253 To the Even (2/2)

”It doesn't matter to me that much,” I smiled and said to her. ”I'm a boy. I would prefer if my female self doesn't have poor skin conditions.”

Then, she softly closed the door leading into her bedroom. Seeing that she had entered her own room, I took a few more steps down the hallway and to my room. After closing the door shut behind me, I walked straight towards my computer desk and placed the cup of noodles on the surface. As I waited for the noodles to soften, I opened up my web browser and navigated to a video streaming site and searched for shows to watch before I go to bed.

***

The next day, nothing really interesting happened in the morning. Everything was just as before, except it was even lazier due to my knowledge that I have no other assignments that I will have to worry about. The morning routine was like always, and I simply allowed time to pass until 2:45 PM, which was a few minutes before the Irina's movie event was to begin.

After getting dressed in outdoor clothing, I left my room and waited for Alvelyn to get dressed while sitting on the living room couch. I checked my phone, looking at the time. I didn't feel much anxiety as each second passed by, as I was never intending to arrive when the event were to begin. The event will go on for a while, so there is no need to hurry. Besides, if I arrive early, I have to wait in line to enter, so that is pointless.

When Alvelyn was finally ready, we notified Loriana of our intent to leave the house, and exited through the front door. The two of us walked over to the elevator and called it up to our floor. As we waited though, we heard the sound of the door opposite to ours open. Looking over, I saw that Muria was walking over to the elevator while dressed in a white open shoulder blouse and pair of black shorts. She didn't say anything to me nor Alvelyn, and simply stood next to us and waited.

”Where're you headed?” I finally asked after entering the elevator and riding it down to ground floor.

”That is none of your business,” she answered in her usual way.

”Let me guess,” I said in an amused manner. ”Irina's event?”

”...” she remained silent, but that was also the evidence to me that I was correct. Although she doesn't admit it, she's awfully close with Irina. So her leaving her home at this time, it could only be for one thing.

”We're heading there as well,” Alvelyn said.

Muria simply nodded in acknowledgement of Alvelyn's statement, not giving a response or saying whether or not she would like to go with us. However...I guess no statement is needed as we're all headed the same way. We first had to head to Lumina Station, and ride the train to Nocsinis where we will then make our way to the plaza where the event were to be held.

The journey to the location of the event didn't take long, amassing a total of about 25 minutes. When we did arrive at the plaza, there were security gates set up at the many entrances leading into the plaza, and even though we arrived later than the official start time, the line was still rather long. It took us about fifteen minutes until we were able to pass through security and enter.

Upon entering the plaza, we were greeted by crowds of people as the plaza was beginning to get packed with people. There were plenty of food stalls set up with vendors cooking and selling the food on the spot. There were also numerous merchandise stands where small plushies of sorts were on sale. It was a pretty lively venue in general, with plenty of people in attendance. However, since I have only just arrived and have no guidance, I have absolutely no clue as to what was going on. It would appear that the situation is the same for Alvelyn and Muria.

I glanced over at Muria and saw that she was looking throughout the crowd of people as they walked by. I'm guessing that she must be searching for Irina, but...that's easier said than done. How can anyone expect to find someone in this large of a crowd? It's near impossible, with the only possible chance being if fate tied the two of you together.

With a sigh, I began walking forward, hoping to get away from the crowd with Muria and Alvelyn and find somewhere that we can rest and gather ourselves. However, I immediately bumped into someone, surprising me and causing me to halt immediately in my steps.

”I'm sorry,” a familiar voice apologized to me.

I looked at the girl before me, taking in her amber colored hair that was in twin tails with a white and black maid tiara as she lowered her head and bowed in an elegant and noble manner in apology. This girl dressed in a maid's outfit before me...she was awfully familiar.

”Irina?” I muttered out loud, not believing what had happened.