I Can Use Filthy Game Currency In The Real World
Chapter 46: Some Talk

Chapter 46: Some Talk

"Hm," I hummed, nodding once.

"But why?" she asked, frowning slightly. "What’s that got to do with whatever’s bothering you, Alex?"

Her friendly, easy tone from earlier was gone now. This was sharper, like she was sizing me up. Her eyes narrowed just a bit, searching my face for answers. The air between us felt heavier, charged with something unspoken.

"So... does it still burn hot at night like it used to?" I blurted out, unable to stop myself.

"...What?!" she gasped, her voice jumping an octave.

Her mouth dropped open, and her cheeks flushed pink. The coffee cup nearly slipped from her hand, but she caught it at the last second, clutching it tighter.

I’d clearly crossed a line—too fast, too rude—but for someone like me, born single and clumsy with words, this was the only way I knew to break through.

Silence stretched between us, thick and awkward.

I had no clue how close my body—well, this Alex—was to Hailey, but one thing was certain: they weren’t the type to toss around casual comments like that. The birds chirping overhead felt louder now, filling the quiet with their carefree noise.

’Damn it, this is bad,’ I cursed to myself.

My stomach twisted with nerves, a restless itch creeping up my spine. Knowing what kind of woman Hailey was should’ve made me play it cooler—watch her longer, plan my move carefully instead of diving in like this.

"..."

"I... I’m sorry," I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck. "I didn’t have anyone else to ask. I don’t really have girlfriends around me."

"...Oh, well..." she trailed off, softening a little. "But, Alex, have you

"Huh? Oh..." I stammered, caught off guard.

The conversation stumbled on, clumsy and stiff. Her question hung in the air, and I scrambled for an answer. If I couldn’t dodge this, maybe I could at least earn some pity points.

"I did, yeah," I said, forcing a weak smile. "But we broke up not long ago. It was because of the, uh... night stuff I just mentioned."

"...Oh," she murmured, her tone shifting slightly.

Her eyes widened for a split second, then softened again. The way she looked at me changed—like she was seeing me differently now.

It was ridiculous, sure, but this was social survival. I had to act normal, chat like I belonged, and lean into the pity card when I could.

That’s it, I thought, seizing the moment.

"I was just wondering if I’d messed up somehow," I said, laughing awkwardly. "I mean, no one around me has been with someone as long as you have, Hailey. We’re getting old, huh? I shouldn’t even be talking like this, haha."

I’d fumbled the age thing a bit—threw it in too carelessly. Still, I powered through, desperate to keep it going. The grass swayed around us, and a distant dog barked, its echo bouncing off the trees.

And then Hailey’s lips parted, ready to respond.

"Yeah... really?" Hailey said, her voice lifting with curiosity. "Talking to a same-sex friend feels different from talking to someone rational, huh?"

She leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on the small park bench we’d settled on. The wood creaked under her weight, and a faint breeze rustled the leaves above us, sending a few spiraling down to the grass. Her coffee cup sat beside her, steam still curling lazily into the air.

"Right, exactly!" I nodded, matching her energy.

I tapped my foot lightly on the ground, feeling the gravel shift beneath my shoe. The park was quiet now, save for the occasional chirp of a bird or the distant rumble of a car passing by. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it sparked a little hope in me.

"Yeah, like you said, Alex, it’s not something you can’t do," she laughed. "Everyone’s an adult here, right?"

Her giggle was bright, echoing softly through the empty park. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her scarf fluttering as the wind picked up for a moment. The sunlight caught her eyes, making them sparkle with mischief.

"Yep, totally!" I agreed, grinning back.

’Oh wow, this is actually working,’ I thought, my chest buzzing with excitement.

I couldn’t tell if Hailey felt sorry for me or if she genuinely wanted to chat, but either way, she was steering the conversation right where I needed it to go. The air smelled faintly of coffee and damp grass, grounding me as I planned my next move.

’Alright, time to push the topic further,’ I decided.

"That’s why," I said, leaning in a little. "I was curious how I’d act in your situation, Hailey."

"Hm, interesting," she replied, tilting her head. "What’d you do?"

Her tone was warm, intrigued. She propped her chin on her hand, her sleeve sliding down to reveal a thin silver bracelet that glinted in the light.

Before I knew it, she was hooked on what I was saying. I smirked inwardly—everyone loves a good love story, right? Most TV shows thrive on romance drama for a reason.

"But it’s kinda embarrassing," I admitted, scratching the back of my neck with a shy laugh.

"No way," she waved it off. "Just say it first and let it hang out there—how about that?"

She flashed me a reassuring smile, her teeth peeking out just a bit. The bench creaked again as she shifted, crossing one leg over the other.

A squirrel darted across the path nearby, its tiny claws scratching the gravel before it vanished into the bushes.

"Fair point," I chuckled. "Anyway, you know everything, don’t you, Hailey? You’ve been with your boyfriend forever."

"Yeah, yeah," she nodded eagerly. "So, Alex, why do you think you broke up?"

Slurp—

Hailey took a quick sip of her coffee, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she waited for my answer. I lifted my latte too, taking a gulp to steady myself. The warm liquid slid down my throat, but—

’Ugh, why’s it so bitter?’ I winced inwardly.