Chapter 57: The Secret

"Huh—that was random," Jonah said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, my bad. I just thought you had something interesting to share." I leaned forward, trying to give a more confident and curious look.

From the outside, I probably seemed sure of myself, but inside, my stomach was doing flips. Cringe, anxiety, social awkwardness, a fear of being inappropriate—all those feelings clashed inside me. It was more likely a mix of all of them.

"Hm…" Jonah muttered, as if actually considering whether to share something.

"So, while you think about it, where's the washroom?" I asked, pretending I had an urgent need.

"Oh, just take a right, second door on the left," Jonah explained, and I nodded, watching her carefully to make sure she wasn't planning on moving from her spot.

I wasn't planning on outright snooping. I was just going to, you know, take a very intensive look around while I was on my way. If I happened to get a little lost in her apartment—which involved a simple right and left turn—that wouldn't be prying, right?

I sighed, trying to justify my plan to myself as I made my way down the hall.

"I'll be back in a second," I called over my shoulder, trying to sound casual.

Jonah's place was much larger than I expected. On my way to the washroom, I walked as slowly as possible, stealing glances behind me to ensure she stayed in the living room.

Everything seemed… too normal. Not a thing out of place.

Which was a problem, because I didn't even know what I was supposed to be looking for. Family issues? Maybe, but her walls were covered in happy family pictures. If there were problems, they were well-hidden beneath the surface.

Her art choices were all over the place—one room had a 19th-century oil painting, and right next to it hung a piece of abstract modern art. There didn't seem to be any pattern or reason behind it.

Books? I checked as I passed her bookshelf. Nope. Everything looked normal there too, from biographies to fantasy novels.

Her bedroom… that was the only place left in my mind that might hold the answer. But I hadn't been invited that far in.

I gave up on the area I'd already walked across. Nothing stood out.

As I washed my hands in the bathroom, I looked at my reflection in the mirror—and something clicked.

Nothing was out of the ordinary. Too much was ordinary.

It felt like she was trying to appear normal. No one in their right mind hangs that many family pictures. Her art? It looked like she'd bought random pieces without caring. The books… Who reads both biographies and fantasy unless they're a psychopath or a complete nerd? Maybe that's not too extreme, but it definitely wasn't common.

What was she hiding?

I felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to open the cabinets. My gut told me the answer was right there, waiting for me. It was that thing people call the "sixth sense."

I gripped the cabinet handles, hands trembling, but just as I prepared to pull them open—

Knock knock.

The sound shot straight through me, rattling my nerves.

"Everything alright in there?" Jonah asked from the other side of the door.

I had been in here too long.

Should I say I was taking a dump? That would buy me some time. But no, that might make me look even more suspicious.

"Yeah, sorry! Just coming!" I called, fumbling with my zipper for a moment, making sure it made enough noise to sound like I'd actually gone to the bathroom.

"No problem, take your time," Jonah replied, though I could hear a hint of anxiety in her voice.

With my heart pounding, I opened the cabinet doors as lightly as possible, adrenaline flooding my system.

But when I saw what was inside, my hands started shaking even more.

NOTE: With this, we have reached the last chapter of original release published by demonking. I'll be writing the future chapters from now and will continue till chapter 200 or so.

My writing style won't be all that different but you will surely find a different approach to system, ai and what not?

I have release 5 more chapters in my p@treon so do check them out: https://www.patreon.com/Jin763

Finally, my upload schedule will be like this: 1 chapter daily and 5 chapters a week [Saturday and Sunday is kinda like rest day for me] - but, I've missions as well -

Free Missions:

If I get 200 powerstones by Friday, I'll release 1 chapter on saturday.

If I get 400 powerstones by Friday, 1 chapter on saturday and 1 on sunday.

If I get 500 powerstones by Friday, 2 chapters on saturday and 1 on sunday.

If I get 1000 powerstones by Friday, everyday I will release 2 chapters for the next week.

Paid Mission:

For every subscription I get in a month on p@treon, I will upload 2 extra chapters for the following week. For example, if X subscribed to me on Sunday - I'll upload 2 extra chapters within next 7 days. Now, if 5 people subscribe, I'll publish 10 extra chapters within the next week.

[Thank you for your support so far.]