~ [Music Recommendation: "Little by Little" by CHEEZE (It's Okay Not To Be Okay OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this scene ~

"Yes, I did," Kai confessed. "I submitted it because I think the plot alone was rather… revolutionary. It's a fresh concept and if my guess is right, it can be a trendsetter—an inspiration. Not just with role-playing games but famous books, or plays, or movies, even music. The characters, especially the leads, you wrote them so iconically. So it would be such a shame if it's not made known to the world. Great things ought to be shared, as my father always says. And the story you wrote… I think it deserves the spotlight."

My emotions flooded in my heart as I listened to him talk. How could he be so kind? And very supportive? All those kind words… and efforts… and friendship. Could he really be my Guardian Angel? Tear stains wet my cheeks before I realized it.

"Why?" I asked, sniffing, "Why are you so kind to me? I don't think I deserve all of the kindness you've given me, and for being such a great friend. I haven't even repaid you in any way, and I don't know what or how to. Sniff… sniff… thank you so much! I never even thought it was that great since it was the first time I wrote and I never even thought of submitting it anywhere. But you did it for me, because you believed in me. My words are not enough to say how grateful I am to you. Really, thank you very, very much!"

Ahhh… I'm crying again. I somehow always end up crying when I speak to him. He had a talent of making me cry—in a good way, of course. Truly, I hope I could repay him someday.

"Kind, huh?" he chuckled. "Most people describe me as grumpy first, before they say I'm kind. Either that, or they'd say I'm mysophobic, which I really am."

"No way. They're probably messing with you," I chuckled with him. I'm only noticing it now but it seemed to me that, whenever I cry, he would always pull a joke after to make me laugh.

"Hmm… maybe. Or they just see my grumpiness first. I don't blame them. If you see me in person, I do look rather intimidating, or always scowling. I don't have an amiable face."

"So you look snobbish?"

"Sounds about right."

"Well, too bad for those who believe in first impressions and judge the book by its cover. They won't know how golden your heart really is."

"Ha-ha! I'm fine with them not knowing. I like to keep my circle of friends small."

"Woah! Then I'm so glad and lucky to be in it," and I'm smiling again. No more sniffs. "Thank you very much again, Kai. If you ever need my help, let me know. Even if it's something trivial. I'll do it for you!"

"Why do you feel indebted? I didn't do much. You're the one who wrote your story, not me."

"But you submitted it for me."

"That's not such a big deal. I only did it to surprise you. I could also just tell you to do it and it will still result in the same thing."

"But still… And you're the one who suggested that I try writing."

"And you're the one who decided to try it out. So you wrote."

He wasn't planning on yielding, was he?

I pouted as I replied, "But still… hmf! Just accept my thanks, okay?"

"I will if you stop feeling indebted to me."

"But you've done a lot for me and I haven't—"

"See?"

Of course, I feel indebted.

"We're going in circles, too," he added, sounding like Hora whenever she reprimanded me. "Besides, I only did what a normal friend would do. So don't think too much of it."

Too bad, I wasn't the type to just yield in battle.

"No."

"What?"

"Let's just say we did it together. Okay?"

"Haaah… Alright. You win."

"Yaaaay!"

I ended up jumping in joy. I twirled around and slumped my body to bed. I heard him laugh on the other line. Then, an idea suddenly crossed my mind.

"By the way, Kai."

"Hm?"

"That Executive Producer, Ms. Qian Yu," I gathered up my courage to tell him, "she asked if we could meet up in person and turns out their main office is in your country. Sooooo… I'm thinking… if it's okay with you, of course, that we —"

"You want to meet?"

"Yes!" I answered in a flash, even standing back up from my bed. "Is that okay?"

"When?"

"October 12! It's a Monday, though," my voice whimpered. He was still a student like me, so he would have classes on Monday, of course. But just in case he somehow didn't, I continued my piece, "She said she could go here instead, too, if I want so it wouldn't be a hassle for me. But she also said that on the same week, Friday, October 16th, there would be an event with the company and said I should attend it. Mom and dad agreed, though they won't be able to join me so I'm going with my nanny instead. And I also thought that it's a chance to meet you so…" I felt my tone turned softer and softer as I tried to reason with him… if everything I said was reasonable and understandable enough. I wasn't sure if I sounded convincing though.

"Tsk."

Hm? Did he just click his tongue? What did that mean? Was he irritated that I'm asking to meet?

"Weekdays are a no for me this whole October. Some of my professors at school got angry that I'm not attending class and said I need to perfect my attendance this coming month or else they'll fail me. It's my fault, though. I was too lazy to go since they were minor subjects."

"Oh. I didn't know you're a lazy student. You should really start attending your classes and lessen your playing time."

"They were minors. It wasn't the reason I enrolled. I'm only interested in the major subjects," he brooded. "Hmm… Friday night should be fine. Let me just check -"

I heard multiple tapping of the mouse, and scrolling. He must be checking something on his computer, most likely his calendar?

"So… Is Friday night okay?" I asked, growing impatient if it's a yes or a no.

My heart beat wildly in my chest as I waited…