24 At the start of their modest date

"Hmm… Is the game center was a popular dating place for a middle-class citizen like you?" Jeanne put her right index on her lower lips as she walks tracing the side road.

Ilia Who since earlier looking at Jeanne's face move his eyes away. He then scratches his right cheek. He began to think as he walk beside her. "Well… maybe a half or a quarter of lovers in low town use it? It's dependents on their interest and hobby. I will say, the place was fun. You will… be surprised, maybe?"

"Why so unsure?" Jeanne move her head, blinking her eyes, and then, with a slightly tilted head, she looked at Ilia's eyes directly.

Her simple action amazed the mummy.

*How can she be lovely with a simple act!?* Ilia thought as he try to control his expression. He wants to make a silly smirk, proud that she was his girlfriend but he held it.

With "ehem!" He begins, "I tried to think of how to cheer you up and the game center comes in a second. I'm not sure if you like the video games and without thinking about your thoughts on it, I pick it."

"Is that the reason you look scared?"

"No, I'm scared of a possibility that you will scorn for then reject my choice. And, did I show it, my fear?" Ilia asked as he touches his cheeks behind the white bandage.

"A little," Jeanne said. She then turns her face away. "You know? I will not make fun of or denied your decisions as long as it wasn't something stupid or out of reason. And if we come to a disagreement, we can talk about it peacefully."

"...for that, I can't say anything except thank you."

Jeanne crossed her arms with a huff! "You're cute this morning but… I can't believe that you can come back to yourself in a matter of half-day. Did having me as your girlfriend just give you a little shock?"

"Of course not, this episode gives me a huge surprise. I'm happy to be cute but, when Roman comes and says his pieces, I can't help to shape myself up. I will protect you and not the opposite."

"Okay, I accept it. And please, don't say the name of that thing again. It's unpleasant for me to hear it," Jeanne explained with a sour face.

Ilia complied with a little nod.

They keep walking and minutes later, they arrive at the bus stop.

Ilia and Jeanne bring shock to the students in there. Questions appear in the mind of those students. Why are the school's belle and a mummy in this place? What will they do? Who is the mummy?

Those students can't help to wonder because this school's facility, this bus stop was a place that belongs to students from middle and lower-class citizens.

The conglomerates or the high-class citizens didn't bother to use the buses because they have private cars. They even disgusted and insulted this facility, which is a blessing from god to students who attend Crelidia High School using their hard-earned scholarship.

So… why is Jeanne here?

The students want to know the answer but they didn't dare to ask Jeanne directly. They choose to stay silent then play with their smartphones. At the same time, they took three steps away from the belle to give her a room.

The Belle is known for her kindness. But, still, they don't want to take the risk of making her feel disturbed by their existence. Play safe was a golden rule for poor students in this unforgiving school.

"I'm excited! This was my first time using a bus. Are there any special rules for someone when they riding this kind of vehicle?"

Ilia shook his head. "There are no special rules. However, you might have to jostle with the others when you're in it."

"Well ... that's also a kind of new experience. You don't need to worry, I'm fine with it." Jeanne crossed her arms to show her resolve.

"Don't complain when you truly feel it."

"I won't!" The girl exclaimed. "Oh! That's right. Ilia, tell me more about this Game Center we talking about."

"Okay, hold a second," Ilia said. He then takes out his smartphone from his bag.

Seconds later, he began the tale of the Game Center, one of a few heavens for teenagers. He showed the girl video of miracles in that heaven, tens of enthralling photos taken in there, and the happiness in that place using the music.

The girl was fascinated. A strong desire to feel those heaven's miracles appeared in her heart Instantly and so strongly. She began making a list of miracles that caught her attention. With resolve, she will demand the boy to bring her to those miracles.

After all, the boy must take responsibility for tempting her.

Time passed and the white bus arrived.

Ilia, Jeanne, and two other students get in. The rest of the students there? They are busy looking and making the latest gossip related to Jeanne.

The bus drove on the road and in a dozen minutes, Ilia along with Jeanne arrived at the Game Center with the name, Blue Cosmos.

"This truly gives me a new experience," Jeanne said. For a few moments, she keeps looking at the words "Blue Cosmos " blue on the entrance of the building.

"First time for you?"

Jeanne nodded. "First time for me," she admitted when she turned to Ilia. Her blood-red eyes shine full of excitement. The girl seized the boy's hand to then pull him while saying, "what are we waiting for? Let's get in!"

"I think that is my words." Ilia smiled wryly. He surrendered his body to be pulled into the game center.

People and various types of arcades greet them. Colorful neon, fascinating game poster, awesome videos together with noisy sound of music, machines, and humans attack their senses.

The girl looked here and there, flustered. That cheerful, batch of vigor doesn't know what to do. Looking for guidance she turned towards the boy.

"First, let's go to the cashier," Ilia said. He moved his hand to point out the place he meant. He began walking after Jeanne nodded.

"Should we buy a ticket?" Jeanne wonders.

"No, not a ticket. To use Arcades and facilities in this place, we need coins or Play Points. I have Play Points on my smartphone but I'm not sure it will be enough. I also need coins if you want to use special arcades."

Jeanne nodded when her knowledge about low-town entertainment increased. A few seconds later, they arrived at the cashier's desk decorated with an image of a male fighter in white karate garb.

"Luna? It's your shift now? Where is Pablo?" Ilia fired a barrage of questions to a girl in the cashier when he was closer enough.

Hearing that her name was being called, the girl with short pink hair turn around. A smile formed by her pink lips to greet the owner of that familiar voice. Her guess was right and her blue eyes can see that the one who called her was Ilia!

The girl was happy but… she was curious! So curious!

Who is the girl beside Ilia?

Ilia's mummy face also draws her curiosity but!

That girl was more important!

Jeanne and Luna stared at each other for quite some time. Then, at the same time, the girls turned to Ilia to asks, "who is she?"