Villain Ch 341. Dating?
Two days had passed. The weekend had rolled around once again, bringing with it the promise of free time and relaxation. The clock struck at 09.01 AM. The local gym was abuzz with activity, its interior bustling with people eager to get their workouts in. The clanging of weights, the rhythmic thumping of sneakers on the treadmill, and the hum of conversation filled the air.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Allen and Gerry had just finished their usual workout set. Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads as they caught their breath, taking a moment to soak in the energy of the bustling gym around them.
Gerry had chosen to remain neutral in the ongoing saga between Allen and Gilbert, choosing instead to maintain their friendship as it had always been.
Gerry's role as the neutral party was born from a deep understanding of Allen's struggles. He had been there during Allen's darkest times, witnessing the aftermath of a painful breakup that had left Allen shattered and lost. Gerry had seen how the weight of the heartbreak had taken a toll on Allen's emotional well-being, leaving him adrift in a sea of confusion and hurt.
But Gerry also recognized Gilbert for who he was – a genuine and passionate individual. Gilbert's innocence and unwavering enthusiasm often left him susceptible to misinterpretation. It was easy to see how Allen's guarded demeanor could be misunderstood by someone as well-meaning as Gilbert.
Allen's brows furrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued by something Gerry had said. He turned his gaze to his friend, his eyes reflecting a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Wait, you met Elio yesterday?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity.
Gerry nodded in affirmation, his expression one of a nonchalant recounting of events. "Yeah, it was a chance encounter outside the bar. Gilbert, I, and the others were just hanging out, and there he was, with your ex," he explained, his voice casual as he narrated the unexpected reunion. Gerry knew Sophia from the photo.
Allen's face contorted into an expression of perplexity, his thoughts racing to comprehend the situation. "Wait, they were together? Like, dating?" he inquired, a sense of disbelief lacing his words. Memories of the conversations between Elio and Henry surfaced, memories where Elio had expressed his intention to take things slow and reevaluate his priorities. This sudden change left Allen puzzled.
Gerry's response was measured, his tone reflecting the uncertainty of the situation. "It seems that way. I mean, I'm not entirely sure, but it certainly seemed like they were more than just acquaintances," he clarified, his voice carrying a hint of hesitancy.
Gerry took a sip of his water, finishing his water bottle. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand before leaning back against the bench, his posture one of contemplation. "According to Gilbert, Elio and Sophia are just friends," he began, his voice carrying the undertones of a puzzled observer. "But you know what? That girl clung to Elio like a parasite all night long and even made out in front of us," Gerry continued, his head shaking gently from side to side, a gesture of disbelief.
Allen's reaction was instantaneous, his features contorting into an ugly frown of confusion and surprise. "Wait a second," he interjected, his voice tinged with urgency as he attempted to grasp the nuances of the situation. "Let me get this straight. You're saying that Elio and Sophia actually joined you guys during your hangout?" he asked, his words laced with incredulity. The concept of a couple spontaneously inserting themselves into a boys' night out was nothing short of unusual.
Gerry confirmed the details with a nod, his expression mirroring the astonishment Allen felt. "Exactly," he replied, his tone carrying a mix of perplexity and amusement.
Allen's jaw dropped in shock. He could guess that it was because Sophia wanted to know more about Allen, but he didn't expect that she would be that desperate.
Gerry's wince was palpable. His lips curled into a rueful grin as he recounted the scene. "Can you even imagine how awkward it was?" he quipped, his voice tinged with both humor and incredulity.
Allen's understanding nod was accompanied by a compassionate gaze. He could empathize with the discomfort that Gerry and his friends must have experienced. "I can only imagine. I bet it was really awkward," he replied, his tone carrying a mixture of empathy and pity. And he felt sorry for Gilbert.
Gerry's agreement came with a huff, his exhalation a testament to the sheer awkwardness they had all been subjected to. "You bet on that," he responded, his words accompanied by a wry shake of his head. "And then, well, the group kind of disbanded for a while," Gerry continued, his voice carrying a sense of resignation. His gaze fixed on the ceiling as he recalled the events. "We figured we'd hang out another time, just us guys. No distractions," he added, a note of determination evident in his tone.
A question sprung forth from Gerry's lips, punctuating the ambient noise. "Hey, Allen," he began his voice, a blend of curiosity and intrigue, "A question. Is she still into you?" Gerry's words echoed softly, a riddle that required delicate unraveling.
The corners of Allen's lips curled into a wry half-smile, his gaze meeting Gerry's as he responded, "From how she acted last night, what do you think?" The retort held a hint of playful banter.
Gerry's response resonated with the same blend of uncertainty and analysis that had characterized their conversation thus far. His voice wove through the air, laden with an air of cautious observation. "I'm not entirely certain," he admitted, his words marked by a touch of intrigue. His eyes briefly flitted around the gym before settling back on Allen, as if seeking validation. "She looked so into Elio and liked him so much. But on several occasions, she looks sad. She gave an 'I don't want to do this but I have no choice' vibe," he analyzed.
Occasionally missing content, please report errors in time.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶