The Machine Rules

8

My head shook nonstop as I looked at myself in the mirror. The ice cream guy took me to this fancy shop and handed me to a worker to better help me. Thankfully she wasn't the judging type and handed me clothes after asking me what I liked. The shirt I was previously using was one of the two or three good-looking ones I had, so my usual clothing quality and style were bad.

The lady had given me a white shirt with a beautiful sewn lace, which included a white top underneath. A black hat and handbag also accompanied it, but I declined to even try with it. It's not my style.

I had yet not dared to look at the price as it wouldn't surprise me if it were worth more than I ever spent in my life. Hesitantly, I stepped out of the changing booth to see the ice cream guy sitting on one of the cushions outside of the changing rooms. He was already looking at me.

His eyes moved up and down my figure. The self-conscious part of me got the best of my mind. I've never been confident in my body and looks.

"You look beautiful," He stood up, then stepped in front of me. His lips curved up in a pretty smile. "Now, let's get your ice cream," He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the shop exit.

"Wait," I pulled my hand from his. "I can't afford this, and I didn't pay," My body turns around, but a pair of arms stop me on my shoulders.

"They said you didn't have to pay. Everything here in the zoo has already been paid for you," He chuckled, reminding me. "Lucky girl," My cheeks heat up immensely as confusion swirls in my mind.

"H-how do you know that?"

How could he know?

He's a visitor like me, not a worker since he isn't wearing any uniform.

"I asked," He responded with a shrug.

"Oh," My body shrunk a bit.

Great, I just embarrassed myself in front of a gorgeous guy.

"I'm so sorry, but I forgot to ask, what's your name?"

Stupid me. How does a person talk to another without knowing their name? I don't even know how to thank him.

"I'm Lilya," I say first, extending my hand for him to shake.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lilya. What a lovely name," I blush with his comment. His hand grasps mine and shakes with a firm yet gentle grip. "I'm Ego," He says proudly and flashes me a smile. Our hands let go.

"What an interesting name you have, Ego," I chuckle. "I like it," I whisper to myself.

"Now that we know each other's name, let's get you some ice cream before lunch is right in the corner," He grabs my hand once again and pulls me with him. This time I don't pull my hand away.

We made our way in a comfortable silence to the ice cream stand, which now had an even bigger line. I don't know how we would be able to get ice cream before lunch; from the looks of it, if we were to get in line, our turn would only be in a couple of hours.

But I am taken by surprise when Ego walks right up to the counter, completely dismissing the people in line who gave us dirty looks.

"What flavor do you want?" He asked, turning to look at me with his kind smile.

"We can't cut the line, Ego. It's okay if I don't want ice cream-"

"Just stop talking. You have the right to get ice cream. Now, what flavor do you want?" I sighed and looked at the worker.

"Can I get a chocolate flake ice cream, please," The worker nodded and scooped three balls of ice cream before handing it to me.

"Have a nice day," She smiled.

"Thank you," I smiled shyly and ate a small amount from my spoon. "Thank you, Ego," I said, turning to face him.

"You're welcome," He smiled. Suddenly, his face grew serious, and he cursed under his breath. "I'm so sorry, but I have to leave. Is it okay if I get your number? You are a very nice and captivating girl to talk to. I would like very much to meet you another time," He spoke shyly.

Am I dreaming?! A cute boy just said he wants to meet me again!

"Yes!" I said, too excited that I surely looked weird. "I mean," I coughed in embarrassment, composing myself. "Yeah, if you want to," I shrug.

"Here," He handed me his phone then I quickly put my number and sent myself a message. "Thank you," He smiled triumphantly. "I have to go, bye," He waved before running off.

I stood in place for a minute or two before going to the food court not far from where I was. My eyes wandered around as I walked, searching for Ego, but he was nowhere to be found.

I guess he did leave.

I sighed. I want to see him again too.

"Girl, share me that ice cream, will you? It's too hot," That was the first thing Valrie said when I finally reached them.

"No, it's almost lunchtime, and I barely have any ice cream left," I show her my ice cream bowl, already two-thirds were gone.

"Fine, we can eat after lunch," She sighs, which I was glad for because she tends to eat everything I had. This ice cream is quite tasty.

"Wait, am I the only one that noticed something different on Lilya?" Sarina butts in.

"Damn, girl, when did you change your clothes?" Valrie gives me an arched eyebrow as my cheeks flush with blood.

"I bumped into this guy-" This was all I had to say before hell broke loose.

Maybe I should've lied.

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