From Bullets To Billions

Chapter 23 - The Mask Is Off

”Alright, follow me,” Joe said, both hands stuffed casually in his pockets. ”And if you donʼt, Iʼll make you walk the whole way barefoot.”

All of this was happening because of one mistake—Max had spoken up too soon. His plan had been simple: go along with these losers, blend in, and then start digging for information. Maybe snoop around the school library or the teachersʼ lounge to find any more names that were on the list.

But now? He was stuck in this situation instead.

Trying to fix his misstep, Max followed Joe willingly.

Iʼll just take whatever beating heʼs got planned, Max thought. Get it over with, then come back and get back on track.

As Joe passed Ko and Mo, the three of them exchanged smug smiles. Not long after, the other two got up and left the classroom as well.

”Man, I gotta take a leak before first period,” Ko said, stretching his arms. ”Shame I canʼt watch whatʼs about to go down, but I really canʼt afford to be late again.” Mo followed behind him, both of them heading in the opposite direction from where Joe had taken Max.

They were laughing like nothing had happened, while back in the classroom, Sam sat frozen at his desk, anxiously biting his nail.

Crap, crap... this canʼt be good! Sam panicked internally. If theyʼre taking him outside, it means whatever theyʼre planning to do, they really donʼt want the teachers or other students to see. And the teacher hasnʼt even arrived yet... I canʼt tell anyone.

Nervously biting at his nail, Sam eventually sank into his seat, eyes drifting to the clock. His thoughts were racing—wondering what Max might be going through right now.

He just got out of the hospital. Thereʼs no way heʼs in good shape already... What if they go too far this time? Worse than before? Sam squeezed his eyes shut, his fists tightening on the desk. But if I get involved... theyʼll just make my life even worse. Itʼs already bad enough... Why does this always happen to me?

As both of Samʼs hands trembled on top of the desk, a memory hit him—Max, standing there in the cafeteria, paying for everyoneʼs food without hesitation. The way he spoke to him like a real friend, like someone who actually cared.

He said I didnʼt have to worry about it... that heʼd take care of it. I said that I would repay him for that favour.

Sam stood up suddenly, pushing his chair back.

”I... I have to at least do this,” he whispered to himself.

Without wasting another second, he rushed out of the classroom and sprinted through the hallway, searching desperately for a teacher—any adult who could help.

But so far... there was no one.

Meanwhile, both Ko and Mo were casually walking back from the toilets.

”Hey... was that Sam just now? Looked like he was running out,” Mo said, glancing over his shoulder.

”Yeah,” Ko replied with a smug grin. ”Maybe he finally decided to run home and never come back to school. One less loser to deal with.”

”You donʼt think heʼs, like... gonna tell a teacher or something?” Mo asked, a bit of unease creeping into his voice.

Ko scoffed. ”Donʼt be stupid. He tried that once, remember? Got smacked so hard he was too scared to even talk after that. Heʼs not gonna try it again. We warned him what would happen next time.”

-----

At the same time, Sam was racing through the hallways, his breath coming fast and shallow. Heʼd passed a few teachers, but for some reason... his legs froze every time he got close.

Why canʼt I say anything...? Why wonʼt the words come out?

His hands trembled at his sides. His whole body was on edge.

But then—he spotted someone. Someone he knew might actually do something.

”Abby!” Sam shouted as he ran up to her.

Abby turned, startled. ”Oh, hey Sam. Whatʼs wrong? You look—wait, did something happen?”

Sam nodded, breathless. ”Itʼs Max... I think heʼs in trouble.”

-----

Following Joe, Max soon realized they were heading outside. Most of the students had already returned to their classrooms—the bell for first period was about to ring any second.

Not that being late was Maxʼs biggest concern right now.

Joe led him to the music storage building, a smaller structure detached from the main school. It was a place rarely visited unless someone needed to fetch or return instruments or equipment.

”Hurry up!” Joe barked, pointing inside.

Max stepped forward, and without warning, a hard kick slammed into his back, sending him stumbling into the room. The door slammed shut behind them.

”Youʼre still acting tough, huh? Still not listening?” Joe growled.

He grabbed Max by the hair and yanked his head back before delivering a sharp slap across his face. Maxʼs body swung with the impact before crashing to the side.

Joe laughed. ”I canʼt believe people like you and Sam exist. Itʼs pathetic. But I guess thatʼs just the food chain everyone talks about—and weʼre at the top.”

ʼYou think youʼre at the top?ʼ Max thought as he steadied himself. Just how small is your world... to believe something like that?

Max remained on the ground, pretending to be more hurt than he was. He kept his breathing shallow, his head lowered, waiting.

Joe strutted forward, swept his leg back, and drove a brutal kick into Maxʼs stomach.

”Ko told me to make sure you remember your place!” Joe shouted, delivering another kick just as hard.

Just take it, Max... just take it. Remember—this is what the real Max Stern endured. He had half your strength... and no way out, Max reminded himself.

Joe crouched down, pulled off one of his shoes, then peeled off his sock and tossed it beside Max.

Then, with a wide, disgusting grin, he raised his bare foot and pressed it near Maxʼs face.

”Remember, you and Sam are our servants,” Joe sneered. ”So do what youʼre told... Now suck it.”

He burst into laughter, keeping his foot hovering, wiggling his toes with sick delight.

”Come on, suck it! Suck it, youʼre my slave!” he shouted again, louder this time.

Max kept his head low, staring at the ground, but his body was trembling—not with fear, but restraint.

Joeʼs laughter faded into irritation. ”Tch. I guess you havenʼt learned your lesson after all!”

He swung his foot, aiming straight for Maxʼs face.

But it never landed.

Maxʼs hand shot up like a viper, catching Joeʼs foot mid-air, stopping it cold.

”What the—?” Joe gasped.

”I give up,” Max said calmly, still not looking up.

Joe smirked, thinking heʼd finally won. ”Haha... so youʼre finally gonna suck—”

”I give up... playing along,” Max interrupted, his voice cold and deadly.

He looked up slowly, eyes burning with fury. The mask was off. He had snapped.