Chapter 3 DEPERSONALIZATION

When they entered the bar, they were greeted by the smokes of cigarettes, the sounds of music, and the crazy people who danced to the beat of it.

They chose to come here because the event had ended quietly.

"I called Liam; he's supposed to be here," Trevor explained, clarifying why they've decided to simply wait at the bar's entrance.

"Hey, babe." A woman in short shorts and a revealing off-shoulder piece of clothing sprang out in front of Russell and kissed his lips without his permission.

"Hey," he said when as a response.

He didn't bother the three. To be honest, they are used to it. After all, Russel's signature is being a womanizer. He wouldn't be a Celvestrian if he couldn't entice the ladies with his renown and good looks.

"Later?"

As her eyes brought him to the accompaniment of the flirtation, he felt the woman's hand slowly across his big chest.

He grinned and ran his finger down the woman's nose, near to her lips.

"Sure."

***

I gaped for a moment before closing the book. What did I just read?

"What's that?"

"Huh?" I glanced to my side and found Monica, one of my classmates, staring at the book I was holding in awe. I clenched my fist and shook my head quickly.

"N-Nothing. Just a tale, which I just found out somewhere."

"Ah," she said, her mouth wide open, nodding as if satisfied with my response to her question.

I expected her to leave when she asked, but she remained standing by my side a few seconds later.

I couldn't help but wonder why she approached me. I mean, I've known her to be a friendly person, but she's not like myself, who hides behind books and various fantasies. She loved to be around people who were as gregarious and attractive as she was.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, and she shook promptly.

"Nothing. I simply noticed that you still don't abandon your seat even after the bell had rung."

When I looked around the room, I observed that the students had all left. I exhaled a long sigh and turned to face Monica. "Thank you for the reminder; I'll be going then." I took my bag and threw it over my right shoulder before entering the room.

So I wasn't hearing the bell because I was distracted by the story? I shook a little.

I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it was already 6:12 p.m. I proceeded to the locker room to change my clothing. Even if I can go at this moment, I am unable to go home since I have a job that should be filled.

It's been weeks since I was dismissed from my last job due to my frequent absences and ridiculous academic standards that are set. I'm just grateful that I've set aside some of my wages for my allowance. I'm also grateful to have found a new work that meets my preferences.

Although I am not picky when it comes to looking for a part-time job, I can't deny that it is exhausting to do something, especially if you don't want to but don't have a choice, so you have to put up with it in the end.

"All right, so within it are the files that you need to proofread and finish by Friday." A flash drive plopped on my table.

When I looked up, I spotted Ms. Erin, the owner of the publishing house with which I'm working.

"If you feel tired here at the office, you can work from home; just finish what you're working on."

"Thank you so much, Ms. Erin."

She gave me a nod before departing.

I spent my four hours proofreading the files that Ms. Erin had given me, so I almost went home to the apartment with the flash drive.

I was surprised when I opened my kitchen cupboard and saw that I had run out of noodles. I had already eaten dinner, but I forgot to go to the grocery store to get some stocks.

When I became drowsy, I considered going straight to my bedroom and changing my clothes. Although I was sleepy and wanted to sleep, something urged me to read anything before going to bed.

Before going directly to bed, I got the red book out of my backpack and wrapped myself in a blanket. I then flipped to the last page of the book that I had read.

***

"Liam's here."

When a figure in glasses wrapped in his black jacket stared into their eyes, everyone was riveted to their chairs.

The bored expression on his face heightened his seriousness, especially when Trevor noticed him with a wince on the man's face, looking awful to his cousin.

"What are you wearing? You're not at home, you're at the club. You're wrapped up again." Trevor's tongue quivered, but his solemn expression didn't change.

"I should've stayed at home instead of here; this place is pretty noisy," Liam muttered before shifting his gaze to Russel. "Happy birthday, bro."

Russel replied with a nod. "Thanks."

"Follow me," Liam said as he instantly turned around and began walking away. "I've already arranged your private room; as a thank you, you should pay me." The young man's words shook the four of them.

"Books," they all said at the same time as Liam nodded. Felt relieved that they understand what he needed. Books, not women or money.

"Good, I wanted to go home, but since it's Russel's birthday, I'll stay here with you first and suffer."

"Bro, that's harsh; it's as if you're simply putting up with us," Bradly grumbled, but Liam ignored him and sat to one side.

"Awful. Are you just going to sit there on the corner? Come on, Liam! It's Russel's birthday. Even now, just have fun. You'll get old easily if you keep doing that." Vrok's urging, but Trevor merely gave him a pat on the back.

"Leave him alone; why are you not used to it?"

Russel approached Liam and ruffled his hair like a kid, causing him to severely clog him. Russel simply grinned and remained motionless. "Thank you, dude."

"All right, stay away; I might be infected by your flirtatiousness," Liam said, sensing his hand go to push Russel away.

Because of what Liam did, the three of them laughed, so Russel gave them a dirty look.

"Good job, cousin," Trevor says with a thumbs up.

"All right, let's get this party started."

They all exchanged smiles as they stared at one another.

"Come on, let's have a good time!"

"Wuhoo!"

***

I couldn't help but smile when I heard what Liam had done to Russell. In this scenario, I guess I found my bias. Liam is the moniker. Even though Russel is the main protagonist of the novel, Liam is his friend, and I believe I frequently read him in the story. And, like me, he enjoys reading and wears glasses.

I'm curious if he's purblind or if he just likes to wear glasses. The story has no mention of anything. But, in any case, I'm hoping there are many more scenes where I can read his name.

***

They'd been drinking for hours till they left their private area and joined the dancing individuals in the bar to dance. It's not quite midnight, but it doesn't matter.

Russell, on the other hand, is currently making out with some random stranger who is just over it on the dancing.

He doesn't mind whether they're surrounded by people as long as his hands can freely roam to any area of the woman's body.

***

My eyes widened in surprise. Does this imply... I exclaimed and pondered whether I should continue reading. Russel seemed to be planning an erogenous situation here, and I'm not prepared. Because, to be honest, if I keep doing this... This is the first time I've come across a story like this by coincidence.

"Shall I stop reading this?" I clenched my grip on the book and tossed it to the side of my study table.

I'm going to bed now. I still have to get up early for school tomorrow, so I'll have to go to bed early today. Maybe I'll just read it tomorrow during my lunch break or any other free time. However, reading that at school does not appear to be appropriate.

If I do that, I feel like I'll be committing a sin. Why not go ahead to the next chapter? Right. Pene, you're doing great! It would be a fantastic idea to skip this chapter.

After that, I attempted to sleep as intended. But, for a few moments, I was rolling around on my bed, undeterred by drowsiness. I took up the book again and continued reading because I was annoyed. Whatever happens, the most important thing is to be visited by drowsiness.

***

"Gez! Get a room, would you?" Vrok said as he noticed Russel and the woman on his lap performing a miracle.

Russel smirked and bit his bottom lip as he glanced at the woman in front of him.

"May I?" the woman asked, returning his smile with a passionate kiss on the lips.

The woman clung to Russell's shoulder with both arms till he hoisted her up without breaking the kiss-

***

I hurriedly shut the book and slammed it against the side of my study table.

Okay, I'm done. I had to stop reading this story because the scenes were too much for me. I quickly wrapped a blanket around myself and buried what I had read in my head. Oh my goodness! Did they just-gosh! Pene, stop imagining!

I battled to get that thought out of my head till my two eyelids became droopy. And I'm not sure whether I'm dreaming, but I felt something heavy alighted on my stomach.