章節 8: Friends.

Feeling a yawn creeping up on me, I take it as a sign to finally leave my office. It's been two exhausting weeks, and despite my efforts, a long-term solution still eludes me.

Stepping out, I'm not surprised to find Zane waiting for me as he has been for the past several days. It's become an unspoken routine for us to meet around the first glimmer of Aurelia's moons, sharing dinner together.

"About time," Zane greets me with a playful smirk as he sees me approach. With a flick of his wrist, he dismisses the display from his intercom, the metal bracelet blinking red twice. It's ironic how he often teases me about being a workaholic, yet he himself is frequently engrossed in his hologlyph or intercom, attending to his own business matters.

"You know you don't have to wait for me, Zane," I reply, brushing off his jest as I begin walking towards our suites.

"I've told you before, you can't get rid of me that easily," Zane retorts, falling into step beside me while maintaining a respectful distance.

As we reach our suites, I notice a table and chair have been set up next to the pool—a makeshift dining area that wasn't there before. The inviting aroma of food wafts through the air, enticing my senses.

"I see they've made some improvements," I comment, gesturing towards the new setup.

Zane nods appreciatively. "Seems they're trying to make our dinners more comfortable."

"Amazing, right?" Zane beams, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Two days ago, I managed to secure some meat from Terraria and made a few arrangements."

Terraria, a volcanic planet known for its extreme temperatures, contrasts sharply with the more mundane terrain of Aurelia, which is largely rocky and dusty. Despite its harsh environment, Terraria is renowned for the exceptional quality of its native creatures' meat, making it a prized delicacy.

"You've really outdone yourself," I remark appreciatively, settling into my seat beside the pool.

"What's the occasion?" I inquire, lifting the lid of the dish to reveal the tantalizing aroma of perfectly cooked steak.

"Does there have to be an occasion?" Zane counters playfully, taking the seat opposite me.

"Uh huh," I tease back, already cutting into the meat and savoring the first bite.

"Ohhh," I can't help but moan softly as the flavors burst on my palate. "This tastes like heaven," I declare after swallowing, unable to hide my delight. I glance up to find Zane watching me with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction.

"What?" I ask, a hint of suspicion in my voice.

"Nothing," he replies casually, his lips curving into a gentle smile before he too begins to enjoy his meal.

As we dine under the soft glow of Aurelia's moons, the conversation flows effortlessly between us.

After dinner, I sink into a plush lounge chair while Zane kneels beside me, expertly massaging my feet. The tension gradually melts away under his skilled touch, and I find myself surprisingly at ease. It's a level of comfort I never expected to share with someone I've known for such a short time, especially someone as charming and handsome as Zane. His green eyes hold a captivating allure, drawing me in despite my initial reservations. Besides, why would I refuse a relaxing foot massage from a man like him? His intentions have always been kind and harmless.

"How did you manage to get meat from Terraria, anyway?" I ask, my eyes closed as I enjoy the soothing sensation.

"I may look like a clown, but I'm actually a pretty big shot in my company," Zane replies casually, his fingers deftly working out knots in my left foot. "A few connections here and there, and it really wasn't difficult."

"Hmm," I murmur in acknowledgment, reveling in the blissful state brought on by his ministrations.

"So, what's the occasion?" I inquire suspiciously, sensing there might be more to this evening than just a delightful dinner.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Zane deflects with a teasing smile.

"Zaneee," I draw out his name playfully, urging him to be honest.

"Fine," he concedes with a nervous rub at the back of his neck. "I wanted to ask you something. I thought it'd be better to do so when you're relaxed and content—when your guard is down, even if just a bit."

Intrigued, I open my eyes and sit up slightly, giving him my full attention. Zane's demeanor shifts slightly, betraying a hint of nervousness that I hadn't seen before.

"If this is what I think it is," I think to myself, feeling a pang of apprehension. I brace myself for what might come next, preparing to decline and potentially lose the easy camaraderie we've developed.

"I wanted to ask if you wanted to be friends," Zane blurts out in a rush, his words catching me off guard.

"What?" I ask incredulously, uncertain if I heard him correctly.

"I wanted to ask if you'd like to be friends," he repeats, his ears turning crimson and cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I don't really know how to make friends as an adult."

Unexpectedly, I burst into laughter—a genuine, belly-deep laugh that echoes in the quiet evening air. Zane looks taken aback, his surprise evident as he watches me with a mixture of confusion and relief.

"I'm sorry," I manage to say between giggles. "It's just... that's not what I expected you to ask."

Zane's embarrassment softens into a sheepish grin. "I figured you might react this way. But hey, laughter is a good start, right?"

"What brought this on?" I inquire, genuinely curious about Zane's sudden desire to deepen our connection.

"After spending time with you, I realized I wanted you in my life," Zane explains earnestly, his gaze steady on mine. "I want to get to know the person behind those walls you've erected so high."

His honesty surprises me, and I find myself drawn to his openness.

"Well, my initial plan was just for some company while I'm here on vacation," Zane continues, "but I think I'd like to know you beyond just a few months."

I consider his words carefully, feeling a mixture of apprehension and intrigue. "I think we're already pretty close," I reply, attempting to deflect.

Zane chuckles softly. "True, but I'm greedy. I want to know even more," he admits with a playful glint in his eyes.

Standing up, he extends his hand towards me. I meet his intense green gaze and then his hand, hesitating for a moment before finally placing my palm in his.

"I'll take this as a yes," Zane says, his smile radiant as he gently squeezes my hand. I can't help but return his smile, feeling a rare sense of happiness at the prospect of having a friend again.

"Friends hug, don't they?" Zane asks tentatively, breaking the momentary silence.

"I guess they do," I reply softly, uncertain but willing to try.

At that, Zane pulls me to my feet and envelops me in a warm embrace. He's significantly taller than me, and my head rests against his chest while he gently rests his head on top of mine. Despite my initial hesitation, I find myself reluctantly returning the hug, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance in his embrace.

Friends, huh?