#17. For

JUSTIN'S POV

"Justin, we've got a situation. Meet me at the usual spot in thirty minutes," a deep, gravelly voice commands from the other end of the line.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips, frustration mounting. "I think I make it clear, I'm out. I'm done with this life. I don't want any part of it."

The voice on the phone chuckles, sending a shiver down my spine. "You don't get to choose when you're out. Once you're in, you're in for good. You owe us, Justin, and you know the consequences if you refuse."

My jaw clenches, anger boiling within me. I never want to be entangled in this mess again. The promises I make to myself and to Reina, the girl who makes me want to become a better person and whom I'm deeply in love with, are at risk of being shattered.

"Fine, but this is the last time," I mutter, my voice filled with resignation.

"That's what they all say," the voice replies before hanging up.

I take a deep breath, attempting to compose myself. This isn't the life I want. I have dreams, aspirations, and a chance at something better. But it seems fate has different plans for me.

As I grab my jacket and head towards the door, I can't help but glance at the picture of Reina on the lock screen of my phone. Her smiling face is a painful reminder of the life I'm trying to leave behind. I can only hope she never gets dragged into the mess that's about to unfold.

The usual spot is illuminated only by a dim streetlight, casting eerie shadows on the face of the figure waiting for me. His features are etched in secrecy, a silent agreement that discretion is paramount in our dealings.

"Justin," the man acknowledges me with a nod, handing me a briefcase, his voice gravelly and filled with an air of authority.

"What's in the briefcase?" I inquire, my voice betraying a hint of defiance.

He smirks, revealing nothing. "Doesn't concern you. Just deliver it, and your debts are settled. Permanently."

The ominous words hang in the air, a stark reminder that this may indeed be my final act in this dangerous game. I glance at the briefcase, a symbol of the choices that lead me down this treacherous path. I reluctantly accept the responsibility and turn to depart, leaving the shadows behind.

As I walk away, my phone buzzes with a message from Reina. I hesitate for a moment, torn between the desire to share my struggles with her and the fear of dragging her into the dangerous web I'm entangled in. The message remains unanswered as I reach the delivery destination.

The location is an inconspicuous building, its façade revealing nothing about the ominous activities within. I enter cautiously, my senses heightened. The weight of the briefcase grows heavier with each step, mirroring the increasing gravity of my situation.

Behind a nondescript door, I find a stern-looking man who inspects the briefcase without uttering a word. The exchange is swift, but the consequences linger. As I exit the building, the realization hits me – my ties to this clandestine world are far from severed.

The gravelly voice echoes in my mind: "You owe us, Justin."

Returning to the dimly lit alley, grappling with the complexity of my choices, the sense of resignation is palpable as I meet the imposing figure once more.

"Consider your debts settled. This is the last you'll hear from us," he declares, handing me a small envelope.

I take it cautiously, knowing that nothing in this world comes without strings attached. As he disappears into the shadows, I open the envelope. Inside, a photo – a candid shot of Reina, smiling, blissfully unaware of the sinister world I've been entangled in.

I am scared and terrified, and the weight of guilt intensifies, and as I make my way home, the city's shadows no longer feel like allies. Unlocking the door, greeted by the warmth of our shared space, yet haunted by the cold reality that my choices have consequences, and the future I envisioned with Reina hangs in the balance.

*** 

REINA'S POV

I might have known him for a short time, but I definitely sensed that something was up with him. I was unsure if it was because of what happened at my house, as ever since then, he had been more distant.

But then again, I remembered the way he smiled at me before he left, so I'm pretty sure he wasn't acting this way because of what happened.

"Justin." This was the third time I had called out his name, but he seemed completely out of it.

I tap him on the shoulder using my pencil, and he snaps out of his daze.

He shudders and raises his head to look at me. "Hmmm?"

"Mr. Walter," I say, gesturing towards the teacher standing in front of the class, "asked you a question."

His eyes widen in genuine shock, and he shifts his gaze to the teacher, who was now standing beside him.

As Mr. Walter patiently waits for Justin's response, I can't help but feel a knot of concern tighten in my stomach. Justin, usually attentive in class, seems lost in his thoughts. I glance at him, searching his eyes for any clue about what might be bothering him.

"Mr. Turner, care to share your thoughts on the matter?" Mr. Walter prompts, his gaze focused on Justin.

Justin blinks a few times, seemingly coming back to reality. He clears his throat and attempts to gather himself. "Uh, sorry, could you repeat the question?"

Mr. Walter raises an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and mild irritation in his expression. "I asked about the historical significance of the Treaty of Versailles. It's essential to understand its impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time."

Justin nods, though it's evident he's still not entirely present. He gives a brief response about the Treaty of Versailles, but it lacks the usual depth and enthusiasm he typically displays in history class.

The bell rings, signaling the end of the lesson, and I decide to catch up with Justin as we exit the classroom. I grab my backpack and join him in the crowded hallway.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I ask, my tone soft with genuine concern.

He looks at me, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just had a lot on my mind."

"Is it because of what happened at my place?" I inquire, keeping my voice low.

He hesitates for a moment before responding, "It's not about that. There's just... stuff going on, you know?"

I nod, understanding that sometimes people have their struggles, and they might not be ready to share them. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you."

He looks like he's about to give in and spill the beans, but then a small, appreciative smile tugs at the corner of his lips. "Thanks, Reina. I appreciate that."

As we walk towards our next class, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to Justin's distant demeanour than he's letting on. I decide to give him some space for now, hoping that when he's ready, he'll open up about whatever is weighing on his mind.

The school day continues, and Justin remains somewhat withdrawn. During lunch, he sits with our group of friends but engages less in our usual banter. It's as if a shadow looms over him, casting a pall on his usual vibrant personality.

After school, as we head our separate ways, Justin plants a small kiss on my cheek, giving me a brief, reassuring smile. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

I smile back at him, nodding, trying not to press him further. "Sure, take your time."

Little do I know that this is just the beginning of a series of events that will unravel, testing our friendship and plunging us into a world neither of us could have anticipated.