From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27 - We're Best Friends

"Oh? Sam invited you?" his mother asked, eyeing the three boys as they entered. She noticed right away, they were wearing the same school uniform as her son.

"Ah, I see. You must be Sam's school friends! He's never brought anyone home before, so this is quite a surprise. Please, please, have a seat!" she said warmly, motioning them toward one of the small tables.

Meanwhile, Sam's entire body trembled.

The people he hated most in the world were now in his home, sitting in his family's restaurant, just a few feet away from his parents.

And yet... he couldn't act out. He didn't want to cause a scene or raise suspicion. Seeing how kindly his mother was treating them, how genuinely happy she seemed, it was tearing him apart inside.

"Sam, go on and sit with them," she encouraged. "I'll bring you all something to eat!"

She then turned to head into the kitchen, completely unaware of the tension hanging in the air.

"Yeah, come on, Sam. Don't be shy," Ko said with that same twisted smile.

That smile never left his face. _{ƒreewebηoveℓ.com}

Not wanting to make things worse, Sam reluctantly moved and sat down at the table, right next to Ko. They were side by side, while Joe and Mo took the opposite seats, already snickering to themselves.

Ko casually threw an arm around Sam's shoulder.

"Look at this, us friends hanging out at your house. We should've done this sooner," he said with a grin, pulling Sam in closer.

Then, in a low whisper near his ear, Ko added, "I told you... if you weren't careful, you'd pay for it."

As Ko pulled away, Sam's mother returned carrying a metal tray loaded with grilled skewers and snacks. His father followed behind, placing a few soft drinks on the table with a smile.

"You're all welcome to stay as long as you like," Sam's mother said warmly. "It's the first time he's ever brought friends home, so please, make yourselves comfortable."

"And don't even think about paying," his father added. "This one's on us."

With that, the two of them stepped away, leaving the boys to dig into the food without hesitation.

Sam sat frozen, watching as they devoured everything without a hint of shame.

His heart sank.

Even though his family struggled every day to keep the business running, his parents had still offered them a free meal. They had treated them with kindness, as honored guests.

And yet... Ko and his crew had ruined his school shirt, humiliated him time and time again, and now were happily eating into his family's livelihood.

Why?

Why couldn't they just leave him alone?

"Right, right," Ko chuckled. "Since the food's so great, I think we should swing by every day. Your parents did say we were welcome, didn't they?"

"Our servant is making requests now?" Ko said slowly, lowering the stick back onto the tray. "You should be grateful we're visiting you like this."