Chapter 2

Neil picked up the syringe and pushed the needle into his vein, frowning.

Our classmates began to praise him for his kindness and selflessness, while Cherry's gaze was filled with worry.

I was the only one who noticed the scabbed needle marks on Neil's pale skin. They were marks left by long-term, improper injections. That was also an unmistakable proof that he was carrying the virus.

Neil started to feel dizzy, barely standing straight after having half a blood bag drawn.

Cherry hurriedly pulled the needle from his arms and hugged him, fussing over him with obvious concern.

Still, Neil insisted on standing up. With a righteous determination, he said, "No one stops me. I have to finish donating."

The moment he said that, he staggered a little.

As I watched Neil's clumsy performance, I figured out what he was up to.

As expected, one of the guys spoke up, "We can't let Neil donate that much blood alone! Cherry needs more, so let's all donate! It'll add up if everyone donates a little."

The others started chiming in at that.

"Yeah, let's just continue using the same syringe. We're not selfish, unlike someone here. We'll all take turns, so hurry up!"

"Exactly! If Neil isn't afraid, why should we be? This little bit of blood is nothing compared to our unity and friendship."

I almost laughed at their impassioned speeches.

They were such good classmates, to the point of being willing to share a syringe used by an HIV-positive patient. They were even willing to share the virus, too.

They could finally stick together for life and death in this lifetime.

The team doctor walked in and saw one of my classmates picking up a used syringe, about to stick it into his own veins. She immediately stopped him, barking, "Are you out of your mind? Stop this right now! If this many people used the same needle, who knows if cross-contamination might actually happen?"

Instead of being frightened, they frowned in irritation.

"What kind of a doctor are you? Are you trying to scare us all? We're all clean, so how could anyone get infected?"

"Mind your own business! If Cherry doesn't get her transfusion in time and it costs her the competition, can you take responsibility for that?"

"You're probably working with Samuel in trying to sabotage Cherry and make her miss the competition!"

The team doctor turned pale at my classmates' mocking words. She stomped her foot and ran out of the lounge, her eyes red.

After she left, the blood donation continued. One classmate after another started donating their blood.

I stood further from the crowd, watching that deadly syringe pierce different arms again and again, accompanied by their so-called camaraderie cheers.

Every draw was another fatal act of cross-contamination.

Before long, the blood bag was full.

Just then, Neil suddenly held the syringe out in front of me. "Your turn, Sam."