Mo Bai stepped out of the Clan Leader's residence with composed steps, his expression calm and controlled. Only when he exited the estate did he find Mo Fan waiting, leaning casually against the wall.
"Yo, you're out quick, Mo Bai." Mo Fan greeted him with a cheerful wave, his ever-present grin shining on his face.
"Yeah, and it's all thanks to you for clearing up the misunderstanding, Mo Fan," Mo Bai replied in a calm voice, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he approached.
"Thanks for helping me out, Mo Fan." He grasped Mo Fan's hand in a firm handshake, one that spoke of closeness and gratitude—or at least appeared to. In truth, Mo Bai's thoughts were elsewhere, drifting back to what happened six days ago... the day after he realized his mistake.
...
The academy day had just ended. Students were filing out to go home, but Mo Bai halted Mo Fan, placing a firm hand on his shoulder with a stern expression and a serious tone.
"Mo Fan, I need to tell you something important."
"Hmm? What's with that look? You look like you're about to go to war or something," Mo Fan chuckled, his usual playful tone making light of the moment.
"I'm not joking right now, Mo Fan. This is serious." Mo Bai's tone remained heavy, and he didn't respond to the joking as he normally would. No sarcasm. No smile.
"Eh? What's wrong with you? Is it something dangerous?" Mo Fan asked, his smile fading slightly at Mo Bai's uncharacteristic demeanor.
"Not exactly dangerous, but important. Just hear me out. Sit down—I was waiting for everyone to leave before bringing this up." Mo Bai sighed softly and motioned for Mo Fan to sit.
"Alright, tell me then." Mo Fan sat and watched Mo Bai with visible curiosity. There was something odd about his expression... was that guilt? He had never seen Mo Bai look like that.
After taking a deep breath, Mo Bai finally spoke. His eyes were on the floor, his hand rubbing the side of his neck, his voice hesitant and weighed down.
"So... the truth is, Mo Fan... I kind of used you. For my own benefit."
"Huh?" Mo Fan's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not understanding.
Mo Bai rushed to explain, his tone full of sorrow and regret. His movements, his face—everything was perfect. It would be impossible for a naïve ten-year-old to see through it.
"I didn't mean to take advantage of you, really. I just thought... making you the leader in our plan to 'collect' other students Nia Stones was the only safe way. I could speed up my training, help everyone else too, and avoid punishment. I'm really sorry. I regret it deeply, Mo Fan."
"So... you're talking about the bullying? You used me as a front? Why, Mo Bai? Why do that?" Mo Fan's voice was confused, and grew louder with each word.
"Because if I had taken the lead, the students' families could've retaliated. The principal might've punished me. I could've lost everything. But you? No one would dare stop you. You're the heir to the Mo Faction. Me? I'm just a talented kid, son of a second-level Seal Master." Mo Bai's voice trembled, his body language sorrowful, making his guilt look entirely sincere.
"I see... So it was about protecting yourself. That... makes sense, but I never expected you to use me like that, Mo Bai. That really hurt. If you had just told me, I would've agreed willingly." Mo Fan stood slowly, his face downcast, and turned to leave.
"Wait, Mo Fan! I told you the truth. I really regret what I did. You're my closest friend—like a brother to me. Please forgive me. I promise I'll never do anything like that again." Mo Bai grabbed Mo Fan's shoulder from behind, his voice trembling with sincerity and sadness.
"I... I'll think about it. Thank you for being honest, Mo Bai. I'm glad you see me as a brother. But still... you betrayed my trust. I need time. Goodbye for now." Mo Fan didn't look back. He removed Mo Bai's hand from his shoulder and walked away from the hall without another word.
'Heh. What a drama. Thankfully, I told him early—only one day after everything started. That way, the damage is minimal. All I need now is to get closer to him over the next few days, and we'll be back to normal—or even closer. Then I'll convince him to lie to his grandfather. I'll say he knew about the plan from the start. Mo Fan is the key to everything. With him, I can not only fix my mistake but push the plan even further.' Mo Bai's thoughts were calm and calculated, his face a mask of innocence.
The days passed, and just as he planned, Mo Bai reconciled with Mo Fan after two more days. Then he convinced him to go along with the lie—to say he had known everything from the beginning. The reason? Avoiding trouble. Mo Bai had already repented, and dragging the Clan Leader into it would only complicate things. Everything went smoothly. In fact, better than Mo Bai had expected.
...
"Mo Fan, we've got three long years here at the academy. Let's stick together like brothers. If we work together, we can even surpass Bai Kin and make the Mo Faction dominate him—and one day, lead the clan." Mo Bai said with a confident smile as he continued to grip Mo Fan's hand in a firm handshake. Their locked hands painted a picture of brotherhood and unity... but was that what both truly felt?
"Of course, Mo Bai. That's been every faction leader's dream. And together, we'll make it real. Bai Kin? Who cares if he has a fourth-tier seal? With my strength and your brain, we'll crush him and reach our goals! Ha!" Mo Fan replied with a wide, brilliant smile, teeth gleaming with confidence. The two of them stood face to face, a shared grin and a shared dream uniting them.
But in truth, their dreams could not have been more different.
One was innocent. The other cunning.
One prey. The other predator.