"That's for sure. Speaking about chasing after, don't you think we guys have too much of an advantage in the dating business? We're the ones deciding if something is going to happen or not in the end."
"And that's for the best. Can you even imagine if that wasn't the case? Women would just pick men randomly on the streets and rape them on the spot. Nah, it needs to stay like this because it's simply impossible to trust women with this."
Alright, he had a point. This was exactly why he wanted to discuss more seriously with someone, even if that was just a teenager almost the same age as him. Now, if considering a different scenario where both sides would be very willing, wouldn't the whole world transform into his life? People would just find any reason to have sex all the time and it was unknown where humanity would have gone in those conditions.
"Makes sense. By the way, did you hear about the new laws introduced by the government?"
"You bet. We're finally getting more rights and safety for ourselves. If women are found discriminating against us, that would be considered an offense. Now, we really have a chance to build a serious career. I know it'll take some time before this is properly respected and applied but it's a very good first step."
That was something Benjamin had looked into and things were much more complicated than this in this world. However, that wasn't what he wanted to focus on in this discussion.
"What about the things about prostitution and brothels?"
Ray looked away a little and didn't immediately answer. He was still a middle schooler boy, after all, and this wasn't the sort of topic he would usually talk about.
"You know, I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I feel sorry for guys who would do that to themselves. On the other hand, I guess it could perhaps save some desperate men who have nothing else to rely on. At the same time, if that could help reduce sexual crimes, that'd be good. It's weird to say this but if it's controlled properly, it might be a win-win for everyone."
He didn't know he had a guy who would do this to himself in front of him, which made him smile inside.
"No, I know what you mean, I think the same too. Anyway, thanks, Ray. I wanted to get someone else's opinion on those things for a long time but I didn't know who else to talk with."
"Anytime. We guys have to stick together! Oh, one thing from me too. Be careful about Kiana. That girl has been talking about you all the time these days. I don't know what's going on but it can't be anything good."
"Alright, I'll be careful."
They chatted some more and then headed back home. Halle was gone to work on the farm and the girls were doing something in Kiana's room. Since there was no hindrance, they were now free to do whatever they wanted for the rest of the day. Ray was interested in going to a café so they did just that. Since just doing that by itself wasn't that fun with two people, Benjamin found a place similar to the one he went to with his female friends, where it was possible to play board games. He asked his cousin to try it and he readily agreed since it seemed which café they went to didn't matter to him.
Ray went to a local middle school. There wasn't any fancy store to his taste around there so he wanted to try some places in the bigger city. They rode a bus to get there and when they arrived at the place, they found a few other people using the facilities to play too. They asked if they could join them and had a good time together for the rest of the afternoon. As for the menu, Benjamin still had plenty of leftover money from work so he told Ray he could get whatever he wanted. He was extra happy when he realized his cousin would pay for everything.
After enjoying themselves to their heart content, they rode the bus back home, just in time for dinner. Everyone talked about their day, with the girls apparently having gone to the pool, and chatted for the rest of the evening. Halle asked for news about the rest of the family and the topics after that were mostly focused on this. She was also satisfied that the girls didn't create any trouble yet, giving her a respite for the time being.
The next couple of days passed similarly, with the boys and girls doing their things while Halle worked during the day. On Tuesday morning, there was a small happening. Ray received a call from one of his friends and looked troubled. He sent glances at Benjamin a few times before finally apologizing to him.
"Sorry, Ben, I need to get to him."
"No worries, you should take care of your friends."
"Thanks! I'll see you later."
He finished his breakfast quickly and immediately left the house. As soon as he was gone, Kiana gave a big smile while looking at Benjamin first and then at Chloe, who grinned back at her. Olivia had a weird face too, which was hard to decipher.
"Ben, join us for today!"
"Sure, let's do that."
"Yes!"
Kiana was abnormally happy, something which didn't escape her mother's eyes.
"Ben, don't let them do anything stupid, okay? Girls, you better behave today."
They all nodded but their smiles didn't relent in the least and it was obvious the words had gone in one ear and out the other. Halle could only hope that the combination of Benjamin and Olivia would be enough to stop the two little troublemakers.
After breakfast, she went back to work and Kiana invited everyone to her room, saying she wanted to show something to Benjamin. There was no way the mischievous girl would have anything normal for him but he decided to follow anyway, curious about whatever she had in store for him. In the house, Halle's room was on the first floor while Kiana and Ray's rooms were on the second floor. Once they were all up there, Kiana closed the door and locked it, which was already very suspicious, only to take her phone out and show him a specific application.
"Tadaa! Look at this, Ben. It's a newly released hypnosis app, they say it works incredibly well. Do you want to try it?"
As expected, it was nothing good.