"... Which is why I think it's a spectacular idea that you should give working at my bar a shot." Cecil said, pushing the door open and gesturing for Amias to go first. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to compensate you."

Amias showed an appreciative smile. "I'll be happy to help a friend, there's no need for money to get involved."

"That's sweet of you, really. Caleb would use your words to make pastries. However, I am talking from a business point of view."

"And I'm talking from the point of view of a friend."

"Touché."

Coincidentally, Amias and Cecil returned from their operations at similar times. Hence, Amias suggested that they go get something to eat together.

"Oh? Taking me out on a date?"

Amias laughed. "As friends, yes."

They entered a particular section of the AEI where many members would go if they didn't want to eat in the cafeteria. You had to pay for the food here, but there was a wider variety of choices and there weren't time windows on when the food was served. Amias often stopped by to grab a quick takeaway or something easy to eat on the go. For the times he sat down and ate, he preferred the cafeteria since his previous support team often hung out there.

When Cecil and Amias sat down, Amias' phone vibrated. He turned it on and checked his text messages.

APPARITION DELETION GANG !!

Caleb_0000000x000000: whoever is planning to buy lunch

Caleb_0000000x000000: you better not :D

Amias: Did you make too much food again?

Caleb_0000000x000000: perchance

Sara ⊹♡₊: I just bought some noodles :/

Caleb_0000000x000000: ☹️

Caleb_0000000x000000: I will remember this

Sara ⊹♡₊: NO PLS I HAD A COUPON THAT EXPIRED TODAY

Caleb_0000000x000000: hmph

Lyle: What kind of food?

Caleb_0000000x000000: there's protein

Lyle: I'm interested

Caleb_0000000x000000: never misses a chance for extra gains

Caleb_0000000x000000: anyone else?

Amais looked up from his phone and glanced at Cecil.

"Luckily, we didn't order anything yet," Cecil said. "I miss his cooking, why not?"

Amias :) : Cecil and I would like lunch

Caleb_0000000x000000: Ya cool. Just come to the usual kitchen in like half an hour lol

"I wonder if (Y/n) has eaten yet," Amias said. "Things have been stressful lately. I hope she's taking care of herself."

That earned an amused chuckle from Cecil. "Always worrying about her."

Cecil opened the menu and began skimming through it, prompting a curious look from Amias.

"Caleb didn't say anything about drinks," Cecil said.

"... No alcohol, right?"

"Not much. Don't worry, what I'm ordering is basically water to me."

"Cecil..." Amias sighed. "As long as you're taking care of yourself."

Amias checked his messages and frowned.

"(Y/n) hasn't responded to my text."

"Let me guess, it's been five minutes?"

Amias pouted. "I'm not that clingy."

"Ahh, don't be like that. It's cute. I bet (Y/n) thinks so as well."

"Really––? Wait, I'm getting off track." Amias shot Cecil an unamused look, and Cecil simply chuckled to himself in response. "It's been a few hours since she has responded."

"Ah. That's more of a concern. If you're worried, you should check up on her."

"Good idea. I'll try and find her."

"Wow." Cecil sighed. "You were so quick to leave me. Maybe I should order something stronger to cope..."

Amias chuckled sheepishly. "I'll take you up on your offer to work at the bar to make it up to you."

"Really? Then what are you waiting for? Go find (Y/n)."

Cecil practically shooed Amias away after that. As Amias was leaving, he noticed a few AEI members approaching Cecil. Cecil welcomed them with a charming smile and effortlessly became the centre of the conversation.

Sometimes I forget he's really popular.

Okay! Onto finding you. It was staple knowledge to anyone who knew your name that you loved spending your free time in the library. However, Amias doubted you'd be here today. You haven't been visiting as often.

The rooftop.

Amias knew you liked to go there to clear your thoughts. As he walked to a nearby elevator, he heard two people also enter behind him. Turning around, Amias asked,

"Which floor are you going to?"

The moment Amias finished asking the question, he paused. Two individuals wearing the offence uniform stood before him. One was a man he didn't recognise, and the other was a woman he knew all too well, especially as she was the first person Amias had ever openly expressed hostility to.

"Brynn..." Amias' voice was quiet for a moment; however, like second nature, his voice effortlessly shifted into one of amicability. "What a coincidence running into you."

The man raised an eyebrow and looked at Brynn.

"Oh, damn. You two know each other?"

The redhead averted her gaze. "... I guess."

Brynn wore a cast and used crutches to help her walk. There were also bandages wrapped around her arms and legs.

Oh. She survived.

Amias blinked in surprise. Disappointment. He just felt disappointed that Brynn survived.

"Anyways, fifth floor," the man said. "Thanks."

His voice stopped Amias from dwelling too much on his thoughts.

Amias nodded. "Will do. Brynn?"

"... Fifth as well."

"Huh?" The man shot Brynn a confused look. "Didn't you want to go to the sixth?"

Brynn froze. "I—"

"Oh, that's no issue!" Amias immediately pressed the button with a cheerful smile. "There we go. I'm heading to the rooftop, so it's on the way for me."

Brynn's face grew pale, a reaction foreign to Amias. He was accustomed to seeing looks of gratitude, smiles, and laughter directed at him. No one had ever feared him. Yet... He didn't mind. If Brynn stayed out of your way because she was afraid of him, then that was perfect.

As the elevator doors sealed shut, Amias positioned himself by the control panel.

"Are you two from Lyle's offence team?" Amias asked.

"Oh, yeah. Surprised you remember," the man replied. "Kinda lost contact with Lyle ever since he became a SF member. The last time I talked to him, I got massively told off."

"What happened?"

"Long story short, I made a backhanded comment about (Y/n) and he grilled me."

A backhanded comment? "... What did you say?"

"Something about her being good as a decoy since her body is so sturdy to apparitions."

A fleeting hostility flickered in Amias' gaze. Before he could speak, the man continued.

"You know, I experienced a possession during one of my operations. Shit's freaky, needed to take a week off. I don't know how (Y/n) tanks that like a champ," he said. "And a support member helped me pull myself together during the operation. I respect them a lot more now. Safe to say, I've become a bit of a fan of (Y/n)."

Amias calmed down. He was weak when it came to others praising you. Although it was a good thing that you had gained a fan, Amias felt a spark of envy. Hm... the man looked around your age, his alt style would definitely catch your attention––

No one would admire (Y/n) as much as I do. Amias nodded to himself. And (Y/n) doesn't even know who he is.

A chime came from the elevator.

"There's my stop." The man waved at Amias. "Nice talking to ya. You're a pretty chill guy."

The elevator doors closed, leaving Amias and Brynn. The redhead had a deep scowl on her expression. Even before she did a terrible job at hiding her hostility. Luckily, the man was too engaged in his conversation with Amias to notice.

The soft hum of the elevator motor was the only sound in the confined space.

"I fucking tried to report you," Brynn mumbled. "No one. Not one person believed me. And I don't have enough god damn influence to take it to the chairman."

So she was still causing trouble. It was a miracle that her words didn't reach you.

"Everyone told me that there was no way you out of all people would do that. Are you kidding me?"

With how bitter Brynn's tongue was, Amias began to crave Caleb's sweets.

"I thought my actions were enough of a message to not cause trouble for (Y/n)," Amias replied.

"The fuck?" Brynn laughed derisively. "You left me there to die. Do you really think I'd just take that?"

Amias sighed, brushing her words aside. He glanced at the numbers on the control panel. Gently, he placed his palm on it, traces of electricity coming from his hands.

"Maybe that would be the wiser choice," Amias said.

Brynn's voice held a note of panic. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know." With an innocuous smile on his lips, Amias asked, "Would you like to find out with me?"

The grip on her clutches tightened. There was nowhere to run. Brynn was trapped and she knew that, her eyes anxiously flickered to see when her stop would finally come.

"Wait... you never."

Amias nodded. "Sorry about that, my fingers slipped and pressed a later floor. Though, that means we have more time to talk, don't we?"

"You're..." Brynn shook her head. "You're crazy. No one knows that, not even (Y/n). Is she the only thing that goes in your mind? Fucking creepy."

"I don't understand why you're so hostile towards (Y/n). She saved you during the SF trials."

And even if you didn't, Amias could not think of any reasons to hate you. Listing a million reasons to like you would be much easier.

"Never asked her to," Brynn snapped.

Amias narrowed his eyes at her curt response.

"I can't imagine what would happen if she disappears." Brynn laughed. "Will you just become a pathetic shell of a person?"

Disappear. That word made Amias feel sick.

At his discomfort, Brynn grinned. "Did I hit a sore spot––"

Everything happened in a matter of seconds. A loud crash was heard, and Amias wouldn't have realised what was the cause if not for the flickers of electricity on his fingertips. Brynn's crutches clattered to the floor. Pale face, sweat down her forehead, haphazard breathing––oh. Amias had hurt her.

Yet, he didn't feel bad. In fact, he was satisfied.

That fearful expression... It was good.

Amias knelt down, leaning closer to Brynn. She attempted to shuffle away but winced and stumbled, hindered by her injured arm.

Poor thing. However, this image suited her well.

"Cecil taught me a thing or two about using my reputation to get away with things."

Amias' gaze appeared almost devoid of emotion, yet a patient anger was hidden behind his gold eyes.

"Though, it was more for business related endeavours," he said. "Still, his advice can be useful."

Amias stood up and offered Brynn a hand, a false amiable smile on his lips. Without context of what happened, anyone would've assumed this was a friendly gesture.

"Come on, stand up."

The redhead swallowed. "What..."

Seconds after, the elevator doors opened and revealed other AEI members standing outside. Brynn was still on the floor. Amias wouldn't blame anyone for assuming the worst.

"Amias!"

"Holy sh––I wasn't prepared to encounter him today."

"Dude, he can hear you."

The three AEI members didn't even realise Brynn was on the floor until a moment later.

"Oh, what happened?" an AEI member asked.

Amias explained that Brynn had accidentally fallen on her own. A quick, simple explanation. No one questioned him. Brynn tried to protest, but her voice was then drowned out by words of admiration and praise from the AEI members.

"Thank you for all that you do even when things are tough right now."

"We believe in you!"

"You're my role model! Hopefully one day I can join the SF and work with you."

Amias felt warm by the positive words. He never was one to pay meticulous attention to his reputation. Of course, Amias wanted people to have good impressions of him, but he never sought to create a name for himself. However, after witnessing this scene, he could see why Cecil and Caleb liked to be popular.

"I'll be off now," Amias said. "Please make sure Brynn gets to her location safely."

As the elevator doors began to close, Amias looked at Brynn. Just before the doors shut completely, he mouthed, 'please give up.'

The elevator ascended and Amias immersed himself in his thoughts. He recalled a line Brynn said.

"You're crazy. No one knows that, not even (Y/n). Is she the only thing that goes in your mind?"

Yes, you occupied most of Amias' thoughts. Was that such an issue? Just like how people devoted themselves to certain practices or hobbies, Amias wanted to devote his entire being to you.

The elevator doors opened.

"I don't need to think about Brynn anymore," Amias muttered, stepping outside. "I should focus on finding (Y/n)."

[ However, would she always be here? ]

Amias stopped walking and narrowed his eyes. It was never a pleasant experience when the system communicated with him.

"What do you mean?"

[ You know what I mean ]

[ Someone like her holds so many secrets. How can you be confident she wouldn't leave? ]

Amias' attitude only grew more hostile. He hated how the system's way of phrasing things always tried to make Amias doubt you. You had your secrets and there was nothing wrong with that.

[ If you gained full control, you can force her to stay here. No need to be anxious. Simply use the reset button. You don't need to go to the very start of the story. You just need to use it to solidify your conviction as someone who has full control of this world ]

[ The conflict of the world can be solved by you. (Y/n) won't even have to lift a finger ]

[ Isn't that perfect? ]

Control? Conflict of the world? Why was the system being so vague? You told Amias to not press the reset button, so he won't. It was as simple as that. However, somewhere in there, Amias did feel a slight bit of temptation; one that was too fleeting for him to realise. There was an intrinsic part of him that did consider the possibility of waking up to find you gone from his life.

But again, his conviction to listen to your words were more powerful at the moment.

"I'm going to talk to her," Amias said. "Please leave."

[ ... ]

[ Soon you'll realise that I was always on your side ]

The holographic screen dismissed itself. Its final words lingered on Amias' mind; however, the moment he opened the door to the rooftop and saw you, it was quickly discarded.

"(Y/n)! I was looking for you." Amias' smile of relief was quick to turn into a worried frown. "What are you doing in the rain? You'll get cold!"

You didn't respond. There was a thoughtful, dazed look in your eyes. It made you feel distant.

"(Y/n)? Are you okay?"

You smiled tiredly at him. "I was just feeling a little down."

"That makes sense given everything that's going on." Amias unzipped his jacket and draped it over your head to shelter you from the rain. "Do you need alone time or would you like some company?"

"I... I want to be alone. But, ah. Can you walk me back to my room?"

Of course he would. He could do a lot more, you just needed to ask. As you two exited the rooftop, Amias fretted over your wellbeing. He knew the rain's cold shouldn't affect you, considering you were surrounded by apparitions every day that were far colder, yet he couldn't help but worry.

Amias glanced over. You were deep in thought again. The sight reminded Amias of the times you'd be engrossed in your novels. As embarrassing as it was to admit, he found himself staring on occasions.

He couldn't help it. There was something about your contemplative expression he loved so much. Oh! Or the way your eyes would light up as you excitedly talked about your favourite novel, or your exaggerated gestures when you talked about terrible ones you've read. There were also the times you would blink rapidly when something dramatic happened in a novel. You'd slowly settle down the book down and exhale deeply since you couldn't risk being loud by voicing your thoughts.

"(Y/n)? You're spacing out. Did you get enough sleep?" Amias frowned, concerned. "You should take a nap, I'll cover for any operations you might have, okay? Maybe some tea can help or even a small snack. What would you like?"

"I'm alright, but thanks."

Your words only made Amias' heart sink in worry.

"(Y/n)?"

"Yeah?"

There was a moment of silence.

"On the rooftop, by any chance..." Amias glanced over to you. "Were you talking to anyone?"

Immediately, Amias regretted his words. He didn't mean to come off as accusatory. What if that stressed you out on top of everything you were already enduring?

That system; it's because the conversation is still fresh in my mind.

"Nevermind." Amias smiled, hoping to quickly rectify the situation. "Sorry, I don't know why I said that. Just forget––"

"I was."

You had stopped walking, and Amias did the same.

"You..."

Amias trailed off. The conversation was going to be extensive and you still weren't dried from the rain yet. He should be focusing on getting you a towel and a warm room.

Yet, Amias found himself guided by his curiosity.

"...Who were you talking to?"

"A holographic screen." You sighed. "One that loves to cause trouble whenever it shows up."

Your last line was delivered casually, easing the tension. A holographic screen, one like Amias'. It must be the other entity his system mentioned.

"Whatever, whoever it is, they brought me to this world," you said.

With that fact alone, your system already made a good impression on Amias.

"What did you talk about?" He asked. "Oh! If it's private, you don't have to tell me."

You chuckled softly; the gentle sound was warmer than a fireplace and more soothing than a nostalgic lullaby.

"You're so nice," you said.

There was irony in your words given Amias' previous conversation with Brynn.

"The system talked about why I was brought here. The city is in danger and they needed someone to save it," you said. "So, they brought me. How would I save this city? I still don't have a clear plan, but I have a strong feeling about what I'm meant to do."

There it was again, your dazed and distant look. It was as if you were looking into a future only you understood. Amias wanted to reach out to you, hold your hand to make sure you didn't leave him the next time he blinked.

"I'll help you," Amias said. "Whatever it is, just ask me."

Amias hated that he couldn't offer more concrete support. Despite knowing more about your situation than anyone else, he still felt like he barely scratched the surface of truly understanding your situation. The least he can do is offer himself to you.

You smiled. "Thanks."

You ruffled his hair. Amias laughed, a pleasant warmth spreading across his cheeks. He instinctively leaned further into your touch and was disappointed when you withdrew your hand.

"I also talk to a system. A different one from yours, I think," Amias said. "They keep telling me to take control, to use the reset button. That way, I can secure the city's fate."

"Our systems have the same goal, but different methods of execution, huh? Giving you complete control to reset and try again is one way to save the city. You can keep repeating things until you get it right. But..." You frowned. "... That's a terrible way to live and a heavy burden to bear. I don't want you to go through that."

Amias' gaze softened.

"Uhm, (Y/n)?"

"Hm?"

"We should get moving. You need to get dried."

You paused in surprise before bursting into laughter. "Amias, your tone made it sound like you were gonna confess to me your deepest sins or something."

As much as he loved to see your face glow with amusement, Amias' cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

"I was worried! Your health is important!"

"Thank you, thank you." You chuckled, shaking your head. "So cute."

That flustered him further.

"L-let's go before you catch a cold." Amias cleared his throat. "We're almost in my room. I can teleport us there from this distance."

Amias extended his hand towards you. You took it and he paused for a moment to relish in the reassurance your touch brought. You were still here right beside him.

In literally a blink of an eye, you two arrived at his room.

"Sorry, I know you wanted to go to your room. I got flustered and forgot for a moment."

"It's fine. I actually wanted to hang out with you a little more," you said. "I'm feeling better now."

Amias' expression brightened. "I have a shirt you can borrow. It was supposed to be a gift to you, so I guess I'll be giving it early."

"A gift?"

"Sara suggested that I try sewing. You were the first person I thought to make something for. I didn't know your exact measurements, but it should be a good fit."

You looked at him almost in awe for a moment. "Has anyone told you that you're wife material?"

Amias' head went blank for a moment. "W-wife?"

"Sorry." It looked like you had accidentally blurted that out. You sounded apologetic, but there was a hint of a teasing smile on your lips. "Did that make you uncomfortable?"

"I––uhm." Amias cleared his throat, trying to organise his scrambled thoughts. "I-I'm fine. You should go change and take a quick shower. Feel free to use whatever you want."

You thanked him and entered the bathroom. The moment Amias heard the shower running, he sighed in relief. Amias looked over to the mirror and was surprised to see how red his face was.

"Why am I so flustered?" he mumbled.

Amias dismissed the thought. He didn't need you to finish your shower and still find him blushing. While he waited for you, he made some tea just in case you changed your mind. The soothing act helped calm Amias down.

"Oh, making tea?"

You had just gotten out of the shower. Amias' smiled at the sight of you wearing the shirt he made.

"Just in case you changed your mind. This is your favourite blend, right? You always drink it with a book."

You chuckled, bringing a towel to your hair. "Aw, you pay so much attention to me."

Amias fought the blush off his cheeks. "You can sit over there. I'll blow dry your hair for you."

"I'm getting such princess treatment today. This is great."

"I don't mind doing this all the time if you like."

"Tempting, but I'll get too used to it."

I don't mind that at all.

Amias helped dry your hair, tenderly running his fingers through the damp strands. The warm air from the dryer created a comforting hum, evoking a content sigh from you. The sound brought a smile to Amias' lips. He would love to take care of you like this everyday like a wife––

Amias paused and accidentally turned off the blow dryer.

"Amias?"

"N-nothing."

Thankfully, your back was turned to him. Amias' was certain his cheeks were red again.

After he finished drying your hair, you took up his offer for some tea. The two of you sat by the large window on opposite sofas, separated by a coffee table. It was Amias' favourite spot to do embroidery, and he was more than happy to share it with you.

"(Y/n), would you hear me out?"

You settled down your cup. "Of course! What's up?"

"It has to do with my past. You don't know exactly where I'm from, right?"

Slowly, you nodded. "I don't."

Amias opened up to you about his childhood––he told you everything he could remember. From being trapped in a house he could not leave to what happened the first time he left. You listened carefully, offering kind words every now and then to reassure Amias. Amias never thought much about his past ever since coming to this city. He was grateful for an opportunity to finally be a part of society. He didn't want to recall unpleasant things. However, opening up to you... Amias felt relief.

"It was almost as if the system had created you just to have 'control' over this city," you said. "God––that makes me so angry."

Amias smiled softly. "I'm fine now, really. I'm much happier... But, I guess I do get anxious sometimes that I'd wake up back in that room."

"I can imagine. Sorry, I don't know what to say," you said. "I swear if that system ever has a physical form and I see it, it's on sight."

Amias laughed. "Thank you. I'm sure it has been hard for you as well adapting to a new world."

"Yeah..." You folded your arms, leaning back in your seat. "We're both such anomalies, huh?"

The fact it was exclusive to you two brought a pleasant feeling to Amias.

"The system said that resetting can keep me here?" When Amias nodded, you continued. "I dunno... Will I even be the same person? I doubt it's that simple."

"I won't do it because I trust your words. Don't worry."

After you showed him a grateful smile, the conversation ended there. Amias was hoping you'd open up a little more about your past and your previous world, but he didn't want to push it. Again, a lot of things were happening––especially the ordeal with Finn.

Though, Amias did hear you faintly whisper,

"Whatever happens, I'll make sure you're happy in the end. I swear it."





A/n: aw Amias is in wuv