Chapter 25

I looked at Jhonny who stood before me in a cold yet calm manner. It was hard for me to stay calm after what I had just found in his notebook. The hypothesis about aliens, Mutiiner, and Michael. It all felt too big and complicated to just sit there. What I thought all along, that Jhonny was a mysterious yet genius leader, suddenly changed. There was something deeper than just genius; there was a plan, there was a big secret, and I felt entitled to know about it.

"I can't ignore this, Jhonny," I said, my voice sounding firmer than I expected. "You can't just tell me to shut up and hope I won't care. I've read the book. I already know most of your theories, and now I want you to explain everything."

Jhonny remained standing straight, his eyes fixed on me with a cold yet calculating gaze. I could sense that he was holding something back, like there was a lot he wanted to say, but chose to keep quiet. He let out a long breath before finally opening his mouth.

"Alice, I understand that you're curious," he said, his voice low but steady. "But this is not the right time for me to explain everything to you."

Jhonny stood his ground, his eyes fixed on me with a cold yet calculating gaze. I could sense that he was holding something back, like there was a lot he wanted to say, but chose to keep it quiet. He let out a long breath before finally opening his mouth.

"Alice, I understand that you're curious," he said, his voice low but steady. "But this is not the right time for me to explain everything to you."

I felt anger boiling inside me, something I had been feeling for a long time whenever I confronted him. Johnny was always too calm, too difficult to deal with. It was as if he always had complete control over everything, including me.

"There's no time for this, Jhonny!" I exclaimed, taking a step closer to him. "I've been here long enough to see what's going on, and I deserve to know what we're really dealing with. I'm not some new guy you can hide behind these secret walls."

Jhonny furrowed his brow, his face still looking calm, but I could feel the slight tension in the air between us. "Alice, this isn't about whether or not you're new here. It's about what you're prepared to face."

"What do you mean?" I looked at him sharply, not understanding why he always said as if I wouldn't be able to handle what he knew. "I'm ready! I've seen a lot since I've been here, I fought, I faced off against Vandalizise, and I also faced the threat from Michael. What do you think I can't handle?"

"Alice, you have indeed experienced a lot," said Jhonny, softer this time. "But the things inside my head-the thoughts I've learned, the secrets I've kept-it's not just about fighting or dealing with enemies. It's about something much bigger. Something that you might not be able to fully digest right now."

I shook my head, unwilling to accept that excuse. "How come everyone here knows, but I don't? Jimmy and Miranda, they know, right? They even joke about you, about how your attitude has changed since I came. I know they know more than I do. Why should I be left out?"

Jhonny sighed again, heavier this time. "I never meant to leave you, Alice. You have to trust me. But you have to understand, everyone here has been in this world before. They have been in the Mutiiner realm far longer than you. They have had time to digest this slowly."

I could feel the frustration creeping up my chest. I wanted to scream, wanted to release all the frustration I was harboring. But at the same time, there was a part of me that wanted to listen to Jhonny's reasoning, even if it made me hurt.

"So, you think I'm not ready?" I asked quietly, trying to contain the emotions that were starting to flow. "You think I'm too weak to understand what you know?"

"That's not it," Jhonny replied quickly. He leaned closer, his voice softer. "I just need time, Alice. I need time to prepare myself and also the right moment to tell you everything."

I looked at him deeply, trying to read whether he was really sincere or just trying to calm me down. His eyes remained calm, but there was something in them that made me think that he wasn't just placating me. He really wanted to protect me, even if his way was wrong in my eyes.

"I don't want to be let down again, Jhonny," I said, my voice calmer but still stressed. "I've been let down too many times by people in the past. I don't want that to happen again, especially from you."

Jhonny's face hardened slightly, and for the first time I saw a shadow of guilt in his eyes. "I don't want to disappoint you, Alice. Believe me, I don't want that to happen. But you have to give me time. I promise, I will tell you everything. But for now, I just ask for a little patience from you."

I bit my lip, feeling cornered by his words. There was a part of me that wanted to keep pushing, keep demanding answers right now. But on the other hand, I knew that maybe he was right. Maybe I wasn't ready to face all that. However, that didn't make me feel any better.

"You're always asking for patience," I muttered under my breath. "I've had enough patience."

"I know," Jhonny replied, his tone understanding. "And I thank you for that. But just a little more, Alice. Give me a little more time. I'll make sure you know everything, when the time comes."

I could only remain silent. It was hard to accept his request, but I also knew that forcing it now might not bring the results I wanted. Inside me, there was still resentment and dissatisfaction building up, but I held it in. I didn't want to prolong this matter. At least for now.

"Alright," I said finally, though the word tasted bitter on my tongue. "I'll give you some time."

Jhonny nodded, looking relieved by my answer. "Thank you, Alice. I won't keep you waiting too long."

However, even though he said so, I still felt a growing distance between us. Something was cracked, and I didn't know how to fix it. Maybe it was just my feelings, or maybe it was something real.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, Jhonny finally stepped back. "I have to go," he said, his voice cold again. "There are things I need to prepare."

Without waiting for my reply, he turned and walked out of the room. I could only stand there, staring at his retreating back until he disappeared behind the door. The room suddenly felt cold and quiet, leaving me alone with my chaotic thoughts.

I let out a long breath, trying to ease the annoyance that was still clumping in my chest. The debate just now hadn't gone as I'd hoped. Instead of getting answers, I was sinking further into confusion and uncertainty.

I sat on a nearby chair, staring at the dark, shadowy ceiling of the room. What was Jhonny really hiding? How big and complicated was the secret that he felt I wasn't ready to know?

My head was full of questions, and the answers seemed further and further out of my reach. I just hoped he'd keep his promise to tell me everything. Yet, somehow, a part of me still doubted whether I could truly understand everything when the time came.

I took another deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Maybe I should be more patient. But somehow, that patience was getting harder to find now.