quite anticipating cold weather either. Maybe he just rolled out of bed? What if he just likes to put his blanket over his legs and nothing else? You know what? Good for him.
Odd—but definitely local.
As Reki approaches, he hears a sharp and repetitive clicking.
It’s easy to tell his gaze is fixed on the screen of the metallic point and shoot, littered with peeling stickers, despite the hair spread in front of his face. An alley cat is perched in front of him, tail swaying gently with contentment.
He watches as the guy moves to clasp a gentle hand over his face, probably holding in a silent squeal. The affection practically radiates off him.
Reki briskly passes by, glancing down the buildings for someone else to ask directions from—but the street was empty.
Oh well.
Reki reaches out and lightly taps the man’s shoulder.
“Hey, exc—”
“Ah—!”The man’s gaze jerks his way over before the abrupt movement causes him to fall forward, camera dropping down, palms scraping against rough concrete.
He barely touched him.
The cat tenses up before hurrying behind a garbage can.
The man gasps again, turning sharply back around and glaring at Reki, the warmth of a simple intimate moment with a man and his camera dissipating like a warm breath on a chilly afternoon.
“What is wrong with you?” he snaps, brows furrowing
“Oh— ah.. sorry man,” Reki starts quickly. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Seriously? That’s what you’re going to say after pushing someone minding their own business?” the man shot back, collecting his camera.
Push?
I barely tapped him.
“Directions,” Reki said carefully. “I just wanted directions.”
The man stood up abruptly.
He was taller. A few inches at least.
Reki felt instantly smaller.
“Directions?” the blue-haired man repeated coldly.
Why is he glaring at me like that?
“I’m trying to get to this place…” Reki added, nerves creeping in.
You can see the man’s muscles through his tight undershirt. Don’t let this be the day his words come back to hit him—physically this time, too..
Reki holds up his phone, showing the screen.
Dope Sip.
The man flinched—just for a second—before masking it and looking back at Reki.
“…Dope Sip?” he repeats.
“Yeah, man.. You know it?”
“Why?”
What does he mean ‘why’? Why else?
“Er— to get coffee..?”
The man lowered his head, face unreadable.
A few seconds passed.
Is this place sketchy or something? Maybe that’s why it’s called dope sketch.. Awesome.
“It’s not down this alley,” the man says, finally. “Follow me.”
“Oh, thank y—”
He turned immediately and began speed-walking away before Reki could finish.
Big mistake asking this guy.
He hurries after him, walking behind him for a moment, watching the cracks in the sidewalk pass by their feet.
Snapping back to reality, Reki realizes the man still hasn't spoken.
If this gets weird, he’s running.
The man suddenly stops, prompting Reki to look up.
“Dope Sip” is written in bright bold letters, paint settled into the worn wood after years of sitting there, plastered above the door.
The coffee shop has some warm, industrial-rustic feel to it, adorned with peeling stickers across windows, and scribbled names in black ink across the wood accents.
He actually brought me here, huh?
The man’s phone chirps quietly in his pocket, urging him to pull it out and take a quick glance before darting the other direction.
“Oh—wow. It was farther down than I thought. Thanks, I—”
The man’s hurried footsteps trail off into the distance.
Reki glances down at his own phone, a notification now on his home screen. Some new update patches for Sigils of S. Nothing important.
_____________
One foot in front of the other, he hurries to the end of the sidewalk, the now scratched camera clutched tightly in his hand.
He ducks behind the edge of the building, watching the redhead one last time as he disappears inside before making an abrupt turn down the rest of the sidewalk and away.