Determined to hold on, Orion walked into the main hall, weaving through a crowd of laughing Espers and rowdy customers. His tray clattered faintly as he served drinks, offering polite nods while avoiding their hungry gazes. Several Espers reached for him....some with teasing smirks, others with predatory eyes but he brushed their hands off quickly, hiding the slight tremor in his movements.
Every step felt heavier. His chest heaved, his vision swam, and his heart beat wildly against his ribs.
By the time the closing hour finally arrived, Orion was drenched in sweat, his body screaming for rest.
He stumbled into the staff hallway, fumbling with his phone. "Fuck! Pick up your phone, Edwards!" he hissed, pressing the device to his ear. The call rang endlessly.
He tried again. And again. Still nothing.
