Once a friend
[Arthur and Daniel were once friends, having met in their college days. When everyone else refused to sit beside Daniel, Arthur was the one who took the seat next to him. Unaware of Daniel's true identity, Arthur spoke to him casually, extending his friendship. He even shared his dreams—dreams that Daniel cared little about.]
Arthur
I just want a beautiful wife and a lovely child. I want to give them everything they could ever need. I’m tired of that lonely, empty house—I want someone waiting for me, someone who looks forward to my return.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
... [He brought the food from the counter and sat down at the table to eat]
Arthur
[Followed him] To achieve this, I need to work hard and earn money. I want to set up my own business, and I’ve got an idea I’m sure will work well. Would you want to join me? I trust you, and I can’t share my plans with anyone else. But… I’m afraid to invest. I don’t have enough money, and, to make things harder, my grandmother is very sick. Whatever I earn from my part-time job barely covers her medical expenses.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Why don't you just let her die?
Arthur
Excuse me? I don’t like anyone talking about her like that. She took care of me when my parents abandoned me. When they went their separate ways, the only hands that sheltered me were my grandmother’s. I won’t let her die!
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Didn't her doctor say that she can hardly survive 2 years?
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Aren’t you investing in something you can’t save? Instead, save that money and use it for your business. You’ve already spent almost all your savings on her. If you hadn’t paid your tuition fees in advance, you’d probably be a dropout by now.
Arthur
I can't let her die.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Why?
Arthur
She's a human. And... Not any human. She cherished me all her life even though i wasn't her complete responsibility. But... she's mine.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[sighs]
Arthur
Would you let your dear ones die?
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I don't have any. And I don't think their death would change anything.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Well, are you sure you'll let me join your business?
Arthur
As your friend, I'd love to. It gives me a sort of confidence.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Well, I love money. So, I'll provide you with all the resources you want.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
In return, I want a larger share of the profits, since I’ll be investing everything. I’ll provide you with manpower, funding, capital—anything you need.
Arthur
That would be a great help but... I want to invest too. I want to have equal profit. Because it's my work and... [he sighs] You know? It's my dream to start a business.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I don't want to be a director of your company. I just want money. I'll fix the amount until I feel I've got my investment. Then, it's all yours.
Arthur
That’s... quite a tempting offer.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I like to lure my prey into the hunt.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I mean... Business is all about hunting for money. isn't it?
Arthur
Not exactly. Money is just one of the reasons. But it's someone's dream too.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[Smirking, he stood up and gave Arthur a reassuring pat on the shoulder—a rare gesture from Daniel. Perhaps Arthur was the first to receive it.]
I trust you. You’ll work hard.
[Arthur smiled at him, unaware that he was merely prey—a pawn to be drained dry for money. Daniel never felt any genuine friendship or any kind of emotion at all.]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Do tell me when you achieve your dreams. The things you talked about. Family, wife and child. I'd like to hear them.
**something so weak and insignificant** [he thought]
We’ll be wrapping up the story for today
Comments
✿✧✰ℵıցի♰ϻẳɹҽ✰✧✿
what r u serious🤔/CoolGuy//Skull/ they are friend and this prey, whaaoo
2024-11-10
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