Erin Kim's POV
"Everyone but Miss Kim has failed this week's calculus test." Ms. Carla Baker, our homeroom teacher, said. "So I expect you all to stay in your seats to take your remedial. If Miss Kim also wants to take the remedial tests, she can... but if not, she can leave the classroom for an early break."
Turning to me, Ms. Baker asked. "What do you say, Miss Kim?"
"As much as I would love to stay for another test.. I have somewhere I need to be." I told her, packing my things.
She let out a sigh before looking at me again. "Alright, Miss Kim. You may leave. The rest of you, get a whole sheet of paper. We're going to have a MOCK remedial test."
I grab my bag and walked quietly over outside. Before I could even walk towards the lockers though, someone tapped me behind the shoulder. It was Derek Smith, the handsome goody-two shoes of Hillside Academy.
"Miss Kim, you seem to have dropped your ballpoint pen." He tells me, handing me the item.
"Oh, thanks Derek." I said, grabbing it from his hand and stuffing it into my pocket.
He looks at me strangely before giving a smile. "What made you leave this early in the afternoon? Are you sick?"
I shook my head. "No. I have to meet up with Lucas Winthropt to tutor him regarding his subjects."
"Let me accompany you, then." Derek tells me.
"Uhm, what?"
"I just saw Mr Winthropt with Mr Pierce over at Councillor Sawyer's office." Derek says. "I believe you need someone to accompany you outside whilst you wait?"
"It's not really necessary, but alright." I told him, walking straight ahead. "You may follow me if you wa-"
Suddenly, he grabs me by the arm while laughing. "Don't just leave me like that. Let's walk together."
A bit weirded out, I reluctantly accepted as I really wasn't planning on hurting a schoolmate, much less a school celebrity.
On our way to the parking lot (where Lucas told me to meet with him), we talked about the favourite shows and hobbies.
"You know, you really shouldn't be walking alone all the time." Derek tells me.
"Why is that?" I asked, eyebrows raised. "And how did you know I walk alone?"
"You're always alone, Miss Kim." Derek answers. "Well, there have been a lot of... troubling... cases lately."
"The Hillside Reaper?"
"Precisely." Derek says as we both take a sit down a nearby bench. "The police are still struggling to catch him... but it's all coming to a close."
"With all the patrols coming in and out of the streets and the curfew... I doubt the Killer has anything left in store." I told him. "Besides, I know how to handle myself."
The two of us watch as Lucas, along with William, exit the home building and into their cars.
"Looks like your date is here." Derek comments, standing up.
"Thanks for accompanying me."
He shakes his head as he gives me a piece of paper. "It is no problem, Miss Kim."
I take the paper from his hand. "What's this?"
"My phone number." Derek smiles as he walks ahead of me towards the parking lot. "Just in case you need anything!"
Weird. He never acted this way before. Maybe something happened?
Analyzing my plans for the day, I approach Lucas as he was just entering his vehicle, a beautiful 2018 Ferrari 488 gtb.
"Who was that?" Lucas asked.
"What?"
"The man you were just with." Lucas continued. "You're boyfriend?"
"Excuse me?" I exclaimed. "Who do you think I am?"
He grins. "I was just playing with you. Get in, I have practice at exactly 2 hours from now."
Just as I literally closed the door, Lucas sped away. He seems to be i a hurry.
On the way to his house (which is supposed to be at the 21st Olive Street), he kept glancing on the side mirror. Of course, having just PERSONALLY known him today, I took the liberty of staying at the back seat.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, he finally spoke up. "Do you mind if we stop by the Burger Joint first?"
I shook my head. "No. Take your time."
I was getting a free ride, either way.
He slowed down a few meters before the burger joint and took a turn. Having been analyzing routes this entire time, I finally notice that he was going to pull over an alley.
"Hey, is this-"
"My perfect parking spot." Lucas informs me, pulling over. "The main road had trees, and the drive through seems to be under a bit of construction."
I nod. "I-I see."
My gut was telling me that something was about to go horribly wrong.
He got out of the car. "Wait here. I'll be back in a moment."
...
Silence.
I waited for Lucas at the back of his brand new sports car. What if a thief manages to break in here before he returns? This neighborhood is said to be home to notorious gang members.
"What if.." I thought to myself. "The Hillside Reaper-"
I was suddenly taken aback when something tapped its finger across the window. Preparing for the worst, I slowly turn my head.
..
It was only Officer Gerald Morgan. He and my dad had been friends for years now, and I have always treated him as an uncle.
"Nice car, Erin." Officer Morgan tells me as I got the window to roll over.
"Er... it's not mine." I tell him bluntly.
He inspects the car one more time before continuing. "Your boyfriend?"
"N-no!" I told him. "You personally know that-"
"Just kidding, Erin." He laughs.
Just as Officer Morgan breaks into a smile, Lucas pats him gently at the back, Burgers and drinks at hand.
Lucas says in a friendly manner. "Is there a problem, officer?"
Officer Morgan looks at him before returning the friendly gesture. "Oh, nothing much."
"Except it's illegal to park your car here." Officer Morgan continues.
"Oh, alright. I'm sorry." Lucas apologizes. "I'll be taking the ticket, please."
Officer Morgan shakes his head. "No need. I was about to write you one when I noticed that you were with my lovely god daughter."
Lucas looks at me before looking right back at him. "You know Miss Kim?"
"Of course. I owe her father one." Officer Morgan gives me a smile.
Fixing his belt, the police officer let us go with a warning, waving good bye and wishing us well.
"Take care of her, you hear?!" Officer Morgan shouts.
"No problem, Officer!" Lucas shouts back.
"I'm right here, you know." I said in a low tone.
Lucas backs away from the alley, and before I knew it, we were back in the main highway.
For a second there, I observed his hand gripping the steering wheel very tensely.
"Damn it.."
"Did you say something?" I said.
He looked through the side mirror once more. "Hmm? No, I did not."
Strange. I must have had a long day already. Probably all that food I was having.
We're almost at his house.. and I'm starting to feel a little woozy..