The familiar sensation of disconnecting from the virtual world washes over me, and I slowly open my eyes to the real world.
As I step out of the VR capsule, I'm greeted by the familiar surroundings of my room. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow through the windows, and I take a moment to let the experience of the virtual game sink in.
Although the game world is just a simulation, the friendships and experiences I've had there are very real to me. It's a place where I can challenge myself, grow stronger, and connect with others on a level that transcends the boundaries of the real world.
Suddenly, a bluish light erupts from my head, and in the next moment, Mimi appears before my eyes in her miniature fairy form.
[Iyaaah!]
She lets out a voice as she flies around playfully, her face filled with ecstasy.
"Yo, just what is making you happy?" I ask her with a smile, intrigued by her sudden excitement.
[Hehe, 'cause I get to feel the outside world again. You just don't understand, it's not easy getting cramped inside your head all day. Moreover, I couldn't talk to you inside the game, so it felt like eternity waiting for the tournament to finish. By the way, how was it?
Ah... Well, nothing special really—
[Wait! I'ma just check your memories then, no need to stress yourself to explain.]
Oh...
After some time, Mimi's voice resonates in my head again.
[I saw everything. You really killed Zamira inside the game?! What the heck is wrong with you? You know, it wasn't easy to conquer her at first. But after getting her, you decided to mess with her heart.]
Sigh... I know, I know how much Zamira cares about winning battles. I only wanted to prove something to her, but I couldn't.
[Hmph. You better apologize to her.]
I feel a pang of guilt as Mimi scolds me, and I know she's right. My actions in the game might have hurt Zamira, and I need to make things right.
"You're right, Mimi. I messed up, and I should apologize to Zamira," I say, taking her advice seriously.
[Good, now let's go find her and sort this out. Don't keep a lady waiting, you know.] Mimi's tiny wings flutter as she urges me to take action.
Okay, before that... I need to pick a certain thing I bought now that the tournament is over.
With a newfound determination, I quickly leave my room and head outside.
I get to Zamira's chambers, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. At the entrance, I see Zagrath, Zamira's loyal combat maid, standing there. Upon seeing me, Zagrath's face turns slightly pink, and I can't help but wonder if she knows about the recent tension between Zamira and me.
"Zagrath, is Zamira inside?" I inquire, trying to keep my tone casual.
She looks at me for a moment before nodding. "Yes, she's inside. Go on in," Zagrath replies, her voice surprisingly gentle.
Taking a small deep breath to steady my nerves, I walk into Zamira's room. The moment I step inside, a grand scene meets my eyes. Zamira's room is now lavishly decorated and furnished with the latest gadgets and equipment in the world of today. I also remember that they were working on it the last time I came.
I'm awestruck by the transformation. The once simple and minimalistic room has been replaced with an opulent display of wealth and luxury. Everything looks immaculate, from the elegant furniture to the state-of-the-art technology.
"Zamira, this place looks incredible," I say, trying to find the right words to express my admiration.
She turns to face me, her expression guarded at first but then softening slightly. "I wanted a change. A new beginning," she says, her voice tinged with emotion.
"I can see that. It's impressive," I reply, taking in the details of the room.
There's a moment of awkward silence before I decide to address the elephant in the room. "Zamira, I'm really sorry about what happened in the game. I never meant to hurt you or mess with your heart," I say earnestly, hoping that my apology will reach her.
She looks at me, her eyes searching mine for sincerity. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me, but it still hurt nonetheless," she admits, her vulnerability showing.
"I understand, and I promise it won't happen again. You mean a lot to me, Zamira, as someone I deeply love," I say, the weight of my words carrying the truth of my feelings.
Her expression softens further, and I can see the walls she had put up slowly coming down. "Thank you for apologizing," she says, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
For some reason, I feel Zamira's heart racing and pounding hard as if she's shy but trying to keep calm in front of me. The atmosphere is filled with tension and anticipation as I gather my courage to express my feelings.
"Zamira, there's something I want to give you," I say, my voice slightly shaky but filled with sincerity.
She looks at me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "What is it?" she asks, her icy demeanor momentarily melting away.
In the next moment, I dip my hands into my pocket and bring out a small heart-shaped box. I can feel my own heart pounding in my chest as I open the box, revealing a delicate ring nestled inside.
With a sudden movement, I gently grab Zamira's hand, feeling her warmth against my skin, and I ask her the question that has been on my mind for so long.
"Zamira, will you marry me?" I say, my voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying all the love and hope in my heart.
Her eyes widen, and for a moment, I see a hint of vulnerability in her expression. It's as if the confident warrior facade has momentarily faded, revealing the woman beneath.
"I...I never expected this," she stammers, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.
"I know it's unexpected, and I know we've had our share of ups and downs, but I can't imagine my life without you, Zamira. You've become an important part of my world, and I want to share my life with you," I say, pouring my heart out.
Her hand trembles slightly in mine, and I can tell that my words are having an impact on her. It's a vulnerable moment for both of us, but it feels right, like the pieces of a puzzle finally falling into place.
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