A Life Once More-Chapter 72: Party (2)

Of course, not as good as me.

"Yo, man!" Our eyes met, and he ran quickly in my direction. I was worried he'd bust his ass and embarrass himself, but thankfully, he didn't.

I lifted a hand in greeting. "Nice to see you're finally here."

"U-Um, listen, I was originally going to be early, but I had a last-second fit change." He couldn't even look me in the eyes. The urge to smack him rose, but I kept it down—had to protect the brand.

'I can't say it just yet. I need everything to work out smoothly.'I was referring to the launch of my new app. I didn't want any bullshit to ruin it, and I definitely needed a good half-year before I could be stupid.

Did I want to be stupid?Absolutely not.Could I make any promises?[Absolutely not.]

See, even Ezryn gets me. He could've spared my fragile heart, though.

'Hah~'

[Kate should smack the hell out of you.]

"Pfft~"

"Don't laugh, man! It's true—I need to look my best!"

Marik thought I was laughing at him, which I didn't correct. Instead, I shook my head and nodded, playing along with a knowing smirk. Looking bad in front of Kate—or even Ophi—was something I wouldn't allow.

Speaking of Ophi, I wonder if she ever got her situation figured out. I want to try the clothes I ordered, but I still haven't received them.Oh shit... she wouldn't have forgotten, right?

I guess bothering her with work during the holiday is rude, so I won't.Still, I tossed it out.

"What's up, man?"

"I ordered a big batch of clothes and just realized—it's been about three weeks."

"That's about normal if they're custom made, right? Depends on the brand."

"You know about clothes?"

"Of course! The woman I like is in the business—albeit partially."

"Who is this woman?" I figured it was finally time to ask.

"Alice Swaitin!"

I froze.

"What's she look like?"A slow prickle ran down my back. There wasn't any possible way, right?

"She looks like me, but feminine—with white skin."

Oh.Oh?OH!

'He likes Alice?!'I stared at him, speechless. My mind scrambled to confirm what my ears just heard. I couldn't believe this dude actually liked Alice. I'll do whatever I can to get them together. This is an opportunity of a lifetime!

Smiling at Marik, I gave him a knowing look.

"I can help you with Alice."

"Isn't that why you're here?"

"Yes, but I know Alice personally."

"REALLY?!"

"Dude, don't cause a scene."

He scratched the back of his neck at my comment. Thankfully, only a few people looked over—most were busy finding their own groups or people they knew.

Alice was among the few watching us, amused.This was actually a perfect time to see where these two stood.

I signaled her over with a wave, and surprisingly, she didn't keep me waiting. I didn't think she'd hurry over to me over her group.

She made her way through the crowd, and in no time, she was standing before us.

"Alice, I'm sure you know Marik."

"Yeah, I did invite him after all."

'So these two are close enough for that? That's a good start, at least!'

Marik was frozen—which was understandable—but I needed him to move. I nudged him with my arm, probably a little too obviously. He flinched slightly, stiff as a board. Hopefully, Alice didn't catch it.

"Sorry, I was a bit out of it!"He was trying his hardest—I'd give him that. But he needed to relax, more than anything.

[Why not lead the conversation?]

'Excellent idea!'

"Ahem! So, how do you two know each other?"I asked like I was a little interested—but not enough to actually care.

Alice kept her smile."He saved me from a group of imbeciles a couple of months back. Didn't I tell you about him?"

"Ah, sorry, I was preoccupied with a side project, so I forgot."Nailed the delivery if I say so myself.

"A side project?"She looked completely interested—but that wasn't what I wanted. I needed Marik to learn from me.

Shaking my head, I continued before it could get awkward.

"Yeah, I just acquired a company that's finishing up some changes I requested. If everything goes well, I can start treating acting like a hobby instead of a crutch—and finally step out of my mom's shadow."

"Hehe~ you're better than you realize, you know?"

"U-Uh, thanks. It's just... I want to be something of my own. That way I can still control my life—outside of acting."

'After all, I'm not sure if I'll keep doing it after the movie this winter.' I kept that thought to myself.

Alice smiled.

"I really get you. It's why I got into the fashion industry a little. Though, I've actually found more passion in cosmetics than clothes."

"Phew~" Ophi could have an easier time now. With Alice out of the way, she could flourish.

Actually... why am I thinking about that?

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind.Staring at Marik, his smile and active listening at least showed he was really interested—but he clearly lacked the balls.

"Marik. Alice. I have something to talk about with the guards over there. I'll be right back!"

I moved slightly past Alice, angling myself so only Marik could see my face. As I brushed past his shoulder, I whispered a piece of advice.

"I'll open up the dance area. You should take her there."

He looked at me, appalled—but with a deep breath, I could tell he was trying to gather the strength.

I walked all the way to the two guards stationed near the elevator. They were about to salute me, but I waved them off.

"I need one of you to tell the DJ to spice things up. My friend over there needs some help with the girl."I jerked my thumb subtly behind me. The guards exchanged a grin and nodded. One left quickly, while the other repositioned himself in front of the elevator rather than at its side.

Speaking of the guards—they were dressed in sharp black-and-white suits, each with an earpiece tucked neatly behind one ear. I was just glad they weren't wearing sunglasses. It was already night, after all.

A useless thought, I know... but in this world, I've already seen some weird shit.

And to think—I haven't even explored most of it. Haven't lived in most of it.

If this were a game, I've technically only explored 5% of the first area... and less than 1% of this second one.

While I was lost in my out-of-place thoughts, the music shifted to an upbeat pop track. Guests quickly began filling the once-empty dance area, moving to the rhythm like it had been planned all along.

Casting a look over at the two spring-haired people, I saw that Marik had finally found some courage and brought Alice to the dance floor. They weren't touching—but it was still a good sign.I would've preferred him leading her by the hand, but hey—baby steps are still progress.

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'Also, it's a pop song and not some classical piece. It'd probably be awkward if he held her hand with that kind of music.'

"Drink, sir?" A passing waiter offered a tray, and I grabbed a glass of champagne. One more thing about this world—the drinking age was eighteen across every country.

Sipping the champagne and watching those two have fun brought a smile to my face.Not because of their joy or anything. I wasn't close enough with either of them to actually care about that.

I just needed any obstacles cleared.

[You are acting kind of out of character, you know.]

'Special circumstances. You try having that pain coursing through your body while struggling to breathe!'

That fear... that pain... it was burned into me.

I hate that I even have to think about it, but seeing Alice just brings it all back.Just for this one time, I'd do this.

[Hah~]

Ezryn's sigh rang in my ears like a tired acceptance.