Entering the video store, Zane found it empty since it was already closed. Behind the counter, No. 18 was shaking its head back and forth.
Having just been recharged, it was now in its "spirit time."
"I get the feeling you're about to do something big, Zane."
Belle led Zane inside, casually closing the door behind her. Smiling softly, she spoke in a gentle voice.
"It's nothing major. Just slowly peeling back the layers. Honestly, even I don't really know what I'm trying to do."
Zane waved his hand dismissively and looked around the store. Compared to what he remembered, the siblings' video store was much bigger. One wall was lined with shelves full of video tapes, and several horizontal racks filled the middle of the space.
The blank walls were plastered with posters for the latest sci-fi movies. Bright lights filled the store, making everything clearly visible.
The category labels were very prominent, making it easy for anyone to find what they were looking for. Overall, it was a pretty decent video store.
"Really? You don't know? But I always feel like you have a strong sense of purpose no matter what you're doing."
Belle's bright eyes sparkled as she smiled at Zane, her gaze carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Do I? I haven't noticed it myself..."
"Hehe, people are always the last to notice things about themselves."
Belle stood next to Zane, her hands clasped behind her back, grinning.
"Belle, how was the food?"
Suddenly, Wise came out of the room next door, drawn by the sound of the door opening. As he spoke, his eyes landed on Zane.
He froze for a moment, then frowned, a thoughtful look flashing across his face. Striding over to Belle, he completely ignored Zane, who had raised his hand for a greeting, and pulled Belle over to him.
Zane's hand froze in mid-air, his face puzzled. Raising an eyebrow, he couldn't figure out what was going on.
"Feel free to look around. I need to talk to my brother."
Belle, her arm grabbed by Wise, turned back and said this to Zane before being led into the next room.
With a loud bang, the door slammed shut. Zane lowered his hand, still confused.
Why did it feel like Wise didn't like him?
But this was the first time they'd met. Back in the Hollows, he'd only communicated with Belle and barely interacted with Wise.
There shouldn't have been any offense taken...
Was he just overthinking it?
Suddenly, the door to the next room opened again. Just as Zane was wondering why their conversation ended so quickly, out came a black-and-white Bangboo.
It was Panta.
"How was it being away from me for a while?"
Zane crouched down with a light smile, reaching out to Panta.
"Hm? (confused tone)"
Panta tilted its head, looking at Zane in confusion. It had just been playing with Eous in the room when Belle sent it out.
Now there was only this stranger in the store—what was Belle thinking?
"What, you don't recognize me?"
Seeing Panta's confusion, Zane realized his changed appearance must have thrown it off. He reached out and gently rubbed Panta's head.
"Huh?! (You're...?! )"
Feeling the familiar touch, Panta immediately perked up, its body bouncing as its wide, dark-rimmed eyes filled with shock.
"Hmm! (Boss!)"
Panta leapt into Zane's arms, nuzzling him happily, overflowing with joy.
Nearby, No. 18 also noticed them, curiosity flashing across its face.
Although Panta and No. 18 hadn't spent much time together, it already considered Panta a friend.
Panta often bragged about how amazing its boss was—fighting Ethereals and helping people. No. 18 had always been eager to meet this legendary figure.
Now that he had, he realized Zane didn't look anything like the fierce, intimidating image he had imagined.
Because Panta didn't distinguish between humans and monsters, only seeing "monsters" and "others," it simply saw Zane as a human in armor.
So in No. 18's mind, Zane was just an impressive human boss.
"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. (Boss, everyone here is super nice! Eous and No. 18 are my friends!)"
Understanding Panta's meaning, Zane smiled slightly.
Not bad. Maybe in the future, if needed, he could leave Panta with Belle for a while.
As Zane quietly listened to the excited Panta chattering about interesting little things, in the next room, Wise was having a serious conversation with Belle.
"Sis, tell me honestly. Is he really just your friend?"
Belle blinked in confusion, not understanding why Wise asked that.
"Of course he's my friend, Brother. I'm telling you, he's—"
"Alright, alright. You don't have to say anything more. I get it. You're all grown up now. I shouldn't meddle too much..."
Wise interrupted Belle, rubbing his forehead with one hand while resting the other on his hip, leaning back against the sofa with a helpless look.
"But Belle, how could I not know you had a boyfriend? It's not like I'd stop you. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Brother! You're getting it all wrong!"
Belle finally realized Wise was jumping to conclusions.
And not just a little—this was way off!
"We're really just friends. You know him too. Just listen—"
"Alright, alright. You're a grown-up now. You have your own thoughts."
"Belle, you don't have to explain to your brother. I can see it. If you two were just friends, would you be so close? Would you act so naturally together? Would you bring someone into the video store at this hour without any hesitation?"
Wise shook his head, a little hurt, and continued seriously.
"But Belle, you have to be careful. You can't treat this kind of thing lightly. You have to look at someone's character, not just their looks."
"Tell me the truth. How long have you two been together? And why are you only bringing him to meet me now?"
"Brother!"
Belle, frustrated by yet another interruption, puffed up her cheeks and burst out.
"To tell you the truth, if you count the time we've actually spent together... it's only been two days!"
"What?! Two days?!"
"Belle! I'm really going to get mad! Only two days, and you already brought him home?"
"Brother! Brother!"
...
Some time later.
"Sorry, Belle. I was wrong. Please don't be mad. Gosh, I was just worried about you..."
Belle stood with her arms crossed, looking away from Wise, who was scratching his head and apologizing awkwardly.
He had never connected that guy with the incredible Ethereals.
If he had known earlier that his name was Zane, maybe he would've reacted differently.