The Suspect’s Game

Two players, one hardcore gamer.

"Hey, are you ready?"

You were all friends: Tomi, Elonna, and yourself. Huddled around the monitors, you were engrossed in your latest gaming session.

It was your shared passion that brought all of you together, and you believed nothing could ever tear your friendship apart.

Tomi was the standout player, earning him the title of "Game Lord." His gaming skills were unmatched.

Elonna was the tech whiz who provided the technical expertise, while you were the one who lightened the mood with your humor.

By a twist of fate, all of you ended up working at the same tech firm.

The gaming session grew intense, and Elonna glanced at his watch. He sighed, making you realize how late it has become.

"Guys, it’s getting late. We should head home; Monday is just around the corner."

Tomi grunted in disagreement. "Just one more round, Elo. I can’t go to bed on a losing streak." He grumbled, his fingers tapping on his controller.

You chuckled, shaking your head. It was time to play the role of the peacekeeper. "You know Tomi won’t quit until he wins, Elo. Let’s just play one more round."

Time slipped away, and hours turned into a new day. When the game finally concluded, Tomi slammed his controller down. You and Elonna followed suit, ending the gaming night.

Arriving at work late the next day, you barely had time to settle in before you were called into the director’s office.

"Of all days… it’s your fault, Tomi!" Elonna muttered under his breath as you took your seat beside him.

Tomi clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. "I hope they’re not about to fire us."

"I fear it’s true," you whispered, feigning concern. You couldn’t help but notice the thick blue book of records on the director’s desk.

Tomi saw himself as the company’s brain.

Elonna considered himself the company’s heart.

As for you, you were still searching for your place.

After some uneasy moments, the director cleared his throat. "I’ll keep this brief. Gentlemen, thank you for your dedication to our company. Unfortunately, due to recent changes, we must make some difficult decisions."

Your heart raced for various reasons, and your friends exchanged worried glances.

"First, I’d like to announce that Fejiro will continue his role within the company," the director declared.

You let out a sigh of relief but remained concerned for your friends.

"Now, for the unfortunate part," he continued. "Tomi and Elonna, your services are no longer required."

You watched as shock overtook Tomi’s expression and Elonna’s jaw dropped in disbelief. It was inconceivable that the company would let them go while retaining you.

The director leaned back in his chair. "Tomi and Elonna, in case you’re wondering, I discovered negligence of duties, leading to confidential information leaks. We cannot retain employees responsible for such breaches."

You squirmed uncomfortably in your seat.

Tomi shook his head. "This can’t be right. We’ve been loyal employees."

"Fejiro, you can vouch for us. You know we’d never jeopardize the company like that," Elonna added, his voice quivering.

Their faces were etched with dread at the thought of losing their jobs.

Your mind raced as you looked at your friends. You knew the truth but dared not speak it. Their eyes were on you, awaiting your judgment, yet you remained tight-lipped.

Soon, Tomi and Elonna left to collect their belongings.

A familiar notification pinged your phone. You nodded to the director in acknowledgment before exiting the office. Opening the message, you read:

"You did well."

It was the same message you had received that night when you pretended to be engrossed in the game. It demanded that you safeguard your job at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing your friends' jobs.

As you glanced around the room, your eyes met Tomi’s and Elonna’s. You saw the pain, confusion, and then realization in their eyes.

You, the gamer, had engaged in the most treacherous game of your life. A game where the greatest betrayal lay in the shadow of a truth you never spoke aloud.

What do you think about our character, Fejiro? Let me know in the comment section.

Press and hold the clap button for support. Cheers!