1 A Meeting With A Friend

The moon shining through the window melancholically, the cheers and discussions are filling the lively huge room, people gathering and chattering about their daily lives while drinking an intoxicating booze. A man sits in a corner of the room, his hair is black and the color of his eyes are as blue as the moon, he's wearing a uniform under his jacket. He went directly to this restaurant and covered his uniform with a jacket. His name is Aidan Bluford, A 23-year-old employee of the nearby fast food chain. Whenever a person enters the restaurant, he anxiously looks at the entrance to see who it is. Tonight, He's expecting to meet someone in this restaurant, a close friend from the past. It's been way past the decided meeting, his stomach growled and his throat runs dry for waiting for half an hour.

"He's late, as usual. I should order some food and drink while waiting. He's still always late, like in the old days."

"Waiter!"

A waiter in standby walked forward like they've been patiently waiting for me to order all this time I'm sitting at this table. I've been occupying this table for a while now and I haven't ordered anything yet, they must have been patiently waiting for me all this time. I suppose I can order more than I usually do to make up to them.

"I want to order some crispy chips, hot wings, and beer. I'd also like to add some nachos please, thank you."

The waiter nodded to show that he got all the orders and left off. This restaurant is busy during this time of night since workers come here to relax after work.

Then a bell rang, meaning that a customer has arrived in the restaurant, a man went to Aidan's table and sat down in the chair. He's panting and full of sweat, the man must have come here in a hurry. He's wearing a messy formal clothing like he just finished working, the same could be said with the other regulars in this restaurant. He's tall with brown hair, and he has a slim body that made me think he isn't eating properly. It's the guy I've been waiting to come. His name is Ethan Ward, my former friend from the old fantasy VRMMORPG, Mythos. He's also the guild master of the "Marauders" guild that I joined.

"I'm sorry I'm late! I have to work overtime since the deadline for my project is next week."

"It's fine, I've ordered some food and drink already. My treat so no worries, and besides, I'm the one that asked you to have a drink with me."

"Thank you very much! I've been stressed the whole week to get my job done, this could help me relax a bit."

"It's good that I can help an old friend and guildmate."

"So how are you?"

Ethan asked Aidan with a hint of concern.

"I'm alright, I just miss the old days playing with you guys."

"It's been three years since the game has closed, I miss the old days as well."

Ethan sighed like his soul is already leaving his body. But the memory of the past gives him the strength to survive this world that's full of trials and horror.

"Yeah, the good old days. Mythos is the best game I've ever played. And with you guys, the "Marauders", our guild, the game's even more enjoyable and fun to play."

The look on Ethan's face says it all, he smiles as he reminisces about the past.

Aiden recalled the times they spent as a guild, the trials they did, collecting materials to get the best gear, casual duels with each other, and a lot more.

Time stopped as the two at the table recall the old days. The world shifted and there's a huge titan in front of them, the titan stomped the ground and shook the earth, everyone's charging to attack the titan full of excitement and adrenaline, with Ethan leading the front line.

The world turned grey and started moving again when the waiter brought them the foods and drinks Aidan ordered. The table that was full of life and energy has turned cold again.

"The past is in the past, we can't bring it back anymore. We should dig in, I'm starving." Aidan said with a string of disappointment in his heart.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's celebrate that the two of us still remains together, cheers!"

Our drinks clinked, followed by a loud gulp. A cheer to remembering the past, and a fruitful future. The foods served by this restaurant aren't bad either, the sauce for nachos is good and the fries taste fresh. Beers and these kinds of food are a match made in heaven.

"So Aidan, How's your current job? You're working at a fast food chain right?"

"Yeah, it's the usual, boring and repetitive job. My seniors treat me like a slave and the customers aren't helping either. I'm tired of this boring world, I want to go back and play Mythos with the guild."

"That's unfortunate, I'm sorry to hear that. Everyone from the guild is busy with their personal life, either with their job or their family. It can't be helped."

Reality made Aidan's heart heavy, knowing that his guildmates are busy with their lives now. But it can't be helped, they chose to move on with their lives.

"I know, I just want to explore a different world full of magic and monsters. Court intrigue, feudalism, lords, and politics. A fantasy world that can be cruel and beautiful."

"I see you're still the medieval fantasy nerd that I know, Aidan, haha!"

Ethan's laugh made the heavy atmosphere lighter and brighter.

"How about you? Are you still the same person who charges in a raid like a psycho? Screaming loudly and expecting to get out alive?"

"Of course! I'm the tank of the guild, I charge in with courage and bravery, my shield will always be there to protect me."

"Haha! I expect nothing less from the guild master, you're still the same person I knew."

"Don't flatter me, you're one of the best DPS mages in the game."

"I was just lucky. Those times were the greatest time of my life."

Time passed quickly when we're talking, the food and drinks are all gone now. Most of the customers have left and the staffs are all tired, the bustling noise earlier died down and it's closing time.

"Well, it's nice seeing you in good shape Aidan, but it's already late and I have to go to work tomorrow."

"It's nice seeing you too Ethan, take care of yourself and eat properly. You can go on ahead, I'll pay for tonight's expenses don't worry."

"Thanks again, and I will take care of my body and eat properly to regain my former strength. Next time it'll be my treat! Goodbye Aidan."

"Goodbye, Ethan."

The passage of time made Aidan's heart grow lonely and tired, knowing that he won't be able to explore a different world with his former comrades.

Aidan paid the bill and left the restaurant. The night is cold and the moon shines brightly, the busy street earlier is now peaceful and quiet.

"Maybe I should move on as well. I have to go home now, I still have work tomorrow." He walked in a dark and lonely street, heading home shrouded in darkness.