28 Trial 28: Cleared

I'm halfway finished with my bottled water when Dashiell spoke, "Cheers to you for clearing this phase."

It took me seconds to register what he said. When it did, I squealed in delight. Dashiell chuckles at my reaction and resumes, "I get it, you're happy but don't squeal like that especially when you're sitting next to someone; you'll blast their eardrums."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Just don't do it next time."

"Got that."

"Anyway, you did well in all the tests. Good job!"

"Yay! I did it! Thank you, Dashiell."

"Haha, thank yourself instead, and don't get too elated just yet as this is only the first phase. There are still two more."

"I know but still I can't help but be happy knowing that I have the potential to succeed. It's like I feel more motivated now to continue with this. That being said, please continue guiding me."

Dashiell titters and ruffles my hair, saying, "Yeah, okay."

"Hey, stop that! You're messing my hair up!"

"Sorry, your expression just amused me."

"Sheesh, Dashiell, you're so mean."

"Why, thanks for reminding me."

I pouted while he burst out laughing. The next minute, I'm glaring at him for making fun of my sincere expression. Dashiell, in turn, lightly pinches my cheek, apologizing, "Sorry, I'm only messing around. Don't take it seriously, okay?"

I nod and reply, "Okay but you know, I was serious back there."

"Yeah, I get it so don't sulk anymore, okay?"

I nod again in response then asks, "So, are we going to start with the second phase today?"

"Haha, no. We still have time to do an afternoon session but that's not appropriate this time. What you need to do now is rest to avoid a burn-out."

"Oh, I remember; I might experience a burn-out. By the way, what's the rating of your stats?"

"Oh, that? It still stands fine for someone who's acting as a trainer."

I want to press on to it but I thought it's better to leave it at that. I decided to open a new topic instead.

"Since we finished rather early today, do you have other plans?"

"Plans?"

"Plans, like visiting Pillow or going out shopping, you know, stuff like that."

"Yeah, you got those two right."

Hearing that he gets to go out while I can't, cloud my expression. Still, I forced myself to respond with a smile, "I see. Take care then."

Dashiell seemed to have noticed though since he sighs then says, "Sorry that you can't go out."

I don't want to trouble Dashiell anymore so I cheer myself up and smile as genuinely as I can then reassure him that it's okay and I understand the situation fully well. Then unexpectedly, Dashiell asked me if there's something that I want him to buy for me. I insist, "There's nothing in particular that I want to buy at the moment and the thing is I am just bored because I can't casually go out the way I used to."

"Okay. Well, there's still lunch so until then you can tell me if you have something you want to buy."

"Thanks, Dashiell. Going back, when will the start of the second phase? Is it going to be tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow I'll only explain how we'll go about it and we'll do some light to moderate exercises."

"Alright! So, I guess we're done here?"

"Yeah, let's have lunch."

We left the training room for lunch. The food for lunch is nice as usual so I eat to my heart's content, so does everyone else.

Lunchtime went by quickly and Dashiell already left. Although, the results of my tests thrilled me, being unable to go shopping with him frustrates me a bit. It can't be helped though due to safety reasons. I sigh in defeat and start walking to my room.

Inside my room, I decided it's best to practice my piano skills to crush my boredom. I start by massaging my fingers the way Dashiell taught me how. Without delay, I begin my practice right after finishing the massage. I start with doing chord progressions which lead to me playing some classical songs. With this, I thought nothing beats playing the piano in soothing my mood. From Minuet to Moonlight Sonata then from Canon to Liebestraume, I merrily play the piano. As I'm playing, thoughts about Dashiell invades my mind, causing my fingers to go off the keys. Then suddenly, I heard a soft knock on my door. I announced it's open and they may enter. To my surprise, the person who I thought is out shopping came into my room.