Betrayal

Olivia was impatient as she started questioning Joe.

He wasn't as weak as she expected him to be so he could certainly answer her questions.

To be honest, Olivia was very elated at the good nature and lovely smile that her brother was displaying. She certainly didn't expect Joe to be in such good spirits after just barely escaping the evil spirit of death.

Who did this to you?

Scott tapped her. I think we should let him rest a bit more before asking him anything.

Olivia nodded her head as she spoke to Joe. Alright, you heard him, I'm going to allow you rest a bit more.

Immediately five seconds passed, Olivia snapped her fingers.

Okay! Time's up! Now, answer my question.

Joe had an amused expression on his face.

Really!? Only five seconds rest time??

Scott shook his head with a small laugh.

Olivia's face was pleading. Please, Joe, answer me. Those bastards have to pay.

Joe smiled in a bit of melancholy.

Actually…I'm not sure I want revenge…

Olivia and Scott were both taken aback.

What do you mean? It was Scott who asked this question.

Joe sighed. This was done to me by a friend…My best friend.

Olivia spoke slowly and steadily. Can you tell me everything?

Sure. Joe replied.

Joe sighed brig he went ahead to tell the story. Two weeks ago, I was…

———-Two weeks ago———

Joe sat in the corner of his school, he was seated with a boy around his age.

Joe and his companion were clothed in the same school uniform.

Joe was dressed in a white uniform and blue trousers, a red tie coloring his neck.

The cardigan that he wore over the white shirt made him look even more like a school boy.

How's it going with her? It was Jack who asked Joe this question, Jack was Joe's friend who was seated with him in a corner of the school.

Joe shook his head, looking very troubled.

I don't know. Should I just break up with her?

Jack was surprised. Break up with her? Why? Because of Ben?

Joe was very unsettled.

Ben isn't just anyone, he's my bestfriend. And...He really likes Elena. He is even the one who introduced me to her, so I feel kind of bad just going behind him and dating Elena.

I feel like I've betrayed him.

Jack shook his head vehemently, Obviously not seeing the point Joe was trying to make.

How does that matter? Elena likes you and not him.

Joe spoke up. No, that's not enough. It won't do, you don't know what it's like.

Jack shrugged. Maybe I don't. But I know you are bound to regret it if you end things with Elena because of Ben.

Joe nodded with a smile. Of course I know I will. But I also know that I won't regret it as much if I end up on a wrong footing with Ben because of Elena.

Jack was stunned and irritated by this.

Dude! You won't get married to Ben, hope you know that?

Joe smiled. I know, but a friend is for life.

Jack was further annoyed. And a wife is for?

Before Joe could answer, someone suddenly rushed into the corner where they both sat, discussing.

Jack and Joe stood up immediately as they watched the angry figure.

Joe immediately had a premonition. B..Ben, What are you doing here?

Ben took in a deep breath, trying to sync his heartbeat into a rhythm.

When he spoke, his voice was low and finely tuned to fit into the situation at hand.

How could you?

Joe blinked. How could I what? what are you talking about?]

Ben felt his heartbeat suddenly go off the ryhthm he had managed to calm himself into.

Ben clenched his fists as anger grew inside of him.

You know what I'm alking about. Pretence won't do you any good.

Ben turned to Jack.

Please excuse us.

Jack already knew what was happening, and seeing the unbridled anger that was threatening to engulf Ben, Jack didn't think it wise to leave the both of them alone.

Jack hesitated a lot before casting a worried look at Joe.

Joe smiled brightly. It's okay, I'll be fine.

Jack nodded and slowly walked away.

The moment Jack was out, Ben spoke up.

You know how much I love Elena, Every little smile she flashed at me, You were always the first to know.

I always told you everything, you knew I planned to ask her out today!

Joe was silent for a while.

When he spoke, he could only bring himself to mutter one useless phrase. At least it was very useless to the angry Ben.

I'm sorry.

Ben couldn't believe his ears and his anger seemed to multiply.

You're what!?