VI
"Slowly."
V has entered the chatroom.
Wisteria has entered the chatroom.
Wisteria: Hey V.
V: Hello, Wisteria. I happened to be thinking that we could have more chance to chat! We still have a lot to learn about each other.
Wisteria: Hm, of course. Is there anything you want to know?
V: There is... There are many things I'd like to ask but there's something I'd like to confirm first. We happen to be racing towards a common goal and we should help each other when trouble comes. Right?
Wisteria: Right. I told you before that I would tell you if things got out of hand.
V: If you find yourself in a scary situation I'd like you to tell me. Please. Perhaps I could help you then. Do you understand?
Wisteria: When I think things are beyond my measure you'll know.
V: Yes... Yes. That's good to hear.
V: I talked to my father today, and it was... terribly awkward.
V: We didn't use to be awkward from the beginning. But one this invisible wall was built between us and we began to talk less frequently. Then one day... we found ourselves rather awkward and distant. After hanging up, I thought... that even though we picked different opinions and even though we have completely different characteristic things could have been different by now if we talked more if we communicated more.
V: That's what I keep regretting. But I'm afraid my relationship with my father... has reached the point where regret is no longer of us.
Wisteria: I'd like to think that it's never too late... But, I can understand where you're coming from personally. Sometimes somebody just doesn't doesn't want to see your side of things and the conversations just end up dead weight.
Wisteria: Parents can be... difficult.
V: A relationship is a communication that involves both parties. No matter how much one party tries there's no point if the corresponding party has no intention to return. I think my father is most comfortable when he walks on the path of his own. That path is terribly different from the one I seek so I think there's nothing I can do about our relationship.
V: Anyways I think communication matters more than anything else. especially with someone, you'll always be with and with something precious to you. The RFA is so precious to me. So I'd like to communicate with you too.
Jumin Han has entered the chatroom.
Jumin Han: V.
V: Welcome, Jumin!
Jumin Han: I see you're chatting with Wisteria.
Wisteria: Hello Jumin.
Jumin Han: Hey I see you two are chatting.
V: Yep. Precious are trust and communication.
Jumin Han: I know, but don't you think it's too early for that? She's still a new member, but I think you care about her too much, V. It's unusual.
V: Hey, you didn't have to call it, 'unusual', did you?
Wisteria: I don't think it's all that strange.
Jumin Han: However, I'm the type of person who has to speak what he sees. It bothers me a bit that you're very enthusiastic with Wisteria, V. It's been barely a week since we've met her but it looks like you're trying to get close to her within an even shorter amount of time.
V: Um...
Jumin Han: V, are you trying to use an indirect method of answering your questions by talking to Wisteria? It looks to me that you're trying to pray out answers regarding Wisteria's identity and location and other information that Luciel and Jaehee could not obtain.
V: I believe I asked the rest of you to entrust me and Luciel regarding that part.
Wisteria: I can't tell you more than I already have. There's a good reason why that is, I swear.
V: I'm sorry this turned out to sound like an investigation, Wisteria.
Jumin Han: Just what is your good reason that you can't tell us? You know that Luciel and V are running their investigation on you, don't you?
V: Jumin... For now, I'd like you to accept Wisteria without such suspicion... Like I said back then.
Jumin Han: I know what your intention is.
V: I simply wish to talk to her some more since she happens to be a new member.
Jumin Han: So what you have for Wisteria is pure interest.
V: Yes.
Wisteria: You didn't have to trust me so readily... you haven't even figured out my identity or location you know.
Jumin Han: ...You took the words right out of my head.
V: That's...
Jumin Han: Because you have a very good reason.
V: Yes... I do.
Jumin Han: It's just that it's rather difficult for me to understand the fact that you would be interested in someone without answering the questions regarding the said someone. However... for now, I'll let it pass, just like you said V.
V: Thank you...
Jumin Han: So you talked to your father. Is it about business?
V: Umm... Let's just say that it's a fact that I'll be seeing you soon.
Jumin Han: I see.
V: Did you say anything related to me to my father yesterday?
Jumin Han: Not really...
Wisteria: Is there something wrong with that?
V: Uh, well... It's just that my father suddenly said that he'll visit my studio in person... and he's never visited my studio.
Jumin Han: So isn't that supposed to be the thing?
V: Um... Do you think he's trying to use our friendship for business? So maybe that's why he wants to revisit his relationship with me?
Wisteria: That's very pessimistic of you, V.
Jumin Han: I agree. He's your family. I do not understand that he'd see his own family with such purpose. That's an extremely mercenary evaluation. It does not suit a father-son relationship at all.
V: If you know my father well, you'd bet that he can be as mercenary as he wants to...
Jumin Han: Hm...
Jumin Han: V, listening to you makes me rethink what I said. Do you think meeting among the four of us was really a good idea?
V: Hm... I can't say that it's completely fine with me.
Jumin Han: From now on, I'll make sure the only topic of conversation I share with your father is business.
V: Yes, that's a sound decision. Sorry for being complicated. I got you concerned.
Wisteria: Everyone has their own past and choices.
Jumin Han: I agree. I do not recommend trying to know something too deep.
V: Yes, every person's life is a domain separate from each other. Jumin... you're much more mature and reasonable then I am. Not to mention you have a wonderful family.
Jumin Han: A wonderful family...?
Jumin Han: So even a family that has its mother changing twice and father's lover visiting once every three months can seem like a wonderful family to someone, huh?
Wisteria: Stability is a hell of a thing.
V: That's what everyone wishes for.
Wisteria: I don't know. I've yet to see some for myself.
V: Maybe there is, somewhere on the Earth^^
Jumin Han: When someone mentions a stable home, it feels like each of its residents gave up for their individual characters for the sake of communal life...
V: I think the most stable home is a household that accepts each person's character. Don't you agree?
Jumin Han: It's easier said then done...
V: Yeah, that right. But you managed to summarize it in a single line. I'm sure Mr. Han will be so proud of you.
Jumin Han: I wish. I'm proud of my father business-wise so I hope he thinks the same. Oh of course... I'm not talking about private life.
V: Ahaha;; We'll talk more about our families between the two of us with a glass of wine. I've never really told you what my family is like, have I?
Jumin Han: That's right. I can't remember the last time we've outside the messenger.
V: I'll see you once the party is held.
Jumin Han: Fine.
Wisteria: You two have a great friendship. I'm kind of jealous.
Jumin Han: I remember this golden quote that a good friend is always a pleasure a guest welcome.
V: That can't be any more perfect for our relationship.
Jumin Han: Yes. I can count on our friendship.
V: I wish I could be a good friend to you as well, Wisteria like I am with Jumin.
Jumin Han: That's up to time and personalities. I'm sure your relationship will progress in a good way if your personality is a good match with Wisteria's that is.
V: Yes... I hope so.
Jumin Han: I should be leaving. Oh, V.
V: Yes?
Jumin Han: Though I'm sure it can be as bad as it for Yoosung... often I find myself puzzled with traces of Rika. So I guess everyone is still mourning.
V: Why are you saying that all of a sudden?
Jumin Han: Because I'm not sure if you're grieving enough. A lot of things are changing... including Wisteria's introduction... I keep thinking perhaps we're changing when it's not the time yet.
Wisteria: I'd like to think my joining the RFA is progress in a good way.
V: I agree with you Wisteria. There's something that Rika left behind for me... and for its sake, I must not fear changes.
Wisteria: I think you can do a good job, V...
V: Thank you for saying that. I needed that the most right now. I'll tell you what it is... when the time comes.
Jumin Han: Sure. I trust your judgment.
V: Thanks for trusting me. You do realize I'm always grateful, don't you?
Jumin Han: Of course, I do. And now, I'll leave. For real.
V: Okay, see you, Jumin!
Wisteria: Goodbye.
Jumin Han: Its lunchtime soon, don't forget your lunch. Wisteria, V.
V: Thank you for your concern.
Jumin Han: Now excuse me.
Jumin Han has left the chatroom.
V: Jumin is very kind. He always was. I can tell because I've been with him for such a long time. Others wouldn't know that.
Wisteria: That's a privilege you have as his friend.
V: I agree. He has a very keen judgment... so I'm sure he has a rough sense of the degree of secrets, I'm keeping
Wisteria: It has to be a burden to hold many secrets. Why are you taking everything on by yourself?
V: They are a burden. Sometimes merely knowing the truth requires me to take responsibility for the said truth. I'm trying to keep such responsibility with me until there's nothing I should take responsibility for. Then I will explain to everyone. I tell myself that this for everyone... but I always feel sorry to everyone, including Jumin. To be honest, my childhood dream was to become a fabulous friend to suit Jumin.
Wisteria: I don't think Jumin would like to hear that.
V: You're right. I don't think he would understand.
V: He'd just ask me for why I would set such a goal. He'll tell me that I'd be able to gain the most by living to my true character. He's much more mature then I am... Oh... look at the time. I should get going now. I really enjoy our conversation today. I hope we can talk even more next time... and trust each other some more. I wish to be a person who can help you immediately if you need it.
Wisteria: Thank you, V.
V: I hope you have a good day. And you should try looking up at the sky sometimes. I should leave now. Bye!
V has left the chatroom.
I spent the afternoon trying to reply to the party guests. I wasn't even sure if half of what I was saying, but since most of the people were outlandish enough, my fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants thought process seemed to be working. I hadn't made any poor choices yet, and most of the messages seemed to be heading where they needed to be. How this party would even be held in the coming time, I wasn't sure, but it was my job as of now. I pursed my lips as I skimmed through my emails and made sure I had checked everything that I needed.
Then, my phone screen changed from the message screen to a call screen.
It was Jaehee, and I didn't hesitate to pick up the call. She sounded a little distressed. "Wisteria? Hello. Sorry to ask this all of a sudden, but... Has Mr. Han called you by any chance?"
"You mean he's not at work right now?" I asked, unsure. "I talked to him not too long ago on the chatroom but I haven't heard from him since."
"Mr. Han had a luncheon meeting and went out. But I can't reach him... and it's already past lunchtime. So, I was wondering if you might have had a clue where he is." Jaehee sighed. As his assistant, she had to keep up with everything that he was doing but he flaked on what she knew, there was nothing but chaos for the poor woman. She was only a few years my senior, but she had a lot more on her plate than I ever had. "I made an urgent call regarding work, but he won't pick up. Actually, this isn't the first time it's happened... but every time I had to lunge out of my seat and wound up using the messenger to find him."
I clicked my tongue. "That must be tough, Jaehee. I can't believe he put you into a tough spot like that."
Her voice was heavy with exhaustion. "Thank you for understanding. From now I on I should check his schedule carefully... He checks his schedules by minutes... so maybe I should do it by seconds? I should try to call him again in a few minutes, he might pick up this time... I hope. It reminds me, I read a line from a book I received as a gift. There was this bamboo forest in a village and the villagers would yell about things that burden them into it. When I reading this book, I wished there was some kind of personal bamboo forest for me."
"I know the feeling. Whenever I have a client that gives me a hard time, I wind up screaming into a pillow. That might help you? Well, if you were home, it may." I rubbed the back of my head. It was kind of one of those things that you had to put up when you were in the working world, there were moments when you wanted to either scream or whack something.
"Goodness."
"You just like the idea, don't you? You wouldn't actually do it?"
Jaehee actually laughed at my words. "I wonder where you work that would make you feel that way."
"The tough art industry is a tough mistress, Jaehee. I could on for a long time about my work, but it likely has nothing on what you put up with when it comes to Jumin's company." I replied.
That reminded her of her situation. She groaned. "Haa... It's been nearly an hour since I've lost contact with him. Now I'm thinking of at least a hundred of scenarios on what could've happened."
I thought for a moment about what she would likely do that could help. "You should use your love of theater and Zen as a escapism for now. It's what I would do in times of stress, Jaehee."
"That's a great idea. Do you also think of Zen when you're in a difficult situation?" She asked.
"Haha... not exactly. Although, that's not a bad idea. I think about somebody else, actually... He's been on my thoughts for a while now."
"I wonder who that might be. I think it is a blessing to have someone who can offer you comfort... I think I'm feeling better now that I've talked to you, Wisteria. Thanks for hearing me out. I think letting off some steam isn't so bad now I've had someone to do that with." She sounded better than she did when she first rang me up. "I should try and get in touch with Mr. Han, again. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
It wouldn't be until late into the next night and nearly the next morning when something would throw me off guard.
Wisteria has entered the chatroom.
707 has entered the chatroom.
707: UGH.
Wisteria: What are you up to this late, Seven?
707: I thought I saw some weird log on the messenger and I think there was lag too... Just what is the problem?
707: There's no prob with the log... the database's fine... No way...is my hard drive the problem? No...! Everything is fine... It's fineeeeee!
Wisteria: Another hacking, possibly?
707: I think so... I dunno.
707: Huh? Huuuh? Oh, speak of the devil! I finally found something strange! There's a chatroom that was created after midnight... but no actually logged on...?!
Wisteria: Past midnight? Oh.
707: What? You sound like you know something..! Did... something happen?
Wisteria: There was definitely some kind of disruption but I didn't think much of it.
707: Don't tell me... Is this related to that hacker who introduced you...?
707: If that's the case, you should tell me! You must!
707: I get this feeling that you won't tell me even if you know... I should check the database query... let's try comparing the last backup rotation time and automatic server function.
Wisteria: I hope you figure it out.
Wisteria has left the chatroom.
Seven was starting to get suspicious - beyond the usual feelings that the RFA felt. There was some traceable data in the chatroom where Ray and I talked between the numbers, however much of that he could gain information from, I wasn't sure. I hated the feeling that I was deceiving someone - but I ducked out of the chatroom with Seven as fast as I could. Whenever it was brought up, I usually changed the topic, or someone else did. They were respecting V's wishes but that could only last so long.
And that haunted me all night long.
It had felt like an eternity had passed since I found myself in this universe and in Mint Eye of all places to be. It had been about seven days since I found myself inside of this place, and each and every morning that I awoke the pink walls and white ceiling I wondered where I was before I realized my apartment wasn't where I was. Whatever skewed timeline that I was on wasn't rearing it's ugly head yet. This morning was no different for me, I woke up with the sun and scrubbed myself raw in the shower until I was sure that I was smelled of soap and not my gross memories that plagued my nightly dreams. I felt lighter against the weight of the past few days as I redressed myself and inspected my reflection.
It was adequate enough that left me feeling decent rather than disgusted.
This room was neat and tidy, unlike my own apartment. I lived in what you could call organized chaos - that was my natural order. Everything had a place that might not have conventionally made sense when it came to cleanliness but it worked for me and I liked it that way. This wasn't like that, and it felt more like a fancy hotel room that you couldn't even breath at. The only touches of this place that were mine were the slept in sheets and few personal objects. I left my supplies against the desk as they had been since the night prior.
I couldn't focus long enough to draw anything. It lay abandoned out in the open as my eyes tore away from them.
My back collided with the firm mattress as I gazed up at the ceiling.
The doors in this place were heavy. When they were pushed in - they would creak and croak against the frame - it almost seemed as though it were intentional for some higher purpose. From around the corner of the door, there was a mop of whitish hair that peaked around the corner. His head darted to the left and then the right. It was Ray of all people to show up. The sunlight bathed through the window and brushed against his face as I gazed at him. He must have thought I would be asleep.
"Ray?" my voice broke the silence.
Ray was startled by the sound of my voice and gripped the door tight with his right hand. "Did I wake you? I apologize if I did."
"No, I've been up for a little while now already. You didn't disturb me by any means, I'm sorry I startled you." I lifted my body upright and gave him a very small wave. "What brings you here this early?"
"I was just... I just wanted to... I wanted to check on you." Ray said, floundering, and a little stutter as he found what he wanted to say. It had been a day and a half since I had seen him in person since we had been outside together, but he looked like he had gotten some rest. "It's been a few days since... I saw you last - and I wanted to make sure you ate breakfast today." He lifted the tray in his hands with a little nervous smile.
"Oh, wow. You didn't have to make so much, Ray!" He had done it yet again. He wasn't always focused on doing his job if he had time to worry about others and that... that small shred of someone else behind the hacker crunching numbers hours after hours to please someone else was peaking through the mysterious mask. "Thank you so much." I bow my head.
"But," I began to say. "I have a stipulation today."
"Stipulation?" Ray echoed.
"I couldn't possibly eat all of this by myself. I insist you stay and have breakfast with me today!"
Ray looked back at the doorway and then back to me. "Well, I could spare a small break."
Surprisingly, he listened to my small request and sat down with me in the morning. It was actually... pleasant. Ray had bags underneath his eyes - These were trademarks of his character that I doubted would leave. It was something I knew would not leave him so easily. I, too, had remnants of purple underneath my own eyes. I had poor sleeping habits out of nature. He had poor habits from his job. It was a shame, he might look more like himself he could catch a break. He relaxed the moment he sat down and had a bite full of actual food. When had mentioned before that some days he only got by just eating sweets, it made my chest ache.
He didn't say much at first - the conversation was one-sided on my end, but he carefully hung against every word that I said.
"And then I had to rush the rest of that week because the script changed last minute and they needed a revised illustration for that book! I mean, I was compensated after all of it, but I looked like I walked through a paintball field with a target on my back when it was over." I was just telling him about my work - the easiest thing to talk about when it came to topics and he didn't seem to mind. "I've adapted to digital art since that's where a lot of us wind up these days, but I absolutely love getting my hands dirty in the traditional stuff."
I raised my glass to my lips and took a sip before I set it back down. "I love my job but it's hard when they throw a curveball like that. I do stuff like that because I need money but my real passion is in the stuff I create for myself personally and for no one else. You can tell a lot about someone by what they pour themselves into."
"You sound like you really love what you do though," He finally said.
"I've done it since I was a kid. My Grandparents just put it into my hands and I was a little tyrant who couldn't be stopped. Of course, they figured out real quick to give me some canvas so I didn't paint the barn walls." I rested my chin in my palm. "Frankly, I thought the animals could appreciate some color in their lives instead of dirty eggshell. Goats and chickens have feelings too. It's a shame they couldn't give me feedback though, I thought my little illustrations livened things up."
"I did it inside the house too, but Grandmother wasn't all that happy with me."
Something in his expression fell. "Oh..."
I pursed my lips. "When I say she wasn't happy, I don't mean anything bad happened out of it. I just had to sit in the corner for a little while. I wasn't punished poorly if that's what you were worried about."
"It's not that, Lila," Ray said.
"Oh, what is it?" I asked.
"I just wish I could see some of these places you've been with you." He admitted to me. "You've been to my special place with me, but you haven't had the chance to do the same with me."
That was because I was trapped here. I thought. I shook that intrusive idea to the back of my mind and changed the direction of the conversation to something positive. "Well, maybe when all of this is over, I'll take you there, Ray. You might enjoy it but I'm not sure my gardens can live up to what you have here. None of my paintings do it justice if you've happened to see some of them."
"I haven't but I have no doubt in your abilities, Lila. Everything I've seen makes me want to see more, you have the talent of a real princess. You're amazing... and your eyes light up when you talk about it... just like the other night in the garden. You have such passion for it." Ray's gaze didn't waver from mine.
"I haven't felt motivated lately if I'm totally honest with you. I just picked up my sketchbook the other day for the first time in a while. I'm kind of rusty with traditional stuff."
My eyes darted to the small bound book and he did the same right after that. "What's this? Oh. This must be your work. Can I... Do you mind if I take a look?"
I shook my head. "Go ahead, we're friends, I'm okay with that."
He lifted the sketchbook up and gently flipped through the papers with an intriguing look on his face. "Oh! I didn't think I might ever get to see some of your work. You're so... I like what you do and... These are... You drew the flowers I got you." He realized when he stopped on a page.
My face felt hot. People giving me compliments always confused me. I didn't know if they were just saying it to make me feel better or if they really meant what they were saying when they did. "Yes. I told you, I'm inspired by nature. I always do stuff like this when I want to feel better."
He reached out and took hold of my hand. "I'm so happy that I could give you something that inspires you. My chest... feels heavy at the thought. You could do wondrous things here like this - and I would make sure of it. If you stayed a little longer when the game is done then I would be happy." Ray began to say with a smile. "You should give some thought into considering the contract to become an official member here at this place. I already have a surprise for you tonight that will make you amused, but..."
The praise sank like the Titanic. He had seemed like he was coming out and away from the conversation of this place before something derailed in his mind - and he found himself twisting it back into that. If he noticed how my face dropped - he didn't say. "Oh. But let's not spoil the mood, could you tell me more about your work?"
Hours would pass before we would talk again, and by that point, I would realize what he had done.
V has entered the chatroom.
Wisteria has entered the chatroom.
V: Wisteria, you're here. Um, did something happen?
Wisteria: It's possible that there's something, but I can't elaborate...
Wisteria: You've been gone for a while, have you been somewhere without much signal?
V: Actually, my phone stopped working for a while. I can't make or receive any calls. Though, the messenger is still working, so I have some kind of connection.
707 has entered the chatroom.
707: V! Why aren't you picking up?
V: Luciel... perfect time.
V: I think there's something wrong with the signal here.
Wisteria: He must have assumed you'd be here if you didn't answer his calls. Hiya, Seven.
707: Oh, you're here... Wisteria. I did come here for V.
707: Did u send me any kind of email by chance?
V: No.
707: ...
707: u sure u didn't?
V: I did call you a few hours ago and I left a voicemail.
707: I know. I checked it.
707: That's not what I'm talking about... I received a very strange message.
Wisteria: ...An email? What kind of email do you mind me asking?
707: Something... It's an email with something that only V and I know.
V: What?
707: If it's not u then who is it?
707: Who could have sent it? I'm sure this person knew about me and sent it...
V: Luciel.
V: Just calm down, and listen to me. Could you forward that to me?
707: So it's not really u?
V: No, it's not...
707: ...Alright. I'll send it now. I think we should talk about this over the phone.
V: Agreed. I'll try moving to a better spot.
707: How come the messenger works but not your phone?
V: Yes. There's an issue with the internet.
707: Could there be something wrong with the base station...?
Wisteria: Just where in the world are you, V? Why would your phone be on the fritz like that?
V: Tell me about it.
707: V, where are u? Want me to see if there's a problem with the tower?
V: Uh... no. It's fine. I'm going to move now. That's not the priority right now. We'll talk later.
707: Okay... V, I sent the email.
V: I'll check it out.
707: ...
Wisteria: I hope that's nothing bad. It doesn't sound good.
707: ha... I wish. There's no denying that... this person did it on purpose to attack me.
V: My God...
707: IKR?
707: Just who would send this? Any suspects you can think of?
V: None.
Wisteria: This... sounds dangerous, given your line of work, Seven.
V: You must be very shocked, I don't know how you're taking this.
707: My heart feels like it might explode. Who could this be?
707: Could it be an informant?
707: No, they don't operate like this.
707: Even if it was somebody who hated me, I don't know how they could have located this information.
707: I'm sure that only V and I know about this!
V: Luciel, I know this is... shocking. You must remain calm.
707: V you've seen the email!
707: How am I supposed to be calm?!
V: Yes, I understand. This isn't something we should chat about.
V: We have Wisteria here... and the other members can read this log. Let's talk over the phone.
707: Your phone doesn't work right now...
V: I'm looking for a spot with a better signal.
707: My mind is just numb. I can't do anything.
707: My hands are shaking.
V: Let's just remain calm. I'll take care of this, Luciel.
707: Take care of this...?
707: Is that possible? Is it likely to find the person who did this?
V: We will. Eventually.
707: I can't even catch a glimpse of the hacker that's brought Wisteria here.
707: Can I... really do that?
Wisteria: I'm not sure that's possible at the time... even for somebody as amazing as Seven.
V: Wisteria... This isn't the time to say such...
707: Wisteria, what do you know about this?
707: What do you know about the hacker?
707: V, why won't you tell me anything?!
V: Luciel, please. You'll only cloud your mind if you lose your temper.
707: Hah... My head's about to explode. I can't help thinking that somebody searched for my background.
V: ...
707: I'm sure background checks will lead to nothing on me. I made double and triple protections on my information.
V: Luciel?
707: Is it him?!
V: Him?
707: If it's not you, and it's not me.
707: Then the only person left is him...
V: Luciel...
Wisteria: ...
V: Pretend you didn't catch that, please...
707: But there's no way it's him. It's...
707: Impossible.
707: Is it, V?
V: Did you take that email apart?
707: Yes... I did the moment I got it. But it was clean.
V: ...
707: I don't know the guy who's done this, but it was deliberately done with purpose.
707: Wisteria.
707: The hacker related to you.
707: He's not related to this, is he?
Wisteria: I'm not -
Wisteria: I don't know for sure. I can't give you a definite answer.
Wisteria: I'm fearful it might be the case though.
707: You think so? Hah... That doesn't give me enough. Even if you think it's possible - it means you might be a threat to the RFA after all.
V: Luciel, you promised to entrust me with anything related to Wisteria.
707: How am I supposed to do that right now?
V: Please. Luciel, trust me.
707: V...
V: Could you give me an hour? I'll find a way to call you, and I will call you.
707: An hour?
707: Fine.
V: Very well.
707: I'll be waiting.
707 has left the chatroom.
Wisteria: I feel guilty I couldn't give him answers. Again.
V: There's no reason for you to feel guilty, Wisteria.
V: I think... I think I can understand you.
V: I hope you'd care for yourself.
V: Like where you are, right now, for example...
V: Luciel will be fine. He's just anxious. He'll be back to normal once he and I talk.
Wisteria: That's quite a burden, V. You're putting all that weight on your shoulders and...
V: Thank you for understanding. It looks like I'm making secrets after secrets. I'm sorry.
V: I wish I could stop making them. I must leave now. I need to find a spot to call Luciel.
Wisteria: Take care, V... Watch out for Seven.
V: I will...
V: I will do the best I can.
V: Wisteria, please watch yourself. Please. I'll contact you again when I have time.
V: Excuse me.
V has left the chatroom.
Wisteria: I wish I knew how to fix this.
Wisteria has left the chatroom.
It wasn't even a moment later that I logged out of the chatroom when my phone began to ring. The ID said it was V of all people, I stared at it for a moment and debated giving it an answer. In the end, I clicked the button and placed the phone next to my ear. It was him, alright. "Wisteria, it's me. Do you have a moment to talk?"
"Yes, of course, V."
Static began to overtake the phone call. So, he hadn't been lying about not having a decent signal, why I had doubted him for even a moment was beyond me. V's voice was barely distinguishable from the white noise on the other line, "...Why can't I hear anything? Hello?" his words that came through at the end were just enough to let me guess what he said.
More or less, I replied. "I can? Wow, where ever you are, this signal is the worst I've ever encountered! We might have to talk later when you have a better signal."
"Did you talk... now...? Uh, I can't hear very well. There must be something... signal... I should move somewhere..." V's words flickered in and out on the cell phone. "Hang on... I'm going to try..."
"V?" I repeated, waiting for someone to answer.
"Oh, thank goodness. It's working again. It's a relief that I can talk to you again. I hope this will work when I try to get in touch with Luciel later." V was now coming in clear. He sounded a little relieved, if not happy he could get his cell phone working yet again.
I frowned. "I thought you would want to talk to him first, V, not me of all people."
V hesitated before he spoke. "...Yes. I just wanted to make sure you were alright as well. You're involved in your own mess right now, it's very stressful." He said.
"I'm sorry I caused him to panic. I don't know if the hacker really sent him that email, but..." I clenched my fist. That was almost something that I could call a lie. Ray had whispered to me that he had something stewing for the RFA, and since that was the only thing he could have done to them - it had to be him. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright. We don't need to discuss that. Luciel will be alright in no time, I know what he's going through but he'll come through. I thank you for your concern." V deflected the conversation. There was a soft conversation on the other end of the phone that I couldn't pick up. "Excuse me. Alright, understood. I'll drop by the intelligence team in one moment."
"...V?"
"You didn't catch that did you?" He sounded nervous.
I shut my eyes. Intelligence? He wasn't on some photography assignment, was he? I didn't want to think for a minute that he was in this place already and that he knew about this mess this soon but - it was becoming increasingly clear that he might be here in the Mint Eye. "Where in the world are you, V?" I asked, hoping for something to ease my heart. "You wouldn't happen to be someplace remote in the mountains, perchance?"
V didn't breathe. "It's nothing to worry about, Wisteria. Um, I need to get ahold of Luciel before my signal drops. I'll talk to you again soon."
"V, wait!"
Beeeeeeeep.
He hung up.
My phone slumped out of my hand and onto the mattress. I couldn't believe that he hung up on me like that. V wasn't the kind of person to do that unless I had caught onto something he didn't want others to know. Maybe I hadn't been hallucinating when I thought I saw a mean with his hair here, just beyond my line of sight. I was already somehow inside of this video game, anything should have been possible at this point. "Why? I want to trust you but how could you already know...?"
It was nerve-wracking to unravel. Even if V was here, I couldn't do anything about it or to help him, Ray would know something was up if I spoke with V at length about anything. He wouldn't be able to get close to this floor I was on either, the cameras would catch anyone here lingering too long. How could I remedy that? My panicked breath was broken by the sudden row of knocks that came from the doorway. The door was already half-open, and the figure that appeared from the corner had the distinction of silver hair with faint pink tips. He didn't barge into the room to announce himself, he still knocked and asked for permission to enter the room.
Ray looked out of breath, "It's me, Ray. Can I come in?"
"Um, sure, Ray." I patted down my hair and shook away my fears.
Ray entered the room with a pleased expression. His chest rose and fell from excitement, or the exertion it took him to run from his computer lab all the way to this room, I wasn't sure which.
He was the cause of the chaos, I knew now for sure. He laughed away the breath that he had once been panting. Ray readjusted his disheveled hair, and I stood up to greet him. "You look like you just saw what happened just now in that chatroom. I ran all this way here in case you missed it. They must be going crazy finding out who did it. I didn't expect them... to be so skittish. They can't find me... my algorithms' perfect!"
"What exactly did you send them that it spiraled into this?" I asked him, trying to keep it together as best I could. He would have sent something about the secret that only two people still the RFA knew. "Both Seven and V were thrown into a panic all of a sudden. Was this what you were talking about last time?"
"I - I sent that AI 707... pieces of his past that he longs to forget. I just couldn't watch him enjoying his life all by himself.. freed from his gruesome past. I knew I should've studied hard every day if it gave me outcome like this." A very brief laugh escaped him, and it was uncharacteristic for the friendly face that I had come to know as Ray. "Now I - I can bend and break those AIs however I want! Lila, you gotta have unfathomable twists and turns to make your life interesting. Don't you agree? The dark secrets reveal themselves, and your secret sweetheart suddenly tells you how he feels! Isn't that fun?"
When I remembered where I was and what I was doing right now, I longed for every day that I had back at my home. I knew what was coming and I didn't need to hesitate before taking a step forward because I knew that I would be okay. It wasn't a lie when I told him: "I long for normalcy, actually. Too much excitement can't do you a lot of good when its near constant. It's kind of relieving to know you can expect what's going to happen next, y'know?"
Ray shook his head to agree. "I- I did too... I wished life would continue and run peacefully so that I can see how it would turn and flow. But my environment would jerk and spin regardless of my will like how tomorrow you can't tell whether who would yell at you or give you a candy."
"That's why... That's why I decided to change myself enormously... to the point others can't predict." He clenched his fists tight. "Because I was told that I can never have what I want... that I'll be the only one to get hurt if I do nothing."
Ray took a step forward and I took a step back.
He didn't notice this motion. Because he took another step, another, and another until he was in front of me once more and the space between us was less than arm's length. He didn't close his eyes, or stammer when he spoke this time. Ray stared right into my eyes with his cold green irises. "So... Lila, I don't want to treat you so timidly. Of course, I'm a little shy... but I want to fix that. I want to be more daring with you... bolder. Because then I'd be able to stay here longer with you...! If you decide to stay here... I'll be much bolder and exciting."
"You don't have to change yourself, Ray," I whispered. "I like you the way you are."
He reached out and took hold of my shoulders. Ray was no longer trembling, the last time our fingers touched, I could feel him shaking, but his touch now was more sure of himself. "You're very kind, Lila." He said. "I just want to be my very best for you."
I could feel his breath against my cheek. "If you want to be better, do it for you, not someone else," I repeated. Shaking my head, I pressed my hand against his. "You do a lot for others but you should for yourself."
"I'm not worth that much thought... but, if a princess like you cares enough to say it, I'll think about it later... You're the one that matters right now, Lila, you're my precious tester." Ray didn't flinch at my touch. He kept talking onward from then, "I'll try my best to be a person who can keep you entertained and make you happy! I promise. You know what...? I didn't even know how to use the computer until a few years ago but I worked really hard and I made this much progress! If I keep trying hard enough, I might be good enough someday to be close to your level."
Ray paused, his face unreadable, then he delivered his biggest news of all. "Once it gets dark, you'll make a contract to be our official member. I'll get everything ready... alright?"
Once it gets dark... they'll want me to join officially? I thought.
What did that say for my fate?
Ray didn't allow me to get in a word edgewise for a while, I tried to speak my mind but he kept talking and telling me what he wanted to. He seemed so thrilled, so lost in the feeling he had now that he had thrown his brother on his toes and appeared to be winning in their battle of online wit. Ray was kind, but the face underneath the surface here suddenly reminded me that after enough torture he could be bent to malice. "It'll be important... and you'll be able to do a lot more..."
I opened my mouth to speak and say something against these sudden plans, but he didn't hear me over his own muttering. "Wait, Ray, I never told you my decision about this!"
He blinked, noticing that I had spoken up a moment later after he stopped mumbling to himself. He raised an eyebrow at me, hands coming loose from my shoulders as he did. "Hm..? What's that? I didn't catch it... Wait, there's no time to lose, I should get ready now! There's so much to prepare for and little time to make it perfect. I'll see you soon, Lila."
Ray ran out of the room.
"Ray, that's not what I want."
My hand reached after him slowly, but it fell back down to my side, defeated.