Mark's concern turned to relief as he saw me standing with Kai and Ryan:
"Hey guys, what's going on? Chris, you look a bit pale."
Kai clapped me on the back, his eyes gleaming with fake friendship:
"We were just... intensely discussing festival game strategies. Chris here had a crazy idea and got excited."
Ryan chuckled and added:
"Yeah, he almost passed out from enthusiasm."
I forced a weak laugh, still feeling pain and fear:
"H-haha, yeah something like that, Mark."
Mark smiled, oblivious to the truth:
"Alright, save the master plans for our next group meeting. Want to grab lunch together, Chris?"
Kai jumped in:
"Actually, Mark, we've got Chris helping us with some festival prep now. He'll catch up with you later."
Mark nodded and said:
"Cool, see you later then, Chris."
As soon as Mark walked away, Kai's smile vanished:
"You're doing great, Chris. Exactly how I like my 'friends' to behave."
Ryan snickered beside him.
Kai's grip on my arm tightened:
"Now, let's make this clear:
* You'll sit with us at lunch
* You'll participate in our activities
* And most importantly...
You'll tell Mark I'm one of his closest friends."
I nodded rapidly, still fearing their wrath.
Kai released my arm, a sinister grin spreading across his face:
"I think our friendship is off to a perfect start, Chris. Don't you?"
The camping festival arrived, and our school group set up tents near a serene lake.
The day was filled with laughter, games, and bonding activities.
But as night fell, chaos erupted:
Nao screamed loudly near the campfire.
My mind is still reeling from the camping festival nightmare...
I witnessed everything unfold:
Mark had saved the day, or so I thought would be the story told...
But it got twisted.
Here's what really happened:
A snake slithered near our campsite, threatening everyone.
The teacher, spotted it first, but before he could react...
Mark charged towards the snake to drive it away, trying to be a hero.
Unfortunately, his attempt backfired - the snake changed direction and slid closer to Nao, who was standing nearby.
She panicked, screamed, and ran into the woods, getting lost.
The group searched for her everywhere until she was finally found, shaken.
But when she returned, her words cut deep:
Mark was blamed for the entire ordeal.
I was shocked, knowing the truth - Mark had actually tried to save us.
Days passed, and we returned to school...
Kai and Ryan seized the opportunity to destroy Mark's reputation.
Posters appeared, rumors spread, and Mark became the target of relentless bullying.
I'm forced to watch, trapped between loyalty to Mark and fear of Kai's wrath...
My heart still races thinking about that terrifying moment...
Kai and his crew were surrounding Mark, punching and kicking him mercilessly.
I was watching from a distance, frozen in fear, hoping not to be noticed...
But then, Kai's eyes locked onto mine.
His gaze was like ice, and I knew I was in trouble.
He strode towards me, Ryan and the others still beating Mark:
"Chris, you're either with us... or against us."
My mind racing, I thought of the last time they bullied me – the pain, the fear...
Kai's voice was low and menacing:
"Prove your loyalty. Hit him."
My body moved involuntarily, driven by fear and self-preservation...
I raised my fist and struck Mark, my eyes welling up with tears.
My fist kept moving, driven by fear and adrenaline...
Mark lay on the ground, silent and still, his eyes fixed on me with a deep sadness.
But my fear of Kai's retaliation consumed me, and I hit him again... and again...
Each punch felt like a betrayal, my heart racing with terror:
If I stop, Kai will turn on me again...
I'll face the same brutal beating Mark's enduring now...
My vision blurred as I continued punching, fear overwhelming guilt...
Kai's voice echoed in my mind:
"He's weak because of you being friends with him... make him pay."
Kai grinned, satisfied with my "loyalty":
"Welcome to the team, Chris."
Ryan patted me on the back, as if congratulating me on joining their twisted crew...
My heart still heavy from what I did...
Mark lay on the ground, wincing in pain from the beating.
Our eyes met, and I expected anger, betrayal, or hatred...
But instead, Mark's gaze held only sadness and self-blame.
He whispered, barely audible:
"This is my fault... I should've protected Nao better."
His words cut deeper than any punch could – Mark blamed himself for everything.
Kai sneered beside me, but even his mockery couldn't diminish Mark's haunting self-acceptance:
"I was too careless... too trusting."
Mark's eyes never accused me or anyone else – only himself.
I felt a pang of guilt and horror at what I had done, forced by fear...
My fists finally stopped moving, exhausted from the brutal assault...
Kai nodded in satisfaction:
"Good job, Chris. Loyalty proven."
He turned to his crew:
"Let's go. This scene's played out enough."
They walked away, leaving Mark lying alone on the ground... with me standing over him.
I bowed my head, trying to hide the tears streaming down my face...
My body shook with sobs as I whispered:
"Sorry... Mark... sorry..."
My voice cracked repeatedly as I begged for forgiveness:
"Sorry... I was so scared... they would hurt me again...
Sorry...
Mark, please forgive me..."
Mark didn't respond – he just lay there, painful silence between us.
My crying intensified, guilt overwhelming me...
Suddenly, I turned and ran away from the devastating scene I created...
Leaving Mark alone, broken, and lying in pain...
My last glimpse was of his hand twitching slightly – as if he wanted to reach out to me..
**High school days... **
A stark contrast to what once was:
Mark, formerly a beacon of friendly positivity and natural leadership, had transformed into a shadow of his former self.