"Zombie Dawn: Rise of the Hunted"

Chapter 9: Uncertainty

Chapter 9: Uncertainty

Filip's POV

Leon's been by my side for as long as I can remember, through hell and back. He's not just a teammate-he's like a brother to me. We've fought, bled, and survived together. I trust him with my life. That's why this strange feeling in my chest, this jealousy gnawing at me as he worked with Rena, made no sense. Leon's the last person I'd ever doubt, but something about seeing them together... it hit me in a way I wasn't prepared for.

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching as Leon cracked jokes with Rena while they sifted through the files on the computer. Normally, I'd join in, throwing some sarcasm back at Leon just like we've always done. But today, the words stuck in my throat.

Leon was the best at what he did. He had always been quick with his hands, smart enough to figure out complex systems, and a natural at breaking down barriers-both technological and personal. He was doing exactly what he did best, trying to help Rena find answers about her past. And I should have been grateful, proud even. But watching them, their easy banter, it twisted something in my gut.

I frowned, forcing myself to stay quiet. I couldn't let this get in the way. Leon's my brother, and I wasn't going to let some weird feelings mess with that.

"Almost there," Leon said, flashing a grin at Rena as the screen loaded more files. "You're gonna owe me a drink after this, by the way."

Rena laughed lightly, shaking her head. "If there's a working bar anywhere, sure."

Leon chuckled, typing away, his eyes focused on the screen. "You know I'd find one, if it existed."

I should have felt at ease, hearing them joke around. But I couldn't. Every time they exchanged a smile or laughed at some shared joke, I felt more distant, like I was on the outside looking in. And I hated it. This wasn't me. I wasn't the jealous type. Not with Leon.

I forced myself to step forward, joining them by the screen. "You find anything useful?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.

Leon looked up, nodding. "Yeah, we've got some files, but a lot of it's redacted. Looks like the experiment on Rena wasn't finished. There's missing data."

I leaned in, scanning the blacked-out lines of text. My brow furrowed. "What the hell were they doing to you, Rena?"

Rena sighed, frustration clear in her voice. "I don't know... but I'm going to find out."

Leon shot me a glance, his expression serious for a moment. "We'll get to the bottom of it, man. We've got her back."

That should have made me feel better-Leon, always solid, always there. He was reminding me that we were in this together. But I still couldn't shake the feeling. I nodded anyway, giving him a small, forced smile. "Yeah, I know."

Leon turned back to the computer, and I stayed quiet, watching them work. He was my closest friend, practically family, and he was just helping Rena like he'd help anyone else. I knew that. But seeing them like this... it messed with me, even if I didn't want to admit it.

Rena deserved to find out the truth about what happened to her. And Leon was the best chance she had to uncover those answers. I just needed to get a grip on myself before this stupid jealousy ruined something far more important-my friendship with Leon, and whatever it was I felt for Rena.

Because no matter what, Leon was still my brother. And brothers don't let something like this come between them.