After 11 hours of constant raid, we finally got a bit of rest.
The last tower that shook the world when it first descended had finally been cleared. The tower turned silent as its door close tight. It didn't disappear, which caused a lot of people worry. But the bureau knew best how politics worked. It didn't take long for rumors regarding the tower to be contained.
News regarding the token of approvals and a potential new enemy emerging in this world was reported to the bureau. However, it was highly enclosed information that was known only to the leaders of the world, including Francis himself.
And for the time being, our life continued as usual.
Marcello and Patricia went back to their respective country. We said our farewell. Though our time together was short, we did well as a team.
"It was fun working with you guys. If chance allows, I'll see you guys again!"
Patricia grinned widely at us as she left, Marcello also didn't say anything much and left. Fortunately he didn't try to do anything funny this time.
We were given a day off, so I suggested to all members of Team Zero to have dinner together tomorrow.
"This crazy guy and his happy-go-lucky personality, you are still thinking of a party when there might be an attack coming soon?" Cedric grumbled.
What he said was true. In fact, I invited them to dinner together because I didn't feel safe if we weren't together when that time came. But still, something uncertain would only be causing us anxiety and as their captain, I felt obligated to at least calm down my members for their and my own sake.
Other than that, there's another thing I need to address them as well... So I considered this dinner party as a must.
The next day, news about the four towers had exploded to such a degree that even the bureau was filled with reporters asking for a piece of information. People had been swarming me and my teammate's houses since morning and there were no signs of them leaving soon.
But that didn't stop us from sneaking out to eat.
Arriving at the restaurant with mask, hat and more casual clothes, I was directed to the private room I had booked the day before.
Because of the traffic and having to walk from my place, I was the last one to arrive. Seeing the three of them wearing similar get-ups with me, I commented.
"Those reporters are fierce huh?"
"Don't even mention it. I have to give up my pizza because the delivery guy couldn't get past the reporters swarming in front of my house."
"We didn't go to the gym today because of them, fortunately they aren't as fierce now as they were in the morning."
"Reporters these days are scary."
I chuckled at their grumbling, each of us experienced the same trouble because it would take some time for the situation to calm down.
Ordering our food and drinks, we began the dinner with small talk – like what we were doing in the morning or what event we would like to share.
It was a lighthearted conversation with not much going on.
'I should tell them.'
Tapping my finger on the table, I decided it was the right time to make up my mind.
"Guys, I have something to say."
I clasped my hands together, gathering courage to look at all my friends in this room – especially Ilyas and Xain.
"I have been thinking hard about our relationship and have been delaying this for the past week, but today I decided to settle this."
I didn't directly imply the confessions the two made, but the look on their eyes told me they understood my meaning and that was enough.
"I hope our relationship stays the same and there's no conflict between us over who I choose to build a romantic relationship with, so I'm going to be honest with my choice."
I rose up from my seat and declared.
"Xain, I'm thankful if you think highly of me but I have feelings for Ilyas. I decided to accept his confession. I'm sorry."
I bowed my head low in front of him and apologized with all my heart. I didn't dare to raise my head until I heard Xain speak again.
"N-No, it's fine Ethan, I promised Ilyas there won't be any hard feelings between us. Moreover, deep down, I already know who you'll choose anyway. I just wanted to let you know my feelings."
"Xain..."
A slight guilt grew in my heart, but rather than hurting their feelings by not giving them a proper answer, I'd choose this option and let him find another person who would reciprocate his feelings.
He smiled at me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
"Don't be so down, I don't mind at all! Let's have more drinks and get wasted until nightfall!"
I nodded at him and sat back down. Xain had attempted to lift the mood, so I followed his lead and tried to enjoy the dinner as much as I could.
Ilyas inched closer to me, tugging my sleeve and whispered, "Thank you for choosing me."
His face flushed and his eyes curved beautifully, a radiant smile was apparent on his face.
'I can't deny it, my stomach seems to flutter every time I see his face.'
When I acknowledged these feelings, suddenly I was overwhelmed with emotions. I didn't realize I had been suppressing and dodging my heart all this time.
I answered him with a bright smile as well. I should properly have a private talk with him later, there's a lot that I need to talk to Ilyas about. Even now, my heart was beating fast, I didn't know if it's from excitement or joy, but it wouldn't calm down no matter how long I waited.
"I'll go to the restroom."
"Sure, I'll leave some of the beer for you Ethan!"
I walked into the restroom, intending to calm my beating heart. Washing my hands and walking left and right while taking deep breaths.
CLICK!
The door to the restroom opened again, and familiar golden locks caught my eye.
"Cedric."
"Ethan."
We both acknowledge each other's presence. Cedric smiled as he turned on the tap water on the sink, but he just left it be – not touching a single drop of water.
"I kind of expect you to accept Ilyas' confession but I'm always surprised by how forward you could be sometimes, but I guess that's one of your charms."
He stepped in front of me, with our height difference, I was forced to look up at him. His amethyst eyes softened as he met my grey eyes.
"You really are oblivious about everything are you?"
"I think I did a good job functioning in society, especially as an esper, so it's not 'everything'."
Cedric chuckled at my answer, "I'm not talking about that."
He let out an amused sigh, "I'll back down and accept your relationship with Ilyas as long as you fulfill one favor of mine."
"What is it?"
Cedric raised his hand and brushed my cheek, "This."
Soon after my body was pulled forward, my waist wrapped around Cedric's arms, his soft lips touched my own.
That was a kiss conveying all of his emotions.