Chapter 147 - Catching Up

“Paaaah!” I let out with a smile while patting my full belly.

“Phew,” Bryson let out, “That was even better than usual; Maybe because it was paid for with someone else’s money~”

The smile I had instantly faded from my face as I shot a nasty glare at Bryson.

“Oh! You too? I think I’ll even order dessert!” Cassian said with a smirk.

“I could eat a cake or two.” Colby nodded.

“Or TWO!?” I exclaimed, “What do you mean you’re gonna order multiple cakes!?” I shouted.

“Well, anything I don’t eat, I’ll take home. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even order three to give to my family.” Colby said.

“Oh! That’s a great idea! I’ll order three! One for me, one for my mom, and one for my dad!” Bryson nodded.

“Only three? I’ll order five!” Cassian said.

Not falling for it! They’re ragebaiting me and trying to make me mad! I’m way too smart to fall for something so simple…

Just then, the waitress returned and Bryson spoke,

“Hello, can I have one big brownie, one chocolate cake, and one strawberry cake? The cakes are to go while the brownie is for here.”

WHAT!?

“I’ll also take a chocolate cake for here, then, could I have the fudge cake to go?” Colby said.

“And I’ll have…Honestly, can you just have two random desserts put in a to-go box for me?” Cassian asked, “For here, I’ll have a strawberry shake.”

I stared at the three insolent people in front of me in absolute disbelief. They…They weren’t joking?

They’re…They’re actually trying to bankrupt me?! They might as well have ordered the whole menu!

I’ll be darned if I don’t force feed these dummies a potion that makes them stink for a week straight!

“And you, miss?” The waitress asked after finishing writing it down on her notepad.

“I’ll…I’ll just have a slice of chocolate cake…” I said hesitantly.

I mean…There’s no way I can’t order some chocolate cake while I’m here…

After she took our orders, she left the table.

“Hey, Miles…Stella, how you feeling?” Bryson teasingly asked.

“Well, she ordered chocolate cake for herself, so she must have money to burn!” Cassian joked.

“I do hear alchemists make a lot of money. Oh, right! Wasn’t there news about that one alchemist recently?” Colby said.

“You’re talking about the one who ranked on that floor or something? All I heard was that they did something historical, but I don’t know the details.” Bryson said.

“Yeah, yeah, it was the floor 5 clear. I think I remember hearing one of my coworkers mentioning something about them ranking second on it.” Cassian said.

“Really? That’s historical?” Bryson tilted his head, “I mean, I guess combat classes are usually the best and highest ranked.”

“Stella, do you know anything about it?” Colby asked.

“Don’t talk to me, I’m sulking.” I said.

“Pfft! Sulking, but you still want to eat cake!” Bryson laughed.

“Cake’s the only thing that’s going to make me forget about all the money I’m spending today.” I muttered.

“Sounds like a ‘you’ issue.” Cassian chuckled.

“You know what? I’ll give you a bit of my brownie, how about that?” Bryson asked.

“Tch,” I clicked my tongue, “Fine.”

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Wait a minute…I’m the one buying that brownie! It’s practically mine!? Why’s it sound like he’s doing me a favor by giving me some!?

Whatever! I’ll be the mature one.

“The historical part of it was because Floor 5 is a modifier floor. You’re not allowed to bring anything classified as an item into it.” I said.

“What counts as being classified as an item?” Colby asked.

“Anything with a system description. And usually anything created by an awakener.” I said, “So, take these forks for example, I can’t bring up a description from them since they’re likely factory made or something. So, these aren’t considered an item.” I said.

“I see,” Colby nodded, “Is there any way for us unawakened to check if something is an item or not?” He asked.

“Um…No idea?” I shrugged, “Probably not?”

“So, the alchemist ranked second on a floor that they’re not allowed to bring items in?” Bryson asked.

I started to explain it one-by-one slowly so that they could understand it. When I wasn’t awakened, I didn’t know all the terms and finer details either. Eventually, I answered all but one of their questions.

“So, who even was the alchemist that did it?” Bryson asked, “Do you know them?”

“Their alias is…” Just as I was about to answer, the waitress returned with a tray full of desserts.

“I’ll bring your to-go orders in just a moment.” She said after placing the plates in front of us.

“Cake!” I said and snapped a few photos, sending them to Luna with a smile.

“You take pictures of your dessert?” Cassian asked.

“Mhm,” I nodded, “Mainly for bragging purposes nowadays~”

Before he could ask more, I started digging into my slice of chocolate cake and happily munched away.

“Here, take some of mine too.” Bryson said, slicing a part of his brownie off with his fork.

I nodded with bulging cheeks and stabbed my fork into the big part of his brownie—the part that didn’t get sliced off—and moved it to my plate.

“Hey!” Bryson exclaimed.

“You said I could have a bit of it~” I said cheekily.

“I said a bit! Not all!” Bryson said, trying to take his brownie back.

But, before he could, I bit into it, solidifying it as mine.

“Hehe! I did only take a bit! Just a large bit~” I giggled.

“Bastard.” Bryson shook his head, defeated. He knew he wasn’t getting it back.

…

My joy from eating cake was short-lived as the bill appeared on the kiosk on the table.

Ah…

Pain and misery…It’s a terrible day for rain…

With a trembling hand, I reached forward and grabbed the check.

I didn’t want to look at the bill…But, as they say, you can’t get a cookie without paying the price.

“Bahahaha!” Bryson laughed.

The other two dimwits laughed along to my misery.

I took a deep breath and…

GAH!

“F-F-F-Four hundred dollars…” I quivered as I read the bill.

As I went to pull out my wallet, the three of them laughed ever harder.

I glared at them, but, suddenly, Bryson started to speak,

“We’re fucking with you, don’t worry. We’re not actually going to make you pay for all of it, dumbass.” He chuckled, “Just wanted to scare you for ghosting us for half a year.”

“Yeah, we discussed it before you got here.” Colby nodded.

“Mhm, seeing you trembling actually makes it worth all the money I’m spending today, haha.” Cassian chuckled.

Haah…You know what? That was a possibility in my mind the whole time. But, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. But, I couldn’t accept that. I really shouldn’t have ghosted them in the first place, I should’ve just trusted them.

“No,” I shook my head, “I got it. I deserve this.” I said, pulling out my credit card.

“No, no, really, you don’t have to. Let’s split it as usual.” Bryson said.

The three of them also pulled out their cards.

“Just let me pay as an apology!” I said with a commanding(?) tone.

“You don’t need to do that,” Cassian said, “Just knowing that you’re sorry is worth more than anything else.”

“I know, I know,” I said, “But, paying for today’s dinner is the least I can do. Plus, I’m doing well financially. Just accept the gift when given!” I exclaimed.

“You’re so difficult.” Bryson chuckled.

“Fine, let’s just let her pay.” Colby said.

“If she’s so insistent, might as well.” Cassian shrugged.

After they put away their cards, I nodded, satisfied with the outcome and paid the bill.

“Sniff, sniff…” I sniffled sadly.

“If you’re going to be this dramatic, you should’ve just split it.” Bryson commented.

“Shut up!” I shouted, “Let me wallow in my sorrow for just a second!”

“Pfft, fine.”

“Oh? I just looked it up and this alchemist who cleared the fifth floor is called ‘Raccoon’.” Colby said.

“Raccoon?” Bryson said questioningly.

Simultaneously they all looked at me.

“Heh,” I smirked, “Let’s go to the parking lot.”

“Wow, she got over that $400 fast.”

“Shaddup! Don’t remind me!” I glared at Bryson.

…

In the parking lot, I looked around, making sure no one else was nearby before speaking,

“Everyone,” I whispered, “This is a secret that you can’t tell anyone, okay?”

The others leaned in, listening curiously, but, before I could continue speaking, Bryson spoke first,

“Are you Raccoon?” He asked bluntly.

“GAH!” I shouted and started to kick his shin, “You couldn’t let me be cool and mysterious for even a second!?”

“Pfft! Bahahaha!” He burst out laughing.

“Wait, so you’re really that historical alchemist?” Colby asked.

“Yes! That’s me! I was going to reveal it in a cooler manner, but, some jerkwad decided to spoil the ending before it even started!” I glared at Bryson.

“Really” Cassian said with a surprised face, “Wow, I can’t believe that’s you. So, you’re like famous and stuff?”

“A little.” I shrugged casually, “It’s not much, just that every move I make gets watched by bajillions. Nothing much~”

“Oh my god, she’s humble bragging.” Bryson rolled his eyes and groaned.

“Say, if you’re that famous, could you get me an autograph-” Colby started.

“Oh! Of course, where should I sign?” I cut in but Colby continued speaking,

“From Flame Queen.” He said.

“Go die!” I shouted.

“Haha!” Bryson laughed.

The four of us continued bantering for an unknown amount of time. I told them all about my floor clears and what it’s actually like in the tower. It felt good catching up again. I didn’t know how much I missed talking to these guys until today.

And finally, it was almost time for Luna to come pick me up.

“By the way,” I said, drawing their attention, “There’s someone I want to introduce you all to some other time.”

“Who?” Cassian asked.

“My girlfriend.”

“WHAT!?” Bryson’s jaw dropped.

The others looked shocked as well.

“What?” I asked, tilting my head.

“You’ve got a girl!?”

“Yep.” I nodded.

“Wow, congrats. I can barely believe it.” Bryson said and clapped softly.

“Yeah, congratulations.” Cassian said.

“Damn, I can’t believe you got a girlfriend before me.” Colby chuckled, “Congrats.”

“Thank you, thank you. I’ll introduce you all another day.” I said.

“Why not today?” Bryson asked.

“Because, I’m gonna need to ghost you all for another month after today.” I said expressionlessly.

“Pfft! Alright, jackass.”

“Do you need a ride home?” Cassian asked, checking the time.

“No,” I shook my head, “My girlfriend’s picking me up soon.”

When I checked my phone, I saw she was just down the street.

“Right, then, while we have the chance. I want to say something.” Bryson said, he didn’t have his usual playful tone, “I’m gonna speak on behalf of all of us and get a little serious for a moment.”

I looked at the other two who nodded before turning my attention to Bryson and listening intently.

“I know you were probably worried or even scared about something due to your awakening. You may have thought that we’d think differently or be weirded out by you or something stupid like that.” He said, “But, remember that no matter what, we’re family bro. You’re my brother—er, sister. We’ve got your back.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth.” Cassian chimed in.

“Yeah, if you need anything, just let us know.” Colby said confidently.

After a moment of silence passed, I smiled,

“Pfft, what a soppy bunch.” I chuckled as car lights approached, “Me too, if you all need anything just let me know.”

I looked back and saw a familiar car. Luna had arrived.

“Then, I’ll be going now. See you later.” I said.

“Oh! Wait!” Colby said and I stopped and looked at him, “Remember! Flame Queen’s autograph!”

“Pssh!” I spat out, “Never!” I exclaimed before getting into Luna’s car.

“How’d it go?” Luna asked.

“Terrible,” I smiled, “Let’s go home.”

“Terrible…?” Luna repeated, “Can you tell me about it?”

“Hehe,” I giggled, “Sure.”

And so, as we began driving home, I explained all the terrible bullying I had to endure.