Another side

ㅤ Alvin wasn't a good boy, Jude knew that perfectly well. But he knew how to win people's hearts, choose his words carefully, and gain their trust, even when it was seriously damaged. When talking to him, Jude felt awkward and… light. He inspired and guided. Even if it doesn't always lead you on the right path… "You do have a thing for older women, don't you?" Alvin grinned, leaning his weight on Jude's shoulder with a wink. "I know a great place where you can prove yourself as a true man and practice your seduction skills. Believe me, they'll come in handy in the future. They're useless against our sweetheart Maxwell, of course, but you shouldn't get hung up on her alone!" It was all innocent nonsense, so Jude didn't resist much. Alvin helped him take his mind off his problems, forget how his life had gone downhill. He helped him stay strong and move straight toward the goal Milla had inspired. "I suppose," Alvin mused appraisingly, recalling Jude's closest female circle, "you prefer blondes. How about the one with the low neckline? Oh, even her buttons can't be button!" Alvin once dragged Jude into a bar. When he realized where he'd ended up, Jude tried to run away, but Alvin grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and sat him down at the bar. No embarrassed reminders that he was underage helped. And when his order arrived, he silently glared at Alvin. "Milk? Seriously?" "A strawberry, lime, and mint cocktail. You'll appreciate it," Alvin winked. And Jude truly did. Alvin's thoughtfulness. His borderline humor. His selfless kindness, hidden beneath a greed for gain. "Consider it a special favor for a good friend," Alvin smiled good-naturedly, once again helping Jude with insignificant things.

* * *

Not a trace of the pleasant smile remained. Only anger and despair were visible. For Jude, who had lost heart, seeing Alvin like this was even more depressing. The mask fell, revealing the truth—another side of Alvin. Everything in this world was a lie: Milla's mission, Alvin's hospitality, Rieze Maxia. Everything Jude believed in, everything he had strived for… was destroyed. And the barrel of a gun pressed to his forehead by the man who had never let him fall in his hour of need, despite all his misdeeds, only proved that life had no meaning. Nothing had any meaning… That's why the pain from the blow, the angry cry, and the condemning gaze seemed natural. True. Jude finally saw the truth—the other side of the world. The other side of his friend, the one that completely destroyed his will to live. Jude didn't resist. Leia practically dragged him along, protecting a literally lifeless pile of flesh. Jude barely heard Alvin's words, lost in his own thoughts, but he caught the mood well. His feelings. They flowed into him, suffocating, tormenting. He didn't need a bullet to kill him… He would have suffocated without any help. "But… he's still Alvin. He's alive. Milla died for him, for me, for us. He can still be brought back…" Just as a glimmer of hope appeared, a shot rang out—Leia fell to the ground. But Jude managed to cling to the feeling that filled him with determination. An invisible spark flared, igniting a veritable fire in his chest, filling him with strength. "Alvin!!!" echoed loudly through Hamil garden. No matter how true the other side was, it wasn't right. And Jude was going to fix everything. ㅤㅤ