Villain Ch 259. One-sided Love
The discussion was over, and the group of players dispersed. They had to make a decision on how to spend their time while waiting for Player_Eater.
"So, while we're waiting for Player_Eater, what should we do?" Mac posed the question, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Should we hit the hunting grounds? We could use the experience points and the chance to score some epic loot."
Yora, on the other hand, had a different idea in mind. She leaned back, contemplating the options. "How about we take a break from the intense battles for a while?" she proposed with a smile. "There's a cozy tea house not far from here, and we could use some relaxation. Plus, it'll give Gil and the others some extra time to join us."
Gil and the others were running a bit behind schedule due to their real-life jobs. Yora had decided to take a day off from her usual drawing routine, opting instead for a more leisurely activity. Perhaps she was secretly hoping to distract herself from the recent emotional turmoil she had been experiencing. Or maybe she was actually just stalling for time since she didn't want to see those intimate photos.
"That is a good idea. Besides, there's nothing wrong with slacking off for a while after what happened. At least I want to calm down first," Greg chimed in, his voice carrying a tinge of weariness. He stole a quick glance at Yora, a hint of longing in his eyes. "And I'm sure Yora needs a few moments to regenerate her Mana. It's been quite a hectic day for all of us."
Greg's statement wasn't entirely untrue, but there was an ulterior motive behind his words. He had been harboring feelings for Yora for quite some time, and he saw this moment as a chance to get closer to her. Perhaps, if luck was on his side, he could seize the opportunity to ask her out on a real-world date, away from the virtual realm and the distractions of guild gatherings.
Yora, unaware of Greg's hidden agenda, smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Greg. I appreciate your understanding," she replied warmly, genuinely grateful for his support.
With the decision made, Mac took charge. "Alright, we'll hang out at the tea shop then," he declared, a hint of excitement in his voice.
The group made their way through the streets of Eyon village. The streets were lined with vibrant cherry blossom trees that painted the surroundings with hues of pink, green, and white. It was as if they had stepped into a picturesque Eastern fantasy world.
Once they entered the tea shop, the inviting scent of tea leaves wafted through the air. They were immediately greeted by the sight of traditional wooden tables adorned with delicate porcelain teapots and teacups. The walls were adorned with elegant tapestries depicting mythical creatures and ancient landscapes. Various groups and guilds had gathered there, their animated conversations blending with the soft melodies playing in the background.
Once they settled at the table, Yora couldn't help but comment on the in-game tea. "You know, if they provided real tea, maybe it would be better," she said, her tone a mix of amusement and mild disappointment. The NPCs had only placed ornamental teapots on the tables, not offering an actual tea-drinking experience.
Greg chuckled, taking a seat beside her. "Well, I guess having virtual tea is better than nothing," he said, trying to find the bright side.
But Mac chimed in enthusiastically, "Oh, I can make tea!" He looked at Yora with a gleam in his eyes, happy to offer a solution to her concern.
Yora's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That's awesome!" she exclaimed, genuinely delighted by the idea. She had always appreciated the little details in games.
"Yep, I'm just learning the Cooking skill," Mac explained with pride. "It still sucks, but Osmanthus Tea only requires level 1 Cooking skill. I should be able to make it for us."
Greg couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment once again. It seemed like Mac always had something to offer to Yora, whether it was a helpful skill or a solution to a problem. Greg had chosen the craftsman class, thinking it would impress the ladies with his ability to craft powerful weapons. But Yora, being a support healer, didn't require flashy weapons. A simple staff with increased intelligence stats was all she needed. Her focus was on aiding her allies, not engaging in combat herself. Her armor consisted of a lightweight robe, not a bulky suit of armor like Greg's. She only needed occasional upgrades, which she could easily find at the local NPC vendor. However, the truly remarkable healer class robes were crafted by skilled craftsmen, a level of expertise that Greg had yet to reach.
·ƈθm Yora's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she asked Mac once again, "Can you?"
Mac grinned confidently and nodded. "Absolutely! Just wait here, I'll go and buy some water from the NPC to make it," he replied, standing up from his seat and preparing to head off.
"Okay, darling," a female voice replied, causing both Greg and Mac to turn their heads in astonishment. The voice sounded strikingly similar to Yora's, so they thought it was hers.
Yora's face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly denied any involvement. "It wasn't me," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic. She genuinely had no idea where the voice had come from, and the situation was beginning to feel unsettling.
Mac nodded, attempting to play it cool, but inwardly, he couldn't help but recall the events from earlier in the day at the agency entrance. Yora's words brought back memories that made his heart race. "Okay," he managed to respond, his smile slightly strained. Realizing that dwelling on the topic would only heighten the awkwardness, he decided to change the subject. "Well, I'll be off to get the water now," he said, breaking the silence and making his way toward the NPC.
Meanwhile, Greg wore a displeased expression, his brows furrowed in mild frustration. He wanted to say something, to express his discomfort with the situation, but he held his tongue. After all, it was Yora who had made that bold remark, and he didn't want to appear overly possessive or jealous.
Unbeknownst to them, the siren had disguised herself as another player, lurking just behind their table. Shea delighted in stirring up drama and mischief. When she saw an opportunity, she decided to inject some excitement into the scene. With a sly smile playing on her lips, she decided to manipulate the situation further.
"Oh, this is going to be an interesting drama," Shea mused to herself, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She relished the chance to observe the dynamics within Mac's group and the potential for chaos that lay ahead. Her presence went unnoticed as she discreetly observed their interactions, eagerly awaiting the reactions and emotions that would unfold.