Chapter 44: CH 044: A big fan (MR8)
The air around TT Junction was filled with the hum of departure as everyone began to say their goodbyes. Friends who had been split into different groups exchanged last-minute words of encouragement, their voices mixed with laughter and promises to reunite when the expedition was over.
Dave and Simbi stood off to the side, separated from the others. Simbi wrapped her arms around Dave in a quick, heartfelt hug, her voice soft as she wished him good luck. Dave returned the gesture, his embrace lingering for a moment longer than expected. A notification popped up in his mind, indicating he had earned a few energy points from hugging her. It made him smile, but as he looked at Simbi, the smile faltered for a second, he had almost leaned in to kiss her, but the moment was shattered by someone’s interruption.
"You’re hugging only him, won’t you hug me too?" Ella’s voice cut through the air, the playful tone laced with a hint of a frown.
Simbi raised an eyebrow, her expression unfazed. "Why should I hug you?"
Ella crossed her arms, giving Simbi a teasing look. "Aren’t you going to miss me? I’m giving you a chance to hug me now. I only offer this privilege to Vips," she said, her voice dripping with mock authority.
Simbi smirked, clearly unamused. "Then go ahead and hug those Vips of yours."
"Hope you won’t regret it?"
"Why would I? I can never regret it." Simbi said, scoffing at Ella’s teasing.
Ella’s lips curled into a sly smile as she approached Dave instead, catching him off guard. Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around him in an unexpected hug. Dave’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a split second, he froze. The air around him seemed to still, and Simbi’s eyes narrowed as she took in the sight.