Elijay
Member
Mary let out a shaky sigh of relief when Koralia obliged to keep a distance from her. It was a small mercy, but one she was grateful for. Keircey seemed to have a surprising amount of influence over Koralia, which was comforting in its own way. Yet, the kindness he directed at Mary still felt… strange.
She was just a typical loser otaku who had no friends whatsoever, spending most of her life getting bullied at school and left out. Why was Keircey treating her so well? Her suspicion grew, and her imagination spiraled into a ridiculous, heart-pounding theory. Could he… like me? Her face flushed red at the thought. But then reality intruded: Keircey was a construct, not human. Yet… wasn’t forbidden love between different races a classic trope? Her mind whirled with romantic scenarios, only adding to her nervousness.
When Keircey asked his question, Mary hesitated. It was a deep one, and not something she’d ever been prepared to answer. She clutched the strap of her bag tightly, her gaze falling to the floor as she tried to find the right words.
“W-why do humans feel?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t… really know. I guess it’s just what makes us human?”
She glanced up at him briefly, her brow furrowed in thought. “Feelings… they help us connect. Even if they don’t always make sense. Like, ummm, when someone’s sad, you want to help them feel better. Or... or when you’re happy, it makes others happy too. It’s how we understand each other, I think.”
Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her bag as she continued, her voice softening. “M-maybe it’s because we’re not just meant to survive. We’re supposed to experience life. To care about things and… people.”
She paused, stealing a brief glance at Keircey. “It’s not always a good thing, though. Feelings can hurt. A lot. Especially when…” She trailed off, her cheeks turning pink. “...when it’s something forbidden.” Her eyes darted away, heart racing as she cursed herself for saying too much.
But before she could drown in her own embarrassment, Roy threatened to starve them to death were they to fail the puzzle. “Hiiiiek!” Mary squealed, panic taking over. The idea of starving to death—or worse—sent her mind into overdrive. I knew I should’ve given up the job! I should’ve stayed home all long!
Her hands scrambled to flip through her file, her breaths quick and shallow. “We’re doomed! We’re totally doomed!” she whimpered, searching for any clue that could save them from their grim fate.