The atmosphere inside the truck no longer stressed Evan. The special forces members who were around no longer intimidated the young man anymore. Even so, Evan's mind was in chaos. The cause of his stress now is the image of Kara's amazed expression towards Bob. It kept popping up in Evan's head
"Evan!" Bob shook the young man's body.
"Eh?" Gawking, Evan stared blankly at the sharp-eyed man.
"I've called you many times." Bob sighed. "I just got a message from Mimi. She reminds you that Loblob's life will not last long."
With stiff movements, Evan turned to Loblob who was sitting beside him. The lobster man was no longer stretching out his arms because of the cramped conditions in the truck, but his eyes were still bulging and his mouth still screamed silently. The sight was completely absurd, coupled with his clothing, which was the black uniform of special forces. The uniform really didn't suit his cute, brightly colored lobster 'hat.'
"That stupid hat on his head really can't be removed, huh?" One of the squad members asked.
"Yes, he said it was part of his body." The other members replied.
Now, Evan lowered his head. The sounds around him became like an insignificant buzz. His mind is still centered on Kara. Evan has been trying to make Kara fall in love with him for years and always fails. But now another man just appeared and caught the girl's attention? Evan felt defeated. He felt that his efforts and hopes had been in vain. He can't own Kara. That girl is not for him.
"Hey, mate." One of the troop members sitting in front of Evan poked the young man on the knee.
Evan looked up, still with a blank stare.
The member showing light dance movements, "How about after this we do TikTok dance and you post it on your account. Surely you will be proud to dance with the special forces! You can show it off to your friends! You don't have to think about our confidentiality. You just have to say that you happened to meet us! Don't worry, I've asked the leader for permission."
"Errrr... I never use TikTok." Evan answered with a grimace.
The member looked excessively surprised. The other members beside him laughed.
"Not all young people use TikTok!" Another member replied and shows gestures to play games on the phone. "How about we play m****e l*****s after this? Some of our members play that game!"
Evan felt even more awkward. "Errr ..... I don't play cell phone games either."
The second member also looked shocked.
"Hahahaha!!!" The squad leader laughed loudly from the end of the truck. "You guys are so stupid! Evan is not a typical millennial teenager! His preferences are definitely not mainstream!"
Evan frowned slightly at the words of the squad leader.
The squad leader then pointed at Evan with fiery eyes. "Say it, Evan! What's your favorite!? Whatever it is! Whether it's a tv show or a hobby! Say it!"
"Errrr... I like reading random trivia articles or videos on the internet. But, actually what I like the most is all about automotive." Evan explained in a stiff tone. Obviously, Evan likes hot girls too, but of course, he wouldn't say it. "However, I'm not someone who fiddles with engines and the like. I prefer to watch videos about cars and motorbikes. I also like watching races."
Evan didn't understand why the squad members were acting weird today, even though yesterday they looked so serious.
The squad leader looked at the members. "Does anyone like automotive too? Or racing? Anyone?"
There was silence. The only one who opened his mouth was Loblob, even then he didn't make a sound.
Finally, one of them raised a hand. "Is horse racing included?"
"Horses and automobiles are so different, you idiot!" The squad leader cursed. "Is there a horse with a piston!?"
There was laughter for a few moments, then it was quiet again. The only sound that could be heard came from the engine of the truck.
Bob bowed his head slightly to Evan, then whispered, "You know why we kept you in, even though you weren't the one fighting?"
Surprised to be asked like that, Evan could only shake his head.
"It's not just because you ask, or because you're the only one who can command the being you give life to. I'm sure you can give orders over long distances using any means of communication." Bob explained in an emphatic tone. "You are an ordinary citizen, not a combatant, so we shouldn't take you."
Evan was silent for a few seconds to digest Bob's words. "So why am I being included?"
"The beings that you give life to are extraordinary, Evan. They are the ones who save us. Even yesterday we barely fought because of Loblob. With your power, our percentage of survival is so much bigger. You know, they have family, they have loved ones. So, that chance you gave them is greatly appreciated."
Evan's heart jerked violently. Now, he understood. "So if the being I gave life to is defeated, then I can give life to another object to continue the fight?"
"I know this sounds cruel to the being you give life to ... They look like something disposable... However, their sacrifice was immense, Evan. They will not be forgotten."
Evan looked around. Does this mean that these hard-trained special forces are dependent on him?
"When you weren't looking, I took a photo with Loblob, you know." Another member of the squad shows his photo with Loblob on his cellphone.
Gaping for a moment, Evan lowered his head again. Now, he wanted to laugh at himself. What kind of man is he, who can't focus because of a girl? The special forces members clearly respected him and were trying to make the atmosphere more comfortable for him. It would be bad if he let them down. He is already part of the larger fight. It's not about himself anymore.
"Bob, slap me, please." Evan hissed.
"Huh?" Bob raised an eyebrow.
Evan looked up. Now his expression was so stern. "Slap me so that I will wake up ...."
"With pleasure!" The squad member who sat opposite Evan gave an unbelievably hard slap.
"Ouch! Shit!" Evan bent over, clutching his left cheek, which was extremely sore and flushed. Even his eyes were watering because of the pain. "Shit! Fuck! Ouch! I didn't think it would hurt this much ...."
As soon as he straightened his body, Evan saw that most of the squad members had raised their hands. It was obvious they were going to join in the slapping. Some of them were even half standing.
"Enough! I don't want anymore!" Evan raised his hands with a frightened face.