Pixels And Pistols (HBC) ∆16. Ice Cream and Prize

Chapter 16: Ice Cream and Prize

As they were roaming around the expo, Rithika had spotted an automatic ice cream maker. She quickly went over and pressed the buttons to order a sundae. After some time, her order came through the automated belt and she picked it up

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

Ohhh~~ Looks Delicious. *looks at Alpha* Come on, order one for yourself! We haven't eaten anything since morning, you must be starving too

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

Seems like Avian really has done their best for this expo huh? *goes forward and pressed the buttons for a popsicle*

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

Well Avian Technologies is known to be quite meticulous. *internal thoughts: Or rather, Reggie is quite meticulous*

They chat a little and walk, eating their ice cream on the way

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

Hmm This is actually really tasty...

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*enjoying the ice cream* Yeppp I think I will keep this machine even after the expo ends

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

(⁠?⁠・⁠・⁠)⁠σ What? You will keep it? But isn't that up to the organiser? Does Avian really give that much freedom to an Employee?

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

Uh-- *Sh!t why do I talk so much* T-that well... I- I actually am in the organizing team, So you know, if I give a suggestion there's a chance they might keep it *awkwardly laughs* (⁠^⁠～⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ T-that's all...

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

Ah I see... Seems like you are in a high position I guess... From what I've heard, Avian doesn't let Rookies handle large scale events

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

Well... You could say that... Hahaha *awkwardly laughing, looking around for distractions* Oh- Look at that! The claw machine

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*frowns* That machine is faulty y'know, it doesn't work

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*giggles* oh? You mean to say you are a sore loser?

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

H- He- Hey!!! That's not it!!! *flustered*

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*internal thoughts* *God He really is so cute, worthy of being my love interest afterall* *chuckles* Well if tha---

Before she could continue, her phone rang. She had different ringtones set for different people, and this one was from Reggie. She picked it up immediately, he never calls unless there's something important

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

📞*on the phone* Reggie, what is it?

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

📞 Come and get ready, the closing ceremony will start soon. By the time you get ready, I'll wrap up my speech and you can give the award and speak a couple of words

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

📞 N-now? But I am in the middle of a--

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

📞 *stern* Now, my queen. You can't keep escaping Avian Tech. It still comes under your family's enterprise, right?

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

📞*sighs* Huff... Fine fine not like I can win against you. I'll be there *hangs up*

Alpha was staring at Rithika as she was talking. He didn't understand the context, but seemed like she would have to leave again

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*That is what Rithika looked like to him* Well... Seems like you gotta go huh?

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*shakes head sadly* That I do. Some work has come up. I gotta go... *looks at the claw machine* Seems like I can't test your skills today... Oh well... Bye Alpha!

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*nods slowly* Yeah... Bye... Uh-- *after she walks away* Oh no--- I wanted your number!!! I- *sighs* Why am I like this...

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*looks at the claw machine* hmm.. Seems like a good excuse... I'll get a soft toy

Meanwhile, Regulus was checking his files one last time before beginning the final closing ceremony.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

Well... Seems like Today he'll know one of your secrets, my queen. Lying any further will only create more distrust

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*Fixes his tie one last time and walks out, heading towards the hall*

On the other hand, Alpha too managed to get the panda from the claw machine. Happy, he walks towards the building.

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*walking* Hah Now I can show her that I'm not bad at the claw machine <⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠> *suddenly remembers* Damn the closing ceremony must have already started, sh!t! I need to know who managed to win that competition!

When Alpha runs and barges inside the hall, he sees a white haired man giving a speech. Little did he know, that Regulus was still talking because they couldn't find Alpha to give the award

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*thinks* *Ah finally that guy is here... I'm tired of talking so much* *finishes his speech* We hope you've all enjoyed this expo. And of course as you know, it is now time to declare the winners of HackHour

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

Truth be told, ever since the beginning of this company, no one has managed to win this competition. You would not be surprised to find out that it was the same this year too. But we had a remarkable person who almost reached the last level.

The crowd begins to whisper, wondering who it might be

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

And with that, I, as the CTO of Avian Technologies, announce the winner of this year's HackHour. Mr. Alvin Jones!

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*blinks* h-huh? *before he could process the information, the organisers came to call him to the stage. He walked towards the stage to take his prize. He was still clutching the panda soft toy in his hand*

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*extends hand* Well Done. You've won. Remarkable effort from your side

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*shakes hand* Thanks I guess...

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*checks his watch, speaks into the mic* *thinks: It's time* With that Everyone, Please welcome the CEO of Avian Technologies, Ms. Rialta Flores!!!

Almost as if in sync, the doors open and a lady dressed in her best formal wear walks inside. Smiling and walking confidently, as everyone gets up to look at her

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*looks towards the door, eyes widen* w-what---

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To be continued