Chapter 118 - Stephen's Interest

Most players of the tournament also attended the party. But these youngsters only arrived after the session of the interviews.

Upon their arrival, they also expressed their appreciation for the theme and decoration of the venue. It was that small matter that gamers normally paid much attention to.

"That skin of the mage was painted beautifully!" one of the muttered as he pointed the poster on the wall where a mage character was displayed.

"This place is like the game itself without the jungle elements! The color of this place was really the logo of the game!" another one expressed.

Being late in attending parties was some sort of not a big deal for them as they were not the main star of the event. 

No one also complained that they did not come to the venue on time. 

Still, these players did not want to miss the chance to enjoy a good bonding with other players. Such opportunity rarely happens in real life for their bonding usually happened inside the game.

The squad leaders started to approach one another as a group and discussed their excitement about the next tournament.

After some time, the entire hall was filled with chatter and laughter.

The tempo of the background music slowly changed to a more lively one and, the guests - specially the younger ones, started dancing. 

Even those media personalities and their crew have placed their pieces of equipment in the corner of the room and joined the fun.

"Let's dance, Claire!" Clark invited and extended his hand to her. The lady easily took his offer and soon the two went to join the people enjoying the good music.

The host of the party approached Mr. Greg first before he moves his feet to Sofia's table.

"Ohh, you guys wanna dance? Come on!" Toni beamed while grooving in front of the three members of the Chronos squad.

"I'll dance with you!" Joey stood, and trailed behind the host, leaving Sofia and Stephen at the table.

At that time, Sofia was checking her emails and did not pay much attention to the group. Whereas, Stephen was silently sitting beside her. He was also looking at his phone with a deep frown on his forehead. A slight irritation glimmered on his face.

Sofia may have sensed his mode for she abruptly glanced at Stephen's side. 

"What's wrong?" she asked with a concerned tone.

"Just something..." Stephen trailed before placing his phone in his pocket. 

When the air around them suddenly become awkward, Sofia looked at the man in the eye. "You have something to say?"

She had read the expression on his face. In fact, she had seen this kind of expression so many times. The reluctant look when someone wants to say something. 

Stephen sigh and then take a gulp from his glass. "I'm just wondering something, Sof..." he started and looked around.

"Wondering of what?" she asked when his words come to a dead end.

"Ehem! I'll be straightforward about this. Just don't be upset," Stephen replied.

"Now, I'm curious! What is it?" Sofia questioned. She could see how visibly nervous Stephen was looking at her. Something that just happened out of nowhere. 

"Sof, I like you!" he directly said.

The lady looking at him almost choked of what she had heard. However, she managed to gather her composure.

"I know, it's kind of sudden. But, since you support Clark and Claire, I reckon that you would also give me a chance to court you," he added.

"Mmmn, give me a night to think of this proposal. Clark and Claire, their situation is different. I have other things in mind right now," Sofia muttered easily. Her words smoothly came out of her lips treating Stephen like a business partner doing some sort of negotiations.

"I'll support you, Sof. Just give me the chance," Stephen appealed.

She did not remove her gaze until Stephen felt uncomfortable with how he was being examined by Sofia. Such gaze felt as though it penetrated at the depth of his soul.

"My mind is focused on making stability for our squad," she mumbled.

Sofia intently stared at the boy in front of her. The first thought that came across her mind when she heard his confession was, 'You are too young for me.'

It was the reaction of her 24-year old soul. But then. she realized another thing. This was exactly what she had missed in her last life. She died without even dating anybody for the same reason. She was too focused with her career on managing her company!

Now, she left to wonder if what would be the reaction of the original Sofia, the one that was almost the same age as the boy in front of her.

"Stephen, what are your aspirations?" she suddenly asked. 

"Ahh, if you'll give me a chance and agree to be my girlfriend, I'll make you the happiest girl, Sof!" Stephen responded without blinking his eyes.

Sofia nodded her head. The aspirations she knew were totally different from that of Stephen. And she had heard these kinds of promises from the men that tried to court her in the past life.

But there was a big difference between her current life and her last life. 

In the past, men wanted to build a connection with her because she came from a family with a formidable background. She was not only rich but one of the richest! They wanted to have a relationship with her because of her wealth. And none of those men showed sincerity over her. Only their interest towards what she had.

On the other hand, in this current life, she was as good as a commoner. Her background was not noteworthy and no one even approached her nor confessed their interest in her. Not until today.

"Why?" a question suddenly escaped from her lips. Why would this boy want to have a romantic relationship with her? Why would he pick an ordinary-looking girl like her among other fabulous girls in school? 

She remembered that Stephen was popular with the girls in their school because of his bad-boy persona. Many admired his looks and attitude. So why her?

Upon hearing her question, Stephen could only raise a brow as he did not fully understood what she was asking to him.

"Why me?" Sofia repeated.

"Ohh, that! Hehe, it's too early to say that I love you. But, during the time that we are together, I fall in love with your personality. I am attracted to your character. Just the entire you," Stephen stated.

"You could have the popular girls in school?" Sofia suggested.

"Ahh, you have underestimated your reputation. After today, trust me, your popularity will grow beyond our school. But, that's not the main reason why I like you. I also can't explain it. But, I do really like you, Sof!" Stephen rambled.

"Ohh, okay. You won't ask me if I like you?" Sofia questioned.

"It does not matter if you don't like me. I'll make you like me! Just give me a chance," Stephen declared with full of determination.

"I'll think about it. You're not in a hurry, aren't you?" She playfully asked when she realized that the air around them had become too serious.

"No, there's no rush! Hehe," Stephen shyly scratched the back of his head and looked away. His ears slightly turned red as Sofia observed his movement.

"Hehe, I just need to sort out the possibilities. Right now, I have nothing to offer to you. But if you'll be by my side, I'll build you an empire," Sofia murmured. Her voice was too soft but it was enough for Stephen to hear.

"I'll wait for your response tomorrow," Stephen firmly responded. He was moved by Sofia's words.

The lady did not actually reject him. She just needed time to make plans for the two of them if they would go out too.

Plans... all her life was built with this. And even if it was her second life, Sofia would still make a plan for each of the steps that she would take and for every decision that she would make.

"Yeah... For a moment I thought you are in trouble!" Sofia slightly tapped his shoulder. Her tone switched back to a casual one.

"Well, I would be in trouble if you reacted badly by what I said, yes?" Stephen chuckled.

"You are overthinking. I mean, it did not occur to me that you actually like beyond the friendship level. Other than playing the games, there is nothing much likable with me," Sofia shrugged and crossed her legs.

"That's your opinion! But, I am not playing here. I do really like you. Maybe, it's your attitude," Stephen smiled. 

"Well, it's good that you are straightforward. Just make sure you are not in a current relationship in real life or in a virtual world. I don't want to deal with headaches if we get to be together," Sofia warned him playfully.

"Hmm, I can't remember having a girlfriend really. But, most of the girls had assumed me to be their boyfriend. I can't help it. I have such a handsome face!" Stephen grinned widely. This time the awkwardness between them had easily vanished.

"Well, that would be a challenge. But, it's not difficult to address," Sofia stated.