"Then I volunteered," Mike calmly stated after a minute of silence.
"Wh-what?" James stuttered, his eyes widening. "Y-you... can you repeat what you just said?"
"I said... I volunteered." Mike was patient with the old man. His reaction was normal, and Mike could sympathize with him after finding out that he had spent years searching for beta testers.
"I–" James couldn't believe his ears. Even though this was what he had always wanted, at some point, it had become impossible to achieve. And just when he thought tonight would be another disappointing one after a volunteer backed out, this man he hadn't even known for an hour actually decided to step in.
Was he dreaming?
It seemed so unbelievable that he couldn't help but pinch his thigh.
'It hurts,' he cried silently, but the pain was quickly replaced by unquenchable joy.
"I..." he opened his mouth, his voice trembling, barely able to contain the excitement. "Are you sure about it? We just agreed that you're going to think about it and contact me later, but now, you're directly signing up."
Mike shrugged and leaned back in the chair. His gaze was a bit distant, but his eyes held a hint of determination that puzzled James.
"Yes, I've decided. I'm sure of it."
This was his last hope. Even though it was faint, he didn't hesitate to grab onto it. As long as he could live, he'd even walk a thousand stairs. He'd do anything to escape the hand of his impending death. He just wanted to live longer.
And... if that was too much to ask for, at least the remaining time he had left could be spent on new experiences.
James inhaled another mouthful of deep breath. The firmness in the young man's eyes made him believe him instantly.
This volunteer would stay.
However... "Wait... I don't even know how to address you."
"Just call me Mike."
"So Mike, why don't you go home and tell your family first? There's no need to rush." James' eyes held a hint of seriousness. "Even though I badly wanted a volunteer, I still want you to take your time to weigh the pros and cons. So it's totally okay even if you take a week to think about it. I want you to be able to step in with confidence."
The latter looked very young, definitely around the same age as his little brother at home. Moreover, that little brother of his hadn't graduated college.
Boys his age tended to be hot-headed. James could vividly remember this was how those men who had initially volunteered usually acted in the beginning, but once the initial excitement vanished, clarity set in like a tidal wave washing the shore. And just like that, they'd call to give him those excuses.
Mike wanted to say something, but once his gaze met James' serious one, he held back.
Yes, he could just call him tomorrow.
A new day and a new life.
With that, he nodded.
James also smiled as he took a sip of the water before him. "Just contact the number on the business card once you're truly ready. The call will be picked up anytime—"
The loud ringing of his phone interrupted his words, and after giving Mike a nod, he picked it up.
He said a few things to the other party before hanging up.
"Well, I'm afraid we have to stop here," James said regretfully as he stood up, adjusting his coat. "Something urgent came up. I have to leave now."
Mike nodded silently.
Looking at the calm face, James couldn't help but add, "I appreciate your desire to volunteer, but please think it through very well. It's okay if you change your mind too. I understand."
Mike didn't respond as he stared at the business card. What could he say when he had already made up his mind?
"Then have a nice day! It was nice chatting with you!" With that, James swaggered away.
The soft click of the door descended the room into silence.
Now, it was just him in his favorite private room.
"Probably the last time I'll have alcohol... The night should be enjoyed like it's the last on Earth... Well, it might actually be," Mike mumbled to himself. His eyes were a bit dazed, but his hand didn't miss the small silver button embedded in the side wall. He pressed it lightly, retracted his hand, and waited patiently.
A few moments later, a waiter knocked gently before entering.
"Yes, sir?"
"Five glasses of my usual."
"Okay, sir. Anything else?"
"Mmmm, no..."
"And companions?..." There was a hint of hopefulness in the waitress' gaze, her eyes shining in the dark.
"No," came Mike's cold voice.
Tonight, he just wanted to drink and think.
The waitress' eyes dimmed.
She had heard from her colleagues about the new millionaire or whatever he was, who had recently started frequenting their bar.
Every day, he'd book a private room, waste himself away with alcohol and women, and the next morning, he'd give them a substantial sum of money.
She had thought it might be her turn tonight, but now, he wouldn't even give her a glance. Lady Luck was simply not on her side tonight.
Hiding her disappointment, she gave a polite response. "Alright, sir. The drinks will be brought up soon."
As soon as she was out, she couldn't help but sigh to herself, her eyes landing on a colleague waiting by the side with hopeful eyes.
"I heard that man is here again. Did he ask for us?"
The waitress' expression soured. "No."
The colleague's eyes widened and she blurted out in surprise, "Did he want only you then?"
The waitress stomped her foot angrily. "Enough! He said he doesn't want any companion!" She glared at her colleague and walked away. "Humph!"
The colleague's expression had long frozen, and she twisted her hands around her skirt with dissatisfaction.
Why the hell was she so angry?
Wasn't she just asking a question?
What a bitch.