"Hahahaha!" Chris laughed, his voice echoing in the sterile hospital room as he doubled over, clutching his sides.
Brian stared at him, utterly bewildered. "Why are you laughing?" he asked, confusion creasing his brows. The grin on Chris's face wasn't helping. Brian's heart tightened—was this it? Had the trauma pushed his friend past the edge into insanity?
But Chris's eyes gleamed with clarity, not madness.
"Because…" Chris trailed with suspense, the corner of his mouth twitching mischievously.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the bed and reappeared beside Brian, sitting casually like nothing had happened.
"I'm completely fine," he said with a satisfied smile, clearly amused by Brian's stunned expression. "It worked. Gotcha."
Brian stared, mouth slightly agape. "You're… fine?" His voice was a mixture of relief, irritation, and disbelief. Deep inside, he wanted to punch Chris and hug him at the same time. The prank had worked, and Brian had fallen for it.
