Acquaintances
Imagine a restaurant bathed in crimson hues, its walls adorned with dark, brooding artwork that seems to watch everyone's every move.
As everyone stepped inside, the air is heavy with the scent of rich spices and aged wines, sending a shiver down their spine. The lighting is dim, casting eerie shadows across the tables set with blood-red tablecloths.
Everyone were seated at different tables, the flickering candlelight dances ominously. The menu, bound in red leather, offers a selection of dishes that promise to tantalize taste buds while simultaneously setting them on edge.
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"Inside your menus, you'll find your dossiers. Welcome to the Wolf Game, Gnawed Party."
Each person's gaze is fixed on the dossier in front of them. Tension hangs thick in the air as they absorb the contents.
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"Before we dive into the main event, It would be wonderful for us to take a moment to get acquainted with one another."
Half stood up and started to a small talk to each other while others invited their selves to other's table who are not socializing.
Oliver
"Hey, I'm Oliver. Do mind if I join you for a moment?" Oliver approached my table, a hesitant smile on his face.
Chris
"No." I said with an unintentional uninviting tone.
Charlie
"Don't mind if I do so." she chirped, sliding into the seat across from me before I could even respond.
I blinked in surprise, taken aback by her audacity, but her infectious smile made it hard to protest.
Charlie
"Go get a seat by yourself. No one is going to pamper you here." she laughed at Oliver.
Oliver
"..." he was embarrassed but did as she told.
Charlie
"It's Charlie. Speak up." she plainly introduced and asked for my turn.
Chris
"Chris," I didn't speak much and had an unapproachable tone.
There was silence between us. It's as if she's thinking and analyzing me at the same time. It bothers me but I could deal with it.
Charlie
"Here's some advice, Chris. You better speak up a lot more if you don't want to be getting rid of. If no one likes you, who's going to care if you'll be voted out, hm?" she leaned forward and snickered a provocation at me.
Both my eyebrows and eyes twitched in irritation. It was an advice but her manner and tone were clearly a provocation.
Chris
"I'll take the advice and see if I can do better. You can f**k off now, Charlie."
Charlie
"You should and don't half-**s it, Chris. You see, those who are guilty are having a hard time to decide what to say and what to do. It's as if they need to be perfect or just do nothing to seem innocent all for avoiding getting caught."
I simply glared at her. I'm not good at talking so I'm taking it out onto obvious gestures that I want her to leave. She's getting it but she's dismissing it.
Oliver
"I think... There are people just having a hard time to initiate conversation. Not all people are good at talking, it takes practice to have the charisma." Oliver interrupted hesitantly.
Both me and Charlie turned our attention to Oliver. He starts to get nervous.
Charlie
"Let me guess, introverts? No sh** sherlock, that kind of excuse isn't helpful for your ground here. Connections are important. You might as well go surrender because you'll be sacrificed for their own benefit. No hard feelings, it's just business here."
Oliver
"This is quite a heavy topic for acquaintances, don't you think?" He tries to ceasefire the tension.
Then there was another heavy silence between the three of us. I reached for a drink of wine and acted as if I ignored their presence.
Charlie stood up and gave a disappointed look at the both of us.
Charlie
"I'll take my leave, losers. Another advice, I wouldn't trust this pretentious goody two shoes here." She sneered at Oliver then left to join the others.
Oliver
"Please don't listen to her nonsense, she's putting a wedge between us." he said with an obvious nervous tone.
Chris
"I don't care. I can see her putting a wedge between others as well." I said in nonchalant tone while looking at Charlie's way to cause trouble to others.
Oliver
"That's a relief." He sighs in relief.
Oliver fidgeted with his wine cup, searching for something to say.
Oliver
"I like shrimp alfredo."
Oliver
"...Let's team up?"
Despite the initial resistance, we agreed to cooperate with each other.
Comments
Sakaki
I couldn't put it down! Write more, please!
2024-05-06
1