Resignation of Bien

Warmth by the Bonfire

The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the azure waters of Blue Horizon Beach Resort. The team from Bad Egg Productions had arrived late in the morning, their laughter and chatter blending with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It was a perfect day for their much-needed team-building retreat.

Bien stood at the edge of the beach, taking in the stunning view. The resort was a paradise, with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush palm trees swaying gently in the breeze.

"Hey, Bien!" Axel called, waving from outside the lobby. "We're picking rooms!"

Almost all of the team had already arrived. Anna, with a clipboard in her arm, was counting everyone. Matthew had just arrived with Mr. George who was wearing a floral shirt. Christian was talking to the resort manager.

"Coming!" yelled Bien.

As everyone gathered in the lobby, Anna stood in front of everybody, in her hand was a can of sticks. "Welcome to Blue Horizon Beach Resort!" said Anna with a broad smile. "We'll be here till tomorrow morning, so let's make the most of it. We'll start by assigning rooms. Each of you will draw a stick from this can. The number on the stick will determine your roommate for the night."

Anna went to the team one by one, having them pick sticks from inside the can. She reached Bien and Bien dug his hand in, stirring it well and praying to have a good roommate.

"Number three..." Bien whispered. Feeling a strange energy from behind, Bien turned around and saw Axel's eyes twinkling with mischief. Axel suddenly turned away. His eyes sharpened as Matthew drew his number.

Before Matthew could see his own number, Axel sprang into action. "Oops!" he exclaimed loudly, pretending to trip over a rock. He bumped into Matthew, sending the sticks flying out of Matthew's hand. "I'm sorry, I suddenly lost my balance," Axel said with an exaggerated grimace.

"That's okay. Be careful next time," said Matthew, bending down to pick up the sticks. Axel, however, was quicker. He grabbed Matthew's stick and discreetly swapped it with his own.

"Here you go," Axel said, handing Matthew the stick with a big smile. Matthew took it without looking.

Bien walked up to Axel. "What are you doing?" he suddenly asked, sending Axel jumping away, hand in his chest.

"I thought I'd have a heart attack!" exclaimed Axel. "Don't scare me like that!"

Bien looked at Axel's hand, suspiciously trying hard to hide his number.

"What's your number?"

Axel stepped back. "An unlucky number!" Axel peeked in his hand. "Ah! Yes! It is really my unlucky number according to my horoscope today."

Bien repeated his question.

Axel, however, lifted his chest and asked the same thing. "What is your number?"

"I got three."

"Three?" Axel suddenly raised his hand and called Christian. "You got three, right?"

"I don't—"

"Ah! See? Three!" Axel suddenly pulled Christian's number and, with his swiftness, exchanged their numbers.

Christian furrowed his eyebrows. "But that's not my—"

Axel wrapped his arm around Christian. "You got three, dude! Congratulations! Bien's your roommate."

As everyone went to their respective rooms, Christian found himself carrying Bien's things. "You don't have to do that," Bien protested, but Christian waved him off.