Keeping The Enemy Close
1166 Words
Liwan went to class with his friends. Sitting in the middle of their teacher’s lecture, Liwan couldn’t help but marvel at those things he used to consider insignificant in the past. He still couldn’t believe that he’s back in the past, in his sixteen-year-old self. As the teacher’s voice drone on and on about buoyancy theory, Liwan watched everything around him with new eyes.
When lunchtime came, he went with his friends to the cafeteria with suppressed excitement. Almost all the students would congregate to eat, save for rich people, and afford to dine outside their school. He wanted to see those familiar faces, be it his allies or enemies.
“You guys find us a table. I’ll buy us lunch. Of course, you’re going to pay me. I’m just doing you a favor by saving you time in lining up for food.”
“Alright. Come on, Li. Let’s take that table by the windows,” Denver said, to which Liwan did not pose any objection.
“Wait. What are you having?” Jayson remembered to ask.
“You know I don’t eat pork. Get me something with fish and vegetables,” Liwan answered.
“What about you, Denver? You get the drinks. I want some soda.”
“On it. I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
They went separate ways; Jayson to the food counter while Liwan and Denver went to the vending machines. A while later, Jayson came with their food. It wasn’t long before they were wolfing down their meal while chatting in between.
Liwan was sipping his soda water when his attention was caught by a group of newcomers. His eyes immediately narrowed upon recognizing those people. Jayson and Denver did not miss the change in their friend’s face.
“What’s wrong?” Denver asked.
“Nothing,” Liwan denied.
“You sure? You look like you’re plotting someone’s early demise by that look in your face,” Jayson commented.
“You imagine things.” Liwan shifted his attention to eating.
Only to find his food unappetizing. He nearly spat out the food in his mouth, but he held it in. Denver and Jayson looked unconvinced but did not say anything. Liwan took another sip from his water. If only he could wash out the unpleasant taste in his mouth by just doing that. But unfortunately, the bitterness did not originate from the food.
In fact, the real reason he lost appetite was the group leader who came in and three of his cronies. He just wished they wouldn’t think of sharing their table, considering the cafeteria is almost packed to the rafters.
But Lady Luck frowned on him today.
“Hi. Can we share your table?”
He doesn’t need an extra set of eyes to recognize the owner of the voice. Because no matter how many rebirths he’d undergo, there is no way he would forget the person who stabbed him in the back. Liwan did not answer. He pretended he did not hear anything. He stuffed himself spoon after spoon of food, making sure his mouth was full. It would give him the excuse not to speak.
“Sure. The table’s big enough for all of us.” It was Jayson who gave the permission.
No matter how strong Liwan’s disgust towards that person, he couldn’t just reveal all his emotion. He doesn’t have a detailed revenge plan yet. It was like this morning only that he woke up inside his sixteen-year-old body. He’s not prepared, however, much more facing this ultimate enemy of his. So, for now, he’d play the naïve Liwan.
“Yo, Melvin.”
“Liwan. I remember you guys like to play computer games. There is a game launched recently. Have you guys registered in Soulnight yet? If yes, hit me up when you’re in-game. We can level up faster if we’re at a party. What say you?” Melvin offered.
Who wants to be in a party with a traitor like you? Liwan scoffed in his mind, all the while maintaining an amiable façade. He scratched his temple.
“Ah. Not yet. What level are you?”
Under the table, his leg gave Denver and then Jayson a discreet kick. His friends eyed him with confusion, but Liwan just gave them a wink. Thank goodness they caught on. Their heads bobbed in agreement with Liwan’s lie.
“I started playing the day the game was released. I’m at level 104 already.”
“Wow,” Liwan fake-exclaimed.
“I’ll wait for you guys if you want. So, we can party and grind experience together?”
Liwan coughed.
“That would inconvenience you. No need to wait for us.”
“Okay. Don’t hesitate to send me a message if you need help with your quests. Some quests are tough if you’re a solo player. Low-level characters are restricted by low-quality gears since there are certain requirements you must meet. You need to be in a party to support you,” Melvin said.
“Thanks. I’ll take your word for it.”
After eating, the three friends bade their tablemates goodbye. The moment they got past the double swing doors of the cafeteria, Jayson threw Liwan a question.
“Care to explain why are you giving Melvin and his cronies the evil eye back there? And the kick underneath the table?”
“I just don’t like him.”
“Since when?” Denver asked.
“Since today.”
Denver and Jayson exchanged glances. Liwan shook his head and threw his arms on their shoulders.
“I realized that Melvin’s so-called competitiveness against me is nothing but jealousy dressed in a nice and expensive suit. Thinking back, there hasn’t been a single competition, presentation, or even a simple project that he bested me. He’s always the second best. I’ve seen through his façade.”
Jayson’s brow twitched.
“What made you say that?”
Liwan shrugged.
“I can’t tell you yet, but one thing is sure, he is bound to betray me sooner or later. If you don’t believe me, how about I set him up, and let’s see?” Liwan suggested.
“And how are you going to do that? That son of a b***h is one crafty devil. He will see through your machinations.”
“Denver, my man. You of little faith. Leave it to me, okay?”
“Need help?” Jayson asked.
“No. All you need to do is watch.”
- Writer
