Pitbabe S2, Chapter 35 pg 5
.Pitbabe S2, Chapter 35 pg 5
“Huh?” Kenta let out a sound so high-pitched it was probably the loudest I’d ever heard from him. His face contorted, completely losing composure, making me embarrassed for even asking.
“You looked kinda sad when you said I had friends,” I explained.
“And how did you interpret that as me wanting to be your friend?” he retorted.
“I dunno…” I shrugged casually. “But everyone wants to be my friend.”
“Count me out, then,” he said.
“Tch.”
I’ll admit I was at a loss for words, so I just waved Kenta off—the guy who clearly didn’t want to be my friend—and turned to head back into the house. My mind was spinning, overwhelmed by the flood of information that had come crashing in over the past few days. There were so many decisions I had to make on my own now. The friend who used to be my confidant could no longer help me. I was truly alone, and whatever happened next—heads or tails—would depend on my hands.
Disrupting and obstructing Charlie was no easy task. I had to expend massive amounts of mental and physical energy to keep up with that handsome brainiac every day. Each day passed with difficulty, a whirlwind of emotions I could barely adjust to. But if I had to sum it up, I’d say it was a pretty fun experience.
I know how serious this is—lives hang on my shoulders. But it’s not a crime to find some fun in this heavy mission, right? Think about it: I’m facing Charlie, now in the guise of my ex. He’s still the same Charlie, but with a tougher exterior. He’s openly cunning and bold enough to be cold toward me. I’ve felt regret over his startling change, but it also excites me. Maybe I love Charlie too much. Instead of being angry at his cruelty, I find it makes him more alluring. That’s why pestering him until he glares at me has become my new daily amusement.
At the same time, that fun is laced with immense pressure. I have to report my findings back to the big house every day. Every step lacks freedom. I feel watched at every turn, so my daily life has become a performance. I must act like Charlie’s enemy, pry secrets from him, and send reports to gain Tony’s trust. At first, my reports were nearly 100% truthful. I thought giving Tony the upper hand might make Charlie surrender faster. But I was wrong. The more Charlie’s side fell behind, the stronger and more ambitious he became, showing no sign of backing down.
As time passed, our closeness grew, almost like before we broke up. Without the label of a relationship this time, I felt I could understand Charlie better. Things I once thought I’d never grasp suddenly made sense. Maybe it’s because I miss him, but the end result is the same: I no longer want to crush his dreams.
I want Charlie’s dreams to come true, whether I’m part of them or not.
The path to that dream appeared without warning, after I’d foolishly destroyed several routes with my shallow thinking.
“Why me?”
I’ve just realized I’ve been using that line a lot lately.
“You should be asking, ‘If not you, then who?’”
My little house welcomed another unexpected guest. After Kenta’s visit, two months later, someone else showed up unannounced. Worse, I’m certain I never gave this guy my address.
“Why don’t you do it yourself? You’re supposed to be so great.”
“Charlie sure doesn’t pick people for their brains, does he?”
‘Chris.’
His arrival shocked me more than Kenta’s. First, we’re not close enough for him to just show up at my place. Second, I’ve always made it clear I can’t stand him, for whatever reason.
“I didn’t exactly want to come chat with you either, but this is important. So, act like an adult for an hour. Consider it a favor.”
Though my head was brimming with curses itching to burst out, Chris’s dead-serious demeanor forced me to hold them back and act like an adult, listening to this so-called important matter.
“Let’s cut to the chase. I think what Charlie’s trying to do right now has a shot at succeeding, but from my assessment, the odds aren’t high enough for me. My own goals have only a fifty percent chance of panning out, and I can’t stand that. So I’m here to ask for your help.”
I could hardly believe my ears. To be honest, this was beyond my expectations. Chris, the doctor, asking me for help? This guy who’s always thought I’m not as smart as him or Charlie, showing up at my place to beg for my assistance? Guess it’s gonna rain upward tomorrow.
“I’m confident I can develop a formula to neutralize the senses, but I need more time,” he said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked. “What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to keep playing your role, just like you’re doing now.”
I nearly choked. All this time, I thought I’d been seamless, that even those closest to me hadn’t suspected a thing. The entire Team X believed I was furious and out for revenge against Charlie. They didn’t support it, but they never questioned me. Yet someone as distant and seemingly disinterested as Chris saw right through me, clear as day.
“What are you talking about?” I tested him, playing dumb to gauge how much he actually knew. “What role?”
“Don’t try to probe me,” he shot back. “I know you’ve been dealing with that bastard Tony. You’re trying to convince Charlie to ditch the project while secretly feeding info to Tony.”
It’s over.
He really knows everything.
“Honestly, what you’ve done so far hasn’t caused us much damage,” he continued. “Your disruptions only stirred up buzz, got more people talking about us. Charlie got free publicity. And the info you’ve been passing to their side? Nothing critical. I warned Charlie to be cautious from the start.”
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