Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

Yuna excused herself and headed to the bathroom, eager to get away from the unwanted attention of Kendrick. As she exited the stall, the door swung open, and there stood Kendrick, blocking her path.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite little developer," Kendrick said, his tone dripping with feigned charm.

Yuna's shoulders tensed as she tried to sidestep him. "Kendrick, I've already told you I'm not interested. Please leave me alone."

Undeterred, Kendrick stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "Now, now, Yuna, don't be like that. I think we could have a lot of fun together, you and I."

Yuna's jaw tightened, and she glared at him. "I'm not interested in your idea of 'fun.' I'm happy working with Sam, and that's all I want."

Kendrick's expression shifted, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. "Ah, yes, the great Genesis. I must say, I'm impressed with what he's accomplished." His lips curled into a sly smile. "But you know, I have connections that could make things very difficult for him."

Yuna's eyes widened, and her heart began to race. "What are you talking about?"

Kendrick leaned in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "I couldn't help but overhear that your mother is ill. The Thornfield family owns the hospital, you know. It would be a shame if she were to lose her treatment."

Yuna felt her breath catch in her throat, and she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Don't you dare bring my mother into this. She has nothing to do with this."

Kendrick chuckled, the sound sending a chill down Yuna's spine. "Oh, but she does, my dear. You see, I'm willing to make a deal. If you agree to go out with me, I can make sure your mother's bills are taken care of. Wouldn't that be a relief?"

Yuna's eyes narrowed, and she felt a surge of anger coursing through her. "How dare you. I can take care of my mother's bills myself. I don't need your help, and I certainly don't need your company."

Kendrick's expression darkened, and he stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter, Yuna. If you don't cooperate, I'll make sure your mother's treatment is discontinued. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Yuna's heart pounded in her chest, and she felt her bravery beginning to crumble. "You're a monster," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kendrick laughed, the sound echoing off the bathroom walls. "I prefer to think of myself as a man who gets what he wants. And right now, I want you." He reached out, his fingers grazing her arm, and Yuna flinched away.

Tears stung Yuna's eyes, and she cursed herself for feeling so powerless. "I won't do it. I won't let you use my mother like this."

Kendrick shrugged, an amused expression on his face. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you." With that, he turned and left the bathroom, leaving Yuna alone and shaken.

As the door swung shut behind Kendrick, Yuna felt her legs give way, and she sank to the floor, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling down her cheeks. She hugged her knees to her chest, her body trembling with a mix of fear and rage.

Kendrick's threats had struck a deep chord within Yuna. The thought of her mother's treatment being discontinued terrified her. Yuna's mind raced, but every solution seemed to lead to a dead end. Kendrick held all the power, and she couldn't risk her mother's well-being.

Yuna felt hopeless, her bravery crumbling. She knew she couldn't stay in the bathroom forever, but the idea of facing Kendrick and the others filled her with dread. Trembling, she considered calling Sam, but the fear of putting him in harm's way held her back.

Wiping her tears, Yuna steeled herself. She would have to find a way to protect her mother, even if it meant compromising her principles. The thought made her sick, but the alternative was unthinkable. Yuna took a deep breath and rejoined the party, a mask of composure on her face, dread settling in her stomach.

Yuna returned to the party with her spirits low. Her friends asked if she was okay, but Yuna insisted that everything was fine. From another table, Sam noticed that Yuna didn't look well. He also saw Kendrick exit the bathroom and suspected that something had happened, but he was unsure what it was.

As the party came to an end, everyone started to head home. Sam noticed Yuna heading towards the exit, her shoulders slumped. He quickly made his way over to her, determined to find out what was troubling her.

"Yuna, wait!" Sam called out, gently placing a hand on her arm.

Yuna flinched slightly at his touch, but turned to face him, forcing a smile. "Oh, Sam, I was just about to head out. Is everything okay?"

Sam studied her expression, concern etched on his features. "That's what I was going to ask you. You seem...off. Did something happen?"

Yuna hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. "It's nothing, really. I'm just a little tired, that's all."

Sam frowned, unconvinced. "Yuna, you know you can talk to me. If there's something bothering you, I want to help."

Yuna's resolve began to crumble, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I... I can't, Sam. I'm sorry."

Sam's heart sank as he saw the distress on Yuna's face. "Yuna, please. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

Yuna opened her mouth to respond, but the sound of her train approaching cut her off. "I have to go," she said quickly, turning towards the platform.

Sam followed her, determined not to let her leave without an explanation. "Yuna, wait!"

As Yuna's train pulled up, she turned to Sam, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and regret. "I'm sorry, Sam. I really am." With that, she stepped onto the train, the doors closing behind her.

Sam watched helplessly as the train departed, his mind racing with questions. What had happened to make Yuna so distraught? And why did she feel like she couldn't confide in him?

Frustrated and worried, Sam made his way home, his thoughts consumed by Yuna's behavior. He knew he needed to find out what was wrong, but he also didn't want to push her too hard. Yuna was a dear friend, and he cared about her deeply.

As Sam prepared for bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Yuna's reaction had been so uncharacteristic of her usual cheerful self. He made a mental note to reach out to her the next day and see if she was willing to talk.

With a heavy sigh, Sam settled into his bed, his eyes drifting shut. He hoped that Yuna was safe and that whatever was troubling her would somehow resolve itself. But deep down, he knew that he wouldn't be able to rest until he could help her.

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