MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 370: Tides of Change

Eventually, the women returned, and the group decided to take a stroll around town to digest their meal and enjoy the scenery as well.

As Xin and Xiaxia led the way, engaged in conversation, Seraphina and Victor lingered behind.

"Looks like Xiaxia is smitten with your good looks. Good job," Seraphina remarked with a smirked.

Victor grumbled inwardly. If even Seraphina and Xin noticed, then it must be true. He knew he needed to put a stop to it before things got serious even if he hurt Xiaxia’s feelings.

Anyway, he already received the green light from Xin to reject her, even in a harsher manner so she would easily move on.

Too bad, he kind of enjoyed Xiaxia’s company, though.

Victor sighed. Why did women have to easily fall for him even though it wasn’t his intention at all?

Perhaps he should consider treating them indifferently? Just like Xin does?

"Your expression tells me that you don’t like the idea of Xiaxia liking you," Seraphina observed.

"That’s right. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, so I will set the record straight tomorrow," Victor replied firmly.

Seraphina chuckled and leaned in closer to Victor. "Why not give her a chance? You’re bisexual, right? Surely you feel something for Xiaxia too. After all . . . she looks like Xin."

Victor paused, frozen in his spot while gaping in disbelief at Seraphina.

Seraphina laughed and joined Xin and Xiaxia ahead.

Her words lingered in Victor’s mind, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

=======

The next day came in its usual manner, with the sun casting its gentle rays through the curtains, signaling the beginning of a new day.

Xin went about his morning routine, the familiar rituals comforting in their predictability.

Yet, amidst the routine, there was an unexpected deviation that caught Xin off guard.

As he passed by Xiaxia’s room, he couldn’t help but notice her emerging, looking notably different. Gone was the vibrant hair color and elaborate makeup she often adorned herself with.

Instead, her hair was back to its natural white hue, cascading in a simple ponytail down her back. Her face bore only a hint of makeup, a subtle touch of powder and lip gloss enhancing her natural beauty.

She was dressed in a casual ensemble of a simple shirt and jeans, a stark departure from her usual flamboyant attire.

Xin couldn’t help but stare in disbelief at the transformation.

"What happened to you?" he questioned, his tone laced with worry.

Did she hit her head this morning or something?

"What?" Xiaxia replied innocently, feigning ignorance.

"It’s been years since I last saw you looking like . . . this," Xin muttered, his confusion evident.

"Is something up?" he pressed, sensing that there was more to her sudden change in appearance.

What was today anyway? Did he forgot something?

Xiaxia rolled her eyes, dismissing his concern. "Don’t be so dramatic. I just wanted to look like myself once in a while."

"But you hate looking like me," Xin pointed out, his brow furrowing in confusion. The usual stoic expression on his face had vanished, replaced by a look of shock at Xiaxia’s transformation.

He never expected to see that side of her again.

"I don’t hate looking like you. I just want to explore myself. And besides today, I’m going to . . ." Xiaxia glanced to the side, biting her lip nervously. "I’m just going to meet a friend."

Before Xin could inquire further about this mysterious friend, Xiaxia hastily strode towards the door, shooting a quick glance back at Xin from the gap. "Anyway, I’ll be back before dinner, so don’t wait for me."

With that, she closed the door hurriedly, leaving Xin standing there, perplexed and intrigued by her sudden departure.

"What’s with her?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing with questions.

As he pondered over Xiaxia’s peculiar behavior, Xin’s phone buzzed with a notification.

It was from Victor, mentioning that he had asked Xiaxia out to celebrate yesterday’s event, just the two of them. It seemed like Victor’s way of personally thanking her.

He also mentioned setting the record straight, implying that his invitation to personally celebrate was merely a pretext for the forthcoming heartbreak.

Xin took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resignation wash over him. It seemed inevitable that Xiaxia would return, likely asking for ice cream, as was her custom if she was feeling down and depressed.

Deciding to be prepared, Xin made a mental note to buy lots of ice cream later, ensuring he had her favorite flavors on hand.

"Did Xiaxia go out?" a voice interrupted his thoughts.

Turning towards the kitchen, Xin found Seraphina standing there, surprisingly cooking breakfast. It was a sight he rarely witnessed, if ever.

Intrigued by this unexpected turn of events, Xin couldn’t help but blurt out, "You can cook?"

Seraphina didn’t seem offended by his surprise; instead, she appeared amused by his reaction.

"Yes, I can cook," she replied with a playful smile, her demeanor relaxed and carefree. "I just don’t want the hassle that came with it. Besides, anyone can cook fried eggs and bacon. Or would you prefer eating out?"

At this point, Xin was already comfortable with her presence, and oddly, despite not realizing it, they fell into a dynamic resembling that of a husband and wife who had moved past their romantic phase into a comfortable stage of companionship.

Taking a seat on the center island where Seraphina was cooking, Xin offered his assistance. "No, eating a home-cooked meal is nice. Do you want help?"

Seraphina peeked at Xin under her lashes. "You can cook?"

Xin shrugged. "Yeah, nothing complicated. Besides, like you said, anyone can cook fried eggs and bacon."

Seraphina chuckled. "I hope you’re hungry for bacon and eggs then."

As they conversed, a notification interrupted them, drawing Xin’s attention to his phone.

It was from their high school group chat.

Odd, he thought he had muted it. Had the mute time already passed?

Perhaps he should mute it permanently?

Feeling a twinge of guilt at the thought, Xin decided to check what was going on.