(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System

33

I passed people rolling dice, shuffling cards, a bunch of pole dancers, a tender table with a strong smell of alcohol, before finally entering Elena's room.

Before entering it, from outside, I could see the shadow of someone who was turning his back.

I guess it only took a second for her to realise I was watching.

When her face turned around, I almost jumped out of my skin.

At that moment, my hand was already holding the door knob. Making us inevitably come face to face, again. "Michael?"

Michael looked at me for a moment, then back at Elena.

"Mr McKane," Elena said, full of her usual elegant composure. Yet, somehow, I could smell the uneasiness on her face. "You didn't say you were coming."

That was actually appropriate. I scratched the back of my neck, which wasn't itchy. "Is this a bad time?"

"Actually--"

Elena's words were quickly interrupted by Michael. "I've finished saying what I wanted to say, you can continue this alone."

"Are you sure, Mr Hughes?"

"Do I look like someone wh