A/N: Bonus Halloween-themed mini chapter. Don't expect more of these, I just wanted to write something in the Halloween spirit.

  Enjoy the bonus chapter:)

  Hmm, I recently dreamed of this fun time I remember from halloween. We were still back in high school and we got up to some halloween fun. I think I'll leave this here, just in case those in the future wish to hear about it.

  20:00 UTC, October 31st, 2043 CE | New Boston College Prep School

  “Aww, come on Ko! Will you pretty please wear it?” Ray asks, employing the forbidden technique known as puppy dog eyes. She is holding a vampire costume (it's just a black cloak with the flared collar that you always see, with a set of fangs), and wants me to wear it while we attend the dance.

  I agreed to go to the dance and the haunted house that the school has, but I never said I'd wear a costume. But, she is just so cute.

  She decided to go with an angel this time.

  It somehow perfectly fits her. She just kinda has that angelic aura, plus it goes really well with her platinum-blonde hair and blue eyes. She even has a super cute halo that is suspended over her head with some electromagnetics. Super cool.

  “Ko! Stop spacing out. Come on, we will be late if you don't put it on right now!”

  “Fine, Ms. Genius Angel. I shall do whatever you shall command of me.”

  I accept the proffered cloak and throw it over my shoulders. It nicely covers my hoodie that has the NeuralSink logo on it. I put the fangs in and show them off to Ray.

  “Rawr, im a vampire and I vwant tu suk your vlood.”

  We both burst out in a fit of laughter, like, rolling on the floor type laughter.

  After we recover from our period of intense laughter, Ray grabs my hand and drags me off to the location of the school’s famous haunted house. Like, this thing is known across the entire continent. Videos of it uploaded to the net go viral instantly. A few years ago they apparently allowed anyone entry, but then it started blowing up. The next year they had tens of thousands of people show up to come see it.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  She drags me into the haunted house. I gotta say, it sure does live up to the hype. Everything is very intricately designed, with only the finest materials. The AR scene is also amazing.

  At one point, a ghost appears out of nowhere in front of us and I get a bit spooked. Only to basically fall into Ray’s arms.

  “Hmm, what a wimp you are. Aren't you supposed to be manly and stuff, like c'mon, it's just a few ghosts.”

  “Jerk.”

  That statement earns me being dropped on my butt. Thankfully the ground seems to be padded, probably in case anyone passes out or falls out of fear. Definitely went to the maximum for this haunted house.

  We exit the haunted house, Ray looking absolutely ecstatic. I am sure getting my much needed dose of her brilliant smile. It really is quite nice, I wish I could permanently sear it into my eyeballs.

  It's nice seeing her happy. She really has earned it, she works so hard under her hard conditions. Yet she still finds so much time to make sure I'm not a total recluse and makes me happy too. One day, I'll make her super happy in return.

  Next up, she drags me into the gymnasium. A place where I can't recall ever having set foot. I am definitely not the athletic type. I prefer my net-games instead. Though thanks to simulator tech, it can actually count as physical exercise, gamers around the world rejoice at the tech. I can only imagine the horrific days where gamers actually had to take breaks to experience the real world.

  I once heard that touching grass was often lethal to them. But I'm not sure if this is a true statement.

  We enter the gymnasium only to be blasted with very loud music and way too many people.

  She grabs my hand and drags me onto the dance floor, even against my vehement resistance. I should gain some more muscle, then I might finally be able to not be dragged everywhere by her.

  Though, it's not the worst thing in the world. There are much worse things that can happen. Being dragged around everywhere by your genius older schoolmate and long-term best friend isn't the worst among them.

  She ends up dancing up an absolute storm. While I just stand there, like a limp noodle unable to dance for my life. I should've downloaded one of those illegal physical assistance algorithms. Then I could show her the true power of the net!

  Imagine the scandal though. The inventor of the NeuralSink’s son is arrested and likely hanged for downloading illegal programs on that very same device. It would be a very good look.

  But, he allows me my freedom, even if it's via complete neglect, so I won't betray his unwavering trust in my ability to be a responsible human being.

  Plus, I could always ask for dance lessons from a certain cute friend If I really wanted to.

  I'm sure we have lots of adventures in store. I'll just let Ray continue dragging me around to different places. Then we can have lots of fun. So, bring on the fun times!

  End of Chapter