There was only darkness to greet Julian upon leaving the game, and the low hum of the VR unit buzzed in Julian's ears.
'Ah, we've returned.'
A sense of dread flooded his chest, the echoes of his words and emotions from the game still throbbing within him.
He flicked open his eyes.
The standby message pulsing in neon blue.
[System—Standby]
"Mmmn."
A soft groan escaped Maria's lips, reverberating through the blue gel—then a faint touch. Fingertips slid from his waist toward his chest.
It wasn't a dream… The lingering warmth on his skin proved that much.
Julian reached out and grasped Maria's warm hand. Her skin, smooth and warm, carried a softness that made his fingers hesitate before settling into place.
"J-Julian, are you awake?" Her voice wavered, muffled slightly by the dense gel.
He turned, meeting her gaze—emerald eyes shining with an unreadable emotion gazed back.
"Of course. It just… felt strange. After all—"
