Note: Most of the chapter is in the game. Remember, Zero is Leo, Grim is Niko, Owl is Cecil, Snow is Ruben, and Thoja is Jo. 

When they entered the tavern, Zero took them to a private room. They sat around a round table as a server put down tea before leaving. The tea left behind helps refuel the character’s stamina, so Zero poured himself some and took a sip. I hope this doesn’t take long. Zero thought; he wanted to return to Grim. 

Owl became more impatient when Zero said nothing and started drinking tea instead. Thoja and Snow joined in on refueling their stamina, they were curious about how Zero began playing with Grim, but it didn’t matter to them the way it did Owl. “Zero, are you going to say anything?” Owl could no longer hold on. 

“Owl,” Zero sighed, “we talked about this. What happened to trying?” 

“I just want to know, Zero. I feel that you are avoiding my questions. What is wrong with me asking them?” 

“Are you asking them or demanding them? You are acting like a spouse who caught their partner cheating. I need you to calm down.” Zero grew annoyed with Owl’s demands. He indulged him for years, and now it is starting to show how much of a mistake it was. 

It was silent before Owl started typing again, “I am sorry. I am calm. How did you start playing with Grim?” 

“It randomly happened. I wanted to hunt in a certain area, and Grim was there too. We decided to team up and play the game together. After that, we thought about continuing to play together whenever we had time.” Zero did not go in-depth with how well they had gotten acquainted because that would open another can of worms. 

“So, like Viper and I, when we want to hunt in the same areas and end up teaming together?” Snow commented. 

“Yes.” Not really. Zero’s thoughts differed from his spoken words. 

“Okay, then there is really nothing to worry about.” Snow shrugged. 

“Are we forgetting who Grim is?” 

“Everyone knows who Grim is. But if Zero has been playing with him for so long without any problems, it is nothing to get serious about. Is he bullying you or forcing you?” Thoja commented. 

“No.” Grim does love teasing him, but that is nothing. Plus, Zero likes it. Not that he would admit that to Grim. 

“See, no problem, so chill already, Owl.” 

“Okay. Okay. You and Grim are playing together—fine. There are no problems, awesome. Then answer me this: are you two talking offline?” Owl still wanted to know if Grim was Mad Dog. 

“No, we are only playing online.” Zero lied. He can admit to playing online with Grim but will not admit to talking with him offline. He doesn’t want to expose his relationship with Grim yet. Zero wants to keep some part of Grim to himself. 

“Agfhthe.” Owl’s words came out as gibberish. 

“Owl?” They all typed. 

“I am sorry, my hand slipped. I am logging off. Night.” Owl quickly logged off, not saying anything else. 

It was silent again before Zero stood up, “I have one more quest to do.” 

“Do you want me to check on him?” Snow asked. 

Zero shook his head. “I have been too indulgent, and it has led to this. No matter what I say or what he promises, we are stuck in this cycle if I keep giving in. Just let him be.” 

“Can I ask if you are telling the truth about not talking to Grim offline?” Thoja asked offhand. 

“Does it matter?” 

“Not really. You are an adult. Do what you want.” 

“Thanks.” Zero waved bye to Thoja and Snow, leaving the tavern. He walked to where the farmer and Grim were. 

When he reached the area, Grim was leaning on a wall near the farmer; it looked like he was waiting for Zero before starting the quest. “How did it go?” Grim asked, getting off the wall. 

“Fine.” It was fine with Thoja and Snow, but Owl is another story. 

“Is the one who is named Owl in love with you?” Grim asked. 

Zero almost wanted to sigh. “Can we not talk about it?” He walked over to the farmer, triggering the quest. As the farmer started giving details, Grim continued. 

“So that means a yes?” 

“Grim.” 

“Is he jealous that you are playing with me?” 

“Grim, please.”

“Did he complain?” 

“Grim.” This time, Zero turned on his mic. 

“I can get jealous, too; I can complain, too.” Grim also turned on his mic, whispering his words. 

“What?” Zero questioned. 

“You heard me.” Grim walked off after the farmer finished talking. He followed the marker leading to the quest point. Zero followed, not understanding why Grim was reacting this way. 

“He is only a friend.” Zero typed. “There is nothing between us.” 

“Hmm.” When they reached the fields, seeing the monsters eating the crops, Grim summoned his undead. “Let’s talk once we log out.” 

Zero wanted to say more, but changed his mind. They quietly fought the monsters, swiftly taking care of them. They returned to the farmer to collect their rewards once the last one died. Grim did not say anything as he logged off. Zero followed him. 

Once he logged out, Leo grabbed his phone and quickly called Niko. “If I have done something wrong, can you tell me?” 

“I was thinking.” Niko started, “Did you not tell them about me because of who I am, or is there another reason?” 

“I don’t mind who you are. I never told anyone because I wanted to monopolize all your attention.” Leo honestly told the truth. 

Niko chuckled, “Then we are the same. And the one named Owl? I know you said he is a friend, but from the interaction I saw, he doesn’t act like one. I know we have not given a definite answer to what is between us, but I am possessive; I don’t like to share.” 

“There is nothing to share. I mean, he is a childhood friend whom my parents and his believed we were perfect for each other before we presented. It pretty much brainwashed him, and even after my disorder, he still believes we belong together. I have rejected him many times, but because I promised to care for him, I indulged his behavior so much that he always pushes.” Leo explained. He didn’t want to dwell on this because it caused him a headache each time, but he didn’t want to have Niko mad at him. 

The small, silent treatment he got towards the end of the game was already too much for him. Leo hasn’t realized how much he is letting Niko take over him. 

“Hmm.” 

“Are you still angry with me?” 

“I was never mad with you. I was jealous.” 

“Jealous of what? I promise there is no need to be jealous of him.” 

“He is coming with you to the event, right? You will be staying together. And it is not the first time you two shared space, right?” 

“We never shared a room, not since we were kids. Plus, it cannot happen unless I want to end up in the hospital.” Leo clarified. 

Niko laughed, “Do you not understand how greedy a man’s heart can be?” 

“What do you mean?” Leo confusedly asked. 

“Baby, I am jealous. What can you do to make me get rid of my jealousy?” 

Leo could not understand why Niko still felt jealous. There was nothing to envy. He had no feelings for Cecil, and they had nothing between them. Leo only felt anything for Niko, so he couldn’t understand where the jealousy was coming from. But he would do anything to get rid of it. 

“Anything. I would do anything to help.” 

Niko smirked, “I knew you would say that.” Tapping his fingers along his desk, Niko looked at the closed box on it. He grabbed the box, bringing it towards his lips, but barely touching it. “I got you a present that I want you to wear all the time.” 

“What is it?” Leo asked. 

“Baby, I noticed you have pierced ears but barely wear earrings. You would look so pretty in some. I am going to send you a pair. Once you receive them, I want you to wear them and not take them off. I also want a picture proof. Can you do that for me?” 

“I can.” Leo agreed, touching his red ear. The thought of wearing something given by Niko made him flustered, but he couldn’t help but ask, “Did they cost a lot? You don’t have to spend much on me; I am fine with anything if it is from you.” 

“What a little flirt.” Niko teased. “The price doesn’t matter, baby. You will put them on if I tell you to put them on. If it is something you really do not want, you know the word to say to end it.” 

I don’t want to end it. 

“I will wear them; I can be good,” Leo responded. 

“I know, baby.” Because you are only good to me, it will stay that way. His eyes gleamed as he opened the box, staring at the earrings he had custom-made for Leo. Even if people do not understand, I will know that you are mine. Everything—everything belongs to me. Niko thought.