22 Goodnight

"An assassin?"

Seven nodded, and he gave me a brief smile.

"You're going to become the best assassin the world has ever known. It's the only way we could attract their attention. Do you understand, Amiel?"

The kettle screamed, echoing in the kitchen. It pulled me out of visiting memory lane.

Those were how the first few days with Seven went.

"Precious memories," I murmured, turning off the automatic stove and pouring the contents of the kettle into the waiting cup of noodles I managed to grab from the convenience store below.

My phone sat unattended on the table. I carefully laid the medium-sized noodles, cracked an egg, and mixed it in.

I sat and waited for my phone to ring. Wizardo was supposed to call several minutes after I had arrived in my apartment.

Checking the time, I frowned.

It was already thirty minutes past nine. That guy sleeps at ten on regular days.

The only times he would stay up late was when he and I were on an assignment. He often made me jealous of his coffee sessions while I was busy slicing throats or putting the target to an eternal slumber.

I find it weird that he had yet to call.

Drumming my fingers, I slammed the fork on the table. Perhaps, he was still mad because I kept on giving him headaches.

He took care of cleaning after my mess when it came to technicalities.

Wizardo could breach any security system using codes. It was this kind of skill that had Seven's interest in him.

Still, this silent treatment was too much. Even when I was mad at him, I swallowed my pride and talked to him.

Always.

Dialing Wizardo, I drummed my fingers on the table. He usually answers on the second or third ring.

The second and third rings had already passed, yet he wasn't picking up.

Several minutes later, I gave up and ended the call.

Putting the phone aside, I picked up the fork and murdered the noodles.

Even though it was still scalding, I sipped the soup and let the warmth spread through my stomach.

Seven would have hit me in the head and hissed. He didn't like it when I ate the food while it was hot.

"Your teeth would fall off, Amiel. That wouldn't look good on you."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"I know a few great dentists," I murmured.

I set the noodle cup down, allowing it to cool a little before finishing it.

After eating it half-heartedly, I gave up on getting my mind off Wizardo's silent treatment if this was how he was going to play this game, fine.

I snatched my phone from the table and typed a message for him.

"I hope you sleep well tonight."

I added an evil emoji, waiting for it to be sent before turning off my phone. The earpiece followed.

Exhaling a sigh, I tossed the half-empty cup of noodles into the trash and padded to the fridge. I took out my restocked oreo and grabbed a water bottle and the milk pack.

It had been a while since I last sat in front of the television and enjoyed a show.

My red days were the times I did this. I snacked on Oreos and indulged myself with milk and water until I just fell asleep or got bored.

If I do get bored, I look for a book to read before dozing off. Either way, they were enjoyable things to do to keep my mind distracted.

I can't help but smirk, imagining how Wizardo would react when he read my message and tried to call me.

I wish I could see his reaction. I'd be sure to snap a photo or two and keep it to commemorate the moment.

He would forever regret crossing me like this.

Switching the television on, I sat comfortably on the couch. There were a lot of new shows that were interesting enough to catch my attention.

I settled on a sci-fi drama.

Any romantic ones were less appealing to me. I'd rather not let myself suffer into thinking how I could never even fall in love with anyone.

Seven had warned me gravely regarding the matter.

Being an only child and not knowing nor meeting direct family relatives were a convenience that Seven took advantage of.

Having a sibling would mean needing to tiptoe around the person. Worst-case scenario? Seven would have separated my sibling from me or vice versa. He would cut off any connection we had.

"Remember, Amiel, the closer your bond with the person, the dangerous it would be for them to stay by your side. Keep your circle small. If possible, don't even make any circle."

I was back to chuckling.

"See? I'm too obedient. There's no circle. There's not even a dot," I tossed an Oreo into my mouth. The show began, focusing on the female lead being experimented on in some secret lab.

I scoffed.

"At least she'll have some superpower, yeah?" I mumbled, suddenly craving some red wine. But then, I have to remember that I have work tomorrow. Hence, no alcohol consumption.

In the middle of the episode, right when I already got hooked after the female lead escaped the secret laboratory, the doorbell rang.

I immediately hit pause on the remote. The closest object I could grab as a weapon was an empty vase by the table.

I took it with me, hiding it behind my back while approaching the door. I scoffed at the viewing screen, shaking my head in disbelief.

Unbolting the locks, I opened the door roughly and grabbed the box of donuts left outside. There were two notes taped on it.

"This is not an apology. I did nothing wrong," one note said. "Turn on your phone. I'm dead tired," the second one printed out.

"Jerk!" I hissed, shutting the door close locking it before taking the box of donuts with me. I quickly passed the kitchen to grab the earpiece and turn it on.

I was sure he had spammed my phone with messages right now. I didn't want to read any of those.

A few minutes later, the earpiece crackled to life as I plopped down on the couch.

"Perfect timing," I said before Wizardo could get a word in, taking a large bite from one of the chocolate-filled donuts. "I'm starved, and by the way, I only turned this on to tell you to have a great night."

"Amiel."

Again, his voice got me holding off the finger that hovered to put the device to sleep.

I waited.

"Goodnight."

And he did it again.