I was able to escape Lyde's crazy friends, all thanks to Keto. Though I had a new trouble that I need to deal with. "…so tell me, how did you even confess? That takes a lot of guts."
"I just did."
"HOW!?"
"I TOLD YOU I JUST DID!" It was really frustrating the heck out of Keto. He can't believe that I can confess without a problem. Although what happened wasn't exactly like that at all.
"Damn, how do you even tell someone you like them without getting scared? You're probably not human." The nerve of this asshole!
"You see Keto, it's not just about telling the person how you feel for them. It's about the right time and the right place… when your guts tell you to do it, then do it."
"But what if she rejects you? What if she cut ties with you or make fun about your feelings?"
"…then there's probably nothing else to lose. Actually, there really is nothing. If that's the case of your problem, don't you think it's about time to realize that she's not meant for you and that you should start moving on."
Keto fell silent as I gave him my advice. The dude obviously looks upset about it.
"And didn't that teacher said she's going to get married? It's crystal clear that you two aren't meant to be together."
"…tsk, shut up. I know that well myself." He hissed.
"Sure, alright then." And as we kept walking, I can't help but laugh silently. It's really surprising how Keto talks about confessing sensitively. Who would've know that a rough delinquent can be so vulnerable and fragile too.
"I swear, if words gets out of your mouth about this. I'm going to kill you." He suddenly threatened. He must have noticed that I was holding back my laughter.
"Like hell I'd do that, I don't want to get beaten." He may be a little calmer now, but he can still throw a punch that can hurt like hell.
"Pff… right." Despite his threat, we both ended laughing about it.
For the first time, it felt like I'm finally friends with Keto.
I hope everything goes well onwards. Though I still need to think of a way to quit the gang and live my own life after.
Since it just crossed my mind. What will happen to Keto if I were to go back as Lynn?
Even if he was forgiven by Ian, I'm still not sure if Lyde and his friends will be able to let him be with them. Should I tell Keto the truth about myself?—nah, that's hella crazy!
Maybe I'll just think about that later on.
___
Keto's pov
Before I can get back home, I received a message from Ren saying that we have an emergency meeting. I didn't want to go and see their faces, but if I don't go, Ren will definitely put hell on me.
And as I reached the ally we have to meet at, they were already there. "You like showing up late, don't you?" said Lexi. The rest shot glares at me, except Ash.
It's been a while since I last saw them, I guess they all decided to treat me like shit now.
"Sorry." I muttered.
"Moving on. We all have another fucking urgent problem to solve." Jin announced with his arms crossed. From the looks of it, this might be serious.
"Yes, and it's a matter unrelated to the Neutral Faction if you guys are wondering." Ren sighed and pinched between his eyes. "…some idiots from an unheard gang is attempting to take over our turf, little by little. These assholes, they need a fucking lesson about who's they're dealing with."
Another fucking gang war. Great.
That's the last thing I wanted to do right now.
"When are we gonna deal with these assholes?" Damien asked.
"…the night after tomorrow. Exactly under the west bridge, everybody got that?"
"Understood." As everything's decided, they quickly dismissed the meeting. Everyone else had gone on their own ways while Ren had me stay for a bit.
Is this asshole gonna beat me up again?
"Keith…" I flinched as he called me by my real name. "Keto is a nickname I gave you when I let you join my gang, right?"
Right, it was him who gave me the nickname.
"Y-Yes?…" He's sort of confusing me. I have no idea what he wants to tell me.
"Nickname and titles, you've got a lot of them. And those are all proof of how much a great member you are in the gang." He faked a smile and leaned forward while sitting. "Do you think you deserve all that?"
Do I deserve it all? To be honest, I don't fucking know anymore. I remained silent as he continued.
"Last time will be the last chance I'm giving you. Prove your only worth, or else I'll kick you out of your position." So we're ending up with threatening me with my position in the gang again, huh?
Recently, I feel like I couldn't care less anymore. But a part of me still wants to hold on.
"I understand."
"Alright, Keith. You can go now." Hearing my name from Ren again. It's certainly weird since he always called me by the nickname he gave me.
Then while going back home, I can't stop thinking how i'm going to maintain that damn position of mine. Although Ren seems like he'll replace me anytime sooner even if I did well.
Being the perfect gang where none of its leaders are flawed has gone into his head, so he's starting to get rid of anyone who can ruin the image he's showing off. He's so different from how we used to be when we weren't a scoouted by the Neutral Faction yet.
And I don't think I can be in the gang any longer even if I want to.
I might have to quit soon.