After a few hours…
The quarter-finals rounded up after noon. After leaving the stadium, the people wandered the city until dusk. Janus headed to the recovery facility with Adam. After a few hours, he exited the facility and so did the other contestants. The sun crossed the horizon, causing the sky to turn dark. The moon rose from the other side, accompanied by the stars.
On the way to their hotel, Janus pulled out his phone. He called Taylor. After a few seconds, the call was strangely declined. Janus sighed and tucked it back in his pocket.
"Still no answer?" Adam asked.
"No…" Janus replied. "Looks like she's really bummed after that loss."
He lifted his head, looking to the stars, sparkling like gems in the dark sky. Just then, Adam placed his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I think you should check on her." He said.
"Yeah…I probably should…" Janus agreed.
"She's probably at her hotel. I'll catch you later."
"Alright – alright…" Janus changed direction, turning the corner. "Just inform the staff. I'll be back before midnight."
"Ha! The hotel is open 24/7, what's to worry about?" Adam headed to their hotel.
Janus smiled slightly. He strolled through the streets, basked in neon light. He passed by many people who still wandered the city at night. Eventually, he made it to the Armed league's participants hotel. The doors opened automatically, letting him step inside. He approached the receptionist and opened his mouth.
"Uh, excuse me?"
The receptionist raised her head, waiting for his question.
"Has Taylor Hawk checked in yet? She's a friend of mine and hasn't been picking up my calls recently."
"Please, wait"
The receptionist fingers sped across the keyboard, her eyes scanning every bit of info displayed like a machine. Then, after a few minutes, she answered his question.
"Yes, she has checked in."
"Great…so, um…can I get her room number?"
"Yes, she lives on the second floor. Room 55."
"Thanks." Janus turned around.
He looked ahead to the stairs. He ascended them and arrived at the second floor. After a few seconds, he halted at room 55. He knocked, calling out his friend.
"Taylor."
He waited patiently but no reply came. He tried again and still she didn't reply. Just then, the opposite door unlocked. Janus glanced at the man exiting his room.
"Excuse me, do you where know Taylor is?"
"She went to the rooftop. Said she wanted to clear her head or something." The stranger yawned.
"Thanks." Janus rushed to the elevator.
Janus entered the elevator and headed straight to the top. The machine dinged and the doors closed. It unlatched and began ascending the building. After waiting for a few minutes, the doors opened. He stepped outside, cold wind brushing past. He exhaled and scanned his surroundings. In the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar figure, sitting near the edge – Taylor. Janus approached his friend and called out.
"Taylor."
The latter turned around, glancing at her friend.
"Ah…Janus…" She said in a low voice.
"Why haven't you been picking up my calls?" Janus sat beside her.
"I dunno…I just wanted some time alone…" Taylor replied.
Then, the two sat in silence for a few moments. The cold wind and blinding lights of the city became extremely apparent as the silence stretched further. Then, Janus broke the silence.
"Still bummed after the match with Leo?"
Taylor nodded – confirming his guess. Janus's lips couldn't help but curl a little – a bittersweet smile forming on his face.
"Taylor, are you mad?"
"What?" Taylor blurted.
"I can feel it through your voice. You're frustrated right now, aren't ya?"
Janus spoke honestly. He turned towards his friend, crossing his legs.
"So, tell me. What's been bugging you lately?"
Taylor stared at Janus. She blinked – the match with Leo flashed across her mind. A sense of immense regret washed over her like a hurricane, remembering the humiliation she faced during the last moments of her match. She bit her lip and spoke up.
"Yeah, I am angry. That guy was way too cocky! He thinks he's so OP just because he has telepathy! The humiliation I suffered from. Oh, I can't even begin to describe to torture I would give him!"
Taylor continued to trash talk. Janus waited patiently for her to finish. Then, after a few minutes, she let out a heavy sigh and muttered.
"But maybe I had no chance at victory after all…as you said."
"I said one percent chance of victory, didn't I? That redirection move you pulled earlier was pretty smart." Janus chuckled.
'Yeah, what would one percent change when he was literally rag dolling me?'
Taylor sneered in her mind. Janus continued speaking.
"Regarding Leo, you couldn't have ever hoped to beat him. He's a monster. You just have to accept that."
"How can I accept it?! Isn't there a way I could've won?" Taylor turned towards him.
"Maybe if you had my attribute." Janus shrugged.
"Oh, really? Of course! Your adaptation is fucking broken!" Taylor blurted.
"Ah, yeah. Now, you're the Taylor I know."
Janus's word froze Taylor in place. A blush appeared on her face as she spun her head the other way. She cursed Janus under her breath, her heart thumping.
"You lost but that ain't the end. You've got to adapt." Janus stated. "Don't think about that match negatively any further. It's still a big achievement that you made it to the quarter-finals. Be proud."
'It's still a big achievement…yes, it sure is…'
Taylor thought, gazing in his direction once again – calmer this time.
"So…Um, uh…"
Taylor forgot her words. She scratched her head, chuckling. Then, it came back to her mind.
"So…like, I just have to forget it?"
"Of course not." Janus stood up. "You have to look back and see where you could've done better. Like I did after my match with Yuri."
Taylor paused and then, also stood up. "Alright, then. I'll do it."
"Great! Glad you're up to shape. Now, let's head back. I'm getting sleepy." Janus gave a thumbs up.
The two headed down. They separated, going to their respective rooms as the night continued.