Bab 70: Chapter 70: Sleepover
Jensen's PoV
[Five years ago]
I grinned as Drew and I walked back home from practice. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the neighborhood as we made our way down the familiar streets. It was getting late now, but I didn't care; we had a sleepover planned at my place, and I was excited for another night of video games and snacks.
"Did you see that last shot I made?" I asked, nudging Drew playfully with my elbow. "I swear I'm getting better every day!"
Drew chuckled, a light blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Yeah, you've definitely improved. But don't let it get to your head, superstar."
I laughed, puffing out my chest with mock confidence. "Too late for that! Just wait until we hit the courts next week. I'll be unstoppable!"
As we turned the corner, my house came into view. It was a large, modern mansion, complete with a sprawling front lawn and a basketball hoop out front. I loved living here, but I sometimes felt like it set me apart from my friends, especially Drew, who always seemed a bit out of place.
"Ready for another epic gaming session?" I asked as we approached the door, excitement bubbling inside me.
"Always," Drew replied, his eyes lighting up at the thought. "Just don't blame me when I beat you at every game again."
"Ha! In your dreams, Drew!" I teased, pushing the door open and stepping inside. The scent of freshly baked cookies greeted us, a reminder that my mom was always trying to make us feel at home, even if she was rarely around.
"Welcome home, Master Jensen," a servant greeted us with a polite smile. "Would you like some cookies? Your mother just baked a fresh batch."
"Thanks, Mrs. Thompson!" I said, flashing a quick grin before grabbing a couple of cookies and offering one to Drew. "Here, you'll need the extra energy for when I crush you on the game console."
Drew rolled his eyes but accepted the cookie, taking a big bite. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait until I show you my new moves in the game."
After a few minutes of snacking, we headed upstairs to my room. My space was filled with posters of basketball legends and video game characters, a true reflection of my interests. I had a giant TV set up against one wall, with all the latest gaming consoles lined up beneath it.
"Check it out!" I said, flopping down on my bed and turning on the console. "I just got that new basketball game. It's supposed to be awesome!"
Drew plopped down beside me, his eyes shining with excitement. "No way! Let's play!"
As we fired up the game, we began to compete against each other, laughing and trash-talking as we played. The hours flew by, and soon we were immersed in a world of virtual basketball, complete with flashy moves and epic dunks.
"Did you see that?!" I exclaimed, jumping up in excitement as I made a particularly impressive shot. "I'm a legend!"
Drew groaned playfully, shaking his head. "You're insufferable, Jensen. I can't believe I'm friends with someone who celebrates every little victory like it's the championship game."
"Of course! You have to enjoy the small wins!" I said, grinning. "Besides, it's more fun when you get competitive. Just wait until I take the lead again!"
As the night wore on, we continued to play, our laughter echoing through the house. It felt good to have these moments, where everything else faded away, and it was just us enjoying each other's company.
Eventually, we decided to take a break and sprawled out on the floor, catching our breath from the gaming frenzy. I glanced over at Drew, who was staring at the ceiling with a thoughtful expression.
"What's up?" I asked, curious.
"Nothing. Just… thinking," he replied, his voice quieter now.
I knew Drew well enough to sense when something was bothering him. "Is it about basketball? Or something else?"
He hesitated for a moment before answering, "Just school stuff, I guess."
I nodded, understanding how tough it could be for him at our school. I knew he sometimes felt out of place among the other kids who came from wealthier backgrounds. "Well, if anyone gives you trouble, just let me know. I'll be your personal bodyguard."
Drew chuckled softly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thanks, Jensen. I appreciate that."
We spent the rest of the night talking about everything from basketball to our dreams for the future. Both of us were stars on our middle school team, and we shared aspirations of playing in high school and beyond. It was in those moments that I realized how important our friendship was to me. I felt like we could conquer anything together, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
As we finally settled down for the night, I felt grateful for the bond we shared. Little did I know that in just a few short years, everything would change in ways I couldn't yet imagine. Drew would embrace his competitive side more and more. He would eventually leave me behind.
----
I woke up in the middle of the night as I heard groaning. It sounded like Drew. I looked at the floor where he had fallen asleep, but he wasn't there. My heart raced as I sat up, the remnants of sleep quickly fading.
"Drew?" I called softly, but there was no response. The house was quiet, the only sound the distant ticking of the clock on the wall. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor sending a shiver up my spine.
I quietly slipped out of my room, the soft carpet muffling my footsteps. I made my way down the hallway, peering into the dimly lit rooms as I passed, but I didn't see him anywhere. The eerie light of the moon filtered through the windows, casting strange shadows that danced along the walls.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone