Artemia: Journey To The Thirtieth Floor

2. Artemia

"Uh, is Ivory here?"

My eyes widened when I heard a familiar voice from the door. Classes have just finished, so why is he so early?! I hurriedly placed my things in my bag and fixed my hair. Freya wriggled her eyebrows at me before leaving, teasing me about my visitor.

My classmate approached him cockily as he glanced at me. "Yeah, she's here. What do you need?"

"Hey!" I said and waved my hand at him.

He smiled boyishly and offered to bring my things. "Let's eat lunch together. What do you want to eat?"

"Uh, carbonara?" I replied, unsure.

Inside my head, I was panicking so hard. What if he doesn't like carbonara? Or pasta? Would he get mad at me? Is he going to judge me for liking this sort of food? What will I do if he gives me a grossed out look because of what I said?! I might throw hands if he does, but...

"As you wish," he said, and placed my things on the table before ordering.

Oh. I heaved a sigh of relief when he left. My heart was pounding so hard because of that. I almost started to sweat? Dude, he might get turned off if I suddenly did. The last thing that I want right now is for him to act like I'm a disgusting person, which he wouldn't do because he's nice. I really need to do something about my habit of overthinking! This s**t is starting to get out of hand!

I pursed my lips and looked around, only to see people judging me so hard. They're probably thinking that I'm some sort of ugly leech that just wants attention. Heh, they're just jealous of me. They can't even talk to Dylan while I can call him whenever I want. Oh, I'm...letting it get to my head all of a sudden.

I smirked and pretended to scroll on my phone to distract myself. If I'm being honest, their stares make me feel anxious. It's as if they're ready to pick a fight with me anytime. Once I'm no longer with Dylan, I'm willing to bet that they'll confront me. Of course, I'm not going to back down, but still! It's hella uncomfortable to have people looking at me for no reason.

"Sorry for the long wait," Dylan said as he placed the tray on the table.

"It's okay," I replied as I took my plate.

"Uh, is this your favorite food?" he asked, hesitating a little.

I blinked twice, wondering why he was trying to strike a conversation with me. Is he...interested in me? There's no reason for him to ask that, right? Unless he wants to get to know me...

Oh, please! Stop being delusional, Ivory!

"Hmm, nope. I like all sorts of food," I replied as I flashed a sweet smile.

He raised a brow. "We have too many similarities, I see."

I chuckled. "Yeah, I noticed."

We continued to talk about useless stuff while eating. He has too many topics to talk about, I swear! It feels like he would never run out of things to talk about. I find it cute! There's just something about boys who keep talking about random stuff. Or maybe I just find it attractive because it's Dylan.

"You know, I'm not just good at games. So if you're having a hard time with some subjects, I can help you," he offered.

"Is this free?" I joked.

He chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe I'd ask for a little something in return?"

Oh, boy. I'm definitely not imagining it anymore! He's clearly interested in me! Heh, I knew my efforts would all be worth it. All those sleepless nights weren't for nothing because I was able to get his attention.

Kidding. He probably sees me as a little sister or a friend. Dylan is nice to everyone, so I'm pretty sure that he doesn't have romantic feelings for me. Hmm, there's no harm in hoping that he'd develop such feelings for me eventually, but I'm not really expecting anything.

I looked up, pretending to think. "Teach me some things that I don't understand in accounting, then."

It's not like I have some problems there, but I'll play dumb and ask him about things just so we can hang out. It seems ridiculous that I would go through such means to spend time with him, but I really want to get to know him more! Every time we're together, I see myself getting drawn to him more!

"Sure," he replied as he flashed a cute smile.

We finished eating but there was still plenty of time, so we decided to go to the gazebo for a while. My organs are already doing backflips on my stomach. I'm worried about myself because I feel like I'll stutter if he does something that would give me butterflies. Who knows, I might even faint! I would hate myself forever if I did!

"Ivory..." he called as he looked at me.

My breathing hitched as I looked straight into his eyes. "Yes?"

Are we about to kiss right now?! Because the way he's looking at me right now was giving me the vibe of a guy from a drama that would suddenly kiss the female lead. But I need to stop being delusional or I'll end up embarrassing myself again!

There was a deafening silence between us, and it was almost as if I could hear my own heartbeat! I was worried about him hearing it, but I couldn't stop it. Oh, gosh. This guy is going to give me a heart attack someday!

"Do you know what a full-dive VR is?"

I blinked twice, taken aback by his random question. Because of shock, I couldn't quite process what he said and just lagged. My heart was about to burst because I thought he would say or do something romantic! But it's just that, so I kinda feel disappointed. See?! This is why I have to tell myself over and over again to not expect anything!

He chuckled because of my reaction. "Sorry, that was probably confusing. Ah, you're probably grossed out now since, you know...I'm a geek."

"Huh? No, not at all! In fact, I like it."

"You didn't force yourself to play those games because of me, right?"

I did. "No, I didn't. I've heard those games from Freya and a few classmates, so I've always wanted to play. They didn't wanna teach me so I couldn't play."

His face brightened because of what I said. "Really? I thought you were just going along with everything."

"That's not true. I genuinely loved playing with you," I replied.

I did, in fact, love every second of it. He's always been nice to me, so it made it more enjoyable! Besides, I really like him, so I made an extra effort for him. Since my efforts paid off, I don't feel the least bit regretful about it. But I can't say that to his face. Even if someone forces me, I'm not going to tell him about those feelings that I've been keeping within me.

Wait...

Am I really saying all this without even stuttering? To be honest, I feel guilty about lying, but telling him the truth would definitely hurt him. Dude, that's the last thing I'd want to happen! And it's not like it's necessary to tell him that I wasn't into games before. Although it's funny how I only liked it because I thought I would get a chance to get close to him if I did.

"So do I. Anyway, about full-dive VRs. They can allow us to fully dive into the virtual world. Like, detach us from this reality. It would feel like we're in a different world," he explained with gestures.

Cute...

But what he said definitely caught my attention. Detaching myself from this reality, huh? I would definitely do it without any hesitation. It's not like I'll have things or people to leave behind anyway. Although it would be a bit inconvenient to give my studies up for such a thing. Of course, if I could become a millionaire if I join...I would! It sounds crazy, but I would love to do it!

"Can you tell me more about it? I'm really interested," I said, becoming more attentive.

Dylan smiled when he saw how curious I was. "Sure. A famous game developer found a way to create a device that can allow us to move our consciousness to a separate reality. I already bought one and I've read through the game's mechanics. Apparently, you can't log out unless you complete the game. But the reward is really tempting. The first person to clear the game will be a shareholder of the company that produced the game, another $500,000, and a chance to pick the theme of the next game that will be produced."

My brows furrowed. "The rewards are really good, but isn't that suspicious? What if the players get stuck there?"

Dylan looked up, thinking of the possibility. "That's impossible. And it's already been tested by plenty of players, so I'm pretty sure that it's safe. I'm...going to try it out when I get home."

"Are you sure? Wouldn't completing the game be time-consuming? What about school?" I asked as I looked around.

If he's going to try it on, he would have to sacrifice school because there's no way you can complete that sort of game within a couple of hours. Dylan is at the top of his class. As far as I know, he has to maintain his grades! What would happen to his studies if he tried the game?

He sighed, looking away. "It...doesn't matter to me. My older brother would get everything anyway. So no matter how hard I try, it wouldn't be of any use to me. If I win this, I might be able to build an empire of my own."

Oh...

My mouth went agape and I couldn't say anything. Our situations are a little similar but there's a little difference. He has a family, something I don't have. I'm an only child and my parents were killed when I was nine years old. But for some reason, they left me money that's more than enough to allow me to live. There's no guarantee of that, though! The game's rewards...they'll be enough to allow me to live without worrying about my future. I won't have to study anymore.

I smiled at Dylan. "Then...I'll play with you. I won't have anything to leave behind either."

"Why does it sound like we're going to die?" he joked.

"No way." I chuckled.

"But are you seriously going to play? Like, dead serious?"

"Yeah, why? You think I'm not good enough?" I acted hurt and even held my chest dramatically.

He laughed. "That's not what I meant! But if you say so, then I might as well believe it."

"Why don't you want to believe me?"

I mean, sure, I'm not good at games and I always die. But it's not like that can stop me from diving in. Besides, I've learned the basics and how I'm supposed to fight. I honestly think that just a little more and I'll become a pro gamer.

"It's just...unexpected. You seem like someone who would drop anything for a diploma. But I guess I'm wrong?"

I stared at him for a long time before laughing. "That's a good joke."

"I'm not kidding!"

"Sure, sure. Anyway, where did you buy it? The game and the device, I mean."

Freya would probably join me because the two of us have always wanted to escape from this reality. We can finally make it come true even if it's just temporary. Maybe a few months would do it? I don't think we'll die as long as we're supplied with nutrients. Freya's aunt will visit during the weekend so I'm sure she'd notice.

"I'll take you to the store. They still have plenty of stock, so I'm sure that you won't be left out."

"Okay, then. It's almost time so we have to go back to our classrooms," I said as I started to walk out of the gazebo.

"Wait, I'll accompany you to your classroom," he said and walked with me.

Oh, gosh. The girls will definitely be jealous of me! Heh, they can envy me for all they want and I'm pretty sure that Freya would back me up. It's not like they can do something that would upset Dylan anyway, so I'm pretty sure that I'm safe.

"Here it is," I said and looked back at him. "See you after class, I guess?"

He raised his eyebrows as a way of saying yes. "I'll text you once my classes are over. I'll wait for you outside your classroom later. But if you finish earlier, wait for me in the parking lot. See you," he said and smirked.

I smiled and nodded. Ah, that was really attractive! I mean, everything that he does appears to be attractive to me, so what's the difference? But I had to stop myself from shrieking because that would make me look like some sort of crow.

"What was that?" Freya asked while laughing and even imitated the way Dylan spoke to me.

"Shut up!" I said while laughing.

"You're in a relationship with him?" Blake asked with a serious tone all of a sudden.

I pursed my lips, unable to say anything. What am I supposed to say anyway? That I like Dylan, but I'm not in a relationship with him? Everyone was also attentive, so I knew that I couldn't just say anything.

"I see," he said and walked away.

Weird...

Dylan immediately texted me when his classes ended, but our professor went overtime, so he had to wait outside. It was a good thing that our professor finally noticed the time and dismissed us. As soon as he left, I pulled Freya outside to meet Dylan.

"Hey, this is my friend. It's okay if she tags along, right?" I asked with a shy smile.

Freya also smiled even though I could sense her annoyance. "Yeah. I'm sure you don't mind?"

"Of course I don't."

I explained what was happening to Freya by writing it on my memo and making her read it. It seems like she also wants to purchase one, so I guess we're all good.

As soon as we arrived at the shop, it already screamed expensiveness. All the gadgets are...way too precious. We can still afford them, though. But the VR game is our problem. We'd have to spend a lifetime's worth of money on that.

"Ah, if you're worried about the price...you don't have to worry about it anymore because I have connections."

We were really confused but we still followed him. Oh, gosh. The price made my head hurt as bad! Half a million for a VR game? However, I understand why the price reached that point.

"Here it is..." Dylan said as he handed them to us.

Artemia, huh...