Kartellis - 4
I thought I must have misheard at first. But Kartellis's unwavering stare convinced me otherwise.
"Why are you staring at me like that, Creator? Is there something on my face?"
"Ah, no. Nothing…."
It's dangerous. Really dangerous spending the whole week with Kartellis.
If we ended up in bed together, I wouldn't escape those sheets for the rest of the time. Before destruction even hit, I'd be hit with a 100% death-by-exhaustion ending. Sure, with this woman's body, I'm not sure that's even possible—but those tentacles of hers make it seem all too likely.
Death by exhaustion is absolutely off the table…!
Guess I'll have to be extra careful when I sleep.
"By the way, Creator, what kind of movies do you like best?"
I was lost in deep thought about how to handle bedtime when Kartellis arrived at the theater, holding up a poster with one of her tentacles.
"…Hmm, I watch anything fun. Romance, comedy, action—no preferences really."
"How about the popular horror flicks lately?"
Like I said earlier, I watch pretty much any genre if it's entertaining.
Except one. And of all things, it's horror.
Why pick horror out of every damn genre!?
I just don't get horror movies. Why pay good money to feel terrified instead of entertained? No matter how I think about it, it makes zero sense.
…Okay, maybe my cowardice plays a part too. But the real reason is way bigger.
For real.
"…How about skipping horror and picking something else?"
"Are you scared, by any chance?"
"Not exactly. I just don't like the genre."
"Hmmm~ ♡"
Kartellis stared at me intently, then flashed a mischievous grin.
"Can't be helped then, but unfortunately, the other movies are all sold out♡"
Damn it.
Out of all those films, not a single one with two empty seats except horror?
I'd rather die than watch a horror movie….
Maybe switch up the date plan quick. I was spinning my thoughts to suggest somewhere else when Kartellis flashed two tickets.
"So I booked these ahead. Good call, right?"
…I'm screwed.
"…Yeah. Good call."
"Couple seats too—no interruptions, we can stick right together♡"
Unlike her beaming innocence, I couldn't force a smile.
The seats on the tickets? Dead center. Prime view.
The trailer alone was scary enough to knock me out cold. The actual movie? I couldn't even imagine.
"Creator, your face looks a bit pale. You okay?"
She met my eyes with a playful smirk, like she already knew I was spooked.
"…I'm f, fine?"
"You sure? You don't look so good♡"
Honestly, no, but canceling booked tickets felt awkward.
I decided to just tough it out.
"…I'm really fine. Let's grab popcorn."
"Sounds good♡"
Ignoring my heart pounding from nerves, I headed to the kiosk. But the popcorn options were… wildly different from the real world.
Fried fish popcorn, butter octopus popcorn, sea turtle shell popcorn….
…What the hell is starfish popcorn? Is starfish even edible?
"Way different from the popcorn in your world, huh?"
Kartellis giggled at my stunned face, like it was adorable.
"…Yeah. Never saw this coming."
"Underwater city—most ingredients are seafood."
Fair point, I guess.
Atlantis is underwater, and the NPCs here—mermaids mostly, exceptions aside—eat ocean stuff. Makes sense.
"I love starfish popcorn. Raspberry and vanilla pair perfectly."
"Starfish tastes like that?"
"Not usually, but the ingredients blend into it."
She added starfish popcorn to the order.
"For you, I'd recommend butter octopus. Closest to what you're used to."
"Casually suggesting eating your own kind."
"…It's not like we're hunting octopus people."
She shrugged and leaned in to whisper softly.
"Of course, you can devour me anytime♡"
"What the hell are you even saying…!"
"Means you have permission whenever, Creator♡"
She strikes the moment I let my guard down.
I cooled my flushed face and tossed butter octopus popcorn in the basket. Drink? Plain soda's safe.
"Hehe, horror movie with Creator… I'm so excited~?"
She clung tight to me as she said it.
"You're not excited just 'cause I'll get scared and cling to you, right?"
"Me? Never♡"
…Her face says otherwise.
"Time's up anyway, popcorn's ready—let's head in."
"…Yeah."
Kartellis grabbed everything—popcorn and drinks—with two tentacles and both hands, leading the way. Can she even handle all that solo?
"Isn't that heavy?"
"Nah? These tentacles smash doors easy. This is nothing—or I'd be a wimp."
"Fair."
I followed her into the theater.
For a "popular" horror movie, it was eerily empty. Not just sparse—zero people.
What day is it today?
But the lobby was packed, other theaters full….
"Here, this way♡"
She tugged my hand to the central couple seats.
Ads started on the screen. Aside from their noise, just popcorn crunches and the occasional slither of her tentacles filled the room.
Ads dragged on, but not a soul entered.
Is this really popular?
"Ah, looks like it's starting♡"
No one came by ad's end. Lights fully out—just us.
Movie began. Tension from the unknown had me gulping; Kartellis hugged my arm tight.
"Don't be too scared. I'm right here."
"I'm not that scared…."
"Lies don't work on me♡"
"So you knew and dragged me anyway?"
"Hey, seats were full."
Something's off.
Lobby crowded, others packed—yet this "hit" empty?
As the suspicion gnawed….
"Kartellis, don't tell me…."
A hunch flashed.
"You bought out the entire theater?"
I tossed it out half-joking… but her lips curled slyly. Yes.
"Finally caught on, Creator♡"
"You can just burn money like that?"
"Plenty to spare. And… it all resets in a week anyway."
Squeeze—
Her tentacles clamped my body firm.
"Didn't want anyone interrupting our time♡"
Damn it.
Should've clocked the emptiness sooner. Fell right into her trap.
"You picked horror on purpose too, huh?!"
"Bingo♡ Booked everything else before you woke up."
She pulled a wad of tickets from her pocket.
"Don't be too upset. Just wanted to be alone with you…♡"
"You could've booked a different movie…!!!"
"Hehe, you said it back then—hate horror 'cause you're such a scaredy-cat."
Her gaze turned sticky. Intense.
"Dying to see your scared face. Bet it's adorable♡"
Aaah.
Past me's sins again. I hate myself.
"So show me—your surprised, terrified face…♡"
The moment she finished….
Flash—!!
"Kyaaah!!"
A ghost lunged onscreen. I yelped like a little girl, hurling my popcorn.
Kartellis just gazed at me with pure adoration.
"Aah, so cuuute♡"
I'm losing my mind. For real.