Chapter 270 Intimate conversation
Keyara and her group found solace within the confines of Keith and Kevin's rented room, seeking refuge from the biting cold that seeped through the walls. The ambiance was a blend of warmth from the crackling fireplace and the cozy intimacy created by the low-lit lamps scattered across the room.
Various members lounged comfortably on the overstuffed couch, each holding a steaming mug of their favorite hot drink, ranging from herbal teas to rich cocoa. The soft, plush cushions offered respite from the frosty evening outside. Some huddled near the fire, drawn to its mesmerizing dance of flames, while others found their nooks in armchairs and on the floor, wrapped in thick blankets, absorbing the comforting heat.
Keith and Kevin claimed their favored spots near the hearth, ensconced in the fire's radiant glow. Their newest companion, Norie, nestled in Kevin's lap, basking in the warmth, cocooned in a fluffy blanket. Norie was fast asleep, utterly unconcerned with the serious conversations unfolding around the room.
The ambiance was a mix of casual banter and intense discussions. Amid the crackling of burning logs, voices rose and fell, punctuating the room with lively exchanges. Keyara and a few others engaged in a heated discussion about their recent encounter with the merchant's association and the unexpected turn of events from the dinner.
The room's interior glowed in the soft, golden hues cast by the fireplace's light, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Amidst the warmth and camaraderie, the group found solace from the frosty evening, sharing stories, laughter, and the comforting presence of each other's company.
"Anybody thought about the joining the director Kyle's searching teams?" The room fell into a hush as Keyara's question lingered in the air, wrapping everyone in contemplation. After a prolonged silence, Ken, the one addressed by Keyara, furrowed his brows in deep thought. He took his time before offering his response, his countenance etched with a seriousness that echoed his sentiments. "I'd consider it, but only for a short stint. I'm not particularly keen on rubbing shoulders with high-and-mighty types like him."
Keyara acknowledged his answer with a nod, then turned her attention to Zaria, seated adjacent to Ken. Zaria, with her feline grace, held her cup delicately, her eyes a mix of curiosity and reservation as she considered the prospect. "I don't particularly mind," she mused, her tone casual yet tinged with a hint of caution. She took a sip from her cup, then continued, her words laced with a subtle note of determination. "But I ain't down to be treated like I'm just some average worker, you know?"
"Totally get it," Yelena chimed in, nodding along. Then she turned to Keyara. "Count us in too."
Keyara turned her attention to the other couple. "What about you guys, Arya?"
"We're on board, but just for a couple of months. We've got other plans after that," Arya explained, her husband nodding along in agreement.
Stuart and Benny were also on the same page, ready to join the merchant's search team. Keith, Kevin, and Viana had already given their thumbs up beforehand.
Keyara nodded, taking in everyone's agreement. "I'll give him our answer tomorrow. But if anyone's unsure or has doubts, speak up before then. Committing halfway might cause issues later on."
As the conversation wound down, the room started to empty out, each person bidding their farewells in a sequence that felt almost choreographed. Robert and Yelena were the first to rise, their good nights breaking the quietude that had settled. With polite smiles, they departed, their footsteps fading into the corridor beyond.
Arya and her husband, a pair that seemed entirely in sync, followed suit. Their intentions were clear - they had plans of their own, hinted at by a fleeting mention earlier in the evening. Their departure was graceful, leaving the room a touch quieter as the door closed behind them.
Ken and Zaria, whose presence held an air of mystique, seemed to blend into the night as they left, their departure more like a whisper compared to the others. The room felt less enigmatic with their exit, yet it held onto a lingering aura of intrigue.
The farewells continued until it was just Kevin and Keith, the affable hosts, who remained. Two additional figures lingered on—the small, black pup, Norie, and two individuals whose thoughts seemed intertwined with the fading echoes of the night's discussions. The room, now quieter, held the memories of shared decisions and ponderings, each leaving their mark as the night drew on.
Among Keith's family members sat Keyara and Viana, their presence adding to the familial warmth in the room. Kevin, noticing the assembly of Keyara's relatives, grinned mischievously, his mind ticking away with plans for a bit of shared amusement. After a few moments spent navigating through his smartphone, he peered up at them with an impish expression.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere within the room settled into a thoughtful quietude. Keyara and Viana sat in contemplative silence, each holding a cup in hand, their gazes fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace, lost in introspection.
"Hey, I've got some drinks and food on the way. Anyone up for a bite?" Kevin chimed in with a smile, a few minutes later.
Keith gave a nod of approval, while Viana remained quietly contemplative. Keyara, curious, inquired, "What did you order?"
"Some chicken and alcohol," Kevin announced, rising from his seat. "The delivery's here, anyone want to come grab it with me?"
As Keith cozied up in his blanket, he did the classic "pretend-I'm-busy" turn. Meanwhile, Keyara, being the instigator of the food query, was soaking up the warmth by the fire. Viana, letting out a small sigh, rose from her seat and said, "Alright, let's go."
Kevin grinned at her response and snagged a coat from the nearby hanger before heading out. As they strolled a bit away from the room, Viana, with a curious glance, asked, "So, is the delivery at the inn's door or somewhere else?"
Kevin grinned mischievously and, with a playful gesture, gently placed his hand on her waist, drawing her closer. "The delivery guy's got another half-hour. I just wanted a moment to enjoy some quality alone time with you."
Viana was taken aback, her surprise evident on her face. "Wait, how did you know I was the one whose going to join you?" she asked, slightly bewildered by his accurate assumption.
"I was cool with anyone from the trio," Kevin said with a smirk, leaving her slightly shocked. "You already did it with Keyara, how?" Viana asked, her surprise palpable.
Kevin gave her a smug look and replied, "Well, you've got your delicious looks and charm, but hey, I've got something just as enticing. Now don't ask what it is; you already know."
Viana appeared a bit shocked but intrigued, inching closer to him as she replied, "Okay, okay... So, what's the plan for this half-hour?"
"Absolutely..." Kevin replied, seizing her hand and leading her to a secluded corner of the hallway. "Something fun," he teased.
Viana met his gaze with a knowing smile as his hand settled on her hips.
Meanwhile, the two sisters in the room were preoccupied with their own activities. Younger sister Keith was engrossed in her smartwatch, tapping away at the screen, while Keyara divided her attention between the dancing flames in the fireplace and the soft fur of the little pup nestled beside her. After a brief moment, Keyara turned to Keith.
"So, how's Kevin? Is he treating you well?" Keyara asked, her tone tinged with curiosity as she glanced at Keith, who was engrossed in swiping through her holographic screen.
"He's good, and as for how he treats me…" Keith smiled, recalling his gestures, "he's pretty good at that too."
Keyara smiled in response and nodded. "That's good to hear. Are you happy with him?"
Keith fell quiet upon hearing the question, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, "I don't really know. He makes me smile, and he's good at other stuff, but I'm afraid..."
Keyara, aware of Kevin's talents in other areas, refrained from probing further on that topic and instead inquired, "Afraid of what, exactly?"
"Afraid of getting hurt," Keith admitted, her voice soft with uncertainty. "I've been down that road before, and it wasn't easy."
Keyara nodded, understanding the weight of past experiences shaping present fears. "It's okay to feel that way. But sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something beautiful, even if it's scary at first."
Keith sighed, grappling with conflicting emotions. "I know, but it's hard to let my guard down."
"You don't have to rush it," Keyara reassured her. "Just take your time, follow your instincts, and when you're ready, you'll know."
As the evening drew on, Keyara and Keith found themselves immersed in an intimate conversation, the soft glow of the room lending a comfortable ambiance to their discussion.
"You know," Keyara began thoughtfully, "sometimes the most beautiful connections stem from the places where we feel the most vulnerable."
Keith nodded, contemplating her words. "It's just hard to open up completely, especially when there's a chance of getting hurt."
"I get it," Keyara responded with empathy. "But think about the possibility of finding something truly special. Something that makes those risks worth taking."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Keith's lips. "Yeah, that does sound nice."
"Exactly," Keyara affirmed. "And remember, you're stronger now than you were before. You've learned and grown from past experiences."
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