Just to keep the conversation going, I asked.
"So, how's your training been going?"
The good Billion sighed, exasperated. "Utterly hopeless. You're squandering this opportunity."
The wild Billion exploded. "Pathetic. Build some damn balls, bro. This is weak. I tell you this is PATHETIC!"
I clenched my jaw at my own thoughts, silently cursing myself.
North glanced at me.
"Are you sure you are okay?."
I laughed, though it came out a little forced.
"Yeah I am."
She handed me a cup, her fingers brushing against mine for just a second.
The good Billion hummed.
"Ah, yes. A moment of connection. Savor it."
The wild Billion snorted.
"Man, if you don't quit overthinking—"
I shut both of them up and took a sip, focusing on the warmth of the coffee and the girl standing in front of me.
For now, that was enough.
We stood in comfortable silence, sipping our coffees, with the dining table between us.
The only sound in the room was the quiet slurp of my coffee. I realized a second too late how loud it was, but before I could decide whether to feel embarrassed about it, North spoke up.
"So, do you have any siblings?"
I took another sip, shaking my head.
"No. Just me."
Silence settled between us again.
The good Billion sighed.
"Who would have thought it would come to this? With such a high Psynapse, and yet, your conversational skills are abysmal. Truly disappointing."
The wild Billion burst out laughing. "Bruh, what you stressin' for? Just say whatever's on your mind. If she's your girl, she'll get it."
For once, I decided to follow wild Billion's advice.
Clearing my throat, I spoke.
"You look pretty."
The wild Billion did a full backflip, grabbed the good Billion by the collar, and punched him black and blue while screaming, "Hell yeah!"
Meanwhile, I kept my gaze on North, setting my mug down. She was still in her training attire, black fitted clothes, her long hair tied back in a ponytail. Her brown eyes met mine, unreadable.
A second passed. Then, in a quiet voice, she said, "Thank you," before taking another sip of her coffee.
Encouraged, I listened to wild Billion again.
"I'll be gone for a few days, but I'll try to message you as much as I can."
She nodded.
"Where are you going?"
I shook my head.
"I don't know. The Commander didn't tell me."
She nodded again.
"Okay. You can text me once or twice, maybe. Focus on your training more."
I raised an eyebrow.
"How about a video call?"
She glanced at me over the rim of her mug, then after a pause, answered, "Maybe."
The wild Billion roared. "The hell you mean 'maybe'? Say yes or no!"
The good Billion, finally recovering from his beatdown, adjusted his metaphorical tie. "A 'maybe' is good progress. Be patient."
I agreed with the good Billion.
She finished her coffee and placed her mug beside mine.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked.
"What do you think of my grandfather?"
I blinked, caught off guard. That was the last thing I expected her to ask.
Still, I answered honestly.
"I respect him."
She chuckled.
"Very diplomatic."
I smiled.
"True nonetheless."
She tilted her head slightly, studying me.
"You know, most people either fear him or hate him. You don't seem to feel either."
I shrugged.
"He's tough, but fair. He pushes people hard, but there's always a reason behind it. And he wouldn't waste his time on someone he thought was worthless."
She hummed, tapping her fingers lightly against the table.
"That's an interesting way to put it."
I smiled.
"Why? Were you hoping I'd say something bad about him?"
She shook her head.
"No. Just curious what you thought."
I glanced at her hands resting on the table.
"You really admire him, don't you?"
She exhaled softly.
"Yeah. He's strict, but he's always been there for me. I want to live up to his expectations."
I nodded.
"Then you will."
She looked at me, her brown eyes searching for something in my expression.
"You say that like it's a fact."
I shrugged
"It can be. Everything starts with having a belief first."
Her lips parted slightly, caught between a response and silence. Then, she simply smiled.
"You're weirdly positive about things."
I shrugged.
"Helps me sleep at night."
She leaned back, crossing her arms.
"Then I'll just have to prove you right."
I smirked.
"Looking forward to it."
Then, she spoke again, softer this time.
"And what about you? What do you want?"
I tapped my fingers on the table, thinking.
Good Billion straightened his posture.
"Ah, now here is a fine opportunity for meaningful conversation. You must express your deepest aspirations with clarity and depth."
Wild Billion yawned.
"Bruh, just tell her you wanna be strong and smash stuff. Easy."
I ignored them both for a second, then answered.
"Strength. I want strength."
She chuckled.
"Just strength? Nothing else?"
I thought about it for a moment.
"I mean, yeah, there are other things too."
She stepped away from the kitchen and walked toward the couch. I followed, sitting beside her but leaving some space between us.
She turned to me again.
"What other things?"
I glanced at her and answered honestly.
"Well… I'd like to have a girlfriend someday. A partner to share things with."
She whistled.
"Ohh, nice. What kind of girl do you like?"
The wild Billion started shouting.
"Describe her, describe her!"
I coughed, keeping my expression neutral.
"Tall. Brown eyes. Beautiful. Maybe an archer."
She stared at me, blinking a few times, processing my words.
I grinned internally.
'Got you.'
She cleared her throat, shifting slightly.
"And what if you don't find her?"
I chuckled, leaning back against the couch.
"Then I'll just keep chasing strength."
And just like that, the conversation flowed into random topics, training, food, even a debate about whether she should color her hair.
After an hour, we decided to order some food. She suggested something new again and placed the order for both of us.
While we waited, I told her the story of how Steve and I became friends, how we met and how I had almost blackmailed him into a friendship with me. She laughed at that, shaking her head in amusement.
In return, she told me about her brother and mother. She mentioned that her mother was planning to visit her soon, but I might miss the chance to meet her since I'd be busy with training.
Soon, the food arrived, and we set the dishes on the table. She explained each one to me, going into detail about their specialties, and I listened, making sure to memorize everything.
Then we started eating.
I found myself watching her more than my plate, amused by how animated she became when talking about food.
She had this habit of lightly gesturing with her fork when she got excited, her brown eyes lighting up as she explained the flavors.
I liked how cute she was when she talked about food.
We finished our food, and I helped her clean the dishes while she complained about how her mom didn't like her eating so much.
I laughed at that, immediately taking her side.
"That's ridiculous. You should eat as much as you want. Rebel against her."
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the small smile on her lips.
Once we were done with everything, I decided it was time to head back.
We stood near her couch, facing each other.
"So, take care. I'll keep you informed," I said.
She nodded. "Yeah, sure. You too, take care."
For a second, neither of us moved.
The wild Billion crossed his arms. "Hug her, bro. Do it."
The good Billion adjusted his glasses. "A handshake would be appropriate."
I ignored them both, offering her a small smile instead.
"See you soon, North."
She hesitated for a moment before smiling back.
"See you soon, Billion."
And with that, I turned and left, already looking forward to the next time I'd see her.