The Incubus System Chapter 774. I Won't Disappear (Patreon)

The Incubus System Chapter 774. I Won't Disappear

"Well, I have a good excuse for that," I found myself defending my actions. My voice had a defensive edge to it, a reflection of the fact that I felt the need to justify my behavior.

Ruby's response came without hesitation, and her words were laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Your acquaintance, right?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine.

I nodded reluctantly, feeling a twinge of guilt settling in the pit of my stomach. "Yeah," I confessed.

"But why didn't you tell me anything? You literally met me before you disappeared. I waited for you in front of your house for hours. I tried to contact you. I tried to find out where you are from everyone who knows you. Don't you know how worried I am for you?" she argued without hesitation, expressing her annoyance. Her disappointment was evident in every word.

I took a deep breath and frowned. "Ruby, we are not in a relationship. I don't have any obligation to explain it to you or tell you where I'm going,” I gave her a final hit. My annoyance was clear on my face.

Ruby's eyes flashed with hurt and frustration, and for a moment, I felt I was too harsh. But I couldn't let myself be swayed by guilt. I had to stand my ground.

"I know we're not in a relationship," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "But that doesn't mean we're not friends. Friends should trust and confide in each other, don't you think?"

“We are. But I didn’t tell any of my friends either. Including Larry,” I stated in a firm tone.

As I expected, my response was a heavy blow for Ruby. Her usually vibrant and playful demeanor seemed to deflate, replaced by a sense of sadness and vulnerability. I could see the hurt in her eyes.

The atmosphere at the fast-food restaurant turned somber as we both retreated into our own thoughts. Ruby played with her food, pushing her fries around the plate with her fork, her appetite seemingly diminished. Meanwhile, I continued to eat in silence, the taste of the burger suddenly bland on my tongue.

None of us spoke for what felt like an eternity, the weight of the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air between us. It was a familiar feeling, this silence, but it was different this time. There was an underlying tension, a shift in our dynamic that made me uneasy.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Ruby broke the silence. "I know it doesn't have any effect on you," she began, her voice tinged with resignation. "But for me, it means a lot. I just don't want you to suddenly disappear."

Her words were honest and vulnerable, and it took me by surprise. I had never seen this side of Ruby before – the side that was open and raw, wearing her heart on her sleeve. It was a stark contrast to the confident and teasing Ruby I was used to.

"I won't disappear, Ruby," I stated plainly, my eyes meeting hers.

After our conversation, we finished our meal. The awkwardness that had lingered between us began to dissipate. We laughed and joked like old times, and it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from our shoulders.

As for the spies, I simply ignored them and let them do their job properly. They didn't matter anymore since my targets were the senators. So, I was not going to chase the tail again, but the head.

With our bellies full, we opted for some of the more leisurely rides, starting with the iconic Ferris wheel. As we lined up for the ride, Ruby seemed surprisingly calm and composed. Gone were the attempts to grab my attention, and instead, she blended in seamlessly with Celia and Tiffany, laughing and chatting like old friends.

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and confusion. Part of me expected Ruby to continue her playful antics, but it seemed like our earlier conversation had brought about a change in her approach. Perhaps she realized that she needed to respect my boundaries and give our weird relationship the space it needed to heal.

As we boarded the Ferris wheel, the cool night breeze brushed against our faces, carrying with it the scents of popcorn and cotton candy. From the top, we had a stunning view of the entire theme park, illuminated by a dazzling display of lights. The city skyline loomed in the distance, reminding us that we were still firmly grounded in reality, despite the chaotic world we often found ourselves in.

I glanced at Ruby, who was gazing out at the view with a peaceful expression. It was a side of her I hadn't seen before – a side that wasn't trying to impress or seek attention. It was refreshing, and I found myself appreciating her calmness.

The night descended upon the theme park, bathing the surroundings in a sea of twinkling lights. We reluctantly made our way back to the exit. It had been an eventful and emotionally charged day, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as we prepared to head home. The laughter and camaraderie we shared had lifted some of the weight off my shoulders, and for a moment, the burden of my dual life seemed a little lighter.

As we said our goodbyes to the theme park, promising to return someday, I noticed Ruby lingering behind, her expression unreadable. It was unlike her to be so withdrawn. Was she upset with me for being so distant?

But I pushed those thoughts aside. I needed to focus on my own peace of mind and not let guilt consume me. After all, this day was meant for me to relax and enjoy the company of my sisters – something that had become increasingly rare in our chaotic lives.

When we got into the Guuber, I noticed Ruby walking away in the opposite direction. It was unexpected, and I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't join us for the ride home.