After the escape, Chloe took the man to her apartment. It was already past midnight when they arrived.
The door closed behind them, and silence filled the air for a moment. Orion walked in, carrying Asuna in his arms, her breathing still weak. He gently placed her on the couch, showing no effort despite the girl's light weight.
Ellie, sitting on the couch with her phone in hand, looked up as she heard the door. Her eyes widened, and she seemed tense, as if she had been awake all night.
Ellie (shocked):— Chloe… what the hell happened out there?! I heard explosions, saw the news… has the world gone insane?
The TV in the background displayed chaotic scenes of destruction: streets in flames, buildings collapsing, government helicopters circling above the city. Sirens blared nonstop, and panic was everywhere.
Chloe sighed, crossing her arms.
Chloe:— Something called a dungeon appeared in the middle of the city… and monsters came out of it. The military was deployed, but… they couldn't handle it. (Chloe lied.)
Ellie blinked, incredulous.
Ellie:— Monsters? You're joking, right?
Chloe (serious):— I wish I was.
Ellie ran a hand down her face, taking a deep breath.
Ellie:— This is worse than I thought…
She then noticed the man standing beside Chloe. Her gaze narrowed as she sized up the tall, imposing figure who had carried Asuna so effortlessly.
Ellie:— And who's this guy?
Chloe:— This is my place. It's nothing fancy, but it works.
She tossed her backpack onto the couch. The apartment was small but cozy—an open kitchen, a living room with a sofa and TV, and a hallway leading to the bedrooms.
The man glanced around, indifferent.
Man:— Where do I sleep?
Before Chloe could answer, a voice came from the hallway.
Ellie (eyeing him suspiciously):— Chloe? Who's this giant homeless guy you dragged into our home?
Chloe's roommate appeared, wearing a nightgown, rubbing her eyes. She had short black hair, fair skin, and sharp eyes.
Chloe:— Before you kill me, Ellie… He helped me. It's a long story.
Ellie wrinkled her nose.
Ellie:— God, he smells like a moldy basement.
Chloe laughed.
Chloe:— I told him to take a shower.
The man raised an eyebrow.
Man:— That bad?
Ellie:— Worse.
He shrugged.
Man:— Alright. Where's the shower?
Chloe pointed.
Chloe:— Over there. Towels are in the cabinet.
Without another word, the man walked off. A few minutes later, the sound of running water echoed through the apartment.
Ellie shot Chloe a suspicious look.
Ellie:— Who is this guy?
Chloe:— It's complicated…
Ellie:— Uh-huh. "Complicated" usually means "I got myself into some deep shit."
Chloe sighed.
Chloe:— Just trust me, okay?
Ellie huffed, crossing her arms.
Ellie:— I just hope he doesn't kill us in our sleep.
That's when the bathroom door opened.
The man stepped out, now clean-shaven, his hair tied back. Steam still drifted out from behind him, and he was wearing nothing but a towel.
Ellie, who had been in the middle of a complaint, froze on the spot.
That "smelly homeless guy" now looked like a magazine model—perfectly defined muscles, a relaxed posture, and an effortlessly confident gaze.
The man ran the towel through his hair, oblivious to the stares.
Man:— I need clothes.
Chloe coughed, quickly looking away.
Ellie took a second to react.
Ellie:— I… I'll see what we have.
She rushed into her room, shutting the door behind her.
Chloe covered her face, trying to hold back a laugh.
The man looked at her, puzzled.
Man:— What?
Chloe:— Nothing.
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