Resignation of Bien

Tug-of-War

Bien lay on the bed, bundled in layers of blankets, his face pale and his breaths shallow. The previous night's ordeal in the rain had taken its toll, leaving him feverish and weak. He tried to muster the strength to sit up, but the effort was too much. With a sigh, he sank back into the pillows, his thoughts drifting in and out of a hazy fog.

Meanwhile, outside in the city, two cars sped towards Bien's apartment, each driven by a man determined to be the first to reach their ailing friend. Christian and Matthew had both received the news of Bien's illness and, despite their mutual animosity, had set out with the same goal in mind: to take care of Bien.

Christian gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he navigated through traffic. "Bien needs me more," he muttered to himself, glancing at the clock on the dashboard. "I was the one who found him last night. I should be the one to look after him."

In the car behind him, Matthew was equally resolute. "I've known Bien for a long time," he said aloud, weaving through cars with practiced ease. "He trusts me more. There's no way I'm letting Christian take the lead on this."

As fate would have it, both cars reached the stoplight just before Bien's apartment at the same time. Christian and Matthew's eyes locked through their rearview mirrors, each recognizing the other's vehicle. The tension was palpable, even through the glass.

Christian smirked. "Game on, Matthew."

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "You're on, Christian."

The light turned green, and both cars accelerated, racing neck and neck towards the parking lot. They arrived simultaneously, screeching to a halt and quickly jockeying for the best parking spot. Tires squealed and horns blared as they each tried to outmaneuver the other.

Christian managed to slide into a spot closest to the entrance, but Matthew was right behind him, squeezing into the adjacent space with millimeters to spare. They both leaped out of their cars, glaring at each other.

"What are you doing here, Matthew?" Christian asked, a forced smile on his face, slamming his car door.

"I'm here to take care of Bien," Matthew replied coolly, locking his vehicle. "And you?"

"Same reason," Christian said, his tone sharpening. "But I don't think Bien needs two caretakers."

Matthew scoffed. "I'm not leaving until I know he's okay."

"Neither am I."

They started walking faster, their competitive nature taking over. By the time they reached Bien's floor, they were practically sprinting. Christian reached the door first, but Matthew wasn't far behind. They both raised their fists to knock, glared at each other, and then knocked simultaneously.

The door creaked open, revealing a very bewildered Bien wrapped in a blanket, his eyes wide with surprise. "Uh, morning, guys..."

Christian and Matthew froze, their hands still poised to knock again. They glanced at each other, then back at Bien.

"Bien, I—" they both started in unison, then stopped, glaring at each other again.

Christian took a deep breath, his competitive spirit giving way to concern. "I brought you some medicine and soup."

Matthew held up a bag. "And I brought you some herbal tea and a blanket."

Bien blinked, his feverish mind trying to process the scene. "Well, come in, I guess. But you both look ridiculous."

Christian and Matthew shuffled in, each trying to subtly assert dominance by stepping in front of the other. Bien shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips despite his illness.