Pitbabe S2, Chapter 14 pg4

 Pitbabe S2, Chapter 14 pg4

   “Everyone wants to live in a good society, right? Everyone wants to feel safe, to live freely without being watched, to have choices, to be themselves. I’m just choosing to act because I want everything I deserve.”

   “The question is… will you really be happy?”

   We locked eyes, and for a moment, it felt like I was looking in a mirror. It was oddly chilling, but at the same time, I felt an energy coursing through my body—an energy about to transform me into someone I never dreamed I could be.

   “I’ll try to find out.”

   

   KENTA:

   I knocked on the boss’s office door three times, pausing for three seconds before being granted permission to enter. The large teak door opened, revealing Tony’s lavish office. Tony, the big-shot businessman everyone in the country thought had died two years ago, along with his exposed dirty business. Everything seemed to have collapsed completely, and I was one of those who both destroyed and was destroyed. Back then, it felt like everything was falling into place: the boss was dead, the top henchmen were in jail. To me, that seemed far more just than what’s happening now.

   “The lab results,” I placed the tablet on the desk in front of him, stepping back one pace. “The team sent them this morning. Not sure if you’ve seen them yet, sir.”

   “Hmm… I saw it was sent, but I haven’t had time to read it,” Tony said flatly, his eyes glued to the phone in his hand. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s wrestling with some heavy thoughts again. Back in the day, I’d have been the first to know, but things have changed. I’m no longer the one he trusts most. “Summarize it for me.”

   “We tested three formulas this week. The first one—”

   “No,” the boss interrupted, his voice firm. “I don’t want that kind of summary.”

   The two years I was gone make me feel like I can’t keep up with him. From what I’ve observed, Tony’s changed a bit. He’s calmer than I remember, like his mind is always weighed down with something heavy, forgetting how to show emotion. I barely hear him yell or scowl like he used to. Now it’s just a flat tone, a neutral expression, sometimes with eyes that look almost saintly—but of course, that’s impossible.

   “None of the formulas worked, sir.”

   That’s the answer I figured he wanted to hear.

   “Is that so?”

   Ugh.

   Back then, he’d have looked up, glaring at me like he wanted to tear me apart, demanding, “What are you going to do about it?” or “How long has it been?” or “Do you think I have time for you to waste like this?” On top of that, I might’ve gotten a slap or two. That was the boss I knew, not this old man who looks ready to achieve milliards to enlightenment.

   “If there’s no progress, don’t bother reporting. It’s a waste of time reading,” Tony said lazily, still not looking up from his phone. I’m starting to wonder what’s so fascinating on that screen. “Just let them know time is money. The longer it takes, the more we lose—investment, time, opportunities. Nobody wants that.”

   “Yes, sir. I’ll inform them.”

   “Yeah, thanks, Ken.”

   He said something he’s never said to me before— “thanks”—and then went quiet. I’m still confused about whether I should feel grateful or what to say back. But on second thought, keeping my distance seems smarter. He doesn’t trust me like he used to, so I’d better watch myself.

   “I’ll take my leave then.” I bowed and turned toward the door, but after two steps, he stopped me.

   “Ken.”

   “Yes, sir?” I returned to my spot, waiting for orders.

   “Ever had a girlfriend?”

   What?

   “Pardon?” The question came out of nowhere and felt wildly out of place coming from someone as heartless as Tony. Honestly, it’s a little creepy. “Me, sir?”

   “Yeah, ever dated anyone?” He finally looked up from his phone, staring at me with expectant eyes.

   “Never.”

   “I see…” The boss, who seemed oddly different, nodded slowly, while I grew more and more confused. I was debating in my head whether I should make a run for it, just in case he was planning to punish me with some bizarre method again, so I could find a way to escape in time. “You’ve been working for me all this time. Where would you find the time to have a partner?”

   “Well… something like that, sir.”

   “What about someone you like?”

   What’s with him?

   Is he possessed or something?

   “No one like that either, sir,” I chose to answer that way, still unsure what he wanted from these questions. Denying it seemed safer for now. “Is something up, sir?”

   “Nothing,” Tony said with a chuckle. Yes, he laughed like someone in a good mood—not the fake laugh he’s been putting on since I can remember. I’m pretty sure surviving my knife must’ve scrambled his brain. “I just wanted to understand this love thing kids are into.”

   Love, huh?

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