Chapter 271 - 264. Safe Space
To that day, Zein still didn’t like parties.
Crowds and noises were just something he avoided, typically. Harder to protect himself. But...did he need to protect himself in this place? He would be in the guild compound, surrounded by people who defended him when his reputation was getting dragged to the ground. He would be among...well, friends.
And Bassena would be there.
So, to Han Shin’s glee, Zein walked to the party. Before, in the summer, he remembered being rather cautious because he was new and the environment was still unfamiliar. Now, as he walked to the venue, he just felt like walking to his hometown; somewhere so familiar that even if he ended up blind drunk, he was sure he would be able to find a way out.
And unlike the last time, Bassena could just shadow him every time because everyone in the guild knew they were in an official relationship anyway.
Still, he told the esper to split up because the guides--except for the cheeky Dheera and the calm Nadine--were getting too antsy when Bassena was around, especially the new ones. And Bassena behaved well that night, letting Zein mingle with the other guild members without acting like a bodyguard. Seemed like living together put him more at ease with their relationship, so he was less insecure now.
In the midst of the party, Zein also spotted Arlo among the newcomers, and he beckoned the esper to come closer. He hadn’t had the chance to speak to the young man again after the test, and he was busy focusing on the new guides during the welcoming ceremony.
The young esper came to him almost scampering like a kid being called by the elders of their family. Well, to be fair, Zein was technically the Patriarch of a family that Arlo was supposed to serve.
"Are you adjusting well?"
"Yes!" the young man answered energetically. It was apparent from his expression that he was full of excitement. How couldn’t he; he got a high score in his examination, and was the top scorer in his rank, so the seniors would have treated him well.
Zein smiled subtly at the youthful response. "Talk casually,"