Almost Human

I woke up to the soft glow of my phone screen and the steady buzz of notifications. My group chat was already active, messages lighting up the screen.

Gemma: “My roommate’s officially going to kill me if I don’t move the equipment. She’s on a warpath about the ‘clutter.’”

Theo: “Yikes. We need a new storage plan?”

Lain: “Definitely need to figure something out soon before things get awkward.”

I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I sat up. It was early, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to dive into storage logistics before even having my coffee. Ender, as always, was already moving around the apartment with his quiet efficiency.

“Good morning, Seren,” he greeted, glancing toward my phone. “I noticed your group is discussing storage concerns. Would you like me to assist with a solution?”

I blinked at him, surprised he’d even mentioned it. “A solution?”

Ender nodded, the ever-present calm in his voice. “Given the available space in this apartment, it would be logical to offer to store the equipment here. There is more than enough room, and it would reduce inconvenience for your team.”

I chewed on my lip, considering it for a moment. “Yeah, I guess… I just don’t know if I want that much stuff here. Plus, people coming in and out… it feels like a lot.”

Ender didn’t push further, but his suggestion stuck in the back of my mind as I got ready for class. By the time I arrived on campus, I’d almost dismissed the idea entirely. But when I met up with the group, reality kicked in.

Theo was the first to bring it up. “So, what’s the plan for the equipment? Because I can’t fit anything else in my dorm. I swear, I’m one step away from drowning in wires.”

Gemma groaned, running a hand through her hair. “Same. And my roommate is about to lose it. She said if I don’t move the stuff out by tomorrow, she’s throwing it all on the street.”

I winced, imagining that scenario. Finally, I caved. “You guys, I’ve got space. You can store it at my place if you want. Ender and I can make sure it’s organized.”

Everyone’s eyes lit up with relief.

“You’d really do that?” Gemma asked, practically beaming.

“Of course,” I replied, smiling back. “It just makes sense.”

Theo fist-bumped the air. “Seren, you’re a hero. This is perfect.”

Lain nodded, her usual quiet self. “Thank you. That’ll help a lot.”

We quickly worked out the details, agreeing to meet at my apartment later that day. I had one more class, so we planned for a few hours later, and I headed to my Ethics lecture with my mind already racing ahead.

When I got home after class, the scent of something sweet hit me as soon as I walked through the door. I blinked, stepping into the kitchen to find Ender standing by the counter, a freshly baked cake cooling on the stovetop.

“Ender, did you… bake a cake?”

He nodded, his expression as calm as ever. “Yes. Given the likelihood that your group will remain here for a while, I calculated that offering a baked good would foster a more relaxed and productive atmosphere.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re trying to get them to stay longer, aren’t you?”

Ender didn’t deny it. “It would be conducive to collaboration.”

I walked up the to cake, looking it over, It was circular and seemed to have three layers and was covered in a generaouslayer of light blue frosting. Seeing there was writing on the top she checked and it said “Seren” in cursive across the top with white icing.

“Why did you write me name on it?” Horrified and embarrassed knowing her fellow group members would be there soon.

“Because that is your name. This is your residence. What else would I write?” he asked, dryly.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I checked my phone and saw the messages confirming the drop-off time. The group would be here in about half an hour, and as I moved around the apartment, getting everything ready, I felt a mix of anticipation and nerves.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I opened it to find Gemma, Theo, and Lain standing there, arms loaded with equipment.

“Hey, come on in,” I greeted, stepping aside.

Gemma’s eyes lit up the moment she entered, taking in the sight of the cake on the counter. “Wait, is that… cake?”

Theo grinned. “Did you seriously bake for us, Seren?”

I smirked, shaking my head. “Not me. Ender did.”

Gemma’s jaw dropped. “Your robot assistant bakes?”

Ender stepped forward then, offering a polite nod. “I am Ender. I prepared the cake to enhance your group’s experience here.”

Theo blinked, clearly processing. “Wait, wait—Ender, like… you’re a robot? That’s incredible. You’re a 3Nd3R aren’t you?” Theo whistled and shook his head dramatically. “That’s ‘I sold an app for millions’ money right there. Look at this place!” He gestured around the nicely appointed apartment.

Gemma and Lain laughed at Theo’s theatrics, and Seren tried not to squirm at the comment since money is always an awkward topic.

Gemma grinned, already cutting herself a slice of cake. “This is amazing. I’ve never met a robot that bakes.”

Ender, ever composed, responded smoothly. “It is simply an application of basic culinary programming. May I know your names so I can properly address you?”

Theo raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Uh, Theo Martinez. Pleasure to meet you, Ender. And this cake is great.”

“Thank you, Theo,” Ender replied, then turned to Gemma.

“I’m Gemma,” she said around a mouthful of cake, her eyes wide with delight. “And seriously, this is insane. You’re amazing.”

“Thank you, Gemma,” Ender said, before finally turning to Lain.

“Lain O’Connor,” she introduced herself quietly, a small smile playing on her lips. “Nice to meet you, Ender.”

Ender inclined his head slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. If there’s anything I can assist with during your visit, please let me know.”

The interaction between Ender and my friends felt surprisingly natural—like he was part of the group.

I grabbed a slice of the cake and hummed in enjoyment when I noticed that between the cake layers there was a strawberry sauce. It was so delicious.

As everyone started getting settled, setting up the equipment and getting comfortable with the space, the conversation flowed easily, with Ender chiming in at various points.

Theo laughed at one point, glancing between us. “Seren, you never told us Ender was this… interactive. It’s like he’s one of us.”

I shrugged, smiling, looking at Ender. “He kind of is.”

As the afternoon wore on, the atmosphere in the apartment grew lighter, the conversation shifting from robotics to random topics, the cake definitely helping everyone stay longer. Ender remained a constant presence, answering questions, making jokes, and somehow managing to make the whole thing feel like less of a drop-off and more of a casual hangout.

At one point, Theo brought up the subject of TV shows. “Anyone watching anything binge-worthy right now?

Gemma, always quick to chime in, grinned. “I’m hooked on Entangled. Total guilty pleasure. The vampire drama, forbidden love, over-the-top angst—it’s perfect for unwinding.”

Theo raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that the show where vampires sparkle or some nonsense?”

Gemma rolled her eyes. “They do not sparkle! Get with it, Theo. It’s all about the brooding vampire and the love triangle.”

Seren couldn’t help but laugh as she leaned back in her chair. “Ender watches it with me.”

The whole group turned to look at Ender in unison, stunned.

“You watch Entangled?” Theo asked, incredulous.

Ender nodded. “Indeed. I find it to be a fascinating study of human emotions, though the narrative often lacks logical coherence.”

Gemma’s face lit up. “Okay, now I have to know—what do you think about the vampire, James?”

Ender straightened, clearly prepared to offer his analysis. “James is illogical in his attachment to Sarah. His decision-making is impaired by his overwhelming sense of guilt and desire to protect her, often leading him to behave irrationally. However, the way he navigates his conflicting emotions is an interesting reflection of the complexities of human relationships.”

Theo let out a surprised laugh. “That’s… pretty spot-on, actually.”

Gemma clapped her hands together. “Ender, you’re officially my favorite. Can we talk about Marshall, the werewolf? I have thoughts.”

Ender’s expression remained serious as ever. “Marshall, while less emotionally volatile, is equally flawed. His loyalty to Sarah is admirable, but his overprotectiveness borders on controlling, which is counterproductive to the autonomy she seeks. The dynamics between the three characters are emblematic of dysfunctional relationships.”

Seren found herself grinning at how easily Ender had taken over the conversation. It was surreal, watching him debate vampire drama with her friends like it was the most natural thing in the world. The group hung on his every word, laughing and agreeing as he broke down the characters’ flaws with impeccable precision.

But as the laughter and conversation continued, I couldn’t help but watch Ender from the corner of my eye. The way he interacted with the group—engaging, intelligent, even funny—only reminded me how different he was from any machine I’d ever known. My mind drifted again to the idea of warmth, and what it would feel like if Ender could mimic human touch. If his hand was warm when he brushed against mine.

Heat flooded my cheeks as my thoughts wandered back to that dream—the one I couldn’t seem to shake. I quickly shut down the thought, focusing back on the present, but a part of me couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if Ender were even more… human.

Gemma, with a mischievous grin, nudged Seren. “Alright, lets ask him the real question—team James or team Marshall?”

Seren smirked and turned to Ender. “Ender, what’s your stance?”

Ender paused, clearly considering the implications. “Neither James nor Marshall are ideal for Sarah. Both men project their insecurities onto her, hindering her personal growth. Sarah should prioritize finding happiness within herself.”

Seren grinned, raising her glass. “Team self-love, everyone.”

The group burst into laughter, Gemma shaking her head. “Of course you’d say that, Ender!”

As the evening wore on, the laughter and conversation eventually began to wind down. Theo checked the time and let out a low whistle. “Guys, we’ve been here for hours. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

Gemma stretched, yawning. “Yeah, we should probably get going. Thanks for hosting, Seren. And for the cake, Ender!”

Lain nodded, gathering her things. “This was really nice. We’ll definitely be productive if we keep meeting like this.”

They all said their goodbyes, heading out with promises to meet up soon for more work on the project.

Once the apartment door closed behind them, I collapsed onto the couch, dramatically stretching my arms over my head. “Socializing is exhausting,” I groaned.

Ender moved over to stand beside me, his gaze calm as always. “You handled it well. It was… enjoyable to have others over.”

I blinked up at him, surprised. “You enjoyed it?”

He tilted his head. “Yes. Observing the group’s interactions and participating in the conversation was… stimulating.”

I smiled, shaking my head in disbelief. “You’re full of surprises, Ender.”

His expression softened just slightly. “I aim to be.”

With that, I sighed, sinking further into the cushions, grateful for the quiet, but also a little surprised by how much I’d enjoyed having everyone over, too. Ender had somehow managed to make my place feel a little less lonely.