Denis' POV

     Accompanied by my friend, Harris, under the veil of anonymity, I steered him towards Eternals University of Laguna, an educational haven nestled in the adjacent city. As we ventured into a new day on campus, I donned my pristine white medical attire adorned with an official ID, complemented by polished black shoes and a gleaming nameplate, embodying the essence of a diligent student.

     In contrast, Harris, a visitor to this academic realm, opted for a white sweater embellished with a subtle peach logo, paired with beige pants to blend seamlessly into the bustling sea of students that populated the university grounds. Together, we navigated the pathways of the campus, his presence a hidden gem amidst the throngs of scholars bustling to and fro.

     Amusement danced in my eyes as Harris caught sight of a tranquil pond teeming with vibrant koi fish, their graceful movements adding a touch of serenity to the bustling atmosphere of the university. As we strolled along, the subtle interplay of curiosity and wonder painted across his features mirrored the essence of exploration that permeated our clandestine journey through the corridors of academia.

"Woah, it feels like I'm in Geveria," Harris whispered. As we strode forward, Harris leaned into my ear and said, "Speaking of which, I just remembered something. Denis, did you get or, at least, find the key in your dream last night?"

As we strolled our way into the medical building, I lowered my eyes in contemplation before answering, "Well, I didn't, sadly. But... I saw an alternate version of myself... he's, like, giving me advice on how to get the key. Sorta helped."

"What advice?" Harris asked.

"It's kinda deep. You won't understand. Even I didn't understand it at first," I chuckled softly.

As I was about to sneak Harris inside the medical university, a guard in a grey uniform blocked our path and inquired, "Excuse me? Where are you going?" She looked at Harris sternly.

Harris froze and glanced at the guard. "I... I'm..."

"He's a student here," I explained with a lie. "...He, uh... he still hasn't received his uniform... but he should've been wearing white pants instead, huh?" I said, nudging him on the elbow—as if I were trying to convey the fact that medical students were supposed to wear white pants.

"Y-yeah!" Harris concurred, scratching the back of his head.

"Well then. Enter," the guard nodded, stepping aside.

As Harris and I entered the elevator to go to the third floor, I whispered to him, "That was a close one."

     Soon, Harris and I reached my classroom. I gently opened the door, careful not to draw attention, and allowed Harris to enter first before passing through. At the back of the classroom, where we remained almost hidden, we settled on the vacant seats.

And just like what I was expecting, a male classmate of mine turned around from his seat, seeing Harris and inquiring, "Uy! Sino yan?" He asked who he was.

"Tss! Transferee lang!" I said, quickly concocting a lie and telling him Harris was just a transferee.

"...Ahh... Amerikano?" my classmate asked, pointing at Harris. Yeah, right, he would've assumed Harris was an American because of his wild, fiery, golden hair color and pale skin.

"Hm, yeah," I nodded.

"Oh! Ah! Sige. Nice to meet you po!" my classmate smiled, offering Harris a handshake.

Harris shook my classmate's hand, his smile quivering with uncertainty.

     During lunchtime, I guided Harris to one of the bustling cafeterias at the university—a spot frequented by both myself and Lyvie. Stepping into the lively canteen, our eyes scanned the room until they settled on Lyvie, who sat nestled in conversation with her trio of female companions, engrossed in the chatter of camaraderie.

     As I beheld Lyvie's silhouette, a sudden stillness gripped my heart, as if time itself had paused to admire her ethereal presence. Her eyes, reminiscent of rich earthy tones, held a depth that seemed to draw me in, while her shoulder-length black hair, fashioned into a chic wolf cut with hints of maroon highlights, gleamed under the ambient glow of the ceiling lights.

     Draped in the customary white medical uniform that graced every diligent student at the university, Lyvie exuded a quiet elegance that complemented her petite frame, the official ID serving as a subtle badge of her dedication to her studies. In that moment, amidst the lively chatter and clinking of cutlery, the sight of Lyvie brought a sense of familiarity and warmth, a reminder of the shared moments and unspoken connections that bound us together in this bustling academic tapestry.

Harris and I immediately approached Lyvie. "Ah, hi, Lyvie," I greeted her with a smile.

Lyvie's three female friends giggled in the background, covering their faces with their palms. "Uy, Ayan na s'ya, hoy," they timidly grinned, elbowing Lyvie.

"Ay, hi, Denis, ba't ang tagal mo ngayon?" Lyvie beamed, asking me why I was late for lunchtime today.

"Ano, uh... kase... uhm..." I began. However, I kept stammering as I attempted to ease her into my explanation, my eyes flitting between Harris and Lyvie.

Lyvie glanced at Harris. "Oh, hey! You look... familiar," she mused, raising a brow.

"Oh, hey, Lyvie," Harris smiled, waving his hand, his voice deep.

Lyvie squinted, examining Harris' visage. As recognition flowed over her, her eyes widened, and her breath became lodged in her throat. She then gasped, squealing, "Oh, my God! Harris—!"

"Lyvie! Lyvie!" I whispered loudly, grabbing Lyvie by the shoulder and attempting to keep her silent about the situation. "Come. Come!" I mumbled, pulling her with us outside the canteen. As we hid behind an empty aisle between two school buildings, we commenced a conversation.

"Denis, ano meron? Si Harris ba talaga 'yan??" Lyvie inquired, asking me if it was really Harris.

"Yeah, and he can't understand us if we speak Filipino," I replied nonchalantly.

"Uh, so English lang?" Lyvie tilted her head, seeking clarification as to if Harris could only understand English.

"Yep," I nodded, putting my hands in my pockets.

Lyvie panted as realization sank in. She then inquired, "Oh... oh, my... alright... Harris? How did you get here??"

"Well, it's not only me who got here," Harris added.

"You mean... your three siblings are here??" Lyvie asked.

"Mhm," Harris nodded.

"And your sister's boyfriend and sister's boyfriend's brother is here??" Lyvie continued.

"Yeah," Harris answered.

"Wait, hold on. What in the—" I interrupted. "How'd you know so much about Harris, Lyvie?"

"Well, it's a long story between us," Harris explained sheepishly, his face turning red. Strangely.

"Yeah," Lyvie sighed, her gaze dropping—as if regret swallowed her countenance.

"Don't forget, we met Lyvie before you, right?" Harris reminded me.

"Oh, heh, yeah, right," I nodded. Adapting a more serious tone to my voice, deepening it, I stepped closer to Harris and Lyvie. I then addressed Lyvie, saying, "So, uh, Lyvie. Harris, his siblings, and his friends went here, and it's no big accident, unlike what happened to us two years ago."

"Uh-huh," Lyvie replied, taking in the information.

"Now, they're like sorta stuck, unless they create a portal way back home to their realm. By creating that portal—" I added, but my words were cut off mid-sentence.

"You'll need to find the lost totems? I don't know where they are this time," Lyvie interjected, her eyes fixed on mine.

"No, there's one of us who could lucid dream. And in that dream, we have to get the key and unlock the portal," I clarified.

"Have you identified who could lucid dream?" Lyvie questioned kindly.

"Yeah, me," I admitted confidently, my brows furrowed.

"I see..." Lyvie exhaled.

"But while Harris and the others are still here, we must keep quiet about their identities. Otherwise, they'll be all in serious danger, and our worlds might get into conflict," I added.

Lyvie remained quiet, unable to respond, as her hand slowly rose to her lips. "...Oh..."

Amidst the tension, Harris intervened, trying to replace the stress with happiness. "But! Hey! Let's not put too much stress on ourselves, alright? Let's just be happy for now."

     Harris, Lyvie, and I exchange glances, and we stare at each other, silently conveying that we all agree to the conditions that have been said. I admit it—Harris is right. We all should be careful of how we act but do not forget to have some joy in life.

***

     As the school day draws to a close, the sun embarks on its slow descent, casting a mesmerizing display of colors across the horizon. A tapestry of deep orange blends with the indigo hues of twilight, while wispy clouds drift lazily through the expansive canvas of the sky. It's at this tranquil hour that my father, Robert, arrives to collect both Harris and me from the university, ushering us into the familiar embrace of the car as we journey homeward.

     Arriving back at our residence, the comforting routine unfolds—showers to wash away the day's toil, a swift change into cozy indoor attire, and the expectation of a well-deserved dinner that tantalizes our senses. The aroma of a home-cooked meal fills the air, inviting us to the table where we share in a satisfying repast, savoring each flavorful bite.

     After the last morsels are savored and goodbyes exchanged, I retreat to the bathroom to perform my nightly rituals, finishing with a brisk teeth-brushing session before ascending to the sanctuary of my bedroom. Settling onto the welcoming expanse of the bed, Harris and I find solace in the softness of the mattress, our gazes drifting downward as we release deep, calming breaths, allowing the weight of the day to gradually dissipate into the tranquility of the evening.

"Wow, can't believe you're a medical student," Harris grinned, winking.

"Heh. Yeah, I am," I replied. "How about you? Are you in college?"

"Mhm. Just had our Christmas break," Harris responded.

"What are you taking for college?" I inquired, curiosity sparkling in my eyes.

"I'm a third-year student, taking Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery," he replied with a knowing smirk, his answer surprising me.

A genuine shock sparked in my eyes. "Woah, you're also taking medicine??" I gasped.

"I am!" Harris nodded firmly.

"Wow," I exhaled deeply, absorbing the fact as my eyes dropped.

"Say, remember when we sang a duet?" Harris asked with a friendly smile.

"Why would I forget that?" I smirked. "I can still remember well all the melodies," I said, standing up and grabbing my acoustic guitar in the corner of my room.

"Ah, I remember you play the guitar," Harris thought.

"And you play the ukelele, yeah?" I replied.

"You got it," Harris beamed.

"Hehe," I smiled, and Harris returned the grin. As I reclined on the bed beside Harris, I strummed the guitar. Sweet melodical notes wafted into the air as I played the instrument. "You once didn't know what was with me. But now you understand. You're like family," I sang with a soft, tender voice.

"Because of you, I now grew. And I can see. You offered me your hand. Yeah, you have changed me," Harris continued, joining the duet.

"I didn't want to let you go."

"You helped me when I felt low."

"And now we have grown."

"We're not alone. We've promised that we'll see again. Not just in dreams but in reality. With you, I feel so true and free. Despite where we are, we did see each other again..." we sang together, our eyes fixated on each other.

     The serene melody of the guitar filled the room, each note a gentle caress that gradually soothed the air around us. As the music wove its spell, I let the final chords linger before bringing the duet to a close with a decisive strum, the sound fading into the quiet stillness that followed.

     In the aftermath of our musical reverie, Harris and I found ourselves locked in a silent exchange of glances, our eyes capturing the dancing light that flickered in our gaze.

     Then, in a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Harris embarked on a daring move that caught me off guard, causing my eyes to widen in disbelief and my breath to catch in my throat. With a deliberate motion, his eyes sealed shut, he inched closer, his lips tinged with a rosy hue, poised for an audacious gesture. Before his intention could materialize, I swiftly evaded his advance, a jolt of confusion and surprise coursing through me, my heart pounding erratically against the confines of my ribcage. What was the meaning behind this impulsive act, and what untold sentiments lay beneath the surface of this bewildering moment?

"H-Harris!" I gasped, my voice quivering.

     Seemingly embarrassed by my rejection, Harris's eyes snap open, and he blushes, his face flushing into deep red. He quickly moves back from me and turns away, avoiding any eye contact. Meanwhile, I stand up from the bed with my guitar in my hand and step back.

"Sorry... sorry, I—" Harris stammered.

"It's... it's alright..." I replied.

     Perplexity and incredulity waged a silent battle within me as I grappled with the startling turn of events initiated by Harris. His impulsive gesture teetered on the edge of impropriety, a line that I swiftly drew between genuine camaraderie and the shadowed realm of desire. The realization of his unspoken emotions towards me stirred a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions, ones that I never thought could exist between us.

     With a furrowed brow and a heart heavy with conflicting thoughts, I pivoted on my heels, leaving Harris behind in the confines of my bedroom, granting him the space to rest upon my bed undisturbed. Retreating to the sanctuary of the living room, I approached the lengthy expanse of the couch, draping a blanket over its surface with a measured touch.

     Settling onto the couch, I reclined on my back as the weight of recent events bore down upon me like a heavy shroud. Lost in a sea of contemplation, I delved into the depths of my thoughts, unraveling the tangled threads of confusion and introspection that had woven themselves into the fabric of this bewildering encounter.

"Is... is Harris gay...?" I wondered to myself.

Unexpectedly, I heard a voice behind me, causing me to jump from the couch. "Hey!" a teenage feminine voice resounded.

"Oh!" I gasped in shock. Quickly, I turned around and saw that it was none other than Chloe.

"Oops! Sorry!" Chloe apologized. "What're you doing there?"

"Uhm, trying to sleep?" I replied hesitantly.

"Why not in your room?" Chloe inquired, tilting her head.

"Well, what're you doing here?" I asked, pointing a palm toward her.

"Just passing by," Chloe answered. "So, tell me, why do you suddenly prefer to be on the couch rather than to be in your bed?" she asked curiously.

I was reluctant to disclose the information, not wanting Chloe to know what just happened between me and her brother. I lowered my eyes, furrowing my eyebrows. "...Hey? Chloe?" I began. "Has your brother, Harris, dated anyone...?"

Raising a brow, Chloe tilted her head and asked, "Why are you asking that?" She giggled.

"Nothing. Just... just curious..." I sighed.

Chloe gasped, her pupils shrinking. "Don't tell me you're trying to know if he likes girls or boys because you like him??"

My face reddened. "W-what!? What??" I stuttered. "I don't!"

"Seems like it," Chloe smirked nonchalantly.

"Chloe... I'm courting Lyvie, remember?" I reminded her.

"Ow, dang, you're right," Chloe chuckled softly. She then turned from me and headed towards her shared guest bedroom. "Anyways! I'm gonna sleep now!"

"Wait, can you, at least, tell me if Harris dated anyone??" I questioned.

Chloe paused, turning around to glance at me in the eyes. "...Oh..." she mumbled. "...You ask him."

     And just like that, Chloe releases a deep breath through her mouth and leaves, dismissing herself from the living room and leaving me bamboozled. I've never seen her so reluctant—it feels like she has become a different person, like a girl I've never met. What was she trying to hide from me about Harris's dating life? Supposedly, it's his private matter, so I shall not intervene. However, this leaves me no choice but to confront Harris by myself—not today but someday.

Harris' POV

     In a whirlwind of self-reproach and regret, I berated myself for the impulsive misstep that led to an awkward and unsettling moment with Denis, a friend whose image in my mind had always been securely anchored in the realm of platonic companionship. The consequences of my reckless decision left me marooned in his dimly lit bedroom, like a cloak of solitude draping heavily over me as I grappled with the sting of humiliation that seeped through my veins, staining the night with a shade of unbearable embarrassment.

     A guttural grunt of frustration passed through my lips as a physical manifestation of my irritation with the impulsive folly that had occured. I exhaled deeply, a futile attempt to expel the maelstrom of emotions that churned within me. Furrowing my brow, clenching my teeth, and shrouding my face with trembling hands, I sought solace in deep breaths, willing my quivering form to stillness and coaxing my erratic heartbeat into a semblance of calm.

     As the tempest within me gradually subsided, I reclined on the bed, allowing the plush pillow to cradle my head, my eyelids heavy with the weight of the night's events. Succumbing to the embrace of sleep, I surrendered to the oblivion of rest, seeking solace in the temporary reprieve it offered.

     With the first light of dawn filtering through the window, casting a golden glow upon the room, I stirred from my slumber as the morning breeze whispered its gentle greeting. Slowly opening my eyes, I turned to the wall clock, its hands pointing towards the early hours of the day. The realization of the hour spurred me into action, propelling me out of bed with a sense of urgency that belied the tumultuous night that had transpired.

Hurrying to meet Denis, the weight of unresolved tension hanging in the air between us, I forwent the customary morning rituals of breakfast and shower, hastily donning my taupe jacket over a crisp white shirt. "Denis! Denis!" I called out, my voice tinged with urgency as I approached him, bracing myself for the expected chill in his demeanor as a silent reminder of the awkwardness that lingered from the night before. To my astonishment, as Denis turned to face me, his countenance radiant with a warmth that defied the shadow of the previous evening, his eyes shimmering with a light that bespoke a sense of forgiveness and understanding, as if the events of the night had been swept away by the dawn of a new day.

"Oh, hey," Denis replied.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... y'know??" I apologized, hoping he would forgive me.

Denis glanced left and right, observing the surroundings. "...Hey, that's just between us, alright? It's time to forget about it," he said.

A small smile crept onto my lips, grateful for Denis' forgiveness. "...Hm."

Suddenly, a white cat with orange spots appeared and began rubbing its head on Denis' ankles.

"Reese!" Denis grinned enthusiastically, grabbing and carrying the cat in his arms.

"Heh, Reese?" I reiterated.

"Yeah, it's our cat! This guy here was in my vision, remember?" Denis replied with a smile.

"How come I've never seen you until now, little guy?" I inclined my head towards Reese, Denis' cat, and caressed its head.

"We haven't as well. He's been missing for days now, almost a week, and I was on the verge of crying!" Denis laughed. "...I... I also named Reese after you. Do you notice? Reese! Harris. Ha-Reese!" Denis smirked.

     Denis naming his adorable cat after me left me blushing, my eyes shimmering with admiration. It was a sweet and thoughtful gesture that made me feel valued, though I hesitated to act on the impulse to touch his shoulder after the awkwardness of the previous night.

"Hehe, cute. I appreciate that," I smiled, my honey eyes glistening.

"Anyways, I'm going to school now," Denis stated.

"Can I come?" I asked timidly, fidgeting my fingers.

"But you still haven't eaten breakfast," Denis said, lowkey denying me to accompany him to college.

"I can still go," I assured him.

"No, you can't. You need to eat. But I have to go now, alright?" Denis replied, placing his cat, Reese, back on the floor and placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Alright..." I sighed.

"Okay, I'll see you at dinner."

Just as Denis was about to pivot, I recalled something and asked, "Wait, how often do you bring Lyvie into your home?"

"Hm... depends. But mostly on Wednesday after school and class-free days," Denis answered. "Why you ask?"

"So, you're bringing her here later?" I asked.

Denis nodded. "Yep. But if you don't want me to bring her here, I'll bring her next time instead," he added.

"No, no, no. It's alright. Bring her home," I insisted.

"You sure?" Denis inquired.

"Yes," I nodded firmly.

"Hm, alright," Denis smiled.

"...Anyways, look at the time. You're running late now," I reminded him.

Denis looked at his watch, checking the time. "Shoot! Yeah, you're right! I gotta go now! See ya!"

"Yeah. Bye!"

     Gazing after Denis as he hurries towards his father's awaiting car, I linger by the entrance, a fleeting sense of contemplation settling over me as their vehicle fades into the distance. Roused from my reverie by a gentle touch against my legs, I glance down to find Reese, Denis's affectionate feline companion, nuzzling against me. With a smile, I scoop up Reese into my arms, and with a sense of tranquility, I retreat back into the house, closing the door behind us.

     Later, in the quiet expanse of the living room, Reese and I engage in a silent yet profound exchange, our eyes locked in a wordless communion. As our gazes intertwine, delving into the depths of understanding, I find myself grappling with a tumult of emotions, particularly in regard to Denis. The weight of my actions weighs heavily on my conscience; the realization of my misplaced feelings intensifies, especially in light of Denis's courtship of Lyvie and the ill-advised moment that happened between us. A wave of self-reproach crashes over me as I question the rationale behind my impulsive actions, the memory of our almost-kiss a stark reminder of the tangled emotions that now cloud my thoughts.

"...How stupid am I to do such an act, Reese? Why did I forget Denis is courting somebody? Obviously, he doesn't see me more than anything but a friend," I mumbled, directing my words to Reese, even though I knew he wouldn't reply since he was just a cat.

"Meow," Reese replied.

     Consumed by my restless thoughts, I close my eyes and sink into the couch. A heavy breath streams through my mouth as I begin a period of long introspection, reflecting on my deeds and emotions. I then hear a footstep approaching me from my back. So, I crane my neck from my seat and look behind my back. Walking towards me is none other than Denis' mother, Michaela, a smile gracing her face.

"You didn't go to school with Denis today, hijo?" she asked, sitting on the long couch beside Reese in front of me.

"Yeah, I woke up a little bit late today, hehe," I said.

"Reese! It appears like Reese is back!" Michaela cheered, patting Reese on his back.

"Yeah, that's one cute cat," I admitted, grinning.

"Truly, he is," Michaela, Denis' mother, concurred.

Hunching my back and joining my hands, I asked, "...Ma'am? May I ask...? How many girls has Denis dated?"

Michaela paused briefly, her eyes fixed intently on mine as if she had been waiting for this very moment. "He... uhm... it's his first time courting a girl. Because... he's never like that before, you see? He has never been with a girl before. Ever. But with online boys? He'd been with a lot," she revealed.

     The revelation sent powerful bolts of lightning to my core, grounding me in my seat as I allowed the electricity to hasten all over my veins. It feels like my world has come to an unexpected halt, my eyelids flying open and my brow raising to my hairline. How can I describe this information? Shocking. Very shocking.

"P-pardon?" I stuttered.

"You see... Denis... he... I've always known he's into boys. But ever since his previous ex-boyfriend whom he met online broke his heart, he became religious... very... very religious than me. And he began... turning away from his old preference..." Michaela narrated carefully.

My eyes remained wide as I huffed. "Oh..."

"I didn't expect that much from him. I never knew he'd force himself to be straight," Michaela added, her lips tightened.

"What kind of heartbreak would dictate your sexual orientation? That's odd!" I thought.

Suddenly, Philip appeared behind me, almost surprising me as I gasped. "No wonder why people become emotionally weak in this realm," Philip remarked, his face stiff.

     As the hands of the clock converged on 6 in the evening, the familiar creak of the front door pierced the air, swiftly followed by a soft, resonant slam. Philip, Michaela, and I exchanged glances in the living room before we collectively made our way towards the entrance. There, waiting for us, stood Denis and Lyvie, an unexpected pair in our midst.

     A wave of unexpected emotions surged within me at the sight of Denis and Lyvie standing together, their presence igniting a pang of jealousy that caught me off guard. Confusion and turmoil mingled as I struggled to comprehend the intensity of my reaction. Desperately, I attempted to shake off the unwelcome feeling, but the weight of unspoken sentiments bore down on me, threatening to spill over in unshed tears. With a trembling inhale, I cast my gaze downward, unable to bear the strain of witnessing their togetherness any longer.

***

     Before 7 at night, dinner is served, and the table is adorned with enticing meals. A plate of rice lies on the side, awaiting to fulfill one's rumbling stomach, while a bowl of Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso and Mung Bean Stew takes center stage. I eagerly take rice to my plate and pour some food on the side. Then, I begin feasting, trying to neglect the thoughts about my cringey moment with Denis that haunts me.

As I took a bite of my morsel, delight surged within me, and I said, "Wow, Mrs Ella. Your cooking is great!"

"Hehe, I wouldn't be able to cook this without the help of your sisters," Michaela, Denis' mother, replied with a kind smile.

Denis, the others, and I turned our heads and glanced at Chloe and Meredith.

"Hm," Chloe and Meredith beamed.

"Well, I do believe you are all good at cooking," Denis complimented them.

Michaela glanced at the calendar hanging on the first-floor living room from her seat in the dining room. "Oh, look at the date!" Michaela began. "It's almost the sixteenth of December."

"It's almost Dad's birthday," Denis mused.

"What do you all have in mind for Robert's birthday? What food should we prepare?" Michaela inquired with a smirk.

"Oh! Maybe try cooking Asbrannian foods!" Denis suggested.

"Uh-huh, they're delicious," Lyvie agreed.

"And don't forget your signature spaghetti, Mom!" Denis added with a wink.

"And we can go out for a swim in a resort," Philip added, pointing a finger.

"Oh, hehe, as much as I want to go to a resort, I fear to tell you that we're strict on saving money," Michaela replied timidly.

"No, Ma'am. I'll be paying for it," Philip reassured us.

"Oh! That'll be a leech of me to rely on your money! Please don't!" Michaela shook her head politely.

"It's okay! We'll be celebrating Felix's birthday as well," Philip smirked.

"My birthday is the next day! What a coincidence," Felix mused.

"The seventeenth?" Denis sought clarification.

"Yeah!" Felix responded.

With her eyes still locked on Philip, Michaela reasoned, "But with you, your brother, Harris, his three siblings, Lyvie, Denis, Robert, and me, that's almost... one thousand five hundred pesos!"

"Gosh, that's hella expensive," Denis thought, his face wrinkled with uncertainty.

"Hmm..." Philip giggled mischievously, showing two thousand pesos in his hand.

"Hm," Michaela smiled, though bashfulness shrouded the glint in her eyes.

"Well then. Let's celebrate Felix's and my birthday soon!" Robert said.

"Yeah!" the others concurred, cheering.

Reaching out my hand and placing it on Michaela's shoulder, I whispered, "Don't worry, Ma'am. If we ever run out of money, we'll just head to the dungeons for treasures. Plus, in a few years, I'll be working in a hospital as a doctor."

Michaela gasped in awe. "You're gonna be a doctor?" she asked with a curious smile.

"You heard that right!" Denis nodded.

"Wow! Michaela grinned. "Dear, I say! Each of you all are wonderful!"

The night continued with all of us savoring our appealing meal as we reveled in our friendly conversation.