Prior to the current day, in the middle of the night.

During that night, after I had dinner and was tired of texting Hyunda without him replying back, he gave me a call.

The reason that he wasn't replying is that his supervisor doesn't allow any technology in the middle of the dinner.

I will kill that supervisor someday. How dare you establish such an illogical rule like that?

"Hello! Hello! I see that you have finished your dinner! That's it, right?!"

"Yeah. You don't need to text me when I'm away. Because if I can't reply to you, then there's not much of a point."

"You don't need to worry about that! Even when you are away, I'll make sure to be there for you, alright?!"

This is perfect timing, though. I'm just out of the shower and in the middle of dressing myself up to sleep, but who would've thought that he would call me at such a convenient time!

"Thanks. However, I need to have a serious talk with you. Is that fine? Or are you going to sleep?"

What?! A serious talk...? Could it be...? Could it be that he's finally!

"Um, no, not at all. Go ahead. Take as long as you'd like, dar--- Hyunda."

Almost saying that word intentionally, I comfortably took a seat in my bed while I dried my long wet hair.

Late-night talks... I really do enjoy that. Thank you for making me have this amazing discovery. Okay. Let's do it more, my love.

"I got a favor to ask. A favor that you might not initially accept but nonetheless, I need you to do it. I feel bad for resorting to this but this is part of the deal and you are not allowed to disobey me."

.....

"Um... Fine... But, what is this favor that you speak of?"

Love, this isn't exactly a favor. It's more like an order and I will gladly do it for you, but, if you go ahead and suggest something nonsensical, then I might just...

"Around the afternoon, I will need to create a diversion. Simply put, from 3 pm onward, I will need to vanish without a trace. And I don't want to be found out."

"I can go with you, right?"

"No, you can't. But here is the tricky part. There will be people after me, so to say. Daniel and Yulia are for certain. However, if there are more to the task, then I will need your assistance."

"Wait, wait. Are you suggesting that you need to stay away from me when it's 3 pm?! Why?!"

Your orders are so confusing! Why do you toy with my heart like that, Hyunda?!

"I'm not explaining why. But, you need to do your part. I need you to trick those around you into thinking that in the middle of the afternoon after I went inside the bathroom, you then lost sight of me and you somehow couldn't find me."

That's literally impossible. I will never lose sight of you. A damn bathroom can't keep me away from you. Not possible, sorry.

But, go on, I guess.

"Furthermore, I need you to come up with a valid excuse that would make those around you believe in your words. I trust that you can handle that?"

"Sure, I can do that!"

"Great. Also, go to the viewpoint and pretend that you are looking for me while viewing the binoculars and telescopes. Simultaneously, I need you to pretend like you are texting me and calling me. Actually, not pretending. Just go ahead and do so."

"Um, okay, I understand everything thus far. Except for one thing but you probably won't explain, right? But, I really need to know. Why do you want me to do all of this exactly? Please, give me a single logic."

I wouldn't bother to question you, my love. But when you literally suggest that I need to stay away from you, then you surely must've seen miles away that I would be mad about this.

How can you expect me to be calm when you propose something as illogical as distance?! Look what happened last time! I had to kill someone!

"I won't explain to you the reason. Also, this will go on until 7 pm."

"Wait! Wait! Wait just a second! Are you implying that you are you going to stay away for not one, not two, not three, but four hours?! No, rejected. Not accepting this."

"Then we're done here. Good nig--"

"Wait! Don't... say that! That's so unfair... You're always doing that..."

"Arkalee, that's what the deal implied. And besides, I really need your help here. I'm not sure if you realize but I don't exactly like to rely on others as I prefer to be independent for the most part."

Of course, I noticed that. I'm aware that it's a miracle that you rely on me and I definitely want it to remain that way because the last time that I tried to reject your offer you almost invited that bitch Ikkiri to do your task!

Unthinkable!

"Okay, sorry. I was being stupid. However, if you don't mind, I would like to establish a few rules when you are away. I don't know how I'm going to deal with your absence but since you really need to be away FOR SOME REASON, I am willing to let it slide."

"What are the rules, Arkalee?"

"Um, okay. So, listen. I don't know why you have to be away but you aren't allowed to talk to other girls. Avoid that. You have to promise me that! Also, if they talk to you, ignore them. Pretend that they don't exist. Furthermore, you will have to tell me what you did after you are done with your endeavor, okay? I trust that you won't break this. Please."

"Sure, I don't mind. One last thing. You need to seek help from your surroundings that will eventually find you at the viewpoint and try to decipher my location."

Wait...

"But doesn't that mean that your location will be exposed...? I can find your location really easily, you know."

I am not sure why you are thinking that you can hide from me, but okay. If you want to be found that badly, then sure. I'll do that. I don't like this 'distance' thing you are implying and suggesting indirectly.

"You're only allowed to try after the individuals meet up with you. Before that, you are not allowed. After that, you are free to do that. However, rely on them. As you by yourself won't be able to decipher it, supposedly."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Why are you undermining me so much, love? I really, really, love you so staying away from you is like asking me to throw myself down a cliff and just end it all, but I guess you don't realize that's what you are literally implying, haha.

"Mhm, I see. So you think you can do it. Fine. Tomorrow, when this starts, you have until 7 pm to find me. However, only if you use the individuals' help."

"About that... You mentioned that it would be Daniel and Yulia, but who are the others?"

"I don't know for sure. It will depend on the capacity of a certain individual. If that individual is capable, then the individual should be able to bring along 2 other individuals. With that said, that would be all."

"Aye..."

Anti-climatic... I thought that we would have a heart to heart talk and ask a few questions while trading some good laughs but you just went ahead and contacted me out of interest and not even the interest that I like...

Okay, this definitely can't end like this...

"Um, Hyunda, before you go. I have a question. It's really strange. But, listen, please."

"Sure, ask away."

It's really embarrassing, but I'll ask him anyway. We are fairly close by now and he only relies on me, so it's only normal that I start making these types of questions.

I am sure that this is normal at some point, right? At one point, in a romantic relationship, well, I understand that we aren't there quite yet, but I want to take it to another level, so...

"What do you masturbate to?"

"Bold question. I thought that you were more reserved than that. Before I answer that, to what exactly do you masturbate? Remember, be hon--"

"Um, you."

Ah, oops. I said it. Well, it just... Yeah, whatever. I'm tired of holding back.

I'm dropping all the signals and you aren't doing anything sooooooo.

I'm sorta fucking losing it, you see.

"I was going to say that you had to be honest, but you went ahead and done that. Congrats. We are now talking on a more mutual level. You don't hide as much as you used to. So, how do you feel now that you have told me one of your true thoughts?"

"Wait... Does this mean that you are okay with me masturbating to you?"

Gosh, why didn't you just say so? That just makes me really, really happy.

"I was more preoccupied with the fact that you were hiding your true thoughts far too much, Arkalee. It's not good for you if you keep on doing that. But, well, I honestly wasn't expecting you to say something like that."

"As I thought I really sounded weird just now..."

"I don't find you to be weird. But, since you said that, I just felt flattered. Don't try this with other people though, they will get creeped out."

"I will never try this with other people though."

We are without a doubt meant to be. This talk, right here, is entirely personal and quite frankly, embarrassing yet if I'm having with the one I love, then it's a sign right!? That we will be together forever and ever!

"By the way, for how long have you been doing this, Arkalee?"

"Maybe for a little bit. A few weeks or so? Hahaha, sorry... But, you're not creeped out, right? Or are you? I need to know if you are feeling uncomfortable or not. I can stop if you are."

Though, it would be a real shame. This is our moment in privacy! Yes! It's supposed to be like this! Talk to me in a way that you won't talk to others!

You did say that you were going to treat me specially and I can see now! Thank you so much!

"No, I'm not. Does masturbating to me making you happy?"

"Um, yes. Very much, yes. But, you haven't answered my question. What exactly do you masturbate to?"

I just want to know if you...

"Do you want to know what I masturbate to? The subject of my masturbation or rather... Do you want to know if there is a chance that I might masturbate to you?"

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Ah, yeah, that's i---"

Huh... Wait, he actually said it! Oh my god! I'm freaking out! I'm so damn happy that I'm jumping on my bed right now!

This is actually happening!

"Instead of answering that question though, I can do the latter if you find me tomorrow."

"Okay! Okay! I really will find you! You are literally not escaping me, hahaha! I mean this, haha!"

Definitely, definitely, tomorrow, I am catching you! Hahaha, what the hell, love? Are you seriously thinking that you can just go and escape me? Okay, sure, I don't mind that adorable stupidity of yours, but I really, really won't let you escape.

Which brings us to the current time...

4 pm.

On the viewpoint's edge, I just witnessed something interesting happen.

As Daniel was doing something on his phone, Kawahara brutally snatched it away from him for a specific reason, which was completely unknown to me.

"Dan."

".....Yeah?"

Kawahara, on an almost angry voice tone, looked at Daniel's phone with an impatient tone.

As Hyunda said, Daniel and Yulia would come along and possibly two other individuals. I never thought that they would be Tatsu and Kawahara.

Noticeably, earlier, I was far more open about my feelings already declaring my love openly for Hyunda to all of them. Your talk last night has helped me come to terms with this trouble of mine and this lack of honesty.

Okay, this is like, fine, love. Because, if being honest means growing closer, then yes, I agree. However, this distance thing. I discord. Where are you right now? True to be told, I have scouted every possible area in the school... Well, not all. It's far too long.

I just hope you haven't forgotten the rules, haha.

"Your phone sucks. It doesn't have the 'recently deleted' option in the messaging app. What the fuck is that? Plus, you---"

"Kawahara, give it back! It's none of your business!"

Reaching out to Kawahara aggressively, Yulia erupted from her seat in a feat of rage and attempted to snatch away Daniel's phone, but Kawahara, on the other hand, simply gave her back.

"Yeah, here. I have no use for it now. Dan, I'm positive that if you just told the bastard to hide in a convenient place a while ago, but it didn't happen while I was here because I've been looking at you this whole time. Funny enough, you only got the urge to check your phone when I started to have the thought of checking your phone. However, that wasn't you, was it? I know for a fact that you wouldn't pull out something that clever at the last second. It was him, wasn't it?"

Ugh, Kawahara takes way too long to speak. Plus, we are not getting anywhere.

I'll just intervene.

"Kawahara, didn't you say that you'd find Hyunda's location in less than five minutes? What happened to that?"

Swiftly, he turned around to glance upon me with a mocking smile that reflected his enormous stupid ego.

"Simmer down, crybaby. It's not that easy now. Because, it's not going to work, most likely. No, I'm one-hundred percent certain that it won't work now."

"Hold on! What changed?!"

"What? Can't you tell? Daniel just went out of his way to tell the bastard to hide properly and considering that I'm up against him, I sincerely doubt that my usual methods will work now."

.........?

I don't understand. Why is Kawahara still claiming that Daniel did that? Hyunda wouldn't rely on Daniel. He only relies on me. That's unthinkable.

Kawahara's speaking nonsense yet I wasn't the one who argued back subsequently.

Instead, it was Yulia.

"Can you stop accusing him!? He didn't do it! You're just making excuses because your methods won't work now."

"Certainly, they won't. But, that's only because Daniel did that. However, that's an interesting approach. I respect that, Daniel. I won't be mad about this because you just went and made this a whole lot more fun. If my usual methods for finding out someone's location won't work, then I'll step my game up. I'll be using all of your brains, so let's square up and have a proper meeting. To the plaza!"

?

What? I won't come. I'll just keep on searching for Hyunda.

"Hey, crybaby! What are you doing?! We are going to the plaza, don't be dramatic and come along. You aren't going to find him. You don't understand a single thing about that bastard's mind."

"Oh, and you suddenly do? I'm not going!"

Why do I have to come along? Just because Yulia and Daniel are on their way out of the viewpoint already, that doesn't mean that I will accept this.

Plus, what the hell? I don't understand a single thing about Hyunda? Fuck you. Die. I understand him so much better than you do!

"Oi, are you seriously defying me, bitch?"

"I'm not a 'bitch'. Piss off, I'm busy."

Yulia and Daniel are gone and so, only Kawahara and I are here on the viewpoint, so being slightly aggressive doesn't exactly ruin my image.

"Then you are fine with me telling everyone else what you did."

"What are you talking about? You're awful at throwing ultimatums."

"But, Arkalee, I know. Everything. You surely must've fucking laughed a couple of times and you might've thought of yourself as some sort of genius but it was all so obvious that it's peak comedy how no one else has noticed it."

"Again, what are you talking about!?"

Throwing a coin that he had reserved in his left pocket to the air, as the toss reached his pulse after he looked at the result, Kawahara spoke once more.

"Lucky you. Or not. I know all of it. You're behind the Ikkiri drama."

"No, I am not."

"Of course you'll deny it. I have no evidence here. You did work yourself well on that part. But it's really obvious it was you."

"Believe what you want, it wasn't me."

That's just baseless. He doesn't have evidence, so he can't do anything about this.

"I'll start spreading rumors then. Or, you can be a good bitch and come along. Which one is it gonna be?"

"You're nonsensical. I won't fall for your taunt. Go ahead and spread those lies then. I didn't do it."

"Did what, Arkalee?"

What's with that question? You literally said it yourself, you insolent conceived pig.

"Writing down those hateful words at Ikkiri. I wouldn't do anything so horrible!"

For now, at least.

"Hahaha!"

But suddenly, amidst this lonesome atmosphere, Kawahara, with his right hand, took ahold of his abdomen and fell on the floor laughing while simultaneously rolling on the floor too.

"...What's so funny?"

Despite me saying this, it didn't stop him from laughing still.

Only after ten seconds did he get up and confront me again.

"Oh... Hah, I was laughing at your stupidity. It's really fucking massive. Also, you're really dumb. But, like, really dumb, Arkalee. Probably the dumbest bitch I've ever encountered and that's saying so fucking much, buhahaha!!!"

"Oh yeah!? And how am I stupid and dumb?! You're just throwing illogical insults to hurt my feelings, you vile creature!"

"Ah, they are not illogical though. I was laughing because I claimed that you were behind the Ikkiri drama and you denied it."

"Yeah, so?!"

"But then, when I asked 'Did what, Arkalee?', you literally replied with a different answer! I claimed previously that you were behind the Ikkiri drama and you denied it yet a second later, your response to my provocation was 'Writing down those hateful words at Ikkiri. I wouldn't do anything so horrible!'! You dumb bitch, that's a completely different thing yet you didn't realize it!"

O-Oh no, I...

No, no. Keep calm, don't fall for his provocation. That was just a slip, that's all. Maintain your posture!

Don't let him intimidate you!

"Hey, Arkalee. There's no need to deny it. I do seriously think that with a few adjustments, your plan could be flawless. But, it's really not. You have my praise. Still, come along. Or else I'll expose the entire truth. You might not believe me, but I can argue through everything and convince a person that my words are the absolute truth. In other words, I can make everyone in our class believe that it was you who did it."

Kawahara is someone I need to keep my eyes on... He doesn't shut up nor knows how to behave in a civil manner for the most part, as he just loves to boast about his thoughts and whatnot.

I might have to get rid of him...

"Okay, I'll come along. Only because I need to find Hyunda. You will find his location, right?"

"Maybe. I can, without a doubt, find the location where he has been, no doubt, but there's a slim chance that the bastard might be onto something already."

"So you can't do it?!"

"No, that's not what I said. I can find his location. However, finding the bastard might be far too sketchy of a task."

Huh....!?

"What?! That doesn't make any sense! You either find him or you don't!"

"Ah, you're so fucking retarded. You didn't get what I just meant to say, did you? Well, whatever, we are losing time here. Or, is that your aim? To lose time. If not, then come along. You will benefit greatly."

"Fine..."

There is one thing I know for certain. For some reason, Kawahara wishes to track down Hyunda's location and there's also the fact that Kawahara is demonstrating a persistent attitude about this topic.

Something tells me that I will benefit greatly from this.

6 pm. Theaters.

"Okay! I'm back! That was so fast that I'm surprised that there weren't any people in the line! Even the receptionist was surprised!"

On my way back to meet Hyunda, I had the tickets with me and thus, we could re-enter the theater room once more just by handing them out to the guard that was on the hall's entrance.

Hyunda, was still in the same position, with his back against the wall, looking into the middle of the air, as if in a daze. With his legs fully extended yet with his right knee slowly retracted, he whispered some words to himself.

"My time is limited..."

And from the looks of it, he probably didn't pay much attention to the words I have just spoken.

"How so?"

Nevertheless, I still asked that, when I reached his side.

This current behavior of his was so more like him. Precisely speaking, he looks to be dwelling in very long deep thoughts; almost like he's not aware of his current surroundings. Yet, despite that, he immediately looked at me before speaking.

"How long until the movie starts?"

"Three or four minutes... Why?"

"I see. I've told you that I can't exactly reveal my location right now, right?"

"Yes..."

"I forgot to fix something preemptively, so I really can't do it on my own..."

What?

Does he need help?

"What's wrong? Are these people disturbing you?"

"Somewhat. However, that's not exactly a problem if a certain thing is done. Could you help me out?"

"Oh, does it involve one of those thrills again?"

"You could say that."

It should be fine as long as the same incident doesn't happen again, surely.

Be 'incident', I mean that unfortunate turn of events where he got to look at what he shouldn't have.

"So, tell me about it, Hyunda."

As I said this, Hyunda started to take something out of his right pocket and as soon as I saw what it was, my jaw fell down a few centimeters.

Furthermore, I couldn't help but express shock as well.

"H-Hyunda! How do you...!?"

"I need you to give this packet of notes to the receptionist and tell him that he can have it if he does one very simple thing. That being: He has to lie in the case that someone asks if a silver-haired boy is inside the theater's rooms. Tell him that he has to affirm that a silver-haired boy is not here. Furthermore, he also has to further claim that a silver-haired boy just passed by five minutes ago and went straight to the dining area. That'll be all."

"W-Wait! I'm not sure if I can do all of this... It's way too confusing, Hyunda!"

There are so many details and just way too many---

However, before my thoughts could go any further, Hyunda quickly rose up from his position and met with my height in an instant while also placing his hands on my shoulders.

Plus, he also closed our physical distance for quite a lot...!

"Wh... What are you---"

"This is really important. Without you, I can't do this. Only you can help me. No one else. Should you do this, whenever you are in the middle of trouble, I will quickly repay you with all my might. Do this and you have my eternal gratitude and I will surely compensate as soon as you need it."

He's so damn close! Aren't our lips almost connecting at this point!?

This is too much for my mind to process right now!

"Um, okay, sure, just back off a little, would you? No need to be so close suddenly!"

Shortly, I stepped away a few meters to regain my posture that was quickly shattered by that sudden movement of his.

"I mean what I said. Unlike anyone else, I will reward you. Your efforts will gain validity."

.........

My efforts... Gaining validity?

"Haha... What's with that? You don't have to be so serious now, Hyunda. I'll do it, so you don't have to fake an attitude."

"I'm not faking it! This is true! I am being serious right now! You no longer need to feel like you are the one doing everything on your own!"

"..."

"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to shout. That was not intended, Sana."

"No, that's fine... But... How exactly do you know?"

It's like the second time that Hyunda does this. I feel as if he knows a little bit too much about myself or that his accurate guesses are way too much on point.

"Because, whenever you are around Yulia, you always put her and Arkalee first. That's not a coincidence. Anyone should know that, however, no one actually cares about that. But, what if I said that I do care about the way that you act?"

"Ah... So that's why... Listen, you... Don't really have to try and cheer me up. It's an option, you know? I like doing favors for my friends."

"But they don't reward you. They don't deserve that luxurious treatment that you give them, do they?"

"No, they---"

"They don't. But, you are such a good person that you will still defend them. I understand. Nevertheless, that will just block your ability to be selfish, Sana. Do you want that? To always do favors for others without ever being rewarded in the process? That's almost similar to slavery. The slave has to do all the orders and never ever does the slave get rightful treatment."

"Okay, stop, Hyunda. That's not true... There's no way that you could tell that much just from observing our past conversations... That's just ridiculous, man."

"That's how I got to know this factor about you, Sana. But, alright. I can understand if you don't want to talk about it. The truth is though... Will anyone else actually care about this?"

It's impressive how someone that I just got to know a little bit better today has managed to decipher so much about me.

Ah, yes... It's true. I do a lot of favors without ever seeking a reward and that always drags me down in the end, but that's something that I just accepted as a natural consequence for being too kind.

Never have I thought about breaking this rule though.

"Probably not... But, not like you will care though. So, why are you---"

"I already do. Why do you think we are having this exact conversation right now?"

Hearing those words from him, in a moment of guilt, gave me bliss to my heart as I felt like someone actually cared for the very first time.

Thoughts of possession and adoration started to overflow yet I admittedly abolished them in my mind without a single second thought.

"So you are saying that you do care? That you do care about me? In that sense? Look, I don't know what your aim is, but you should stop. It's really not gonna work, just saying."

"And why is that?"

"Because..."

"You're afraid of others seeing you for what you are and not for what you show them that you are. A clear difference there."

"Hah... Maybe, maybe. So, if you know that, you should also know that that's precisely why it's not gonna work. I am the type of person who has a shell to protect, so, I'm sorry. I know that you want to show me that you care, but I---"

It's not as if I don't realize this part of myself. I am aware of my own insecurities, but trusting my own insecurities to someone else is just...

No, wait... Why are we having this type of talk?! Isn't this the talk that couples only have?! What the hell!?

How did this happen!?

"Alright, alright. I get it. You're hard to get. That also means that you are most likely worth the effort."

"W-What are you talking about? Do you realize how suggestive that is...?"

"Yeah, I do. It's also meant to be serious, as I was not joking just now."

H-Huh? Is he... serious?

"But, Sana. I don't have much time. I'm sorry to ruin the atmosphere, but could you...?"

"A-Ah! Of course! Ooops, I forgot! My bad there! I'll be right back! Get going inside, I'll meet you up inside!"

"Got it."

Once again, for entirely different reasons, I directed myself to the receptionist yet while I did so, I quickly reminded myself that those who speak greatly about their ability to care are often irresponsible and that is why I won't get swayed by Hyunda's words.

Because he doesn't intend on being responsible for his words and that is why it's not worth looking for a reward.

In the end, I'm never rewarded for my efforts and that will continue to be.

Irresponsible people like Hyunda don't actually intend on being there as they will always leave when the moment calls it. Which is why I refuse to be drowned into nonsensical expectations and happy trains of thoughts like a stupid little girl.