After my identity was revealed, Yuan had become noticeably more wary of me. His body language was tense, and the usual ease in his demeanor had been replaced by caution. It didn't take long before Lory picked up on the awkward atmosphere between us.
"Why are you so tense?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity. "It's like you have something to hide from me."
Yuan quickly waved his hand dismissively, but his eyes betrayed him. His gaze briefly flickered toward me before he looked away, avoiding my eyes entirely. I internally sighed, regretting ever revealing myself to him. He probably thought of me as some kind of ruthless killer now.
"Nope," Craige finally responded, trying to sound casual. "How was school? Did anyone dare mess with my brother and sister?"
"No! There's no one," Yuan answered immediately, almost too quickly. I knew exactly what was running through his mind—now that he knew who I was, he probably thought I went around killing people whenever I pleased. But the truth was, because of him and Lory, I had learned to control my temper. The old me wouldn't have hesitated to deal with people who crossed me.
Breakfast passed in relative silence, but before we left for school, I pulled Lory aside. "If anyone ever tries to bully you, just tell me," I said firmly.
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're joking, right?" she giggled, not taking me seriously.
I smirked but didn't push the issue. Yuan remained quiet as always, but I could tell his mind was still preoccupied. He probably still couldn't believe what I had told him.
When we arrived at school and entered the gate, a group of students immediately approached me. Their expressions were serious, their stance almost menacing.
"Boss wants to see you," one of them said.
I raised an eyebrow. What was this bastard thinking? Curiosity got the better of me, so I allowed them to lead me to the back of the gym.
There, sitting on a chair with a gun in his hand, was a student who clearly thought he ran the place. He lit a cigarette, took a long drag, and then casually blew the smoke right into my face as I approached.
"You're the one who took down that gangster, Neo, right?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with something dangerous. "That idiot made a fool of himself, but I can't afford to overlook someone like you. Join my gang."
I almost laughed at the absurdity of it. A bunch of idiots leeching off people they thought could be useful.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice firm. "But I refuse."
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The group tensed, their expressions darkening. Before I could react, one of them stepped forward aggressively.
"Hey! You dare refuse the boss—"
"It's okay, Jake," the so-called boss interrupted, raising a hand. "It's a pity I can't have someone like you in my group. But thanks for coming."
His tone was smooth, almost polite, but I knew better. It was a clear threat. This arrogant bastard thought he ruled the school, playing the part of a kingpin in some juvenile crime syndicate. If this had been the old me, I would have made sure they learned a lesson they wouldn't forget. But I wasn't an assassin anymore. I was just a normal person.
Or at least, I was trying to be.
"Yeah, thank you for understanding," I replied smoothly, keeping my expression neutral.
They let me go, but I wasn't stupid. I could feel the weight of their stares on my back as I walked away. They were planning something. They thought they could break me.
I smirked to myself.
Let them try.
If they wanted to play, I'd make sure they regretted it.
When I entered the classroom, a group of students had gathered in a tight circle, whispering among themselves. My eyes scanned the scene, and that's when I saw him—the guy I had humiliated last time. He was standing over my seatmate, slapping him repeatedly across the face.
I didn't care what he was doing. It wasn't my problem. Without hesitation, I walked towards my chair, ignoring the commotion. However, as I passed by, he caught sight of me. Our eyes locked. His confidence faltered, and he quickly averted his gaze, halting his actions as if my mere presence had reminded him of the last time we crossed paths. Satisfied, I plopped down onto my chair, resting my head on my arms, ready to take a nap.
But just as I was about to close my eyes, I felt a weak, trembling hand touch my sleeve.
"Help me…" the voice was barely above a whisper.
I turned my head slightly and saw my seatmate looking at me with wide, fearful eyes. His body was shaking, his grip on my clothes desperate. I sighed, already knowing where this was going.
"Sorry, but it's not my business to get involved," I muttered, brushing him off.
But he tightened his hold on me, his fingers trembling against my sleeve. His entire body radiated pure helplessness.
"I'm begging you…" he croaked out, his voice barely holding together. "They're going to kill me. Today."
I frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"I received a death note from Abyss. They said I won't make it past today."
Abyss? That name rang a bell. I had heard whispers about them—a brutal underground gang that operated in the shadows, eliminating anyone who got in their way. Their reputation wasn't built on rumors alone.
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "If you're scared, why not report it to a teacher or the police? Surely, they'll help you."
"They won't," he cut in quickly, shaking his head. "Do you think Abyss is just some cheap gang? They have people everywhere. Even the police won't dare touch them. If they want you dead, you're dead. No matter where you run."
I leaned back in my chair, considering his words. If even the police were involved, then this was bigger than just some high school turf war.
I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Alright then, how about this—you pay me, and I'll protect you for today."
His eyes widened in disbelief. "R-Really?"
I smirked. "I need money anyway. Lory's birthday is coming up, and I need to buy her a gift. Even with my job, my expenses barely cover my needs. So, if you want protection, it's going to cost you."
It was embarrassing to admit, but money was money. A normal job didn't pay much, and if I could earn some extra cash while keeping this guy alive, then why not?
I'll pay! whatever it is, Just don't let them kill me."
I sighed again, already regretting getting involved.
"Alright," I muttered, standing up. "Let's see who's stupid enough to try and mess with you while I'm around."