21

GRAY

As consciousness slowly returned to me, the haze of pain and disorientation began to dissipate. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dimly lit room. A surge of discomfort coursed through my battered body, every movement reminding me of the brutal beating I had endured.

I blinked several times, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Gradually, the figures in the room came into focus. Standing near the doorway were the stoic bodyguards, their eyes fixed on me with a mix of concern and vigilance. Z, my ever-loyal friend and confidant, leaned casually against the wall, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Well, well, look who decided to wake up. I warned you, Gray, and now you owe me 1 million pesos and a new car for this little ordeal." Ang mapang-asar na boses ni Z ang bumungad sa akin na pinaresan pa ng ngitimg-aso na napaskil sa labi niya na nakapagpataas ng kilay ko.

"Is that so?" Matipid kong sagot, may bahid ng kawalang-interes ang boses ko.

Z let out a chuckle, a knowing g