Semiel stared out his bedroom window. The house felt empty. His old man had gone out of town to visit family and wouldn't be back for another month.
His hands rested on the table, and in front of him, the laptop sat open with the files he'd sent to Antonella. He couldn't stop going over everything that had led him to share that information. It wasn't just rage at Santiago—there was something deeper. Maybe guilt. Or maybe he was just tired... It wasn't about Saval.
He rubbed his face with both hands. And then he remembered.
Just a few days ago.
He'd been at the usual café—the one where he'd once run into Antonella. It was a Monday, and he'd only gone to calm the shaking in his hands after a sleepless night.
—Double coffee, no sugar, like always? —a familiar voice asked.
Semiel nodded without looking up, eyes locked on his phone screen. But when he did glance up, he noticed something off in Xavier's expression. There was something in his eyes that day. Something strange.
Xavier served the coffee without another word. But when he leaned over the table to set down the cup, he muttered something, barely audible.
—I know things about your little friend.
Semiel looked up, confused.
—Sorry?
Xavier didn't repeat it. He just left a folded napkin on the tray and moved on to the other tables.
Semiel stared at the napkin for a few seconds. He hesitated. But in the end, he opened it.
Inside was a number and a message: If you want information, be here at 7:24 pm.
At first, he thought it was a joke. But something twisted in his gut. And that feeling wouldn't leave him alone. So that night, he went.
Out back behind the café, where the employees went to smoke.
Xavier was there, a cigarette between his lips, a backpack by his feet.
—Didn't take much to convince you —Xavier said, no greeting.
—I'm not stupid. If you've got something to say, say it —Semiel replied.
Xavier smiled like he'd been waiting for that tone.
—Take a look.
He pulled out an old tablet, the kind with chipped corners and scratches on the screen. Played a video.
Semiel recognized Santiago's voice immediately.
He heard him talking about those girls who think they're special, about how little he actually cared.
Everything was there. Images, recordings, backups.
Semiel stayed silent.
—Where'd you get this? —he finally asked.
Xavier exhaled smoke slowly, like he was savoring the tension.
—Does it matter?
—Of course it matters.
—Let's just say I'm someone with good ears. And access to a lot of conversations. People don't notice waiters. That's their mistake.
—What do you want in return?
Xavier looked down at his cigarette.
—A favor. Not money. Something more useful. Something that's gonna hurt.
Semiel crossed his arms.
—Define "hurt."
—Haven't decided yet. But you'll know when the time comes.
—And if I say no?
—Then no photos. And you can keep covering for a guy who laughs at you behind your back.
There was something in Xavier's eyes. It was strange—like he wasn't really feeling anything. He looked at him like he was watching pieces on a game board. Like it was all part of a simulation that amused him.
—Why are you doing this? —Semiel asked.
—Because I like seeing what happens when the pieces move. I don't pick sides. But sometimes, chaos... —he gave a small smile— ...chaos is beautiful. You know that's why I helped Saval, right?
—Did you help Saval?
—It was me, I told him you kissed Antonella, ha — said Xavier with a slight smile — it was fun, watching his face like his whole world was falling apart.
—You piece of sh*t!! — yelled Semiel, grabbing Xavier by the collar and pulling him close — That... that hurt Saval!! You bastard!!
—Ha ha ha, me? A bastard? — Xavier suddenly lowered his voice a notch, his eyes turning cold — You'd better let go unless you want to lose that hand, Semiel.
—Oh yeah? I'm gonna punch you right in the—
In a flash, Xavier grabbed Semiel's arm, twisted behind him, and immobilized him.
—Listen closely, Semiel. The damage? You did that. For being a damn coward. I don't like it when people act all high and mighty in front of me, you get that? Because when they do, it makes me want to break them even more. So calm the hell down if you want this deal to stay on the table, got it? — Xavier spoke with a smile that wasn't really a smile.
—And if I don't do what you say? How do I know you won't stab me in the back?
—I won't betray you because I don't take sides. I just watch people tear each other apart — Xavier answered, letting go of him.
—Wait… it was you, wasn't it? You gave Antonella the info?!
—Ding ding, correct answer. Too bad there's no prize.
—Why the hell would you do that? You've caused us so much trouble, even now—
—Because I wanted to. Simple. I don't take sides. I only deal in favors. I never force anyone to make a deal. But if they do — they must pay.
—So if I go through with this, I owe you one?
—Exactly. Simple, right? And actually, I've got a little bonus for you…
—What?
—Check your phone. Should've arrived by now — Xavier said with a mysterious grin.
—What the hell?
Semiel checked his phone and saw new messages. He opened them. Dozens of photos of Antonella… naked. Different poses. Her face clearly showed she didn't want to be there. But the photos existed.
—They were a favor she gave me for my services. She was so naïve. I just fed her a little info for some petty revenge and look what she agreed to. The Antonella now wouldn't do anything like that, but it doesn't matter. I've got leverage on her… and now, so do you.
—Me?
—Oh, come on, Semiel. Do I have to spell it out for you? You're obviously gonna hand Santiago's info to Antonella, right?
—You? How do you know that?
—It's obvious. You're doing it to strike a deal. Let me guess… it's about Saval…
—You… what the hell?!
—Oh come on, Semiel, it's so obvious you like him — Xavier said with a teasing grin. — I think he's the only one who hasn't noticed. Haha, so sweet… I wouldn't mind making him mine. He seems like my type…
—STAY AWAY FROM HIM, GOT IT?! — Semiel shouted, fury blazing in his eyes.
—Alright, alright, champ, calm down — Xavier said, raising his hands in mock innocence. — But you get my point. Do you really think Antonella is going to forgive Saval just with that information? Don't be naïve. You always need an ace up your sleeve. And this… — he gestured at the photos on the phone — this is your ace.
—What do you get out of all this? — Semiel asked, suspicion heavy in his voice.
—I already told you. I want chaos. And today, I'm feeling generous. You'll just owe me a favor. A big one, but only one. And if you don't pay up… you know who's going to suffer, right?
—Saval…
—That's right. So behave, understood?
—Fine… I won't do anything else. I'll accept the information.
—Thank you for your sponsorship, dear client! Take care… and come again soon — Xavier said with a theatrical bow and a smug smile.
...
And now, there he was, staring at his own reflection in the window.
When did everything start to fall apart?
He thought of Santiago. Of Antonella. Of Saval.
And of himself.
He, who only wanted to protect Saval, now felt more broken than ever.
His phone buzzed. A message. From her.
"Tomorrow begins Santiago's fall. Thanks for the info, puppy."
Semiel let out a dry, bitter laugh.
He dropped into the chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Puppy.
That word.
That mockery.
That truth.
Because yes.
He had chased after all of them.
Trying to understand.
To fix.
To control.
And now…
Now all he could do was watch it all burn.