Page 47 of Glitched Fates & Stolen Mates

As we left the ballroom, my brain scrambled for a complete change in conversation.

“Oh, hey,” I said. “Did you ever find someone else to replace Wren as your plus-one for that concert you’re going to?”

I wasn’t about to invite myself, definitely not. But… I was genuinely curious. And worried, after he’d told me he’d once had a panic attack in a crowd.

“No,” Felix said. “Lily found another friend to bring instead.”

My heart sank like a stone dropped into deep water. Well, that was that then. Chance over.

“Cool,” I managed. “I’m sure you’ll still have fun.”

“Yeah.” Felix shrugged, though he looked absolutely miserable at the thought. “It’ll be fine.”

14

Kit Thorne: Operation Files: Felix Reconnaissance

Operation Ice Cream (or The One Time Kit Actually Enjoyed Lord of the Rings: Extended Edition)

DATE: 2nd August 2026

TIME: 17:15

TARGET: Felix Chŭng (Codename: Magpie)

OBJECTIVE: Invite target for post-work ice cream at newly opened establishment near station. Secondary objective: Achieve casual conversation in non-work environment.

TACTICAL APPROACH: Prepared opening gambit: “Fancy cooling off with some ice cream after work? There’s a new place by the station.” Rehearsed seventeen times while brewing morning tea. Selected timing for maximum heatwave impact (temperature: 32°C, unprecedented London suffering).

INTEL GATHERED:

Target wearing his favourite thick black hoodie (Lettering: “I’m not antisocial, I’m just not user friendly”) despite extreme temperatures

Multiple team members complaining about heat

Ice cream shop confirmed operational with queue visible from hotel windows

OPERATIONAL STATUS: MISSION DIVERTED

UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT: Priya announced impromptu movie night in the basement. Quote: “It’s too bloody hot, and it’s been almost a year since we watched Lord of the Rings. We’ll download the extended edition.” Target’s response anticipated to be polite refusal and immediate retreat to personal residence.

CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE FAILURE: Target agreed to participate. Repeat: FELIX SAID YES TO SOCIAL ACTIVITY. All previous behavioural analysis rendered obsolete.

MISSION PARAMETERS ADJUSTED: New objective: secure optimal seating position near target without appearing obvious. Successfully obtained adjacent floor cushion during setup phase.

SIGNIFICANT OBSERVATIONS:

Target appeared increasingly uncomfortable approximately 47 minutes into film—frequent tugging at hoodie collar observed

1 hour 23 minutes: Target removed hoodie completely

Operative experienced momentary system malfunction upon observing target in fitted T-shirt

Target’s hair slightly mussed from hoodie removal

MISSION OUTCOME: UNEXPECTED SUCCESS

Target remained for entire 3 hours 48 minutes of extended edition. Participated in minimal but genuine conversation during the scheduled intermission. Departed immediately following credits with standard “thanks, that was fun” protocol.