The one person who hangs out with Daniel the most, Hajime Hyunda, is right next to me, currently.

Both of his arms are behind the back of the couch which just went for show how physically tired he was or so I thought, but that was because he said that he was tired initially.

However, his dead hollow expression gained a sudden vivid form just by glancing upon me, so I thought that his posture was contradictive for a split second.

"Yes, what a coincidence, haha! What brings you here, Hyunda?"

Unlike your average person, instead of looking at you in the eye when you talk, Hyunda did nothing of that sort as he looked to be sweeping the other students who were either queueing up or communicating with one another.

"Do I need a reason to be here? I would've had to come here sooner or later, wouldn't I?"

Although we have talked once or twice in past conversations, this was the first time that we were talking to each other all alone without any other of our classmates around.

Just other students from other classes.

"No, not at all! I simply found it strange. Do you like mahjong, Hyunda?"

"Mahjong's gimmick helps you improve your memory skills while sharpening your mind at the same time. Furthermore, outside of the gimmick, the game itself provides social interaction for people of all ages, not just a particular portion of players who are younger; old people can interactively participate regardless of their ages, which brings the game's popularity to a higher scale."

Eh... He knows a great deal about this...

"You seem to know a good deal about mahjong. I take it you're a mahjong lover too?"

Hyunda must love mahjong for him to know so much about this. I'm positive!

"There's no love in this game for me. There is just an understanding. Understanding implies the comprehension of 'something'. A metaphysical form or something external to that. To understand, you have to perceive and to perceive you have to analyze. So, why go through all this if you don't love the game, Yulia?"

That was... somewhat hard to understand...

His hollow voice tone makes it sound like he's not even enthusiastic about this. And what did he mean when he referred to me at the end of his sentence...?

"Um... I'm not sure if I understand, Hyunda. I love this game! And I'm super hyped to compete against others who share the same sentiment."

"Is that the case? Do you truly love the game or do you just love its benefits?"

What is that question...?

"I love the game. That's really it. There's no questioning it. After all, when I was little, as soon as my grandma introduced me to this game, I was hooked. My grandma showed me the great complications that this game has to offer! Sooo, I love the game, yup!"

It's undeniable that I love mahjong. It's just a shame that I had to stop playing it when my grandmother died.

"Ever since your grandma introduced you to the game, did you continue to play it?"

"Well, no. For personal reasons, I had to stop playing it. For a very long time, which is why I'm excited to see that this festival has decided to adopt the theme of mahjong!"

Honestly, it still shocks me that such an underrated game managed to attract the attention of many. I know for a fact that the majority of the people here are mahjong lovers!

They even have their own mahjong cases along with them! Inside of them, they carry the heavy pieces that they will play with it! Of course, the school has pieces for the public to use but it goes without saying that you need to love this game in order to have a case of your own that's not a school case!

"So you don't love it then. Otherwise, you wouldn't have quit the game."

"Wh-What? Hyunda, I've already explained why I love it... You're being a little bit stubborn, no...?"

I'm trying to remain with a positive posture and a sincere attitude, but Hyunda is still insisting that I don't love mahjong despite me having already explained why I love it...

"You explained that you love mahjong because your grandma introduced you to it. However, for some reason, you stopped playing it. But, why? Even if it's something personal, if you love it, then you wouldn't have quitted. Unless, of course, that reason is connected to the one who introduced you to the game. Your grandma. Is it?"

Hm... He's still persisting... But, it's true. The reason why I stopped playing mahjong was due to the death of my grandma.

After all, I played the game because my grandma was around, but without her, it wasn't fun anymore. It just felt dull and meaningless.

"Haha... You guessed it. I stopped playing it because my grandma died. It was shocking to me, so I didn't see the point of continuing to play it. But now that the game is here, I'll return to it."

That's right. Nothing is stopping me now. Now that my feelings are more secure, now that I feel certain about my decisions, I can do this.

Really, this is all thanks to y---

"So you love its benefits. Not the actual game for what the game is, but for what it has to offer. Therefore, the benefits it provided you with."

"I've already told you that's not the case..."

Seriously... He's starting to be a little annoying... Even after I told him something personal in order to explain my point, he's still going on about how I love the benefits of the game and not the game itself...

"It is the case though. Just think about it for a bit. Bare with me on this and pay close attention to what I am about to say."

"Sure..."

It would be rude of me to just flat out deny him now that he has spoken to me this far in, so I allowed him to proceed with his reasoning.

I'm just curious to know how exactly I don't love mahjong when I clearly do!

"The vast majority of game players suffer from a lack of interaction and a great void when it comes to socialization in general. By doing something that is done by many, the player can feel like he/she is not alone. That is one of the primary benefits of the games. Socialization. That benefit alone allows the mind to progress at a positive rate and the sentiment of happiness contradicts the past sentiment of isolation that was struck on the player before that. In other words, it's a quest for interaction. But, if it's done this way, for the sake of socialization, the primary benefit, do you really love the game itself? Or do you love the fact that it brought you closer to others due to the essence of its partial benefits?"

Is he arguing that players only play the game for the sake of pursuing the idea of communication?

That's absurd. There is no way that's true. Because...

"But Hyunda, if that's the case, then how do you explain the players that strive to perfect the game itself beyond what it's known for? Those that value the improvement over the simple enjoyment?"

"Those are the players that actually love the game. Not for a sentiment of realization. Not for a sentiment of passion. Not for a meaning in life but because they genuinely love the game not for what it has to offer but for what they can offer for its growth. True love is selfless; the one that upholds the idea won't ask anything back and will only give. Now, you might be wondering where do you find such players? Where do you identify these pillars that are the pinnacle of the game's essence? That's a simple answer. It is those that win without failure. However, they win, not because they prize the benefits that they can achieve but because they attempt to shape and mold the very game they adore and cherish for the evolution of the game."

So those that truly love the game will be those that win all the time...?

"All of that was just to explain the difference between the idea of beneficiation versus genuineness. Tell me something, Yulia. On what side are you on? The beneficiation or the genuineness?"

What side...? Well, even though my grandma died, I still love the game regardless, so I should be part of the genuine side, I think.

"The genuineness. Otherwise, if that was not the case, I wouldn't still love it."

"That's not true though. You don't love the game and here is why. Your grandma must've been a figure of great value to you, so she probably served as an example. Figures of examples aren't something humans can just deny its value. Believe it or not, ideologies that are passed down through examples as the very personification of a so-called idea are embodied by the human itself."

What is he talking about...? He keeps on dwelling on this deep philosophical stuff...

How is any of that denying that I love the game...? I'm starting to get mad...

"My grandma was the sole reason why I played this game and I fell in love with it!"

"That is generally the primary thought when it comes to this argument. 'My example made me love the game so I, therefore, love it'. Except not really. You are part of the beneficial side. The benefit you got was the attention of your grandma and by claiming that you love the game you are trying to delude yourself that you love it, when you clearly don't. If you loved it, then you wouldn't have stopped playing it. However, you did. You even said so, Yulia."

What the hell.... What is wrong with this guy...? I never noticed but he's just.... He gives me a dangerous vibe... Just by being in his presence, I feel threatened...

"What is your point exactly....."

Is he just here to target me...? To make me feel bad?

"Are you offended? You seem stressed out and you are showing a frightened expression. Did you think I was starting to bully you with my argument?"

"To be honest, yes... That's why I want to know your point..."

I won't believe what he says though. Because that's my choice to believe that I love mahjong. My grandma introduced it to me but even after she died, I still kept thinking about it, so I genuinely love it, okay?

"My point was for you to understand the fundamental idea of the difference between genuine actions and beneficial actions. I couldn't care less about your love for this game, Yulia."

"You're so rude, dude... If you don't care then don't talk about it... Also, you should stop mentioning Ikkiri around Arkalee. You are hurting her feelings, you know?!"

I have to tell Daniel to stop hanging out with this guy. He's a bad influence... Furthermore, I'll have to convince Arkalee to not be under his charms... He's not right...

"Tell me something. Even after my explanation, you don't actually believe me, do you? You didn't bother to fully argue back, which means you are holding onto some sort of conviction. Am I right?"

"Of course I don't. You're wrong, Hyunda."

What bothers me is that he doesn't realize he's wrong. People like him are the worst... They believe that they are always right and that they are never wrong...

"I am wrong? Well, why wouldn't you believe that? It makes perfect sense, truly."

Eh...? He's acknowledging my point...?

"Yulia, without some sort of evidence, why should you believe in what I have just said? No sense there. So, it's fine for you to believe in what you believe in. Right? No harm there."

"Wow, so you do unders---"

"However, in the face of actual evidence that proves the definition of an idea, would you still believe in yourself despite the evidence being shown?"

In that case...

"No, I wouldn't. Because that's not an alright thing to do. If I'm wrong, then I will acknowledge that I am wrong."

Also... He ignored my question about Arkalee and Ikkiri... Why is he so blatantly rude despite knowing all of this?

"Alright. Let's move on to the actual point. It seems you acknowledge the possibility of the idea being real at least. You do, right?"

"Yes, I do. Genuineness and beneficence are separate concepts and your examples are correct. Except for the one where you claimed me not to love this game."

All of my actions have been genuine thus far. There's no denying it. Communication? I don't care about that...

I love this game with all my heart and I recently only found the strength to get back to it. That source being you, Daniel.

"You can forget I ever made that point. That was just a point made in order for you to understand the primary point. Simplicity, if you may."

I see... So that was just a point that Hyunda made up in order for me to grasp the general understanding and that there is a difference between genuine actions and beneficial actions...?

True enough, I didn't know about it until now, but I have formed a clear grasp of it.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"With that being said, how would you feel if you were involved in a genuine involvement that was actually beneficial all along?"

"Sorry...? I don't quite understand..."

I really didn't... And, partially, the queue is way emptier now but this conversation has captured my interest.

Especially now that Hyunda has referred to me in it. Does this involve me somehow?

"My idea of differentiating genuineness and beneficence was exemplified individually. However, what if that idea could be upheld by two individuals?"

"Is that even possible...?"

"It is. You, for example, are personifying that idea of difference with someone else. Daniel, so to say. In a relationship, you can strive to obtain the difference in this idea. Wouldn't you agree?"

Mhm.... I see now... Hyunda is saying that Daniel and I are part of the idea...?

"Yes, of course! Our love is genuine, so there is nothing to worry about, hahaha!"

And it will only keep on growing, I'm sure! We have plenty of time. If we keep on growing together then we will face the many challenges that life has to offer along the way!

"Is it though?"

"What?"

Why did Hyunda just question this? Our love is genuine, there's no denying it.

"I'm asking if it's actually genuine or not. Why do you think your love for Daniel is genuine?"

Again, he's asking such personal questions... This guy has no sense of shame whatsoever...

"I'm not obliged to tell you, you know?"

"Why? You've got something to hide? Is that the case?"

To be honest, I've told enough people about this... However... This idea of mine, to keep it a secret might just backfire eventually. I've been thinking about it and...

Maybe it's time that I make it public. This way, people will know that he is taken.

"Nope. That was just a fluke... My love for him is genuine because he's the only one I have ever loved in my life and I want it to stay it that way. I have never felt anything this sincere throughout my whole life."

"..."

Despite the truth that I said, Hyunda formed a silence while looking at me all the way back from his relaxed position still.

Then, he looked at the ceiling while sighing before speaking. The sigh caused me to get skeptical as I thought I had said something false and untruthful...

"Did I say something wrong...?"

"No, I believe you. After all, my question was if your love for Daniel was genuine or not and you made a plausible point. First experience, is it? Not bad. Now... Let me reverse that question. Is Daniel's love genuine to you?"

What's that supposed to mean...? If it was not genuine then why would Daniel say he loved me and keep on being with me? We even kiss a lot and share laughs with each other.

I don't know what Hyunda's trying to achieve here, but it's not gonna work.

"Of course it is! And it will keep on being that way forever! Because I also love him!"

"So, if you love someone that someone has to, therefore, love you back?"

"N-No, that's not what I am saying... I am just saying that due to the fact that I love him, I will keep on supporting him and if he keeps doing the same, then the love must be genuine too! Because he supports me through his love!"

Sure, he has some problems here and there, but anything that is flawless and perfect is boring, in my opinion.

Daniel's cool in ways that he doesn't realize. His insensitiveness is sometimes charming in the sense where he doesn't get too dramatic.

Also, I know that it's partially my fault for being somewhat melodramatic but I will change that, I promise.

So, be there for me and I will be there for you...

"That is the idea that you have. But what if he never actually loved you?"

"Well, so sorry to disappoint you, but he loves me. We have shared plenty of moments that imply that, so your point is false, hehehe."

Is he jealous of our relationship? Is that why he's insisting so much on this?

If Hyunda's unhappy, then he should start paying attention to Arkalee, perhaps.

"Probably. Moments that imply love are irrefutable truths, no matter how you look at it. But, what if that truth was fabricated?"

"What are you suggesting exactly...?"

"I'm suggesting that maybe reality is not what you are perceiving to be. Maybe, Daniel just doesn't love you at all. That maybe, you are just nothing but a bother to him and you don't even realize this because the reality you have experienced contradicts the statement I just made."

Huh...? What is Hyunda talking about? Reality not being what I perceive to be? What? That makes no sense at all...

Plus, suggesting that Daniel doesn't love me is just absurd. Otherwise, why would Daniel even be with me throughout the majority of the time?

"I know, I know. Why would you believe me, after all the moments you have shared with him? It's simply not logical to do so. It's a simple linear thought to believe that what you perceive is what actually is."

"Hyunda, no offense, but you are being utterly absurd... Do you have something against our relationship?!"

Slightly mad, I finally lashed out at him with a spiteful voice tone. Honestly, I've been holding back for quite a while yet his reductant attitude just gradually pissed me off...

"No. Not at all, actually. But, it does trouble me when I see that someone has the wrong image of what actually is true. Essentially speaking, you."

"I do not have the wrong image of the reality here though! What the hell is the matter with you!? You can't even support your friend throughout his relationship?!"

Daniel, this guy is terrible. Just by looking at his feeble attitude and vulgar way of speaking, it's pretty clear that he's up to no good. People like him can't be trusted.

And how does he still look unphased despite the fact that I just shouted at him!? I literally attracted the attention of the students that are trying to concentrate and those that are idly chatting around but this guy just looks empty.

Does he even feel anything?!

"Don't attract too much attention. My aim was not to provoke you."

"You did it regardless..."

Insensitive people are my biggest trigger, I swear. Emotion gives you life and vividness yet there are people out there who don't feel the joy in what they are doing! If so, then what's the point?!

It's as if he has no goals in his life whatsoever and just aims to live idly throughout the whole thing...

"Oh, my bad for that one."

Even when apologizing, his monochrome expression shows that he isn't actually sorry regardless of saying that he is.

"Back to what I was talking about. Let's suppose that Daniel's love for you was in question. Would you consider his love for you genuine or beneficial?"

"It is genuine!"

"Why?"

Why....?

"....He said that he would stay with me forever... That alone should prove it!"

"What if he was just lying throughout the whole thing? Maybe you are just gullible to the point of swallowing every single one of his words without even bothering to question if they are true or not."

Heh, it appears Hyunda doesn't know a little something. Of course he wouldn't. Hyunda most likely has no experience when it comes to what I am about to say.

How can someone who constantly doubts and questions know about...

"Or maybe I have faith! Yeah, faith! Something that you are not aware of. Do you even trust someone, Hyunda?"

"Of course I do."

Sarcastic bastard... He's not even serious while answering my question. Not only is he wrong but he's badly-mannered when around others.

Is he some sort of sociopath who attempts to deceive others for his personal gain?

"Well, Daniel and I trust each other that's why I trust that he's not lying to me! And no, your arguments won't make me change my mind! Because I would be an awful girlfriend to him if I had my beliefs shaped differently just because you want them to!"

"So you only care about the image of being a good girlfriend then?"

What the hell! That was not what I said!

"No! That's not it... I am saying that your opinion doesn't mean anything... You are trying to change the way I think and that's not going to work."

He's probably a manipulator. Does he take me for a fool? I see through you, Hyunda. Although I don't know your goal in this conversation, your intentions are pure evil.

"But I'm not trying to change the way that you think. How you think is something completely standard for you. I am just letting you be aware of the possibilities."

"Oh yeah?! And what for!? Huh?! Tell me, what do I possibly gain by being aware of the possibilities?! Is your aim to make me anxious!? Well, I'm sorry, but my mind is stronger than that!"

If I allow my mind to fall into the temptation of questioning every single thing there is, then I won't be stable at all.

I'll mess an emotional mess and I don't want that!

"Yulia, your mentality is built on the belief that by strengthening your thoughts with firm beliefs that it will not go wrong. So, I have a proposition for you. Do you want to play something I like, called gambling?"

.......?

"Gambling?"

"Yes, gambling."

He has mentioned once in our previous conversation, back in the group... Something about making a wagon and if I was willing to accept the consequences, but I didn't take it that it was something serious...

"You know what, I don't care, sorry. I'm... not in the mood to hear it. Please understand..."

I'm not sure why, but I got instantly frightened. His overconfidence scares me. What is this? I've never met anyone this confident before. Not even Daniel is this absurdly confident.

It's haunting...!

"Really? I'll insist still. Because my proposition will surely open your eyes to the truth, Yulia."

"No... I'm really fine... I don't need this 'truth' of yours, Hyunda. You can keep it. Try it on someone else, please..."

"That's not possible, Yulia. However, let me explain why this has to involve you first. You see, this also involves Daniel and your friend, Sana."

Huh...?

"What about them...?"

Why is Hyunda mentioning Sana and Daniel?

Something worth mentioning is that Hyunda erased his relaxed position and held a more rigid posture by correctly seating on the couch while finally looking at me in the eyes. I never knew that white eyes could be this enthralling but his devilish grin spelled fear to me as his upcoming words struck me with horror.

"They are going out. Daniel and Sana. Did you know?"

"Hahaha... Hyunda, please. Cut the jokes, man. There's a limit to how insensitive someone can be..."

Immediately, my mind refused the thought due to how absurd it was. If this is some bad joke, then Hyunda should cut it out.

Because it's not funny in the slightest.

"This is not a joke. And, I am not insensitive. You see, Daniel told me this. He also told me that he only introduced you to Sana so he could be mutuallly with her while pretending to be with you. Doesn't it strike you as odd that Daniel suddenly introduced you to Sana like that? Surely, you must've thought that something wrong was going on, right?"

H-How does Hyunda know about that....!? Daniel, are you seriously ----- No, no, no! Hyunda's a manipulator.

Manipulators tell lies all the time with plausible arguments! The moment I believe in him, it's all over!

"Daniel introduced me to Sana because he wanted me to make friends and I met Sana, the biggest of all friends! What a poor lie, Hyunda! Do you actually think that I will believe you just because you think you know everyone so well? Well, news flash. I won't!"

"It's easier if you acknowledge now and move on. I was going easy on you and expected you to be reasonable to the point of just acknowledging the truth as it is, but your mentality is adamant from the looks of it. It can't be helped then. I'll give you some things that you should be aware of the upcoming days..."

Why hasn't he given up yet? I won't believe in whatever he says... I'll just pretend that this talk has never happened in the first place.

I'm not about to get my relationship ruined by some random manipulator who has a god complex or something like that...

"Nope! I don't care, sorry!"

"I understand, Yulia. But, at least let me say them. I'm not doing this out of evil. I just believe that it's wrong for someone to live a lie continuously without knowing the truth. I seek to erase the bad side of reality, which is the lies."

It doesn't matter. Even if he says his own version of the truth, I'll never buy his arguments...

"Here is what you need to be wary of... If Daniel and Sana are seen more than three times together throughout the whole festival, and only the two of them, then it's not a coincidence. Two individuals that love each will always treasure time alone without surroundings. In this case, if they are seen together alone, then you should assume that it's an act of love."

"They don't love each other! Sana's my best friend and Daniel's my boyfriend! You psychopath! Stop talking to me already!"

God, I get that I'm classmates with supposed criminals but this guy is the absolute worse. The top of all garbage!

"Well, there are many other factors, but just take into consideration that one, please."

"I won't! I won't!"

"You say that now, Yulia, but your mind won't forget. If only the human brain worked like that. How nice it would be if the human brain could just erase memories on command. But, that's not the case. So, my words will haunt you later on, regardless of whether you want it or not."

Wh-What the hell is wrong with Hyunda?!

I'm starting to think that I have to contact a teacher about this... This guy isn't normal...

"Hyunda, I said for you to stop talking to me... If you don't, I'll call the guards... You must've seen them, at the beginning of the block, right!?"

"Mhm? Why though? Did I do something wrong?"

"Are you kidding me!? You're creepy as hell!"

Not only that... There's this vibe about you... Something so inexplicit that words are failing me to describe right now...

He should be locked up in an asylum. Manipulators like him shouldn't be given this opportunity. I'll admit that I have done things that are immoral, but I regret them! And I want this new chance! I couldn't ask for more...

Yet this guy? I bet he only sees this as an opportunity to pursue his sick twisted idea of evil and I won't stand for that...

"I see. I've caused you the wrong impression. Very well then. I'll leave."

"Thank you..."

At long last, Hyunda got up from his seat and put his hands on his pockets. Transiently, I felt incredibly relieved. At the same time, I wanted to call Daniel and hear his voice.

Right now, I'm not feeling too good. I don't mean to be clingy, but I'm somewhat scared of this person...

"Oh right, before I go... Want to make a silly bet that ironically isn't silly?"

"Hyunda... I swear..."

"Woah there. Chill out. What's with that expression suddenly? I'm someone that holds no consequence to his being. No need to be afraid."

Maybe I'm freaking out... And besides, I need to prepare my mindset for the competition up ahead. I don't have time for the likes of Hyunda...

"Be quick... You're making me feel uncomfortable right now..."

"Oh, I am? Then, I'm sure this will make you feel confident for sure. Are you good at betting, Yulia?"

"I've mentioned this once, but I'm quite confident regarding that!"

Bets are something that I have strong luck with. So, I'm positive I can win. I used to make a lot of illegal bets in Colombia regarding money prizes and I got them the majority of the time.

However, I had to stop doing that here in Japan, once things changed...

"That's nice. Are you down to make a bet then?"

"Alright... But what is it about?"

Perhaps it was the fact that he wasn't putting up his devilish grin like previously, but I failed to notice that his grin would rise up once more just by saying words of malice.

"It's about Sana and Daniel. Let's make a bet on them."

"Hyunda, I already told you---"

"Wait, wait. Before you complain, I should mention something. Since you are good at making bets, you naturally are aware that a good compensation prize should be involved."

That goes without saying, but what bothers me is his audacity... Why did he mention Sana and Daniel like that...?

"Also, the theme of the bet will not just be about Sana and Daniel, but about a certain action that it will happen without a doubt, according to my reasoning."

"That being...?"

Not like I'll believe him since he's just saying bullshit, so...

"A kiss."

"Hahaha. You are stupid as hell, Hyunda."

And I'm starting to hate you. Impressive, Hyunda. I don't think I've ever hated someone in less than 20 or so minutes. You've broken the record.

Arkalee's in danger for sure. I was going to convince Hyunda to change his actions for the sake of Arkalee's sentiments but this guy is just not right for her.

"Maybe. Here is the deal, so listen up because I'll only say it once. From this moment onward, until the end of the festival, if you, and I mean this, ONLY you, capture a moment of Sana and Daniel kissing each other on their lips, then I win the bet. On the other hand, if this doesn't happen, then I lose the bet. So damn simple, right?!"

He's delusional. There is no way that will happen ever. Sana's my best friend and I will tell her about this, so, Hyunda, no matter how smart you think you are, it's not going to work.

"Also, you shouldn't tell this to Sana. Just my personal opinion, but telling her about this will mean that you have acknowledged my opinion. Is that the case? Do you actually acknowledge me and my supposed stupidity?"

"Hell no! It won't happen and you're just wrong. Your delusion is so high that it only clouds you from seeing what's true..."

Also, what's up with the sudden enthusiasm in his voice? Why did he change it to a more go-happy attitude suddenly?

Even his hand gestures are all over the place...

"Heh, alright then. That's what the bet will revolve around. Now, for the bet's prize, this is the part where it gets interesting for you. The prize is that the winner will be able to demand anything out of the loser."

"Haha, there's no way that's true, Hyunda. You can just lie through the whole thing, don't be ridiculous."

He thinks that I don't notice that obvious loophole.

"You're insulting me right now, Yulia. I do hold sportsmanship and honor for occasions such as this. And, why are you doubting me? How weird. Weren't you the one who argued about having faith and not me? That's really contradicting if you ask me..."

...............

He's about to eat his own words...

"Okay, Hyunda... Then, I demand you to drop out of the program if I win the bet!"

Hmpf. There's just no way that he wi---

"Is that it? There are worse things than dropping out. I know what it suggests. That I will be a subject to the execution methods and that does sound terrifying to some extent, but you can be wilder, you know? Go on. Do it. Let your mind choose the most horrible choice you have inside your brain."

Wh....

This guy's insane... I don't know how many times I've said it already but he needs some serious help. No one should be fine with that I just said!

"N-No, that's it. Just drop out if you lose the bet. Which you will, by the way..."

I know it's evil of me, but Hyunda needs to go. I'm sorry, Arkalee, but you'll soon realize that you are better off without him.

"I like that spirit. That adamant mindset has its perks. So, it's my turn now, right? You will do anything I request, right? Ahhh... Before you assume anything unnecessary, I have no interest in your body or stuff like that, so don't think that I am a creep looking for that kind of stuff."

.....................

"A request is a request. If you ask me to drop out, then I will do so."

"No, that's far too boring, so let's go with something shocking. I want the whole class to know about your existence. Isn't it great though? Your existence will be marked throughout the upcoming three years. Well, maybe not..."

What is he saying...?

"Hyunda, just go on. I'll have to queue up in a bit..."

"Alright, alright, so listen up closely, please. It's really, really important."

Hyunda closed his distance to my right ear by crouching down and so, I was able to hear his words and his words alone.

No one in this lobby could possibly hear what I was about to hear.

"I want you to kill yourself."

Eh?