Chapter 27：Push him a little more. (2/2)

I take the proferred drink and twist the cap. ”... Thank you, Charles.”

”Are you okay?” He adds.

”... Yeah. Sorry about that. Just a little cranky after that challenge. Didn't help when Ren came up to me right after I got out, too.” I breathe out a sigh. ”It's like I can't catch a break today.”

Charles laughs sheepishly at my answer. ”Well... that's Ren for you. Although I must say, I think he really WAS worried about you though. I think everyone could see how scared you were that time, so...”

”Huh. Well, let's see how they take it when they're inside that damn cage. They'll understand why.” I look sideways with an annoyed expression.

”Yeah, to be honest, I was actually quite affected by it. It's different when you're inside with all the hundreds of sensations you can feel all at once.” I could feel a shiver from him as he tries to recall what we just went through.

”Extremely overwhelming, I tell you. I was just able to hold it in a bit better than you, but I was JUST as scared.” Charles shakes his head in disbelief as he lets out a breath.

”Ah, shit. I had some questions about our next challenge. I'll be right back.” He takes off in a hurry.

Before the door could close fully, a hand slips through the gap.

Someone steps in and I scoff as I see who's walking up towards me.

I get up from my seat to meet them halfway.

”... Ren. What is it now? I'm fine. You don't need to check up on me...” my voice trails off when I notice the look on his face.

... He doesn't seem like he's looking very good, actually?

Should I even bother asking though, or sho...

He lunges at me and gives me a back-breaking hug. ”..... WAAAAHHHH IT WAS SO SCARY WHAT'S WRONG WITH ALL THE DIRECTORS OF THIS SHOW....!! I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE!!!!!!”

What in the hell is going on here?!

My eyes widen, and I'm just beyond confused right now.

”REN! Stop messing around! .... AND STOP HUGGING ME!” I try to push the idiot away, but he only clings to me even more.

Is he being serious about this, or what?!

He's not even saying anything anymore! I can't see his face either as he's pretty much almost burying it in my chest.

To hell with this! He's not a kid and this is borderline harassment!

But, what if he isn't pretending...?

No, wait...

I mean, I was scared out of my wits too, but he couldn't possibly be THIS scared, right?

...

Not knowing what to do, I smirk as I suddenly remember my secret weapon, and I wasn't afraid to use it!

With perfect ease, my hand moves to pinch his ear and twist it.

”OOWWW!!! OWW!!! WHY ARE YOU... AH~! IT HURTS MS. RALEY~!” He screams out in an almost suggestive tone near the end.

JUST what is WITH this guy?!

I've had enough of this!

He's going to be the death of me, I swear!

His indecent cry made the tips of my ears turn red from embarrassment.

I grab his shirt and back him into a wall as I continue to twist his ear.

My free hand reaches out, and I smack it down next to his head so I can steady myself. I notice him shake a little in reflex to the sound.

I start to tell this bastard off. ”Seriously, WHY are you doing this to ME?!”

”Despite what you seem to have claimed before, are you interested in me or something?! Are you getting off from this, or what? Is it THAT amusing for you to keep annoying me?”

”If not, then stop all this stupid shit! I'm getting sick of it, alright?! It ISN'T funny!” I shout at him, hoping this will finally make him back down for good.

Ren stares at me blankly, his face turning redder by the second.

My brow arches and I was about to push him a little more for an answer when something falls, rolling across the floor.