LET'S BREAK THEM

CHAPTER 08: TURNING BEN

Step 1: Make them underestimate me.

Step 2: Cut off Ben’s reputation.

Step 3: Take everything Arya has.

Step 4: Make Ben have nobody left but me.

Step 5: Walk into their house and burn it down.

Step 6: Use what I found.

Step 7: Make him choose me.

Three days after the rooftop.

Ben didn’t come to school.

His locker was empty. His name was off the team roster.

Arya posted 3 apologies. Deleted them all within minutes.

Comments: "gold digger" "fake" "we knew it"

And me? I waited.

Because hurt people always come to the one who was kind to them.

That's psychology. That's the plan.

At 9pm, my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

`Park. Bench by the fountain. Now.`

It was him.

It had to be.

I got there in 15 minutes. Ran most of it.

He was already sitting there. Hoodie on. Head down. Hands between his knees.

The great Ben Carter. Looking small.

"You came," he said. Didn't look up.

"You told me to." I sat on the other end of the bench.

Not too close.

Silence. The fountain water was the only sound.

Cold. Dark. Perfect.

"Is it true?" he finally asked. Voice rough. "Everything in the diary?"

I sat next to him. Left a foot of space between us.

"I don't know Ben. I only read one page."

Lie. I read it 4 times. Memorized it.

"She never said anything." His voice cracked on the last word.

"We were supposed to get married after college. Our parents planned it."

Ouch. Good.

"People lie when they’re scared," I said softly. Made my voice gentle.

"Maybe she was scared of losing you. Of losing the money."

He looked at me. Red eyes. No arrogance left.

"Why are you being nice to me?"

"Because I—" I cut myself off. Looked away.

"Because someone should be."

He laughed bitterly. No humor. Just tired.

"Everyone left. My team. My friends. My i********: is a war zone.

Even my dad is mad about the donation thing. Says I embarrassed the family."

I bumped his shoulder with mine. Light. Casual.

"You still have me."

He stared at me for a long time.

Like he was seeing me for the first time.

Really seeing me.

"Kudo..."

"Yeah?" My heart was pounding but I kept my face calm.

"Will you go to prom with me?"

There it was.

The words I waited 2 years to hear.

The boy who asked "Who are you?" on my birthday in front of 200 people

was now asking me to prom.

To replace Arya.

To be his plus one.

Revenge never felt so sweet.

It tasted like victory.

I pretended to think. Bit my lip. Looked down at my hands.

"I... I don't know. Is that a good idea? People will talk."

"Let them talk," he said fast. Desperate. "Please.

I don't want to go alone. Not after everything.

Not with her probably going with someone else."

I looked down. Counted to 3.

Then up. Eyes soft.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

His whole face changed. Like I just gave him oxygen.

Like I just pulled him out of the water.

"Thank you, Kudo." He whispered it. "Thank you."

We sat there for 10 more minutes.

He didn't touch me.

But he leaned closer.

Shoulder almost touching mine.

When he walked me home, he didn't let go of my backpack strap.

Like he was afraid I'd disappear.

Step 7: Complete.

Ben chose me.

He picked the "charity case" over the queen.

Now all that's left is to break them in front of everyone.

Prom is in 2 days.

And I’m wearing the dress Arya was supposed to wear.

`Chapter 8.

He chose me.

Now I get to choose how he breaks.

-K`