Chapter 49: Ch.49 : Return Reunion and Revelations
At Nic's apartment, Monica's friend introduced herself. Her name was Bella, a street dancer. She shared how she had randomly met Monica at the park and they decided to go live together. But just when they were enjoying themselves, Theo and his gang showed up. At first, they just watched from afar, but then they got closer and started harassing them, making things really uncomfortable.
Bella also warned Nic that Theo probably wouldn't let this slide. "He'll probably go whining to his dad, and that guy's got a lot of influence."
Nic smiled calmly. "I'm Nic," he said with quiet confidence. "Anyone who messes with the people I care about, I'll crush them. Besides… I'm not staying here much longer anyway."
Monica, hearing that, looked at him, concerned. "What do you mean, not staying here? Where are you going?"
"I have to return to my hometown this afternoon," Nic replied. "Wanna come with me? Maybe try asking your parents for permission? Just think of it like... starting your journey as an idol."
Monica paused, then nodded. "Okay, I'll try talking to them." She then excused herself to go home, leaving Nic and Bella alone in the apartment.
The room grew a little awkward. Nic broke the silence. "So, Bella… Are you still in school or done?"
"I graduated," Bella replied with a small smile. "Now I just perform as a street dancer. Sometimes I get invited to small gigs, but lately… it's been quiet. So yeah, I'm pretty much on my own."
Without hesitation, Nic offered, "Why not join my agency? Unity Agency. You can perform live with Monica. I'm sure your talent can go even further."
Bella looked surprised. "Are you serious? You're so young, but you already have your own agency?"
Nic laughed. "Age is just a number, Bella."
After a short pause, Bella agreed. She said she'd go grab her things and meet up later.
Nic then started packing. While doing so, he began to think about his other girlfriends. He hadn't contacted them using his new phone—he wanted it to be a surprise. Still, he messaged Julia and Charlotte to fill them in on the situation.
Julia, ever efficient, immediately bought plane tickets through her own secret web system, funded by the massive savings she'd earned from her shady online dealings. Charlotte, upon hearing the update, also came to help Nic pack.
Once they were done, they all gathered in front of the apartment—Monica and Bella had returned too. Julia asked, "Why are we still here? Shouldn't we be heading out by now?"
Nic smiled. "I'm waiting for someone."
Just then, Nic's phone rang. It was Zestia, asking if they could meet. Nic sent her the address, and not long after, she arrived.
Zestia's face turned red when she saw how many girls were gathered around Nic. She leaned in and whispered shyly, "Um… I don't know why, but I think I like you."
Nic grinned. "Welcome to the club."
Charlotte shot Nic a look. "That easy, huh?"
Soon after, Emily also arrived. She announced that she would be Unity Agency's official secretary.
---
At the airport, they ran into Doctor Vania, who was also about to board a flight. Upon seeing Nic again, her heart raced for no reason. She felt weird—was she sick?
On the plane, Vania was seated in a corner next to a mother and her bratty child. The child kept touching her, and Vania, annoyed, scolded him. The mother defended her kid and even started yelling at Vania.
Nic, seated behind them with Julia and Charlotte, couldn't ignore it. "Ma'am, please lower your voice. You're disturbing everyone."
The woman turned on Nic and hit him with her umbrella. Charlotte snapped, "What's her problem? Is she insane or something?"
Julia added dryly, "I'd rather handle 1000 illegal transactions than deal with one lunatic like this."
A flight attendant rushed over to defuse the situation, but the woman only got angrier. Suddenly, Vania stood up and shouted, "Enough!"
The woman froze. But just as she was about to lash out again, Vania slapped her across the face. Everyone on the plane fell silent. Strangely, the woman immediately fell asleep after that.
Vania sighed and apologized. "Looks like she was just under a lot of stress."
Emily, seated nearby, commented, "She's not crazy. Just a little too tightly wound, I guess."
They all decided to let it go and focus on the journey ahead.
---
When they landed, Nic stepped off the plane with a satisfied grin. "I'm back," he said to himself.
He stood still for a moment, breathing in the familiar air of his hometown. Turning to the group of girls who had followed him into his chaotic world, he asked, "So, where are you guys gonna stay? Don't tell me you're all crashing at my place."
Julia, confident as always, crossed her arms. "Don't worry. I'll find the coziest apartment for all of us. I've got enough savings to make it happen. I'm sure we'll find something perfect."
Charlotte chimed in playfully, "Our little hacker is really cool".
They all chuckled and eventually split up to take care of their own errands. Nic ordered a taxi and headed home.
---
Back at his house, Nic stood at the front door, feeling a wave of nostalgia. The scent of the house greeted him as he stepped in. He dropped his bag on the couch and flopped down. "Finally," he muttered. "My own home."
After a moment of peace, he picked up his phone and dialed Nia.
"Hello?" Nia's voice sounded surprised. "Whose number is this?"
Nic laughed. "It's me, Nic."
"NIC?!" she shouted. "You're back?! I missed you so much! Why didn't you say anything sooner?!"
Nic smiled. "That's why I'm calling now. I just arrived. We're throwing a party tonight. I missed all of you too. Can you let the others know?"
"Of course!" Nia said excitedly and immediately started contacting the rest of Nic's girlfriends.
---
At Leona's house, things were very different. She sat at the dining table, listlessly poking at her food. Her maid looked concerned.
"Young lady, are you alright?"
Leona just nodded slowly. Her phone rang, and she sighed when she saw who it was. "Nia again…"
She answered the call flatly, "What is it, Nia? Another study group invite?"
But as soon as she heard that Nic was back, her expression changed completely. Her eyes sparkled, and without realizing it, she scarfed down her food. The maid stared at her, stunned by the sudden change.
---
That night, Nic had everything ready for the party. As soon as the doorbell rang, he opened the door and was tackled by Vivi and Leona.
"You have no idea how much we missed you!" Vivi exclaimed.
"If you disappear like that again, I'll die of boredom!" Leona added, pinching his cheek.
One by one, the girls arrived—Nia, Yui, Violet, Jenny, Fanny, Olivia, Lily, Mika, Raina, Eliz, Luna, Melody, and Sylvia. The living room quickly became loud and lively.
Once everyone had gathered, Nic stood in the center with a sly grin. "There's something I want to tell you all."
Leona immediately tossed a sofa cushion at him. "Let me guess! You got another girl, didn't you? Just admit it!"
Everyone burst into laughter. Nic scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Hehe... to make things even livelier."
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Monica and Bella stood outside, both looking nervous.
When Nic opened the door, Monica blurted, "Uh… Nic, are all those girls your girlfriends?"
Nic chuckled. "Yup. Come in. Don't be shy. Introduce yourselves."
Monica, flustered, said she was an idol who could sing and dance. Bella, a bit more relaxed, introduced herself as a street dancer.
Melody stepped forward with a friendly smile. "I play music too, and I sing a little. Let's sing together sometime!"
Monica and Bella smiled, feeling warmly welcomed.
Next, Julia strolled in wearing a hoodie and shorts. "Hey. I'm Julia, top-tier hacker. If anyone messes with you, just let me know—I'll ruin their life."
Charlotte gave her a gentle elbow. "Relax a bit. I'm Charlotte, detective extraordinaire. Got a mystery? Just call me".
The others were impressed by their skills.
Finally, Zestia arrived with a bright smile and a box of food. "I'm Zestia, a young chef. I brought something for everyone!"
She handed out the food, and Mika immediately jumped up. "Me! Me first!"
Zestia laughed, amused by Mika's excitement, and gave her a portion. Everyone began eating and praising Zestia's cooking.
The party went on all night since they had all been granted permission to stay over—claiming it was just a girl's sleepover, and it was a holiday the next day. They laughed, talked, and enjoyed their long-awaited reunion.
---
Emily hadn't come that night because she was too sleepy. The next morning, she arrived at Nic's house. When she opened the door, she was met with a complete disaster zone: everyone was passed out—on the floor, on the couch, even Fanny was sprawled out on the table.
Emily stood in the doorway, sighing. "What… happened here?"
To be continued...