The Best Friend 

A university in USA. 10 years ago.

"Martin. You are hiding here reading alone again. There is a party at a sorority nearby. You should join." A young man with dark brown hair asked. Martin had to look up from the textbook he was reading. The book was among the five textbooks he needed to finish this term.

"I don't want to go. It will be too loud, too many people, and too many boring generic conversations." He was uninterested, and his expression showed disdain for this type of college party. He was uninterested in the culture of this leading institution. These smart and rich trust fund kids partied like there was no tomorrow, and a scholarship student such as himself always felt he did not belong. And so, he didn't attempt to fit in. He was always by himself, reading.

But his best friend never gives up. He invited him to all the parties that he got invited to. We have been friends since the first day we met. He didn't know what made the two of them get along so well. Joe was one of the rich kids. A private school boy from New York. His father was one of the renowned Wall Street traders. Despite the differences, Joe, the charming, extroverted Joe, chose to hang out with him.

"C'mon, Martin. You will go with me. You know too well that our time together has never been boring. Besides…" The charming young man grinned. He always did this—staring at him and persuading him. He was a true Machiavellian.

"The test result is out. Guess who came first in Finance class."

"What? I haven't seen any email or any announcement. Where did you get the information from?"

"Let's just say a good laptop and a few lines of codes go a long way. I saw everything. You know the university system sucks." Joe blinked at him. Sometimes Martin thought to warm him about all his unsolicited activities. But Joe was a stubborn man. He thought he was smart enough to do everything. And he just let it be because there was no use warning someone who would not listen anyway.

"Whatever. And who got the top mark?" He asked out of curiosity.

"You have to agree to go to the party with me first, and I will tell you." He grinned at him again. His dark gray eyes glowed. He knew Martin loved the competition, and this time, either one of them must get first place. But who?

"You are really annoying; do you know that? Fine. I will go. Just tell me."

"Aww. What a hot-tempered man." He lightly patted his shoulder. Joe was looking obnoxious. Sometimes, Martin wondered why he didn't choose to befriend someone that was more like himself. Life should be more peaceful.

"Just hurry up and tell me! I know you remember we have a bet on that."

"Whoa. You really are hot-tempered." He chuckled and put one hand inside a trousers' pocket. He picked up a gleaming expensive black pen and handed it to him.

"I lost." He pretended to appear defeated and sad. Meanwhile, Martin smiled triumphantly and took the gift from his hand.

"That is paid from my weekly allowance, you know, I'm broke now."

"Well, you can ask your dad for more. If not, just work a part-time job like other normal students. You don't have to complain."

"Yes, boss. You know you got a real dictatorial vibe when you win." He said accusingly. His act made him laugh, and when he laughed, Joe followed.

****

Martin smiled. Reminiscing the university memories, he could only remember all the good moments.

It all felt like yesterday, but that was years ago. Back when life was simple and many golden opportunities were ahead of him.

The young man played with the same black pen he got as a gift, twirling it around his slim fingers. With a decisive pause, he examined it closely and pondered. He placed it near the newspaper he got from the restaurant at lunch yesterday.

"Because it is you. That's why I couldn't decide…." He mumbled to himself.

He read the headline once more and sighed. This bright morning couldn't brighten his mood even a little bit.

'Where is That One Billion Dollar?'

"I'll try my best to help you, Joe."