[Plate Apocalypse: Cheat Code] (Chapter 10 Part 3)
That can’t be…
The short-haired woman has her phone always on silent, it’s impossible that it’s hers.
Hesychia tried to ignore the foreboding feeling inside other head as she typed away another worry of hers:
[Swallowtail: What should I do?]
[Swallowtail: This is awkward but I feel troubled.]
[Swallowtail: Guilty, I guess?
I have someone here that I feel like I should say sorry to.]
[Swallowtail: I’ve said too many harsh words last time to this person.
And, coincidentally, we are at the same screening.]
…Though because of the same person, my life is the same as a trembling leaf.
The woman didn’t include the latter part, wanting to have a solution to the former problem first.
Their last encounter was full of arguments, Hesychia didn’t know what to do anymore.
Her resolutions and real time reactions always contradict each other.
[Swallowtail: I keep saying harsh things for some reason.
I think we really shouldn’t be together.]
She shouldn’t have bursted out like that.
To Elara, neither to Armani.
The short-haired woman was about to shut her glass device when the chat moved.
[Pers is typing…]
[Pers: (10:13 AM) i wasn’t able to reply, i was too excited to get out of the former minor screening!]
[Pers: are they ignoring you?]
The short-haired woman was pleasantly surprised.
Looks like both of them were favored by luck.
They are both inside a minor screening and can freely chat.
[Swallowtail: I was the one ignoring them, there was already a huge sign saying I want them out of my sight.
They are really persistent though, I wanted to apologize from the former encounter since I lashed out but their eagerness at the present moment burns me.
If my face did not naturally lie towards the intimidating side, I might have been pushed around a few times already.]
Hesychia was surprised when Aris let out a small, “Ah!
That person must have been wanting to get along with you!” Mumbling the words that followed.
The short-haired woman tapped the screen, sending another message.
[Swallowtail: This person is currently busy picking food.
Looks like she’s talking to herself?]
[Swallowtail: She had a massive injury on her arms.
She seemed to tolerate the pain finely earlier.
She’s all well now though.
I’m facing her back.]
At her peripheral vision, Hesychia saw Aris paused tilting her head.
However, because of her long hair, Hesychia wasn’t able to determine where or what she’s looking at.
Her little pride is also here and didn’t ask.
Saving her from human curiosity, Pers finally replied.
[Pers: nxt time try to be more careful, words hurt the most ykyk.
If u know that you’re wrong, try apologizin’.
Also, they might want to get along with u from the start, trust me, you’ll be fine!
b careful still tho]
[Pers: if u trust them, give them a hug!]
[Pers: it’s so hot, i lost my hair tie, it’s so hot in this screening ಠ◡ಠ]
Hesychia stared at the screen, looking at the random topic.
She started tapping her keyboard and sent:
[Swallowtail: I hope you find it.]
[Swallowtail: Is a hug really necessary though?]
‘What’s with ridiculous advice?
Won’t the other party feel funny when you suddenly jump at them and give them a hug?’ Hesychia closed her eyes, tapping the ground with her shoes.
Well, in some social experiments there are episodes where people give free hugs and some strangers even cry.
[Pers: hugs are irresistible!
it could be friendly, and comforting.
you’ll look more sincere if you bring actions onto it.
this also works when u’re not that good with words]
[Pers: fixing things sooner will not make further drift, so go do when u can]
[Pers sent a cheering gif.]
[Pers: now that i think ’bout, u’re absolutely right, it’s best to ask permission before huggin’ hahaha]
[Pers: i forgot to account whether u’re close with this person…]
Hesychia looked at the other woman present, she also had her screen opened but soon shutted down.
Hesychia, “…?”
Looks like Armani is still using her device.
[Swallowtail: I don’t like hugging people.]
[Swallowtail: It’s a little…]
[Pers: u shy?]
[Swallowtail: No.
It’s just that this person is not a close friend.]
[Swallowtail: I’m not used to giving hugs.
I can barely remember any.]
[Pers: that so?
give a friendly pat on their shoulders or back, then.]
[Pers: also, since we’re on the same planet and country.
to answer your previous question, i’m near district one, City XX.
i triggered a minor screening with two weirdos at the main road near University XX.
they funny asf tho.]
[Pers: u near my area?]
[Pers: can’t wait to meet you]
Hesychia’s face lit up, completely forgetting to mask her happiness.
She was about to reply when another message soon slid.
[Pers: ugh, i feel like some1 is staring daggers at my back]
[Swallowtail: Be careful, it might be the enemies.]
[Pers: dun worry!]
[Pers: Ttyl, i’ll chat again before our Minor Screening ends.
the person i’m with might cut off my neck when she sees me slacking!]
‘Oh, looks like her teammates are a group of wild bunch.’
[Swallowtail: Okay.]
[Swallowtail: Goodluck.]
The other person didn’t reply anymore, Hesychia took this chance to write down a specific place to arrange their meeting when a voice near her ears whispered:
“Wow, it must’ve been a lovely day.
Who’re you chatting about that made you smile that wide?” Aris stood beside her, “I’m envious.
This is the first time I saw you smile like that Miss Stubborn.”
‘Who would have thought those abyssal eyes could light up?’
Hesychia flinched, almost dropping her device.
Fortunately, her fingers were nimble and smoothly caught it in-between.
Sliding the object down to her pockets, the short-haired woman walked away.
“Mind your own business.”
‘When did Armani finish picking fruits?’
Aris followed suit, a basket made out of leaves in her arms, full of fruits.
“Now I’m really curious.”
Hesychia’s eyelids twitched, walking faster.
How could she give her apology when the person she needs to offer it won’t follow the invisible script created inside her mind?
Armani keeps on doing things Hesychia could not keep up on.
The short-haired woman paused, she noticed that her hands were itchy.
Looking down, Hesychia saw her palm evident with dirt.
It probably came from the previous squares she had investigated.
“….”
From the side of her vision, the woman saw her acquaintance reveal a small container, letters of “hand sanitizer” plastered on its sticker.
Hesychia stared at it for a while, wanting to ask for some.
Sucking it up, Hesychia was about to continue on walking when Aris herself took her hand and sprayed some sanitizer onto her palm.
She then took a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped away the dirt.
“I’ve heard you like to keep things clean, Elara told me.” Aris said, clearly hinting that she didn’t want to make it awkward.
“This is a peace offering from my teasing earlier.”
Aris sprayed the sanitizer again.
“Rub it.”
Hesychia looked at the fluids on her hand, rubbing it together before looking away.
She then walked farther.
Aris looked at Hesychia’s back with a helpless expression, “What a snob, I should’ve poured all of the sanitizer…”
Though, before even Aris could take a step, Hesychia went back to her.
Patting her shoulder, “Th…
Thank you.”
Aris, “?!?”
Looking at the woman earnestly trying to ease her, Aris stared with wide eyes.
Hesychia immediately turned away after, “Hurry, I’m hungry too.
It’s already ten.”
Aris tilted her head and whispered.
“Nevermind, at least she didn’t slap my hand away this time.”
She then followed suit with a silly smile.
「What an awkward person.」