- I-i ha-have ca-cancer - Celestine confessed fighting with emotions.

"Bullshit", I thought to myself. The excuse was too lame and obvious to be the truth. In my mind, it had to be a lie, but Tihana seemed to approach the brunette's statement with a more open mind.

- Cancer? - she asked.

- Y-yes. I ha-had tho-se pa-pains i-in m-my ba-ack. I we-ent to do-octor to che-eck, and he-e to-old me-e I ha-ave tumo-or in my sp-spine col-umn - miss Carter explained.

- Wait... Please calm down. Take a breath, and then we will talk. Ok? - Tihana proposed, and she took a few steps forward.

She actually touched Celestine's shoulder, robbing on it lightly, as she guided the woman to her bed, to sit down on the edge. This calm approach really worked. The brunette followed, and soon both of the were sitting down, giving me an even better look at the situation through the keyhole.

After a moment spent on fighting with emotions, and wiping her tears and the snot off, miss Carter was able to speak properly. There were still some tears in her eyes, and some snot under her nose, but she was at least able to speak normally.

- I went to a doctor because I kept having those pains in my back. I thought that it was because of carrying all those heavy books, but the truth was much worse. I have a tumor in my spinal column, and it's growing. The doctor proposed to me two options, a pricy operation that I would never be able to afford or signing up for one of those charity actions to receive help from one of the cities, like Arc - she explained, this time properly. - I did some research, and I realized that with all the children looking for help, I will never be able to get high enough on the list to even have a chance.

- So you came here? - Tihana asked.

- I met your father recently, and he told me that being a hunter was actually great. So I thought that maybe I will be able to earn enough, to get my health back by myself. I was in a bad state, and the decision was very irrational. I didn't even check anything, just bought the tickets. I was desperate... Please don't tell your father. I don't want this to look like I'm trying to get the advantage of him... We actually barely know each other, and he has already helped me a lot... Even before I arrived here... He probably saved my life - she said.

- He is quite aware, I think - said Tihana, and then turned her head to look at the door.

Our eyes met, but she simply couldn't know that. At least that's what I thought.

- A actually bet he is right behind this door, listening to everything we say - she then added.

It almost gave me a heath attack. On my knees, I pinned to the side, resting my back against the wall.

"Shit, shit, shit..." My mind briefly went crazy, but there was no follow-up, so I calmed down and returned to the door.

- Are you sure? - asked Celestine. - He seems like a very nice guy... He wouldn't do that, would he?

Tihana shrugged her shoulders.

- I'm not sure, but there is a way to find out - she pointed out, then approached the door.

I shadow walked the hell out of there.

- Damn you - left my mouth, when I appeared in the kitchen.

To make sure to kill their suspicion, I began working on some food. The fridge was full, so I had plenty of options, but the time was working against me, so in the end it had to be something simple, so I decided to make quick pancakes.

I mixed everything in a moment, then started cooking. Shortly after, the sounds of footsteps on the staircase reached my ears, and I knew that my decision was correct.

When the girls showed up in the kitchen, I was looking like I was in the kitchen for some time already.

- Oh, hi - I said, turning around from the stove with a frying pan in my hand. - I'm making pancakes. Do you want some?historical

Celestine's eyes were still red. Tihana on the other hand looked normal but surprised. She never expected that I wouldn't go spying on her, and she was right, but there was no way in hell I would give her the satisfaction of knowing that.

- Yes - left her mouth before she could even think of my offer.

The brunette just nodded.

- Something happened? Your eyes are red - I pointed out.

- We just had a... Female moment - said Tihan, clearly lying to my face.

She wasn't even trying to sell me the lie. It looked more like she was challenging me with it.

- Female moment, huh? - I asked, returning to the cooking, and completely turning my back to them.

- Y-yes - Celestine jumped to help. - We had a healthful conversation. It made me emotional, so I cried a bit. I'm such a wuss...

She laughed shortly at her own words.

- If you say so... You can wait in the dining room. I'll finish in a moment. How about you prepare the plates and the rest in the meantime? - I proposed.

- Sure - Tihana jumped on the offer like it was some kind of lifebuoy.

Then they left, and I shook my head while smiling. The situation turned out in quite an unexpected way, but it was overall a good outcome.

Celestine wasn't some kind of fraud or gold digger, she was just overwhelmed and confused, which was a very good thing for me because I found her so damn attractive. Now I could make some moves, and not feel like shit about it.

A scheme got born in my head, making me feel even better.

I was smiling like stupid when I delivered the pancakes to the dining area. Both of them noticed, but I refused to elaborate. Instead, I immediately sat down and began stuffing myself with food.

It was very good. After all, an upcoming master chef made it.