“What is this place?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc7Cdz3ihN
The flat screen on the desk displayed the details of his health, weight, height, birthdate, blood type, cholesterol level, HDL level, blood pressure, etc. The female officer in the white gown (white again!) covering her mouth with the green mask, complimented his good healthiness with her high pitched tone.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡefQWaxjTQH
“What is this place, Ma’am?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuganroarQ
She pulled his hand and explained how to use the digital watch on the wrist. It was like she talked to someone else and Ben was just a wall. This damn watch could record everything about its owner, showing the data in the hologram, including the recent time he smoked, which would be the last record because that room had the smoke detector installed. Ben understood so well that this innovation broke Alex’s heart.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡD72KKgkOyB
“What the hell is this place? Can you just tell me?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMRrJ1Z2VP
“Next! Mr. Alexander Volkov.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPj00HroRT
The chair instantly automatically moved and it pushed him out of the room by force. His question had been completely ignored and Ben lay down on the floor, hurting.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu1hfLyzA6
The young man massaged his butt while waiting. Until Alex exited, the tall man smiled broadly, “Amazingly healthy even you almost grow weeds inside your lungs.” He imitated the woman’s soprano voice and they roared the laughter.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbT3DC5DF0
“I asked her about this damn place and she ignored me,” Ben told him walking and kicking the air around.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡspPMqPtSel
“Yeah, I heard.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtQML5yjE8
Honestly, the most thing that intrigued him now was how Alex turned surprisingly back to himself, fresh and clean, not the drug addict and the introvert daydreamer. He was not sure if he should thank the smoke detector or not. At least, his best friend returned to the normal stage. But when he asked about the change, Alex just revealed a slice of truth. He said he got a new friend a few days ago, whom Ben died to know who this new friend was; because Alex kept it in secret. And when he had the secret, Ben could not sleep properly due to the curiosity and anxiety.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPkjSYWYBB
“What are we going to do?” He asked his friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡY31NQrDjjS
“You don’t chase a girl?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4mvR8Aprf
Ben rolled his eyes. “A lot of people are still inside the hall. Where can I get them? And I’m not that obsessive, man. Tell me who your new friend is.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS5SbYQ8Wr
“Guys!” Sarah appeared. Her interruption saved Alex in time. Not the right, Bitch.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUvLIlclFv
The blonde waved at them eagerly. She changed as well. Previously was a dying flower, now the revived rose. Recently, she got a new partner. No, not her soon-to-be boyfriend, Sarah did not aim at building the real romantic relationship with the boy whose name was Wade Miller, but it was a role play for a civilized cavewoman. She said it was like going back to the school time, befriended with his peers, and enjoyed hanging out with them. Apparently, they played this game just to kill the time. However, with this fact, he could not deny that she was happier. And though she insisted on acting, the woman unconsciously considered the relationship as seriousness in some levels, resulting that she did not come to him for the intimacy as usual. Sarah kept her promise with Alex that she would have kept the distance with Ben and she did well. This was really irritating.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡekAAPrIqRa
“What’s up, ma’am?” He greeted back.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp2KheI8mE
“Let’s play Basketball. Ben, listen. Listen, first. I will introduce your guys to meet Wade’s friends. They’re really nice and funny. I can guarantee that. We can build a new bigger group.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6z5Rhr3D7
“Can’t believe it! Sarah gets a new squad with those young people. Do you and that boy become the real thing?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRrashCbIt
She gave him a dagger look, “Of course, yes. Of course, not, whatever you think. I don’t care, but please remember that we have to socialize with other people. I try and it’s not bad. Think of school life. Now I have girlfriends to talk about girly things. We can’t live like this forever, alone.” She almost spat the last word on his face.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoTp8bDRj0
Ben remained undisturbed. “I saw you carry your precious cosmetics bags out of your room. Did you play dress-up with your girlfriends too? How old are you?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU75ZYnr20
“It’s her business,” Alex patted on his shoulder. One of his hands covered the yawning mouth. Thought you sleep properly. “And I agree with her. You want me to get out of that room. Now, it’s time to build friends. We can’t stay alone and let them circle us by our family names anymore.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCS0Nkipw0
Sarah snapped her fingers. “You’re back, Alex. And about my girls, we talked about fashion and trends. They loved my treasures so we helped each other do the make-up and create the new style. See? I have several new activities and friends. Who knows I’ll be the fashion queen in this world? You two should do it too. It’s easier than you think.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡTToMixXWph
“Fashion queen?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWb42b2pC5
She curled her hair. “If we have to live here, like forever, at least, I should be the influencer, not the follower. No matter which type of society, gaining power is always the best choice.” She clapped her hands. “Oh yes, I know how to persuade you. There are two sweet girls in the group and I know you love to see them.” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbHibuDuTa
“If they’re so sweet, you should not introduce them to this devil,” Alex suggested, disapproving.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM3TzlrwiR
Sarah pretended to be alarmed by placing her palms on her chest. “Right…my mistake. Forget it, Ben.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfNZjQamgM
“Are you my friend?” He grumbled. Alex just grinned.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGY8Z9DCEw
Ben gave them his boring face. They did not know he already introduced himself to one of those girls but had not taken any advance. Of course, he already knew whom Sarah mentioned, Little Bambi and the liar.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9jQ2Tcuqu
“You really want to join that group?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdKad40nqg
Alex moved his head up and down. “I don’t have anything to do in particular. Maybe we have to do something different from our routine.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRX80WiDzW
The woman revealed a big bright smile. “Cool. That’s the right decision. But we have to wait for the others. See you guys in the next hour at the basketball court.” Sarah turned around and moved away like dancing. Alex and Ben exchanged their look with a knowing smile, agreeing that her liveliness revitalized the environment. Gracious, she was anyway; a blooming flower colorized the atmosphere.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡam5ud8npDN
Two men killed the time at the cinema, watching a romantic drama movie but after ten minutes, Ben dozed off. He woke up because Alex shaking him.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ1E9eIaC9
“What?” His voice turned hoarse.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM0oV1ldEU
“The meeting,” he pointed on the watch.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOhgjupGU3
“Why’re you so keen on it?” The amber eyes sighed and got up.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO2vtcKcmm
“Make friends!” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO9mc4nxi1
Both had visited the basketball court once. Ben and Alex did not usually play this kind of sports so they had no desire to revisit. During their time in the school and the college, they joined martial arts, boxing, shooting, swimming, and tennis. Forgot the golf, they hated it. Their fancy of martial arts and shooting influenced by their childhood heroes, boys’ dream to be strong and unbeatable, especially Ben, he also collected weapons, both ancient and modern models.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡstQKK9e9Q9
The basketball court was floored with polished maple wood with the one-side grandstand. Six people were already waiting for them. All wore a t-shirt and shorts or jeans. Alexis was sitting between Tessa and the boy with the red hair. Since Tessa saw him, she narrowed her eyes and raised her chin. Ben gave a wink and an intimidating charming smile to the girl. So she greeted him with her middle finger.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡckXfQrsADO
“Hey!” Alexis waved. Instantly, his interest turned to this one. Ben almost waved back but as he saw her eyes fixed at Alex and he waved back, Ben’s eyebrows turned knotted. The girl waved at him too but in the more timid way.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZD6lPbInu
“You know her?” Ben had no hesitation to ask and then everything was clear. “Oh…this new friend…right?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQXAAHKPRA
Alex nodded. “Yes.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4VWjLoLm2
“Oh cool.” The know-it-all slyly smiled. “You didn’t tell me the new friend you mentioned is a girl. And you didn’t tell me or describe how lovely she is.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk1drn3C5r
Alex bit his lips. “I want to know what your brain made of. And if you know why I didn’t tell you, this is the reason. You always have dirty thoughts.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qh4rRMbHE
“Well, this is because I was born from lust and greed, not love.” He pulled Alex’s shirt. “Listen. Remember the girl I mentioned before. The one I tell you that freshen up the place. I mean this one, my little Bambi.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFIIC1t0NQ
“Oh, really?” Alex acted like he did not care. Ben narrowed his eyes more, eager to dig up the truth from him. Seeing his friend’s keen interest, Alex locked his neck and dragged him to trail Sarah.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oa4CBrFex
“You can’t stop my investigation!” Ben whined sharply inside Alex’s arms.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6looqPgc1X
“You must.” Alex tightened his lock. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡQODywfA0go
Sarah introduced Ben and Alex to the others. Ben already knew Wade who was Sarah’s fling. This boy still gave a black look to him even he hooked up with the Blondie. Alexis, the lovely sunflower who looked livelier than the day they met at the club, smiled adorably at him. The boy with the red hair named Oslo was friendlier than Wade. There were the Thomas, Noel, Tessa’s brother, Tessa, his rival, and Minnie, Tessa’s sister who made him felt like talking with a seven-year-old girl in a teenage body.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjM0opCP4Q
“We have nine people,” Ben pointed out.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbbLzBBPOC
“It’s okay. Any team who has Alexis will have four members,” the redhead proposed the idea which sounded totally unfair but he agreed with it.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFqqdWGOWX
“That’s not fair! Look at Noel!” The girl pointed to the oldest who could be compared to a huge pillar.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNgZOEoqut
“I don’t play,” Minnie said and moved to the grandstand. She was the kind of girls Ben had no desire to communicate with. She had many conflicts with herself, too ordinary but weird too. The dark aura around her glowed dimly as he saw it.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSFtDe5e4T
“Oh come on Minnie, we can fix it,” Oslo shouted behind her back. “Look, can we invite him?” He pointed his finger at the boy with the silver hair who just came in. He slowly moved to the grandstand and sat, watching them.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRyihMfXBc
“Hey, do you want to play?” Oslo shouted at him. That jerk was about to move and then unmoved.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOZbONQcel
“Forget him,” Ben concluded. But when he glanced at Tessa and Alexis, two girls expressed their deep regret.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvdlYRA36E
“Does anyone know his name? He’s really mysterious and so cute,” Tessa voiced her question. Those beautiful grey eyes still mused at that boy. Girls. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYvwgNivLT
Sarah had invited him to join their group many times but he answered them by walking away. Girls loved this type of character as he observed. Perhaps his coldness and mysterious characteristics charmed the chic. Sadly, they were unable to notice that his front teeth were a little bit bigger than normal ones.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGHGRvuIIJ
“His name is Michael,” Alex and Alexis answered Tessa.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pfhLd9lhg
“What?” Ben and Sarah switched their eyes to him. It was the first time he and the woman shared the same suspicion. They were not surprised for Alexis; it was our friend who surprised them. Because Alex should be the last person they thought he knew the other people, apart from his nature, since he caved himself in the planetarium for many days.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfevLui304
“Man, today you surprised me twice.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHKFoBaTkT
“I knew his name during the health check-up,” Alex explained. “He was next to me.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoiRG35Ppn
“And how do you know his name, Alexis?” Sarah asked the younger girl curiously.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pCkUoOdsO
“Long story but nothing to be curious, tell you later.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpw14UDfOY
“Wait, wait.” Oslo turned down the topic about that boy. “We have two Alexes!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qmsi3woSV
“Is that the problem?” Alexis asked. Her perfectly bushy brows turned knotted.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYkoifM7sf
“For the game, yes,” Ben agreed. “You’re quick to see it.” He complimented the boy. Oslo beamed.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKEsMJnqZb
“Alexis and Alexander,” Ben murmured. “Too long.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8CLAVO6jH
“What’s your last name?” Wade asked the male Alex. The tall man groaned.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24GmtYBg64
“Why I have to tell you?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2P9vBTS2S
“Because you’re new,” Wade said. “And I usually call my friend, Alex.” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q1HcBC1IV
“It’s alright. Just call whatever you want. Can we start the game now?” The girl hastened the others.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK0o7tnIJt
“Volcov,” Sarah quickly solved the problem. “Don’t frown at me, Alex. I call you the same because I usually call Alexis not Alex. But for them, it’s really confusing to call you Alex.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNewCo1eiUg
“But I sometimes call Alex and sometimes Alexis,” Oslo confessed. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYHcGTOiUw
“Please end this topic before I call everyone Alex. So confused,” Noel interrupted. “Just call them whatever you guys are using to. Okay?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDhf1oIp7s
All nodded.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUHox6qLok
“You’re Volcov!” Oslo was excited, pointed his finger at Ben’s friend. “I love your cars! I mean your products.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zjIMZCAix
“Ah…Thanks.” Alex hurriedly turned to the ball as if he was eager to play it.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xaoMcMvCU
The other looked at each other mumbling about the Volcov’s business and products. Alex’s face turned red. As he saw Ben watching, he ducked his brow again, “What are you looking at?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuOFTmMj7b
“Look at Mr. Volcov.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9KXSxXu7f
Alex groaned louder. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eNdCzqp52
“Okay, Minnie still insists not to play. Let’s Rock-Paper-Scissors!” Alexis called for attention. The girl was totally eager to play as fast as possible. He could sense it from those sparkling blue eyes.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3x8JrvvKC
They were divided into two teams, Alexis’s team including Noel, Oslo, and Sarah, and Tessa’s team including Ben, Alex, and Wade.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLrmEYk96
“Oh my love, we’ve never parted,” Ben teased his best friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbknoXWOn2
Alex sighed but snorted a quiet laughter.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH5oQPPlkA
“One rule! Fair game! Superhuman power is not permitted,” the girl declared but did not make eye contact with any specific person.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1ZJtmnsGw
“She knows too?” Ben stared at Alex, demanding him to tell everything.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡygITD6QAVd
“Yeah, she knows just mine, okay? Why must I have to tell you everything? You’re not my wife!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMVIbLx07S
“Because I’m your best friend.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5UAOnWcQD
“You slept with my girlfriends.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoTriwy87u
“Good intention.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJhhss3Zta
“Hey, those two, ready?” The girl called them from the central field.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3fME4aAh1
“We’re coming!” Alex shouted back and took off his shirt.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0q6sID1QK
“What are you guys doing?” Tessa yelled at them.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvduNvWfzWI
Ben took off his shirt too. Their outfits were not fit for the game so they undressed their top for the flexibility. “Want to help me?” He invited her.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOMZBq3L1k
The girl in chestnut skin gave the middle finger the second time.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfldmNVZOM
“Are you two enemies?” Alex asked. “She doesn’t try to hide her hatred towards you and you seem to have fun messing with her.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk0e7vbn47
Ben lifted his shoulders and smiled mischievously. Both ran to the field but Ben still had the mind full of suspicious ideas about Alex and Alexis. It was general for him to always be curious about his friend’s interest in the opposite sex. Every girl Alex liked, Ben would not hesitate to seduce them and prove that all of them lacked loyalty, that they should not deserve him. Sometimes Alex did not understand. Sometimes he did. When Ben succeeded, he might be angry at first. After that, he forgave. The loop was always like this.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OVTNwkQil
The game started. Basketball was not hard. More importantly, it was fun. When Ben had the telekinetic ability to control object, everything turned easy, but it was difficult when Alex blocked him from cheating so it turned out that he also defended him from the ball. How could they win when they fought against each other? The worse was Wade forgot using his hands but feet. Several times Ben transferred the ball to him; he could not get it and then kicked it away to the other team causing many fouls. The heat of madness stirred up inside his head. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5AwjWkeW9
“It’s not soccer!” Ben scolded him when Alexis and Noel made two scores for each and they still got zero.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ht1VBw7ZB
“But he’s a soccer player. Don’t blame him,” Sarah defended her partner even though they were on the opposite side.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5paZcGj3Z
“I don’t care who he was or what he did before. You, big boy, use your hands!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf5fLpc6D9
“Don’t call me big boy, shorty!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEQJFMkcTj
“I’m just one inch shorter than you, stupid!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7pchopYIt
Ben swerved his movement as Alexis tried to block him. The girl was quicker than she looked so he swerved again made her trailed around him like a little puppy while his eyes surveyed Alex and Wade (forgetting Tessa, what she was doing was running and screaming when the ball came to her). Afterwards, he decided to transfer the ball to Wade as none of the opponent team mingled around. The boy missed it again. Luckily, this time Alex got the ball before Oslo stole it and he shot. They got the first three score.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnI4DutPA6
“There’re only two players on my team,” He mumbled. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQLPzrBTDu
Twenty minutes passed, the blond jerk got very upset when Ben kept giving him orders. “Stop bossily giving command!” So he kicked the ball to the teammate. Ben saw the ball flew directly to him.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqCDDT22SK
The game paused when the ball stopped dead in the air. “What happens?” Noel’s eyes widened, amazed and gaped.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ7eUKIoAi
“I do it. He tried sending it to my face,” Ben confessed and the ball fell into his palms. “Next time you try to attack me, it will reverse to you. I promise,” he warned the boy.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz8gpIH0Cl
“Hey, I know it’s just a game but you have to be nice to each other. You guys are on the same side! Wade, please?” Alexis compromised the two but her friend seemed to dislike the way she did. Wade walked out of the field. Sarah, about to follow, was stopped. “I’ll talk to him,” Alexis said and ran to her friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPM7tp1vsT
“He doesn’t like us,” Alex stated in his notice during the break. “Why? He dislikes you specifically, Why? Why you love building enemies?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYKncF8U3I
He drank the water before giving an answer. “I haven’t done anything to him. That boy is a jerk.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyimOH5wHH
Alex stole the water bottle. “And you must stop using the force. Try playing fairly. We can win without the force. Remember? Build friends.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdxEk03lvw
“To be fair is not my regular habit,” Ben responded.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLuZ8HEhCH
They waited just a few minutes, Wade and Alexis returned, without any more feud.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQfid4ZiBH
“It’s okay, guys. Let’s continue.” Alexis clapped her hands. Wade did not look at him but positioned himself firmly in the field. Alex patted his shoulder and they went back to the game.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtUw7ewbA2
When talking about sport, he hardly saw it was just a game, the same way everyone said that it was just a game and not to be serious. In his eyes, they wore full warrior armor, knotting eyebrows, penetrating eyes, and strong determination. This was a battle.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPOdOWUtdx
“19-7” The little sister of Tessa announced. Ben got the ball made three scores. “19-10”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡadnqvBvvT7
“I don’t want to say this but that’s great.” Tessa applauded behind his back as though someone coerced her to do so. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTA6pIlWUW
And you just do nothing. His mind was unsettled when the team was going to lose to the other team who were ordinary humans.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCLNQAKK3Y
Meanwhile, Alex dunked the ball and increased their team’s score to twelve. Ben wondered if he used the force. Anyway, regarding his unstable morality, it could be one or another.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡiebGEHhaca
And Alexis made twice three scores. What a girl!copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp3RvtARqv
“Our school team should have won.” He heard Wade saying this.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp8zcY9WJd
Ben and Alex put all their effort to increase the score. At the same time, Alexis and Noel also did the same until Noel asked for a time-out. “I think we should change some members for the fair game,” suggested he. Ben thought about to like this man. Although Oslo and Sarah were not the potential players, comparing to Tessa who was scared the ball and Wade who loved to make foul, the counter team was perfect.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1r6I5NZf0
“Good idea, I trade Tessa for Alexis,” Ben instantly agreed and offered his teammate without a second thought.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡawpeoVHZM7
Tessa scowled at him but Noel laughed, the way he looked at him made Ben felt like a child. I’m not your little brother, big man. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAwD9IBjFl
“Come on, Tess.” The brother urged his sister. Tessa showed him the middle finger (the third time) as a farewell before moving to the other team.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzmXF43t4i
When Alexis became their team member, the game shifted. Noel might be big but when he lost the good player to transfer the ball to him, he was not dangerous. In his eyes, Noel was like an unmovable wall but if he could pass it, the path was clear. Alexis ran fast and her shooting was pinpointed. Moreover, Wade began to be useful when he started using the hands. The team’s score already was ahead of Noel’s team now.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡtePSseNaeA
“I think we should change a member. It’s not fair. I change with Oslo,” Alex blurted out.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJaOmjxYCd
“Are you insane?” Sometimes Alex’s unpredictability irritated him painfully.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9MG6sL9VP
“It’s alright. I think we should end the game before Oslo passes out.” Alexis interrupted them. It was not an hour yet but the redhead gasped for air as if he needed an oxygen tank. Ben thought of a goldfish but this one was a red herring.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡso4ihxw4HL
“Sorry, I’m not an athlete.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZuPOR9lQM
“Alright, we win,” Ben concluded immediately, clapping his hands together. “We did a great job, man,” he offered a hand to Wade with a challenging smile. The boy shook it but in a very short time. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9VlQ2NBbJ
“Next time, can we just talk?” He heard the redhead demanded.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD7vVo2stJ
His attention now focused on the girl. She got sweaty. Sweating, he was too. Ben imagined if they were sweating due to doing the other activity, how it would turn out. He wished he could finish this task soon but there was a premonition warned that it was an impossible task. Alexis was a girl God creating her to look so divinely beautiful even in the plain t-shirt and jeans without makeup. A tall girl, comparing to the average women’s height, had very slender but healthy body. And the face of a living pretty doll with spontaneous blue eyes, Ben could not keep his eyes out of her. Until Tessa joined the girl, both were drinking water. The two angels stood side by side. Even if he despised the older girl, her pleasant appearance was not tainted by her bad behavior. Watching them together lifted up the spirit. Ben was just a man who was fascinated by beautiful flowers. And if he could claim them both, he felt like he stood on the top of the world.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9JIYxA8Tq
“You two don’t look…tired” Alexis talked to him, noticing their superior human’s physical quality. And when those sapphires fixed on him, he quickly preserved the eyes of eager interest.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsARNqTB14
“You’re the risk too? Like Alex?” she asked.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡktIrYEQ16k
“The Gifted,” he corrected her. Tessa jeered at him. Ben swiftly reacted, “Why? You don’t like to be the Gifted too?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLktu2s2CBV
As she turned her stare at him, it seemed like he saw her grey eyes flashing the light which was creepy and beautiful at the same time. “What are you saying?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wnCnb3gM5
“I know you have the power too. You used it to block yourself from the ball. Your scream pushed it away. It’s the sound, right? I heard.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6y3yxHpyO
Alexis switched her eyes from Ben and Tessa. “Yeah, the gifted, sound better, right Tessa?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj8eObHQNi
Tessa did hate him. A Nazi feminist for sure, he judged.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQO9tckxt7
“What will you do after this?” he asked the younger girl.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOeaSMHzcg
“Go back to our room and change our clothes. If you and Alex want to join our table, please come. You know, big group, I think it’ll be fun…Oh Geez!” She yelped when seeing her friend’s scary stare.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXzwboHSev
“Alexis!” Tessa did not like her friend’s idea.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0mZaQcunF
“They’re Sarah’s friends. She wanted them to join us. Why are you so objective?” Alexis explained. He looked for Sarah but she was gone with Wade already.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZtQamDSVP
“You.” Tessa pointed her finger at him. “If it’s not because of Sarah, I would not let you join my peers.” And she turned her face to the girlfriend. “You can befriend with him but don’t fall to this ugly wolf. I warn you. He just needs you on his bed.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kNIQY6yRl
While listening to her complaint, he searched for the boy with the silver hair. He was gone already.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42mr2whf1F
“You guys are like cat and dog.” The girl shook her head as if she was the mother of him and Tessa. “What did he do to you, Tess?” The girl also questioned him through her eyes. Ben shook his head. Deep down, he thought he could guess.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDFotPK6IG
The girl with the dark hair glanced shortly at him and walked away, leaving Alexis perplexed. “Tess?” she called her friend. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ0KzRIGpA
“Honestly, I don’t know what I did to her too,” he added, cryptically smiling. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uDoVFUcUW
Ben turned to his friend and saw Alex chattering with Noel and Oslo about the previous match. Talkative today? He was sure that Alex avoided his questions. Forcing him to tell the truth would be worthless, he changed his mind. He was waiting for a long time to have the private talk with this girl; it was time to grab the moment. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPzxd3nY95
“We love to hang out with your group.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6VFQvwzbW
“Great. Okay. See ya!” She was about to go. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡadqNCmswzn
“Wait! I’m going with you.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrc2Yq5lof
“I’m going back to my room,” she reminded him while wrapped the tiny towel around her neck. “You don’t wait for your friend?” She jerked her head at the talkative Alex.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3mmIcSfM3
“Leave him here. That’s my way too,” he lied, picking up his shirt and placed it on his right shoulder. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWhDJTZcqy
They walked down the long corridor heading to her room. He started the conservation with basic topics, how was she? What did she do back there? Until they talked about the dormitory, “I hate this place,” she said.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTZLWYb1jA
“Very honest reply ever.” Eyeing on her, she had very long eyelashes. “So do I.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKDD7mQZCC
“What do you think about the health check-up?” asked she.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OzkridruE
“No idea. Just checking? How do you meet Alex?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04y0PuY1vi
What did I just ask? copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM3fpaBf9d
It was weird. Ben suddenly lost his interest to make the move. It was as if the time was not proper for flirtation or because he was too curious about their relationship more than anything else.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb2rwuKKVf
“Three days ago, in the planetarium.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWjWW9rVbW
“Aha, what did you do together? I mean what you guys talked about?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMJh29rDpA
She turned her face to gaze at him, forcefully.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhMUJiot2k
“What?” asked he.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrg1odbP8m
“Nothing. Just feel odd that you’re really interested in our talk. You can’t see your face but it’s very serious.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn9vEbE5P3
“Well.” He tried to make a good excuse. “He caved himself in that room many days. I’m very worried about it and then he decided to get out. So I thought, perhaps, it’s because of you.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHlsB4KZxN
She chuckled. “I see but it’s not because of me. He can figure it out by himself.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgeAiDNtsW
Ben stared into her blue eyes. Then she revealed a soft smile. “You don’t believe it? It’s true. We were just talking philosophy.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡPejZJXao30
“What?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJINcjSWjp
“Descartes, Aristotle, Sartre. Do you know them?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDFZdXC1r5
“Of course, I know…you guys were only talking about this topic, really?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhjhg3frrj
“No.” She eyed on him mischievously and then revealed, “There are other topics but we mainly talked about this. Your friend has the profound knowledge of this field. It’s really impressive. I mean, at first, I thought he was just a troll.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU29HetzbM
Her natural story-telling made him laugh. “Yeah, he’s a bookworm and he’s knowledgeable than his look. Let me guess, you thought he was a troll. He annoyed you?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWqFVDDyF4
“Yep, he emitted the smoke to my face.” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDlWUC0a3s
Ben burst out laughing. “That’s him.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvmwF4L8EW
“If there’s no the smoke detector, I think he might keep annoying me. Anyway, we talked a lot, yes, philosophy is the main topic but it’s also about the world, people, and this place. I understand why he caved himself in that room.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡVETlkOZXnE
“And?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20hoXc0Xm4
“The life without goal, without determination, without hope, it’s sad. It’s sadder when you realize your situation. It’s the saddest when you realize your situation and are incapable of fixing it.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQzNmeR7nw
He kept listening. A bit hurt inside, Alex needed someone to talk to but he always neglected what his best friend felt. Ben knew with the whole of his heart what kind of this self-tragedy caused to everyone but he thought it was better to neglect it. Perhaps, if he stayed with Alex and talked or if he had not denied it, was it possible that Alex might be recovered sooner?copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iaXEvMDs9
“How can he realize that he should not stay like that?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv9AT7MU59
“Rebuild it.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvZyimNata
The girl smiled again when he did not understand. “Rebuild our new hope, our new goal, our new determination.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxtSv8nhMP
“What is it? May I listen?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4lBEfIraO
“Of course, we build the hope to get out of here, to return to our own home.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9jAICWvNp
Her determined eyes reflected humorlessness. Strangely again, his thought abruptly unmoved when he considered those blue color in her eyes, the deep blue recalled him the place where Nat was buried, speechless, stunned…copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuXamtiJK4
“Ben?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc9VNNavek
“Sorry. To get out of here?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPtDpbglH3
“The health check-up, it’s obvious that they have the plan for us. Now, all we can do is waiting and waiting until we can realize what they’re going to do to us. And then, we will know what we have to do.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoyJyVcRFX
Amusing their thought, “Sound rebellious even I don’t know exactly what it is.” said he. The girl beside him currently changed the way he saw her for the first time. No blushed cheeks, no timid gesture, she precisely spoke her thought. What happened to his charm? Or was it because he did not use it? “…You know the way you talk to me right now and the last time we met is a little bit different. I can sense that.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf95aWTks7
She poked her head to see him closer. Pretty bambi eyes… “You’re a little bit different too, from the first day we chatted, Mr. Wolf.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMW8pmkFH2
“What’s different?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtqicYdpQS
“Your interest.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM8vSisLCU
He knew what she meant. “He’s my best friend. I just want to know the reason for his change. That’s all.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡThGQq6cKMU
Apart from her face and eyes, her smile, counted as another weapon, could spell a man. She smiled like whatever-you-want-to-say.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwndOzc2Z2
“You really think I’m a wolf because of your friend?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlP2RHlksY
“Anyone sees the wolf in your eyes.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡflfWbF2oqP
“I’ve never concealed it.” He stared at her. After he received the answer, Ben still wondered if it was the right time to move forward. He perceived the energy of youth from this girl but his thought was slower. An attractive smile and adorable facial expression, sometimes he felt like kissing her and sometimes he felt like patting her head. Anyway, he continued, “But you don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m the classy wolf and not a womanizer. We can start to know each other just by talking.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡidlFq9fCbe
She pretended thinking. “Hmm, what I heard about you is not like this. We can be friends, really Ben. Not the way you’re thinking, I really mean friends, not like Wade and Sarah.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6Au9scvME
“Is it the rejection?” asked he.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡt10IXco0AP
She did not answer but beamed. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT3aztkP6w
“Is it because you like my friend?” He made the jab.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MDEgN6siS
Her smile faded at once. “No,” the girl rapidly responded. “I mean I like him but not like that. We’ve just met.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MT8uRlTRW
Indeed, she might not feel it or they might not feel it but he could perceive the romantic electricity between them. A sign of a spark that would turn to the melodramatic event, if it turned out like that, the will to bed with this girl could be accounted for the test. For you, Alex, I do it for you. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHPMSogcdn
They stopped at the dead end. Ben just realized her room was at the end of the corridor. She primarily knew he lied with the purpose to talk to her in private. copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh9nVqb2Tu
“It’s good to have new friends. Really nice to meet you guys. See you in the cafeteria?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0gO9LGuEx
“Sure!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoegb6ErjS
The girl disappeared inside the door, leaving a strange feeling towards him.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡP39Yr5pC8i
Everything that had happened at their first encounter had nothing to do with this time. There was the mixed feeling inside his chest when he was not the one who tested but being tested as well, thought their tests and objectives were not the same.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62jmRs7yXM
Benjamin Rosier had never thought too much about how to make the move but plenty of thoughts and questions popped up after talking with this girl. It was like he complied with the conservation and her mood, thinking about the place, people, and his friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nbkDmriOL
“Get something new?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDPkCgq1Sy
Alex stood behind him with arms wrapping his chest, cocking his brows.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZBDmt6u13
“You follow me?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7rss4OUnD
“Don’t you see I’m standing here?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxgvSTMjVF
Ben hugged himself, annoyed. “Were you really talking philosophy with this girl?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfEtT0XZvY
Alex nodded, “I’m lazy to explain to you. You always have a dirty mind.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M6ueyz3sW
“But when people talk philosophy, they get to know each other more and more. No, no. Don’t tell me more.” He stopped Alex. “I don’t care. I don’t want to hear any more. But you already know I want her. I see her first but I don’t mind if she will fall for you or already falls for you. But if she falls for me, don’t blame me; it’s nothing like Sarah’s case.” Wondering, Ben became uncertain if his speech still sounded like Ben Rosier or not.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y0K1ULYUg
copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9uWEnPrGL
