“What is this place?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdcmFYTxhQ
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ghoAzeFCE
“What is this place, Ma’am?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86opROc3Fx
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdgG1JUzVM
“What the hell is this place? Can you just tell me?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhiVHB86nH
“Next! Mr. Alexander Volkov.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp1EtmhESA
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLem31sa1w
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI0wcwa6Ia
“I asked her about this damn place and she ignored me,” Ben told him walking and kicking the air around.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67QAnD7voH
“Yeah, I heard.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH1H156FWd
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqPeRKYCLb
“What are we going to do?” He asked his friend.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0EZeiJpeo
“You don’t chase a girl?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8qx0ZITlp
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5fbL5NMuP
“Guys!” Sarah appeared. Her interruption saved Alex in time. Not the right, Bitch.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKjhJpSP7x
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJBMQk4AO1
“What’s up, ma’am?” He greeted back.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1sxN3i3IX
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡirzuaA7irZ
“Can’t believe it! Sarah gets a new squad with those young people. Do you and that boy become the real thing?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDkiPILEUm
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5hLVW0yOy
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRLFo6rfeW
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhNBR2hdtH
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡicNZ51SdYc
“Fashion queen?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡru7HhP8zMN
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbvYwAbCcH
“If they’re so sweet, you should not introduce them to this devil,” Alex suggested, disapproving.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBLLH8gApT
Sarah pretended to be alarmed by placing her palms on her chest. “Right…my mistake. Forget it, Ben.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOfZtXS2j1
“Are you my friend?” He grumbled. Alex just grinned.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47l6VRpUdx
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHa35jE9je
“You really want to join that group?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKFHAAKK8I
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡupTvY7o6Qw
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTSp8Wk845
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NaBxJmfBG
“What?” His voice turned hoarse.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkuKzi5xrx
“The meeting,” he pointed on the watch.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq1xbScHEU
“Why’re you so keen on it?” The amber eyes sighed and got up.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡNadb5frJaD
“Make friends!” copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPjZdkWyCb
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02VIO19Zl
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuBLqRONPZ
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3aP0n2dwh
“You know her?” Ben had no hesitation to ask and then everything was clear. “Oh…this new friend…right?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cj7wAUpQe
Alex nodded. “Yes.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpsSgSZlRF
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZakoZoqUl
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxJHKUriCb
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIyfDrkX0z
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRC6ZRtu7e
“You can’t stop my investigation!” Ben whined sharply inside Alex’s arms.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQpjykk6wQ
“You must.” Alex tightened his lock. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW3XaxhsoB
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvadWgRHXt
“We have nine people,” Ben pointed out.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lvdCyEOIZ
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkO1TPafcC
“That’s not fair! Look at Noel!” The girl pointed to the oldest who could be compared to a huge pillar.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq6TU1Bqd3
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡOboNStedyP
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiWtdvYNsy
“Hey, do you want to play?” Oslo shouted at him. That jerk was about to move and then unmoved.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuVXliDmQ0
“Forget him,” Ben concluded. But when he glanced at Tessa and Alexis, two girls expressed their deep regret.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2XxzKvPTE
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL27Uya8L8
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqml1XWgDQ
“His name is Michael,” Alex and Alexis answered Tessa.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GvfrQHzot
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxpiWknznj
“Man, today you surprised me twice.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3wwsXCPis
“I knew his name during the health check-up,” Alex explained. “He was next to me.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPVQqTTWCF
“And how do you know his name, Alexis?” Sarah asked the younger girl curiously.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqp6Vnh0S6
“Long story but nothing to be curious, tell you later.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRvzRmOGZe
“Wait, wait.” Oslo turned down the topic about that boy. “We have two Alexes!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyY4bhshQ2
“Is that the problem?” Alexis asked. Her perfectly bushy brows turned knotted.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNdiGqkrrU
“For the game, yes,” Ben agreed. “You’re quick to see it.” He complimented the boy. Oslo beamed.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCcP5wrI3L
“Alexis and Alexander,” Ben murmured. “Too long.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEHEXdjm53
“What’s your last name?” Wade asked the male Alex. The tall man groaned.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFxjEbjZEq
“Why I have to tell you?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8XDTZD8Mz
“Because you’re new,” Wade said. “And I usually call my friend, Alex.” copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgSo3TkUUJ
“It’s alright. Just call whatever you want. Can we start the game now?” The girl hastened the others.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaI4k3ifu6
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bieKkPWrG
“But I sometimes call Alex and sometimes Alexis,” Oslo confessed. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJXB1FaNE8
“Please end this topic before I call everyone Alex. So confused,” Noel interrupted. “Just call them whatever you guys are using to. Okay?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8UszppdWF
All nodded.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdT8HnhhuF
“You’re Volcov!” Oslo was excited, pointed his finger at Ben’s friend. “I love your cars! I mean your products.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhO9oEt8aC
“Ah…Thanks.” Alex hurriedly turned to the ball as if he was eager to play it.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6YmU0sNwP
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvwcTXkRjN
“Look at Mr. Volcov.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCyJPHj0yS
Alex groaned louder. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu2uJg4anl
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoFxy6zYEn
They were divided into two teams, Alexis’s team including Noel, Oslo, and Sarah, and Tessa’s team including Ben, Alex, and Wade.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9KLtF0E2
“Oh my love, we’ve never parted,” Ben teased his best friend.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg6gerksqm
Alex sighed but snorted a quiet laughter.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73LEfJqkZX
“One rule! Fair game! Superhuman power is not permitted,” the girl declared but did not make eye contact with any specific person.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMYReJzNZh
“She knows too?” Ben stared at Alex, demanding him to tell everything.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz0vmBdlho
“Yeah, she knows just mine, okay? Why must I have to tell you everything? You’re not my wife!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D9g7VlWkz
“Because I’m your best friend.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDyPIKc4Su
“You slept with my girlfriends.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUzC2LbOc8
“Good intention.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPFQwRCeSH
“Hey, those two, ready?” The girl called them from the central field.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRWnMiB8hD
“We’re coming!” Alex shouted back and took off his shirt.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUH6Q1ud8B
“What are you guys doing?” Tessa yelled at them.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNFXPzHZIw
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXCqzPFHFR
The girl in chestnut skin gave the middle finger the second time.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsqzTil2y8
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wisOcXczM
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDZw6kITfe
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡS08moZGg8Z
“It’s not soccer!” Ben scolded him when Alexis and Noel made two scores for each and they still got zero.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡphwwZh8qGb
“But he’s a soccer player. Don’t blame him,” Sarah defended her partner even though they were on the opposite side.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeKIbnRmOX
“I don’t care who he was or what he did before. You, big boy, use your hands!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX0Vg59Pit
“Don’t call me big boy, shorty!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGWwsKyLZg
“I’m just one inch shorter than you, stupid!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡM08JJ9w78b
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡHktvt8GG4u
“There’re only two players on my team,” He mumbled. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFyKanSkJQ
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UQInvpXH7
The game paused when the ball stopped dead in the air. “What happens?” Noel’s eyes widened, amazed and gaped.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5HEZiM1nv
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8v0y5WN7m
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FnNvJKka7
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFLv4QkHem
He drank the water before giving an answer. “I haven’t done anything to him. That boy is a jerk.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vaf0zyYn9
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtHbKtxTvs
“To be fair is not my regular habit,” Ben responded.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5iSd3QprR
They waited just a few minutes, Wade and Alexis returned, without any more feud.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5EsWwJi2D
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsCasO9e1T
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8gCN0ZV1Y
“19-7” The little sister of Tessa announced. Ben got the ball made three scores. “19-10”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡErUbpOkdn3
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNxLpYVtwb
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MOAH7b6ge
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMaiRI5CzC
And Alexis made twice three scores. What a girl!copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxmbWNfKLt
“Our school team should have won.” He heard Wade saying this.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRPcPd33CV
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPfmZk01Hl
“Good idea, I trade Tessa for Alexis,” Ben instantly agreed and offered his teammate without a second thought.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCYOwVI4aK
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtVwTq3tFL
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9zj2kZPaT
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7eTEvpwSB
“I think we should change a member. It’s not fair. I change with Oslo,” Alex blurted out.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7eTQSMAjy
“Are you insane?” Sometimes Alex’s unpredictability irritated him painfully.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxbEioBIs
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIKfK0Iw6k
“Sorry, I’m not an athlete.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJo2HpLiUh
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WIJyGUuSF
“Next time, can we just talk?” He heard the redhead demanded.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlgUy2eUID
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRGzuIGH3V
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDAJH9HeYw
“You’re the risk too? Like Alex?” she asked.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgECeOH6lo
“The Gifted,” he corrected her. Tessa jeered at him. Ben swiftly reacted, “Why? You don’t like to be the Gifted too?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6XGpCd6wK
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9VlfAynB0
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsB45Zunku
Alexis switched her eyes from Ben and Tessa. “Yeah, the gifted, sound better, right Tessa?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡppm8J0WToP
Tessa did hate him. A Nazi feminist for sure, he judged.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U6bV3tMcJ
“What will you do after this?” he asked the younger girl.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMtrxJqs8z
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD1iZvgh5x
“Alexis!” Tessa did not like her friend’s idea.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBnAxpPlx9
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtNZFdT1Hl
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWSK36nirX
While listening to her complaint, he searched for the boy with the silver hair. He was gone already.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZSOAzcWn0
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkTNMvcN5c
The girl with the dark hair glanced shortly at him and walked away, leaving Alexis perplexed. “Tess?” she called her friend. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡANuPpclntS
“Honestly, I don’t know what I did to her too,” he added, cryptically smiling. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60NSBK2dAd
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7mHwcTGPq
“We love to hang out with your group.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ynwWYvPJr
“Great. Okay. See ya!” She was about to go. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwXUa65efU
“Wait! I’m going with you.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwZZJi5NOi
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCkuGvLgwH
“Leave him here. That’s my way too,” he lied, picking up his shirt and placed it on his right shoulder. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aDDn4Szn7
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE0ZEiTmAg
“Very honest reply ever.” Eyeing on her, she had very long eyelashes. “So do I.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBsniM5UjL
“What do you think about the health check-up?” asked she.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf29VexP4f
“No idea. Just checking? How do you meet Alex?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMWRbnCNdU
What did I just ask? copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHP7TxGLDO
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2e9cGGS3F
“Three days ago, in the planetarium.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL5scPEKE3
“Aha, what did you do together? I mean what you guys talked about?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb7eTeztr8
She turned her face to gaze at him, forcefully.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxAW9LeAZM
“What?” asked he.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDuj9fjQyJ
“Nothing. Just feel odd that you’re really interested in our talk. You can’t see your face but it’s very serious.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yZq0ZUX4k
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaU0gAqeW9
She chuckled. “I see but it’s not because of me. He can figure it out by himself.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3quhAmF4QP
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4oBZANn94
“What?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79eLMO5zTH
“Descartes, Aristotle, Sartre. Do you know them?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1feU9A5Wu
“Of course, I know…you guys were only talking about this topic, really?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhxEdHT6WG
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSvYflCbE8
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz8ZRMfx0G
“Yep, he emitted the smoke to my face.” copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfO0bW6X6M
Ben burst out laughing. “That’s him.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAb5KU83wH
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFGxx9782o
“And?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iNTeHNHx7
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38oAxSewzT
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wO6yEmIda
“How can he realize that he should not stay like that?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡalelckpJ7o
“Rebuild it.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9u91noLd9
The girl smiled again when he did not understand. “Rebuild our new hope, our new goal, our new determination.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb8J9dPlgH
“What is it? May I listen?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2kozRgXnR
“Of course, we build the hope to get out of here, to return to our own home.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNjvQapaac
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlBZnLNWs6
“Ben?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwYb310y1N
“Sorry. To get out of here?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8LWNlrSGd
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWpHLoFFJK
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP5EWzny0D
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdK7DwOJnk
“What’s different?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnO67Jf2an
“Your interest.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57tu2KLLSR
He knew what she meant. “He’s my best friend. I just want to know the reason for his change. That’s all.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrUBWPAUTT
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmb8Fr7cUh
“You really think I’m a wolf because of your friend?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4FJWAVnQL
“Anyone sees the wolf in your eyes.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9Kqli1Obl
“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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDYsYdmPxl
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAsEBYrjJp
“Is it the rejection?” asked he.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCbOHxyy7D
She did not answer but beamed. copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyCugpRpRj
“Is it because you like my friend?” He made the jab.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAtUx2FwcH
Her smile faded at once. “No,” the girl rapidly responded. “I mean I like him but not like that. We’ve just met.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡevjMumbXNY
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7CWjPb4xz
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6L5GQA6c3
“It’s good to have new friends. Really nice to meet you guys. See you in the cafeteria?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTxSq6mDFb
“Sure!”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCgf77xDh9
The girl disappeared inside the door, leaving a strange feeling towards him.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh9AApK7JX
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgWwuTSJcq
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 protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKqlJXXiWn
“Get something new?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Rm5h7LHI
Alex stood behind him with arms wrapping his chest, cocking his brows.copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmENRF6Rwy
“You follow me?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9jtzcrbYd
“Don’t you see I’m standing here?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ifmBnRKOA
Ben hugged himself, annoyed. “Were you really talking philosophy with this girl?”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡalul7ygwQS
Alex nodded, “I’m lazy to explain to you. You always have a dirty mind.”copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡj09Y8LSJtz
“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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsQxeshhIU
copyright protection152ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HHY5SUCEN
