chapter 35 distinguished gentleman
Fighter put a lot of stock in Kaizer's personality. Kaizer lived by a rigid, self-styled moral code; he wasn't the type to betray a friend, and he could definitely keep a secret. However, Fighter's trust ended at the door to his room. In a place like the UCA, he wouldn't dream of sharing his real secrets with anyone.
Kaizer: "Thank God you're safe."
Fighter: "What do you mean 'safe'?"
Fighter's stomach let out a violent, low growl. He was starving. The more he snapped out of that meditative trance, the more his body screamed for fuel.
Fighter: "Did you bring food? If you didn't, go buy me some. I'll pay you back later, I swear. Help a man out here."
He was practically begging now. Kaizer looked at him, visibly confused by the whiplash in Fighter's behavior. One second the guy was acting tough, the next he was pleading like a homeless man. Kaizer rubbed his temples.
Kaizer: "Fighter, stop. I told you I'm here to help. Just stay put, I'll get some food."
By the time Kaizer got back, Fighter was hitting a breaking point. The hunger was making him feel crazed, though his limbs still felt like lead. He knew that if he could move even an inch, he'd probably start eating the furniture.
The sight of the bag in Kaizer's hand brought back a sliver of sanity.
Fighter: "I can't move anything but my mouth. Give me some water first—I'm parched. Then... you're going to have to feed me."
Kaizer looked awkward about it, but he started feeding him anyway. He tried to prop Fighter up, but the guy was too weak; he kept sliding down the headboard like a wet noodle.
Fighter: "Why'd you come for me?" Fighter asked, talking through a mouthful of food. "We only met once."
He needed to be sure. He had to confirm this world was following the novel's script and that Kaizer was still the same guy he'd read about.
Kaizer: "I thought we were friends. Friends help each other. That's just how it works."
Fighter: "What kind of gay-ass answer is that? I'm not that type of person. That's the most 'cringe ' thing I've heard in a month. You should know—stop... Stop!"
Kaizer had started aggressively stuffing food into Fighter's mouth just to shut him up.
After the meal, a wave of genuine relief hit Fighter. Even though he'd gambled on Kaizer being helpful, it was reassuring to see it play out. It meant the protagonist's character was still intact.
Fighter: "Thanks, bro. Anyway, what time is it? How long was I out for? I didn't catch what you said before."
Kaizer: "Two full days. And you know, talking while eating is a disgusting habit."
Fighter's face was a mess, covered in crumbs and sauce because he wouldn't stop talking while he chewed. Kaizer started trying to wipe the food off his friend's face.
Fighter: "Bad habit? Bro, you broke my door. I'm broke. I don't have the Sevon to fix a door you smashed."
Kaizer let out a long, weary sigh.
Kaizer: "When you can actually stand up, we're going to talk to Veera about your situation. She's helped me a lot these past two days; she can help you too."
Kaizer stopped, squinting at Fighter's hand. Fighter was staring at his own fingers, trying to flex them.
Kaizer: "Wait, you can move your hand? Then why the hell did I have to feed you?"
Fighter: "I think the strength is just coming back. A quick nap and I'll be fine."
Fighter thought to himself, 'Do you really want to see a distinguished gentleman like me eating like a dog? I can barely lift my arm, you idiot.'
Rechal: [I know for a fact you aren't a distinguished gentleman, but I would have paid to see you eat like a dog. Ok.]
Rechal said in Fighter mind.