As soon as they leave the restaurant, Ezra immediately hugs a surprised Ethan quickly and then adds excitedly while letting go,

"Oh my god! It's so good to see you! Thank you so much for before."

"Same here. It's so good to see you as well. Though I have to ask, what was all that about?"

Ezra nervously chuckles in response and after clearing her throat, she starts walking to the nearest bus stop as Ethan walks besides her, waiting for her reply. She then looks down and replies,

"Well.....you see........actually........"

Playing with her fingers, she wondered on where to start. Ethan had seen her working at the store so it wasn't a secret from him. All she had to do was no explain.

"I didn't get into any training program for an anchor. I don't even know if such things exists. I lied. I actually work at the super mart where you saw me. The manager, who was sitting opposite to me earlier, told me that if I handed out vouchers and worked overtime as a sales girl without any extra pay, he would help me become a real anchor due to his connections. So I did what he told me to do for a few months. Until yesterday, he told me to come to this restaurant today to meet one of the producers from a famous news company and that my dreams were finally going to be fulfilled if I managed to impress that guy, the one who was sitting next to me before. But that guy....."

Ezra's expressions in a split second changed into anger and disgust, she was clenching her fists real tight.

"That guy turned out to be such a cheap ass that wouldn't stop hitting on me. He clearly wanted something in return if he were to help me, you know what I mean, right? Well, I really wanted to slap him hard and get out of there quick. But my boss told me I would be fired if I did anything disrespectful and to do whatever the guy says. And because I still need to pay this months rent and bills, I stayed quiet. Until you came and I finally decided I had enough. He can fire me for all I care but I am not going to let some pieces of shit threaten me and do whatever they want."

"....Seriously? What the hell's wrong with them? It's good that you left. I know the board member over there, if you want I can get that manager fired."

Ethan was sad and angry upon hearing Ezra's story. If only he knew all this before, he could have helped her. He and Ezra had originally known each other due to their same social circle but had actually became friends because of their similar interests in games. It pained him to see how Ezra was living. She was a cheerful, energetic person who was always there to make their day better. And for her to be this down, he didn't like it.

Ezra pondered over Ethan's offer for a while and then responded,

"No matter how much I think that is a good idea, It's fine. That guy still needs to pay me for this month and I really need the money. I wouldn't have been agreeing to whatever he said before if it weren't for me sending all my money to my family and not paying my rent last month as well."

"...how is your family doing?"

Ethan originally wanted to offer her some money, just to help a friend. But he didn't know if it was right or not though he did know that Ezra wouldn't accept it. She would immediately reject it by saying she didn't need pity and since he wasn't actually pitying her, he didn't want to hurt her.

"They're good. Mom is still a teacher at that same school while one of my siblings is at high school now while the rest are still at middle school."

"That's good to hear. They sure have grown up."

"Yeah."

"You know, my offer still stands. I can get that guy fired in no mine. Besides if it helps, it will also be helpful for the rest of the staff who might be under his control."

"...if you really want to. But will I get my money or not?"

"Don't worry, you will."

Ethan reached for his pocket to make a phone call, when he realises that his phone is still with his father. Which reminds me of the meeting that he left, oh how furious his father must be especially after he told him not to mess this up. Ethan had lost his first and only chance to get his father's approval. But he didn't regret it. Ezra was his friend. He had to be there for her and he is always going to be there for her which is why he decided to explain to his father after walking Ezra to the bus station and going back. He, originally, wanted to offer to drop her to the girl's dorm where she lived in a single bed room but he did not have his car keys with him since he came with his father and his driver tonight.

"So.....what's going on with you?"

Ezra's question brought Ethan back from his thoughts. She had told him everything about her but she still didn't know much about Ethan.

"Nothing much."

Ethan gave his normal response which he gave to everyone. But Ezra raised her brow at him, making him add,

"Actually...."

Ezra was one of the few people whom he shared everything with despite being a private person who doesn't like to say much things about himself.

"It's the same as usual. Me following his orders and having no freedom. He does give me work, but it's just side work. He still doesn't give me any real work which makes me wonder whats the use of my degree. Even now, I was at the restaurant because there were some clients whom we had to impress."

"Wait....won't you get scolded for leaving? You should hurry and go back now! What are you doing here?"

Ethan chuckles in response, he is pretty chill about it which freaks out Ezra even more about why he wasn't worrying and going back. She had met his father before and he was a very intimidating person.

"It's fine. It was bound to happen one day or another. I'm tired of how he treats me. So, I don't really care."

"You're weird. Though let me say, it's good that you're stepping up for yourself. Good luck."

"Thanks. Besides, if worst comes to worst, I have a backup plan which I have worked on for a while now."

"Back up plan?"

Ezra stops to look at him. Before Ethan could reply, rain starts pouring.

"Oh shit...."

"Run, quick."

They rush to the bus stop though by the time they got there, their clothes and hair were soaking wet. Ezra brings out a napkin from her purse which she first gives to Ethan but he shakes his head, saying its fine so she then uses it to dry herself. Ethan, on the other hand notices how there are three drunk men, smoking and sitting at the other side of the bus stop, staring at Ezra. He didn't like how they were looking at her, it irritated him so he stood in between them, his back facing the guys. Ezra notices his change in place and asks,

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Who knew it would started raining so suddenly."

"I know right. I saw the forecast this morning and it said nothing about a rain."

"Yeah."

"How are you going to go back to the restaurant in this weather?"

"I'll wait for the bus and I think by the time the rain will stop. If not, I can manage."

"You don't have to wait with me. You should go back now when the rain is still not heavy because once it starts pouring hard, it will be even more difficult for you."

Ethan takes a peek at the guys sitting behind him and then looking at Ezra he replies,

"It's fine. I will stay here with you."

"...if you say so. Thanks."

"No problem.....so, what are you going to do about your job?"

"I don't know. I will look for some other job."

"Good luck."

Ethan replied, thinking to himself that he will also look for any job opportunities for her and then tell her later on.

"...Do you still play that game?"

Ezra spoke, breaking the silence which she felt was awkward.

"Yeah. Which level are you at? Because I am at level 97 now."

"Haha, you're still so behind than me. I am at level 151. And on the plus side, I am a grandmaster now."

"A grandmaster?! How?!"

Ethan explained. They both would always get so excited when talking about games.

Ezra grinned and responded,

"I found this rare elixir and traded it for an island. On that island, I built my guild and now even though there aren't that much members, I became a grandmaster. I also took part in that competition which takes place at level 100. From there, the prize is that you choose what to be in the future. I chose to be a grandmaster."

"Woah, that's amazing. I have yet to reach level 100 but recently I got another dragon."

They happily started talking about their games and how far they've come and even about their friends and if they have had any contact with them whatsoever. Soon the bus comes and before Ezra could get on, Ethan asks her out for lunch the next day to which she agrees saying how she is now free because of no job. Seeing her safely get on the bus, Ethan then heads back to the restaurant, knowing full well how mad his father must be at him, but he didn't think that much about it. All he was happy about was how he got to meet and talk to Ezra after a few years. He really missed her and it felt good to see her again.

-SCENE CHANGE-

Axel came back from his office. He parks his car in front of his apartment's building, where it was his designated parking place and after locking the car, he starts walking towards the building's entrance. It was raining so he was holding his umbrella. At the footsteps in front of the glass door, a familiar sight greets him. A guy was sitting on the lower step, next to luggage both of which were soaking wet from the rain. Axel immediately recognises the guy. After all how could he forget his best friend, Asher. Yes, the one who was apparently abroad which is why seeing him here was shocking. Asher hadn't noticed Axel approach him until he puts his umbrella over his head to shelter him from the rain. Asher looks up, surprised, but then gives a half-smile upon seeing the familiar face.