“What is this place?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd6M2dawWX
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡuohM7NJjyd
“What is this place, Ma’am?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1mDf9O3dS
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡB05IM8VXER
“What the hell is this place? Can you just tell me?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9fcVn0FGz
“Next! Mr. Alexander Volkov.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6AfJPpyTD
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvDwdqF8ok
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ktfwoDx4k
“I asked her about this damn place and she ignored me,” Ben told him walking and kicking the air around.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqHdaxCIr
“Yeah, I heard.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9WTG9klhI
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi28yzxb7C
“What are we going to do?” He asked his friend.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡvezWVM6tpP
“You don’t chase a girl?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFZQzFZU0h
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGzGP7fnjn
“Guys!” Sarah appeared. Her interruption saved Alex in time. Not the right, Bitch.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOBzLxmS0L
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUrHK1nKWn
“What’s up, ma’am?” He greeted back.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z4BfTJvg2
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgRuQC1cv1
“Can’t believe it! Sarah gets a new squad with those young people. Do you and that boy become the real thing?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdWqUHshro
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtXJ5dDOJU
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBbH61k7dP
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c25CXM5fd
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUHrEMFiAo
“Fashion queen?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr0o96ptdD
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnQmssjfyy
“If they’re so sweet, you should not introduce them to this devil,” Alex suggested, disapproving.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1tat8W8qx
Sarah pretended to be alarmed by placing her palms on her chest. “Right…my mistake. Forget it, Ben.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDYx17DrBR
“Are you my friend?” He grumbled. Alex just grinned.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UeVgGoAVW
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pYDzrLwAc
“You really want to join that group?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37P2ERahjL
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oGmkX3IyZ
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHoDkY46uF
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyM8Bq0LIj
“What?” His voice turned hoarse.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQIdd2ahKI
“The meeting,” he pointed on the watch.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpqF2LE7S8
“Why’re you so keen on it?” The amber eyes sighed and got up.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbHzji0j4I
“Make friends!” copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBylOMnZ38
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkx90AUEIM
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvXu5hN5BS
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNetmAi8Yib
“You know her?” Ben had no hesitation to ask and then everything was clear. “Oh…this new friend…right?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61vDawe4aX
Alex nodded. “Yes.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXtPsy7gEI
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rXCNyUVwd
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CeDgo9utj
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡslgVaJuhZ8
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07zYKnwEi2
“You can’t stop my investigation!” Ben whined sharply inside Alex’s arms.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqE63UucpY
“You must.” Alex tightened his lock. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSjMNuviMv
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMD0Lnnh2G
“We have nine people,” Ben pointed out.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU6Y09Tvmi
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSaNEYhag3
“That’s not fair! Look at Noel!” The girl pointed to the oldest who could be compared to a huge pillar.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHQjHCG4TI
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdCScD259o
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDgzqVxI6O
“Hey, do you want to play?” Oslo shouted at him. That jerk was about to move and then unmoved.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMvD5cfMh8
“Forget him,” Ben concluded. But when he glanced at Tessa and Alexis, two girls expressed their deep regret.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3m8VyLXEU
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2yCBYy9GE
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsrt5wGljY
“His name is Michael,” Alex and Alexis answered Tessa.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO1QWXpHU3
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg5aTH9sQQ
“Man, today you surprised me twice.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oixio4YJo
“I knew his name during the health check-up,” Alex explained. “He was next to me.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdcZ38WtQR
“And how do you know his name, Alexis?” Sarah asked the younger girl curiously.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt8BE1iNt9
“Long story but nothing to be curious, tell you later.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAXW8flde4
“Wait, wait.” Oslo turned down the topic about that boy. “We have two Alexes!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbiNamW6PN
“Is that the problem?” Alexis asked. Her perfectly bushy brows turned knotted.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlg6XU7fIB
“For the game, yes,” Ben agreed. “You’re quick to see it.” He complimented the boy. Oslo beamed.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmcmjkCEyQ
“Alexis and Alexander,” Ben murmured. “Too long.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡI920XdmUjb
“What’s your last name?” Wade asked the male Alex. The tall man groaned.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡHixXouSwKB
“Why I have to tell you?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79YkwhE8Vd
“Because you’re new,” Wade said. “And I usually call my friend, Alex.” copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDm1Eke1ey
“It’s alright. Just call whatever you want. Can we start the game now?” The girl hastened the others.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVQKTffMLZ
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT8ldECSNx
“But I sometimes call Alex and sometimes Alexis,” Oslo confessed. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MbsOQM2R1
“Please end this topic before I call everyone Alex. So confused,” Noel interrupted. “Just call them whatever you guys are using to. Okay?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4WsPQH4Cs
All nodded.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZlclyRYrE
“You’re Volcov!” Oslo was excited, pointed his finger at Ben’s friend. “I love your cars! I mean your products.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwrHYfyLhp
“Ah…Thanks.” Alex hurriedly turned to the ball as if he was eager to play it.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTuJlkz2ob
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡusbQFwpxvQ
“Look at Mr. Volcov.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1mDIlSg6a
Alex groaned louder. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT3bCovbrU
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWnyM35bAA
They were divided into two teams, Alexis’s team including Noel, Oslo, and Sarah, and Tessa’s team including Ben, Alex, and Wade.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NBpqkKiBR
“Oh my love, we’ve never parted,” Ben teased his best friend.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡthKwtmVYym
Alex sighed but snorted a quiet laughter.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡTViht5kyhV
“One rule! Fair game! Superhuman power is not permitted,” the girl declared but did not make eye contact with any specific person.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jIKI84trF
“She knows too?” Ben stared at Alex, demanding him to tell everything.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVX5rqsnp1
“Yeah, she knows just mine, okay? Why must I have to tell you everything? You’re not my wife!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjW2Aq8VZp
“Because I’m your best friend.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8JzSrIWVa
“You slept with my girlfriends.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg5Amx0PUq
“Good intention.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEKNGkdPgc
“Hey, those two, ready?” The girl called them from the central field.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6kXGdpo9l
“We’re coming!” Alex shouted back and took off his shirt.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMBEmYbnN5
“What are you guys doing?” Tessa yelled at them.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEJyrqSFf8
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡRufcrVpRkz
The girl in chestnut skin gave the middle finger the second time.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTmOxINJ6B
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUfysHYlmd
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡteIJq9FQ10
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTL3ruQaA
“It’s not soccer!” Ben scolded him when Alexis and Noel made two scores for each and they still got zero.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYuHwWovhL
“But he’s a soccer player. Don’t blame him,” Sarah defended her partner even though they were on the opposite side.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLZrvqBagC
“I don’t care who he was or what he did before. You, big boy, use your hands!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGR4rUvWKG
“Don’t call me big boy, shorty!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcE1TbXiHf
“I’m just one inch shorter than you, stupid!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q13RwttHK
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RqWVSRrOC
“There’re only two players on my team,” He mumbled. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kOMlIYj1F
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡz55A8X7CqO
The game paused when the ball stopped dead in the air. “What happens?” Noel’s eyes widened, amazed and gaped.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwFMtBEk3t
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbNLX9uWsv
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1AHCJFJl6
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡxICdv6PaqS
He drank the water before giving an answer. “I haven’t done anything to him. That boy is a jerk.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn3q81zDX2
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y4JgGsVqO
“To be fair is not my regular habit,” Ben responded.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XwEa2KZcb
They waited just a few minutes, Wade and Alexis returned, without any more feud.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPyVgHXQkU
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡSttXcKDFF3
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH11mb36bf
“19-7” The little sister of Tessa announced. Ben got the ball made three scores. “19-10”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡh44Q0lyXbS
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ml1y5FeL
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡJItKJPWMW8
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ec75csD9D
And Alexis made twice three scores. What a girl!copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1HSmIqsnF
“Our school team should have won.” He heard Wade saying this.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7nHR7xNTu
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWI73Nkvqt
“Good idea, I trade Tessa for Alexis,” Ben instantly agreed and offered his teammate without a second thought.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WuRORAfkY
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy5igWpOKj
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFg1NjO7Pf
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZc6Q1Xqhi
“I think we should change a member. It’s not fair. I change with Oslo,” Alex blurted out.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡocRuv7qVVa
“Are you insane?” Sometimes Alex’s unpredictability irritated him painfully.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeQufEO4MD
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnDwttxrUP
“Sorry, I’m not an athlete.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj1ANwIdrE
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGSfb7TZbF
“Next time, can we just talk?” He heard the redhead demanded.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv2h1wKzXE
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGYqhLXZZp
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn6wChDwhP
“You’re the risk too? Like Alex?” she asked.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVkfcmLXWI
“The Gifted,” he corrected her. Tessa jeered at him. Ben swiftly reacted, “Why? You don’t like to be the Gifted too?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡClpAMGlJGk
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jIfPlxtRP
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3KDiXZ3UW
Alexis switched her eyes from Ben and Tessa. “Yeah, the gifted, sound better, right Tessa?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxhb73RsNx
Tessa did hate him. A Nazi feminist for sure, he judged.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWRvbHQJbI
“What will you do after this?” he asked the younger girl.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuLi74g78b
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UIl5PoXib
“Alexis!” Tessa did not like her friend’s idea.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡv58nBj5s2g
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBKVTS0a08
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡl423p8TN6b
While listening to her complaint, he searched for the boy with the silver hair. He was gone already.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCh7ZTr5lu
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv56rZZr9Z
The girl with the dark hair glanced shortly at him and walked away, leaving Alexis perplexed. “Tess?” she called her friend. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv4CytKshR
“Honestly, I don’t know what I did to her too,” he added, cryptically smiling. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhtVotPQya
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUFq17q0yA
“We love to hang out with your group.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0754JEyu6P
“Great. Okay. See ya!” She was about to go. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK6OGvhvlQ
“Wait! I’m going with you.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHKl7LsyM1
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N8dRSSqmY
“Leave him here. That’s my way too,” he lied, picking up his shirt and placed it on his right shoulder. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIImwoROTd
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzUoV2aoAW
“Very honest reply ever.” Eyeing on her, she had very long eyelashes. “So do I.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJJyXBrP1O
“What do you think about the health check-up?” asked she.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhwwD3VvSP
“No idea. Just checking? How do you meet Alex?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwpDVkF6Jg
What did I just ask? copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29ZMHXo8Mp
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAGt7kx2Pp
“Three days ago, in the planetarium.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyVgbRBQXk
“Aha, what did you do together? I mean what you guys talked about?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70u6Mb4akQ
She turned her face to gaze at him, forcefully.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡAirhLzCjBr
“What?” asked he.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡItZEKavm1t
“Nothing. Just feel odd that you’re really interested in our talk. You can’t see your face but it’s very serious.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8tbfgnjrI
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡa20CjLbV4N
She chuckled. “I see but it’s not because of me. He can figure it out by himself.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNgmr1xXny
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5HUgWbEgC
“What?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqFm2Y8dUd
“Descartes, Aristotle, Sartre. Do you know them?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i0hFrjcpH
“Of course, I know…you guys were only talking about this topic, really?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQMtL3qWHG
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡz46eq9dyn8
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoqMF5eZiD
“Yep, he emitted the smoke to my face.” copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4ttyexYbf
Ben burst out laughing. “That’s him.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKjKYKTcih
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4FKRlQ5k9
“And?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ecuMr2KC
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡhonB9ll3xE
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSIZDzltFF
“How can he realize that he should not stay like that?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnGRAbE2eo
“Rebuild it.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvN16Xnr1V
The girl smiled again when he did not understand. “Rebuild our new hope, our new goal, our new determination.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mNOlqoGU3
“What is it? May I listen?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxr3p2f34t
“Of course, we build the hope to get out of here, to return to our own home.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIYgK5e7xf
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CBQrXhPEb
“Ben?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0Il48njbr
“Sorry. To get out of here?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEaLVUQ92n
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡo500WrXdhC
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaD7vHfT0r
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN6uy1ppar
“What’s different?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzxNztfxGw
“Your interest.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4HNcdvr6v
He knew what she meant. “He’s my best friend. I just want to know the reason for his change. That’s all.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrjZWS0lhb
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4KkRkN7Su
“You really think I’m a wolf because of your friend?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2zlQLzlcG
“Anyone sees the wolf in your eyes.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡR67a5425pk
“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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡgco1xgllne
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1hon7aXsn
“Is it the rejection?” asked he.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjtLuyPxEe
She did not answer but beamed. copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVrfWZwikU
“Is it because you like my friend?” He made the jab.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaWNzjVJgn
Her smile faded at once. “No,” the girl rapidly responded. “I mean I like him but not like that. We’ve just met.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UHzFc8uJM
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAIbQEamXv
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuFdhexdYN
“It’s good to have new friends. Really nice to meet you guys. See you in the cafeteria?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4IiEnuMSd
“Sure!”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCOhNEWY1T
The girl disappeared inside the door, leaving a strange feeling towards him.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡujn9wFo3Sm
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsrzL5WfSP
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 protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrhJfWFeY
“Get something new?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIhWSOBgRt
Alex stood behind him with arms wrapping his chest, cocking his brows.copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJW5iHbfX4
“You follow me?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rwwJfMFV0
“Don’t you see I’m standing here?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtIWpAK1RC
Ben hugged himself, annoyed. “Were you really talking philosophy with this girl?”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvlqBD8MT6
Alex nodded, “I’m lazy to explain to you. You always have a dirty mind.”copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYxmugCgWx
“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.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXYfozTwmM
copyright protection16ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB1ZxrAhss
