Lynn's pov
I hoped that Keto would be the one dropping me off. But since he just rode on Ash's bike, I had to ask Ren for a lift instead. It was sort of embarassing for me because of how I awkwardly asked him. Though it was cool to know that Ren isn't as mean and scary as Keto.
While we were still on the road, the streets were already quiet now that it's late at night. I can clearly hear Ren humming a song to himself. I can't tell what song it was but it was soothing to my ears, he might be a good singer.
"…you know, I thought you won't be coming back earlier." He suddenly spoke. "You left without saying anything and left so quick. I really thought you wouldn't come back, but why?"
That kept running on my mind as well. It was the perfect opportunity to quit the gang and have a peaceful life but…
'It's fine to quit on us, you know? I don't need weak cowards on my team.' Ren's word back there kept repeating in my head. And it felt unacceptable to be called weak and a coward. "I guess my pride took over because of those insults. Even though it was the perfect opportunity to get over with Lyde's problems, I can't help but show off all those years of trai—" I immediately covered my mouth.
"Hmm? What was that?" AHH!! I ALMOST GOT MYSELF EXPOSED!
"I-I said t-turning back isn't an option!"
"Now that's pretty manly of you." He complimented. But a part of me can't accept it because I'm a girl. How can a girl be manly? That's unacceptable too! "Earlier you must have notice how small Wild Beast is compared to the Exitiums…"
"Yeah, I did."
"Well that's because I don't like weak idiots. I don't care if they say I'm picky with members, all that matters to me are people with great strength and strong willed. And with how Wild Beasts is progressing these days, I can say we're successful enough to beat down larger groups even with just a small number of members."
The battle against Exitiums earlier was really intimidating when I noticed that they outnumbered Wild Beasts. It made me think that we'll be doomed, but it impressed me how Wild Beasts fought bravely until victory and showed how durable they are.
Though it was also the Exitium's fault for overestimating themselves. Just because they have more members doesn't mean that it'll guarantee victory. Their members were weak as hell and was too easy to deal with, and with their gang leader's overconfidence, they were the ones doomed from the start.
Underestimating the enemy is the worst mistake. And as for Ren, he got me impressed again. He thinks things through pretty well for a delinquent.
_____
Ren's pov
Giving Lyde a lift wasn't so bad. Though it was boring as heck since I feel like he's trying to play safe. Can't blame him anyway, anyone can be scared if they're stuck with someone dangerous.
"…sorry to drop you off here. I just remembered that I have some place to go." I told him.
As he got off the motorbike, he gave back the helmet I lended and politely thanked me. "Not a problem. Thanks for the lift, Ren—I mean, boss."
"Hey… don't regret coming back, alright? You're officially one of us now, so don't ever think of running away." I added.
His kind smiling face immediately turned into a challenged one. I could see determination in his eyes but for a moment there, something felt suspicious about him. "I won't run away. I swear I won't." He assured.
"Good to know."
As the guy left, I brought out my phone to check the message. Earlier while I was talking with Lyde, I knew my phone rang faintly. And it got me thrilled to see a message from someone I expected. They must be around to witness the gang war earlier, so it's not worth wondering why they sent me a message. Still, I'm thrilled.
After reading the message, I called them back. "Hello?"
"…you could've just emailed back."
"No way, you guys reply too slow. Anyway, the reapers are still working under the neutral faction, right?"
"Are you going to decline the offer if they're not with us anymore?"
I chuckled at his question. "Of course. Who would want to work for assholes like you guys?"
"Hey! It was hard for me to find a chance to get you back in the league, you should atleast be thankful to me. You ungreatful hooligan." He furiously yelled on the other line, his tone kept getting higher and higher. It was too funny hearing him like that so I paused to calm myself down before talking again.
"Alright, alright. I assume they're still working for the neutral faction so I'll accept the offer."
"Fine, we'll discuss this tomorrow."
"How about I come there right away? The sooner we discuss stuff, the faster the process." It's a good thing I'm done dropping him off.
"…I don't like minors in my club. Kids should be in bed at this hour." How mean.
"Oi, I'm already old enough not to be called a minor. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Tsk. Fine." The call ended there and I went straight ahead to the place where I have to meet them.