**Sebastian's POV**
"Wow! Our boy is smiling!" Alex exclaimed as he arrived at our hangout spot.
He took off his jacket, grabbed a bottle of beer from the small table, and sat on the single-seater couch. "So, who's the reason behind that smile?" he added, taking a swig from the bottle.
"I bet it's Jasmin," Nathan chimed in as he came out of the kitchen. He placed a plate of instant noodles topped with a sunny-side-up egg on the table.
I immediately stabbed the egg with a fork and ate it.
"Hey, that's mine!" Nathan complained as he sat on the couch.
"Do you like her, bro?" Nathan asked while eating the noodles he had cooked.
"No!" I quickly replied and took a sip from my beer. "But I want her in my bed, fully naked. That's all I want from her—nothing else!"
"Are you sure?" Alex asked, his face serious as he looked at me.
"Yeah! I find her challenging, that's all. She's the first woman who's shown no interest in me, and once I get what I want from her... boom, she'll be out of my mind. Game over!"
"If that's what you want. But make sure you're not the one who falls first in this game you're starting," Alex said seriously.
"You and I both know I don't do relationships anymore. I won't develop any feelings for her—just lust!"
After that, it'll all be gone. The weird feelings and thoughts about her will disappear once I get what I want. That's it—nothing more.
"Just a piece of advice—make her moan loud," Nathan teased, making both him and Alex laugh. "But seriously, think carefully about this game you're starting because, honestly, this isn't the Basti we know."
"I agree with Nathan. But bro, I bet you won't be able to do what you're saying. Maybe you're just a little confused or in denial about what you feel for Jasmin. You're interested in her, not just because of her body, but for a deeper reason," Alex said.
I fell silent and leaned back on the couch.
"We know you. You're not the type of guy who plays around with women. You can be a jerk, but you hate hurting women. And with what you're planning, someone will definitely get hurt—and that someone is Jasmin. We're not siding with her; we're just telling you what could happen. But still, it's your decision. If you choose to go through with it or not, we're still here to support you. We'll back you up in your nonsense... hahaha," Nathan said.
Arghh! When did these two start giving serious advice with a side of guilt-tripping?
The plan was all set, and now my friends, who are usually devilish, suddenly turned into angels.
F*ck!
I didn't say anything else and just continued drinking. I'd already consumed quite a few beers. My head rested on the couch as I closed my eyes.
"By the way, have you heard about Amelia's engagement?" Alex said. I didn't bother to look or respond.
My mind wasn't on any of that—it was on Alex. He's always the one messing with my head.
I'm annoyed!
Annoyed because I don't even know why! All of this is new to me—the weird feelings I have for her. I've never felt this way before—not even with Amelia.
"So, she's marrying that guy? She never learns... she's really going to marry that cheater," Nathan responded.
"Well, she loves that asshole. No matter how many times he cheats, if she loves him, there's nothing we can do. We did our part as her friends to warn her, but it's her choice," Alex said.
"Damn! That's what love does to people—it makes you stupid. But it's worth it when you find the one you want to spend your life with," Nathan said.
I heard Alex chuckle. "Damn right! Cheers to that."
I just listened to their conversation about Amelia.
I beat up her cheating boyfriend after we caught him kissing another woman. Of course, I still care about her—as a friend.
And about the kiss between me and her... they weren't together at the time. She just got back with him afterward. I don't understand that woman—she's been cheated on repeatedly, yet she still forgives him and takes him back.
And these two? They act like love experts, but neither of them has ever been in a serious relationship.
What do I even know about love? I've never experienced it—not really. For me, love is just a hindrance, a source of pain. It weakens you.
I'm not like them. I'll never let love into my life again because it will destroy me.
Love?
Just a waste of time!
---
I woke up on the couch alone. I must've fallen asleep while we were drinking. The bottles we drank from were still scattered on the table.
I sat up and turned on my phone to check the time. It was only 9 PM.
I stood up and looked at the open room in our hangout spot. There I saw Alex and Nathan sleeping, hugging each other. I smirked at their position.
I grabbed my jacket, put it on, and left the hangout. I headed to a bar on my motorbike.
The bar I went to wasn't as high-end as the ones Alex and Nathan usually frequent. This one was more casual—anyone could go here.
I went to the counter and ordered a drink from the bartender. I ended up drinking a lot.
I was starting to feel drunk when a woman sat beside me.
"Hi... you look like you're alone. Want some company?" she said, leaning close to my ear.
I ignored her because I wasn't in the mood for flirting. I signaled the bartender for another drink.
But the woman was persistent and even grabbed my hand. I shook her hand off and took money from my pocket to pay.
"You're playing hard to get," she said, grabbing my arm again.
I yanked my arm free and stood up, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the floor. I didn't pay attention to her and walked out of the bar.
I was staggering toward the parking lot where I had parked my motorbike when someone grabbed my shoulder from behind and turned me around.
I received a punch from him. Because I was drunk, I quickly fell to the ground. As I lay on the cement, they started kicking and punching me until I lost consciousness.