A Life Once More-Chapter 44: Plans

"God, you're such an enigma, Eiz." Ophi shook her head with a soft laugh, the tips of her black hair swaying with the motion, before letting the whole thing die with a dramatic sigh.

"I mean, what can I say!" I hadn't recovered at all, but what was the point of wasting time in embarrassment? If Kate and I continued to shy away, then we'd be sitting here in silence or Ophi's teasing, lectures, or whatever the hell she could possibly plan.

Kate nodded, and the conversation moved on.

"During Convergence Week, I'll be with my family." I decided to bring up the holidays coming up, the faint clatter of dishes in the café filling the brief pause between topics.

Kate looked a little sad, her golden eyes dimming slightly, but there was nothing I could nor would do. I promised to spend time with my family.

"I wanted to go on a trip with you~"

"We can go on Christmas, just me and you!" I said with a grin, hoping to lift her spirits.

"But you have to work."

"No, that's for late November and early December. Then filming resumes in the third week of the new year." She was referencing the film I was starring in, but at the end of the script there was a timeline with times and details. I didn't know if that was the norm or not, but it was super helpful to me.

I learned that Christmas is still a thing here!

She smiled, "Okay, just me and you, right?"

I nodded, and the pure happiness on her face was so bright it almost felt like stepping into sunlight, even making Ophi silent.

"Hehe~"

"Hey, Eiz. When am I gonna get your number?" Ophi looked at me like a predator, her sharp grin flashing like a wolf spotting easy prey. She had no right to my number though?!

"I-I don't think you need it."

"...So, Kate's gonna deliver your clothes?" Staring at me deadpan, Ophi just pulled her phone out and held it out towards me.

"Huh?"

'Oh, that's right.' I paused in realization that we never told Kate about our deal. A tiny shiver ran down my spine at the sudden memory, as if guilt had flicked the back of my head. I can't believe I forgot about that already. It had only been...um. It couldn't have even been two hours!

I reached my hand out and took Ophi's phone. Quickly putting my information in, I gave her phone back and got back to eating this panini.

The bacon was crispy and smoky, its flavor seeping into the soft, slightly toasted bread. The pesto added a rich, garlicky punch that lingered on my tongue, balancing the saltiness perfectly. Even the melted cheese stretched with each bite, warm and savory enough to make me nod in quiet approval.

I felt that for a place like this—and other similar places—this would be top in quality, but when compared to John's pizza and, hell, his other food, this wasn't as good. To be fair, this was probably pre-packaged and only heated up; not made fresh like at John's place.

'I should stop by again!' I really enjoyed John's food and wanted to eat there again. Whenever Cain and Euphi come back, I'll bring them with me. Oh, and of course Mom as well. Actually... didn't I already plan something like that?

[Yep, before you passed out and were in the hospital.]

'Thanks!'

I at least knew I wasn't going crazy.

[No problem, just remember what I said earlier.]

'I got ya. I'll take a day to myself Thursday. How's that?'

[That works. You'll thank me for the suggestion.]

'You sound tired.'

[It's from watching you flirt. I'm exhausted. I have fucking flirt fatigue.] He groaned the words out in a way that made them drag through my mind like a dead weight.

'I-Is that what we're calling it?'

[Yep. Now shuu~] The last word slipped out of him in a soft, playful whisper that tickled the edges of my thoughts. It brought my attention back to the ongoing conversation between the two beautiful best friends.

"Like that, I tripped over my toes before my presentation even started!" Kate cringed just thinking about it, her eyebrows knitting closer and tighter. Even with my attention coming back in the middle, I had enough clues to piece together things.

"Hah~, I wish I could have seen it." I said, the mental image already making me grin.

"No! If you were there, I would have died of embarrassment, Eiz." Kate clutched her cheeks, her voice pitching higher in horror.

"That sounds even funnier, haha~. Right, Ophi?"

She giggled behind her palm, her shoulders trembling slightly, before resting her chin on her two hands, her elbows propped lazily against the table.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

"It really does, Eiz! We should sneak in during the final presentation."

Nodding my head with quick excitement, "You're absolutely right!"

"...Disgusting." Kate stared at us with dead eyes, her whole posture sagging in defeat. She knew her fate was sealed. I actually hadn't planned on it, but if Ophi was serious, I didn't mind messing around. Of course, if Kate genuinely hated it, then the plan was scratched.

Our little hangout lasted until the sunset. The grey clouds stayed all the way through without a hint of rain. The time we left was around 8 p.m., and Kate tried giving me a ride home, but I told her it was too late. If I was closer, then I would've welcomed it, but the drive—even if she sped to my house and back—would make it near midnight.

Instead, I texted Marcus, and my goat showed up in no time and brought me home. We chatted for a bit, but it was really just useless stuff. I did feel a bit closer to him though; I felt that his character really fit me more than Jack's.

When I got home, it was 10 p.m., and I took a shower immediately. Once I did that, I made a quick sandwich and scrolled through my phone in the living room with Itube playing in the background. Yes, I know it sounded like a horrible ripoff of a certain service from Earth, but what could I do? It's not like I could buy them. I don't have that kind of capital!

There wasn't really anything of interest on my phone in terms of social media. Obviously, Itube was there, but nothing else, which gave me the idea of making my own. I had money to obtain a small company, I think, but I wasn't sure.

'I'll give this more thought when I get a new place. Speaking of, I can do that now.'