After Kawahara and I had to run for our lives in order to not get busted by the guard, we quickly caught our breaths outside of the theaters and arrived at a plausible conclusion.

"Dan, we're being played."

"This again...? Dude, you are way too much of an overthinker... What is it this time? What conclusion have you arrived?"

I thought that Arkalee was problematic enough, but since she ran off to the dining area and hasn't returned, I can only assume that she found Hyunda in the process.

So, why is Kawahara still so damn skeptical about this? We didn't see Hyunda inside the theater's rooms, so, what's the deal?

"It's probably not what you are thinking, Dan. I can't ignore the evidence that was shown to me. However, there is something that hasn't been confirmed yet. Sana's whereabouts. I can't move on from this unless I know for damn sure that she's there, inside her dorm feeling sick."

"Are you seriously still thinking that Sana is somehow involved? Get a grip man. They don't know each other. If Hyunda and Sana were somehow collabing in this, then it would mean that they must've developed an early sense of synergy with one another and that's just not the case and you know it."

"...True..."

As Kawahara reflected on his over-thinking, I emphasized on his doubt. He has a constructed habit of being far too cautious about certain things.

Especially his self-asserted assumptions.

Plus, from another point of view, it looked like he was doing this just for the sake of being successful and not the other way around.

Ultimately, after idly looking around the already-late dusk sky erupted on a lonely canvas that only this peculiar view to us could show, Kawahara, laid out a few final words.

"It's 6:15 pm... Given that we only have 45 minutes left, at this point, the bastard could be in a really obvious place. Even through my methods, we didn't find him."

About that...

"Kawahara, it's just the two of us and the students that are passing by probably won't hear us, but what are those unique methods you speak of?"

"Come on, use your brain. I've already implied several times how I'm achieving these tracking feats, but you still haven't gathered a single clue about it?"

"When have you implied it though?"

"Bah, forget it. You can go and meet them in the dining area. If the bastard's there, give me a call."

So he's not telling me.

Nevertheless, even though he just told me that, he keeps on looking at the theater's hall entrance without looking elsewhere.

"Are you gonna stay here?"

"Yeah! I'm still not convinced. When the movies are over, I will check who leaves, and based on that, I will be able to determine whether or not the bastard's actually here or not."

Jesus...

"Dude... We checked every room and even went as far as to try and open every single door! Even the guard came after us because we were up to no good! What exactly are you thinking?!"

If Kawahara is so uptight with this decision, then I can only think that he's probably right and that I'm just not seeing it from his perspective, which is why I want to know his perspective.

Assuming that he has one.

"There's no specific rationality here. I'm just going to follow my belief until the very end, that's it. If you want to contribute then do all the possible things that you can to ensure that Sana is inside the dorm. If she's not, then she one-hundred percent lied to Yulia, you hear me? Still... That would mean that he's SOMEHOW aware of all of this. Am I giving him too much credit? I mean, he has no way of knowing... Or maybe that's what he wants us to think. That we have no way of knowing and so he will---"

"Kawahara, I'm just gonna stop you right there. Man, what is happening to you? You are acting like you are being driven into a corner but the worse part about this is that you are the one that's doing exactly that. Have you stopped and looked at yourself for a second?"

I am expecting him to act out of violence right now, so I should prepare myself just in case...

However...

He's actually reflecting on my words, surprisingly.

Furthermore, with his two hands, he touched both of my shoulders and spoke to me very calmly and serenely.

"Dan, you're right. I wasn't being myself. I must've been overthinking. Still, I'll do this. Yet, that's it. Your words were reassuring. Forget about what I said. You don't have to check if Sana is in her dorm or not. I'll handle this by myself."

I'm not too sure about that.

He did bring a good point regarding Sana, so I, unfortunately, out of curiosity, will not obey your command, Kawahara.

"You do you. Don't be late for dinner. King George's a tyrant to those who are late."

"I would be damned if I didn't know that."

"Alright, best of luck."

With a fistbump, we parted ways, as I went to the dining area and Kawahara remained on the outside entrance of the theaters.

Joker's room. 6:30 pm.

Without any interruptions this time, we could finally take our seats back and watch the movie.

However, despite my warning and slightly going out of my way to tell him that he was lucky that I wasn't moody enough to exit the room, Hyunda, nonetheless, kept talking to me while simultaneously watching the movie.

"You're mad. Please don't be mad."

"You're annoying. Hyunda, if a girl tells you that she's moody then it's not a good idea to disturb her. I thought this was common sense but apparently not to everyone."

Although we are speaking to each other in a very low volume, that still doesn't mean that it's alright to bother me when I'm this mad.

Stupid jerk. He does suggestive things but then starts confusing me. I hate indecisive playboys like him.

Actually, no. He's not indecisive. He's just playing an image that makes me think that he's indecisive while he's actually not. He does have a level of absurd confidence in him, that much is obvious.

"I think that's contradictory though. Because I'm sure that if I know the reason as to why you are mad at me that I can make you less moody."

See?

This is what I'm talking about. This smooth talk. He thinks that I don't see it. That he just wants to flirt and waste his time.

"Okay, you want to know? Fine! Your attitude really bothers me! How can you do such suggestive acts but then pass it off as a joke?! You don't do that. That's not how it works. You only apply those suggestive acts when you are actually serious, you insensitive jerk!"

"If you are mad because of that, Sana, then it means that you took my acts seriously then."

.............

"...No. That's a misunderstanding, Hyunda."

"Is it?"

"Yes."

"Is it?"

"Well, n--- I mean, yes! Shut up! Watch the movie!"

"My eyes are on the movie screen, so I'm doing exactly that."

They really are. He's firmly looking at the screen, while here I am, like a complete dork, decently looking at you.

Ah, I see. You can pose a conversation of this intimacy but still, casting a single glance at me is too much, huh?

Fine, fine.

"Hey, you started to ignore me. Don't do that."

"Silence, please."

Only five seconds went by, so how the hell can he determine that I am ignoring him? I could've just been thinking about my answer, but that was not the case whatsoever.

"Alright, so back to the topic. I do believe that I did suggestive acts. But, isn't it fine?"

"No, it's not. As I said, you only do those types of acts when you are allowed to."

"But, Sana, you didn't mind them. As a matter of fact, you did something similar. You went ahead and felt parts of my body without my consent."

"Er, that was just because you did the same. You even admitted to enjoying it."

"I really did."

"Oh my god, you are not supposed to confirm it..."

I also can't believe I just blushed of that... I even had to cover my face with my own two palms in the middle of the dark.

No one in my whole life has ever been this bold. Aren't you supposed to be, like, embarrassed when it comes to topics such as body parts, or are you that damn lustful!?

"What's wrong with your boobs being attractive? It's just the truth. If you allow me to feel your bosom, then I wi---"

"I will fucking scream if you keep this up."

"No luck, huh?"

I mean, are they really that------ No, no, what the hell am I thinking?!

Gosh, this guy is so repulsive. I know what he wants, I really do, but that's precisely why not getting swayed by words is crucial.

"Look, Hyunda, why don't you go and meet up with Arkalee? I'm positive that if you have this type of conversation with her that she'll be more than happy."

"Are you saying that because you want to help Arkalee out or are you saying that because you want to avoid getting my attention? Which one? Also, don't say both, only one."

Damn it, I was going to say that...

"It's because I don't want your attention because I already know your intentions. They are not good. Also, you have a really wicked way of thinking. Don't think that I haven't forgotten about it. How you told me and Daniel to keep it a secret from Yulia that Daniel and I were talking about how to improve their relationship behind her back. That's something I don't like doing. Lying behind my best friend's back!"

"Really? But you just did so a while ago."

"What? No, I did not------"

All this time, I didn't notice... Wait, no... I did notice it's just...

"See? Even you are self-aware. You did lie to Yulia. You broke this rule of yours because it was fine."

"Wow, I hate you soooooo much! This is how you treat someone who helps you out?! Maybe you should just go and ask Arkalee to do every single damn favor, huh!?"

Out of anger, I attempted to rose from my seat, but Hyunda took immediate hold of my right wrist, chaining me down to my original position.

"What are y---"

"I am thankful for the fact that you lied. But, I'm not criticizing your action. I really, really think that you did what was best for you."

"And how was lying to Yulia the best for me?"

"It was the best for you because you finally enjoyed yourself in doing what you are doing; however, you still did it for someone else, which was me. The only difference is that I said that I would deliver a plausible conclusion and I did, so you got rewarded. Yulia, Arkalee, all of them; won't give you any reward for your efforts. I will though."

"..."

Is that really it...? Did I actually enjoy myself when I lied to Yulia for the sake of seeing a plausible conclusion to all of this?

Oh god, what did I do...

"Don't feel bad. I do believe it's alright to lie for your own self-enjoyment."

"Hyunda, that's wrong and you know it..."

"So what if it's wrong? Did you not enjoy the experience? Lying is just a small price to pay if you think about it. Yulia will never know the truth, so she will always think that you were telling the truth."

"That's even worse, you know? Because that would mean that I am lying to my best friend and that she'll never know. I can't possibly live with such guilt, for the record."

"But, Sana. That's what you did. How are you going to live now that you have openly lied to your best friend?"

"Shut up. I'll try not to think about it..."

I'll just pretend like this didn't happen. Stuff like this will only happen once and it won't happen anymore. It's alright, because, it was just one time, that's all...

"You can't. You will think about it because it happened."

"Fantastic. So that was your goal all along? To make me feel guilty?!"

"No, very much the opposite. I'm saying that if your efforts aren't rewarded, that you have all the right in the world to lie to the other person. What you did for someone that doesn't reward you does not need to go any further than that. And so, it's alright to let them have the consequences. However, they will never know, so what's the harm?"

"The harm is you. You think that doing the wrong thing is fine. As a matter of fact, you support it..."

Hyunda's basically suggesting that evil is the equivalent of being in a state of mind where everything you do gets a pass...

That's really... messed up. And the more I look into his eyes, as he finally looks in my direction; I can only sense a feeling of dread as if to spell me the simple message that he doesn't intend on changing his ways.

That he will continue on being like this...

"But, isn't that my problem? If I think that it's fine, then it's fine, because I approve that it's fine."

"Yeah, I get that, but you are trying to get me into thinking that doing evil stuff like lying is fine..."

"That's because I want you to see it from my perspective. Your current perspective will not let you be happy enough to the point where you will feel rewarded for your actions."

"Wow... I could just argue that I don't care about this 'reward' that you speak of, you know? What then? What would your argument be?"

"I don't need to think about that, because as I mentioned earlier on, everyone seeks to be rewarded for their efforts at one point, Sana."

"Maybe this hasn't arrived at that point."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Sana. You do realize that you will keep on thinking about my words and then, sure enough, you'll notice how true they are. But, that's what's interesting about you. You already know that you aren't being rewarded for your efforts and you are fine with it. Why though?"

Damn, Hyunda's really persistent. He's just taking advantage of the fact that no one has ever been this persistent with me throughout my life.

The worst part of this is that he doesn't know this yet his impertinent confidence allows him to continue on.

Usually, boys just stop at one point when they realize that they are walking into a territory that is dangerous to approach, such as 'personal history', but this guy doesn't care at all.

"Okay, fine you want the truth? I don't think I deserve to be rewarded. And, also, you can't relate to why, because you can't feel guilt at all, can you? As you might've noticed, everyone in our class has done things that they regretted and I am not different in that regard. But, what would you know? You're as heartless as it gets. You are here but you are not here."

"But I'm here though."

"You didn't understand... You just don't get it at all."

"No, I did understand what you were referring to. You're talking about my emotional absence and I'm telling you that that's not true. You got that image from the way I act with Arkalee, didn't you?"

"Yeah, so what? It's your fault for acting that way around her. Do you realize what sort of image you give to the public even? How can you expect people to think of you as someone emotional or just someone who has a great understanding of how someone is currently feeling? You don't..."

It goes further than that.

I've noticed that through every conversation or interaction that they have that Hyunda just doesn't care at all, but Arkalee's blind to the point of thinking that this can change, but it's not that simple.

I tried to warn her that she isn't following the correct steps but she keeps playing into his game. Soon enough, at the hands of this playboy, she'll just become another one of his other girls.

I know your stereotype too well, Hyunda. You can't trick me...

"Well, that's natural. That's the type of understanding you would get based on my reactions to Arkalee. But, why do I act that way though?"

"Duh, because you don't care for her and you also don't have the guts to tell her that."

"Oh, you're aware that I feel nothing for her. This just makes it even easier. Yes, Sana. That's why I'm perceived as someone who can't have an emotional understanding, but what if that perception of me is wrong?"

"So you can actually feel, is that it? Also, are you having fun toying with her sentiments? That's not a nice thing to do, for the record. You shouldn't toy with someone else's sentiments..."

Though, it's Arkalee's fault for being so gullible and needy of him. That's the prime reason as to why she's in such a warped state of mind...

Regardless, Hyunda's at fault for being the source of that.

"That's not my problem, is it? Isn't Arkalee free to feel whatever she wants to feel? Or do you think that I'm at fault here?"

"Well, sorta... While it's true that Arkalee is at fault for this, you are as well..."

"No, I don't think I am. Imagine the following scenario: One day, I suddenly wake up and after I walk out of my dorm, I notice that every girl in school had noticed something about me that they find attractive and thus decide to harbor feelings of affection for me. Whose fault is this? Mine or theirs?"

...............

"Theirs... But that's different! This is just one single person!"

"It's not different, Sana. The point of my argument is that whoever feels affection is responsible for controlling that affection and Arkalee, just can't do that. How would you feel if someone started to like you? Would you blame yourself for being too attractive or would you blame the other person for having those feelings that you don't want that person to have in the first place?"

Is he telling me that I am too attractive or is he being so hypothetical that he's just lying about it?

"For the record, did you use the 'too attractive' option, in a hypothetical sense or not?"

"It can be whatever you want."

"No, say it."

"Are you sure, Sana? Because even if I say it, then you will just throw some random tantrum."

It's not random. I am just feeling insecure regarding your preferences and there's also the fact that I do like to feel emotionally secure.

Nothing wrong with that.

"Go ahead, then."

"Yeah, sure. You are attractive. But, you are aware, right? You haven't tried to fight back against this argument previously. Only when I got to your massively attractive body parts."

"That's because you started to be a pervert about it..."

"Yeah, can't help it."

I'm pretty sure you can...

"We are drifting way too much from the topic, so I'll resume. Arkalee has certain feelings for me, but what about me? Do I have feelings for her? You know the answer already."

"Yeah, I get it, Hyunda. You are an obnoxious insensitive asshole."

I mean, was that his point? Because I got it perfectly, then.

He's bothering to explain to me why he feels no remorse even when a person like Arkalee is madly in love with him. Because he has no reason to feel guilt as he sees no wrong when someone else loves him; as he additionally sees it as it's Arkalee's fault for having feelings for him.

Ultimately, he did imply that since it's her fault that he doesn't have to take responsibility for it.

I think the worst part of this is that I do agree with him.

Not his methods though. They are so wicked and full of lies.

"That was still not it. I was only saying that I don't feel that way for Arkalee and I've explained my reasoning for such. I hate responsibility, you see."

"I find that hard to believe. You go through such lengths and then you claim that you hate responsibility? If you hated responsibility then you wouldn't have done anything, at all."

"Are you telling me to embrace the emptiness that life has to offer and do nothing at all while I wait for my demise to come?"

".......No. I'm just saying that if you truly hated responsibility that you wouldn't have made Arkalee feel the way that she's feeling."

"But, Sana, that was not my fault. She did it all by herself. It's all in her imagination. In her mind. Imagine if someone started to love you and then----"

"I get the argument, but... Don't you find it a little bit unsettling that you are fine with ignoring someone's feelings like this? That you are lying and not feeling anything in the process? Not a single feeling."

...I might've been wrong about something. This is somewhat of a new experience.

Playboys usually aren't this apathetic; they are more sentient. Not even narcissists or manipulators are capable of being this heartless because they usually lie about how they feel, but he...

He's not lying. He's speaking the honest truth about how he feels nothing towards Arkalee whatsoever.

And that's disturbing because you are supposed to feel a sense of guilt if you are partially responsible for the way that she's feeling yet that's very much eliminated here...

"No, not really. Why do you feel that way? What made you feel that way, Sana?"

"Are you referring to what makes me feel guilty?"

"Yeah. There must be a reason as to why you feel like this."

...I could just tell him that that's how an average person feels. How an average sentient human being acts, but it's a little bit more convoluted.

"I'm not telling you."

"Let me guess. It's related to what you did to get yourself in here."

"How clever, Hyunda. Yes, it is. But, I am still not telling you. Not like you would tell me what you did."

"What I am, what you perceive me as, is not related to what I did, as the primal source of my attitude and way of thinking far outgrows the reason why I'm here. Sincerely, it's not even related. I cheated my way up here if we're being honest."

What? Cheated?

"What do you mean by that?"

"Wow, Sana, so unfair. You tell me twice that you won't tell me but then you do the dirty trick of attempting to manipulate me into telling me what I did."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"I knew you'd notice, that's why I didn't bother, hah."

Yes.

I have noticed just from this day alone that the person who I am with right now, is not exactly normal. Very far from it.

However, I was firmly aware that all of the students from my class were like this, but they displayed symptoms of actually being normal. So did Hyunda. But just from this day alone, it's pretty clear that he's another force.

"But, you know, Sana. Just because I feel that way for Arkalee, it doesn't mean that my feelings will react the same way for everyone else."

"I strongly doubt that, mister."

"I love you."

"Yeah, no. Nice try though."

I see where he's going with this. He's even laughing while saying those words, but since they are a joke, I will not get offended, even if they are incredibly suggestive.

"Can we go on a date?"

"Rejected, mister."

"Miss, can I be the subject of your love?"

"I will have to pass!"

Honestly, we are just laughing at this point, but in all seriousness, it would never work. He treats this as a joke and I don't. I'm only able to treat this as a joke right now because I know that he's joking about this.

"No, but seriously, why not?"

"I told you why, Hyunda. You are a playboy and I am not falling for your sweet words."

"But why do you think I'm a playboy though? What's your reasoning behind that? I don't flirt with every girl I encounter. As a matter of fact, I just don't. Aren't you like the only exception here? Think about that."

I'm the exception here...?

No, no, that's just a lie. Because in the past, with Arkalee, he--------

He...

He what? I never witnessed Hyunda actually flirt with her nor praise her in a romantic way. It was all Arkalee...

Wait...

But then that means....!

"W-Wait! You're serious?! What the hell! I thought that was a joke, you moron!"

"And why would you think that it's a joke? Because I was laughing?"

"Well, yeah! You aren't supposed to laugh when you are in the middle of confessing your feelings! Also, I don't believe you. Nope. Not one bit. You have no reason to feel attracted to me---"

Then, as his lips started to move, I had to immediately interrupt him for obvious reasons.

"On second thought, don't bother replying to that! Huge no! Rejected! Not happening!"

Wait, but is he serious or not? He has confirmed that he doesn't love Arkalee and that he is not caring for her sentiments but then he says those words?

Ahhh, what the hell!

"But why? Your playboy argument doesn't work anymore. Another reason."

"Looooooook, even hypothetically speaking, it wouldn't work! Because Arkalee doesn't leave you alone, so it's impossible! She's really, really attached to you, in a physical way too! It's a damn miracle that we have been here together alone! It's obviously not gonna work again, Hyunda."

"And why though?"

....???

What's with that self-explanatory question!?

"It wouldn't work because Arkalee's always there! There's not a single moment where she's not. Should've thought ahead of time if you were gonna confess in such way while having a madly obsessive girl around you at all times."

"But Arkalee's not around me all the time."

"Are you kidding me...? She is."

"Really? What about now? Where is Arkalee?"

"She's... I don't know... But she was here not too long ago! Searching for you!"

"You're right, Sana. She was. But, she was, nonetheless, unsuccessful regardless."

I mean...

Yeah...

But that's like, only because Hyunda made all of this in order to be unsuccessful for Arkalee. And, like, it wasn't just Arkalee.

It was Kawahara and Daniel too. Probably Yulia too...

"But it won't happen again. This was just a fluke."

"No, Sana. It really wasn't. I planned this."

"You... What...?"

"I'm serious now. All of what has been happening thus far, today, has been under my control. We can have this moment for ourselves without Arkalee being around because Arkalee is currently searching for my location, but she's clearly not finding it. Well... It is sorta unfortunate that others are on our case as well. But, as you can see, Arkalee's absent. And, this doesn't have to necessarily be a one time only."

Wait, is he suggesting that...

"You can't possibly be suggesting that you can make time for me because you can't. Arkalee will be there."

"No, she won't. That's why we would work."

"Hold on... No, we still wouldn't. You hate responsibility, right? You wouldn't go out of your way to create a situation like this every time! Plus, it would have to change! If it's the same every time then everyone will start to suspect, you know?!"

I shouldn't have to say this but this obviously won't work because Arkalee will just try and know his location 24/7, so I really, really, have no idea what Hyunda's thinking.

Furthermore, he said that he hates responsibility, and clearing up a time to make this in his schedule just for being with me sounds like something he wouldn't do.

"While I do hate responsibility, I wouldn't mind doing it to meet with you."

"Wh... No, no way. You're just saying that to impress me. You're not really serious, are you?"

"Then, do you want to do this again?"

"You mean doing meetings like this while nobody is aware of it?"

"Yeah."

Mhm...

I mean, it's pretty exciting and fun. But the thing is...

"No, I don't... Not if it means lying to Yulia."

"Not to worry. That won't happen."

"Huh? How can I trust you, Hyunda? You are probably gonna make me lie to her unknowingly..."

"So the problem is Yulia, right? No one else meets the equation, but Yulia. You hate to lie to her and that's it. The rest is fine, right? Arkalee doesn't view you as a friend, but Yulia, she's different to you. She does view you as a friend and you view her in the same light, right? Or am I wrong here?"

"Well, yes. I don't really care for the rest that much. Yulia's an exception. I hate what I have done and I feel guilty enough, okay?"

I really, really, will not lie to you anymore, Yulia. I'm sorry, I just... was having too much fun.

Maybe one day I'll tell you this and hope you won't find it offensive...

"Fair enough. As I said, from this point on, you won't have to lie to her."

"But wait... Are you implying that you are willing to actually go through the effort of diverging Arkalee's attention away just for the sake of meeting up with me? Hyunda, you don't have to try so hard. Enough already, I get it. You're beyond average. You have made your point."

"But don't you like the idea?"

"What's the idea, Hyunda?"

"The idea of meeting up in secret, while nobody from class knows a single thing about it. Doesn't it remind you of forbidden lovers?"

"Mhm, yea--- Ah... Hahaha, that was a good one. I almost fell for that one. Still, no. I already said that you are rejected. Whenever you are rejected, you are not allowed to try again."

He almost got me with that one. I almost agreed to that since it's true.

Forbidden lovers are the type of lovers that nobody thinks that they exist nor do they exist in anyone's eyes but themselves.

"But Sana, you never really opposed to the idea of liking me. You just rejected me because of Arkalee. And I'm telling you, that's not going to be a problem. What we did today, can be achieved multiple times."

"Hah, what do you mean 'we'? I don't need an ego boost, Hyunda. I know it was all y---"

"No, you really did play a relevant role here. Far too relevant, but you are not even aware of how relevant you were. Also, you didn't deny my previous statement. Which means that you are fine with me, aren't you?"

Crap, I forgot to deny that...

"Er, no, I really don't accept you. Um, your methods are really evil and I don't like that."

"They might be evil but they are exciting, aren't they? They are hard to perceive. Admit it. No matter how much you think about how I managed to pull this off, you can't think about it. It's natural. Because it's intentional. The same goes for every individual that has partaken in this."

Well, well.

I suppose it's normal that he's on point? If he did plan this, then he surely must've seen this coming a mile away.

"Ah, congrats. That's exactly right. You are fun, but we wouldn't work."

"Why not? Are my methods that much of a problem? I can treat you in a way that's not evil. Just try me."

"Okay, maybe you aren't the problem... But you don't know much about me. Plus, this is so rushed! We have already developed so much in just a few hours...! That's not normal! Normally, you take a really long time and develop a bond, this is just..."

In my mind, my perfect romance would be a long one, where lots of hardships are witnessed, and only after multiple arguments and doubts do I get together with the one I love and we embrace each other in a rhapsody of love and warmth.

However...

He's breaking so many rules!

"I hate to wait, Sana. I was born impatient. I see no point in long romances. If we can develop a bond this quickly, a depth this deep in just a few hours, then why wait longer? My words, what you just heard on this day alone, nobody else will tell you except me. You can live years of your life and you will only meet insecure and immature individuals who may turn out to like you but they will not have this confidence and level of caring that I have. Admit it, I'm not a poor choice for you. As a matter of fact; the very opposite."

..........

I swear I have never met someone with this level of persistence... Then again, that's part of his trait, now that I look at it.

"You know what, you're right. You're pretty good as an individual. You got the looks, the intelligence, and your choice of words is beyond amazing. I'm frankly skeptical as to why you haven't just shown everyone around you what you really are, Hyunda. However, you are still evil."

"What if I'm not evil when I'm around you?"

"But that's impossible, Hyunda. Because to be around me, you'd have to lie to others, thus being evil."

This is a paradox that he cannot escape.

"No, but that doesn't really matter, does it?"

"It does. I hate your methods, for the record. Change that and I might give it some thought. Also, this is all under the assumption that Arkalee does not interfere. Her presence ruins the whole thing. But, you won't change your methods, you see."

"Sana, why do I have to change in general? Isn't it fine if it's just when I'm around you? Unless I am the way I am, we won't be able to hold meetings in secret such as these. You are being unfair..."

"...Mhm... Fine, but... If it involves Yulia and lying to her, you can forget that!"

"So, it's a yes? Can we skip straight to the kiss and bang?"

"Oh my god... Haha, that's not even funny. But worth the shot. No. For now, it's a no. You are going to have to show that you actually care and that you are being truthful. By the way, should any of this be a lie, I will end you, but you should already know that, right?"

"For now, huh? Remember that."

"Yeah..."

....Did this seriously just happen...?

Well, I set a few restrictions, so he'll have to fulfill them, but it won't work... Arkalee will just be there and yeah, all ruined.

That's why I'm not even gonna get my hopes up. Also, Hyunda probably thinks that I don't notice, but he will leave me eventually. No, we aren't lovers or anything like that. Nothing of that sort, but when his persistence goes down, he will start to get bored of me and will leave me.

Yes, this will happen. I am certain.

"By the way, if you are having negative thoughts about this then you shouldn't. I will break that illusion of yours in a flash."

"Hah, it's like you can read my mind. Are you capable of that?"

"Of course I'm not. I'm just warning you in case. Also, don't fall in love with someone else in the meantime. That would be really anti-climatic, Sana."

"You have my word. I won't. The same applies to you. I won't fall for you."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, I am. Super certain. Also..."

"Mhm? What's wrong?"

All this time, as we have been simultaneous watching the movie, a few seconds ago, Hyunda decided that it was a brilliant idea to...

"Mister, get your damn hand off my right leg before I---"

"Alright, alright. How harsh. Here I'll let you feel my arm. You were doing that earlier, weren't you? Don't hold yourself back. Unless you want to go down a bit and start to---"

"Hyundaaaa, that's a line that you should not cross, just saying! There's a limit to how much I can forgive your jokes, you damn pervert! Your brain needs to be wiped clean... You are lucky that I am able to firmly control myself!"

"Yes, that's also what makes you so unique. You really do have a sense of confidence for yourself. You don't go 'Kyaaa!' or 'P-Pervert!', as the majority would. I know it might not sound like much, but not hearing those lines when I'm feeling your right leg's thigh this firmly is heavenly. Speaking of heavenly, it's exactly the way I'm feeling right about n--- Sanaaa... You're pitching my hand. It actually hurts."

Oh, so he does feel pain.

"Perfect. Time to use my left hand as well. I'm sure you can handle it."

Right?

It shouldn't be much? Maybe I'll crush his balls next. I did kick a casanova's balls twice with a kick and it felt pretty good.

"Nah, I'm good."

Oh, he backed off. What's the matter?

"No, come on. Do it. I dare you. No, I double dare you. Put your hand on it, one more time."

"Sana, you're freaking me out... What the hell are you gonna do...."

"Are you acting frightened or are you actually frightened? Depending on your answer, I will personally judge you."

Because it's hard to imagine that he's actually frightened when he's probably not.

"Let's just watch the movie. Oh, look, Arthur's killing those Wall Street guys!"

"Yaaaasssss!! The build-up! Okay, let's resume the watch! We wasted too much time focusing on talking! I do not want to miss that particular scene, so no talking from now on!"

"Yes, ma'am."

Eventually, after long scenes of suspense, we arrived at the exact time of the scene as it was already halfway. Throughout the whole scene, I could feel the goosebumps swirling and crying out as I couldn't contain my inner excitement.

Hyunda had a grin on his face as soon as the scene started, which just meant that I wasn't the only one looking forward to it.

Currently, the scene was going down as a memorable moment that was volcanic and magnetic.

> Murray: You finished? I mean, it's so much self-pity, Arthur. You sound like you're making excuses for killing those young men! Not everybody, and I'll tell you this, not everyone's awful.

As Murray finished his sentence, the climax was finally over, as Arthur's look transcended into a cold-hearted one, as he looked at Murray subsequently. That alone gave me absolute chills.

> Joker: You're awful, Murray.

It goes a little bit deeper; Artur's voice tone drastically changes to a low cry that emits oppression and rage towards Murray!

> Murray: Me? I'm awful? Oh yeah, how am I awful?

>

> Joker: Playing my video. Inviting me on the show. You just wanted to make fun of me. You're just like the rest of them!

>

> Murray: You don't know the first thing about me, pal. Look what happened because of what you did, what it led to. There are riots out there.

Yet perhaps the biggest signal that Arthur was embracing this side of him or simply not caring for what the media had to offer to him, was his wide smile in response to Murray's complaint.

> Murray: Two policemen are in a critical condition, and you're laughing, you're laughing. Someone was killed today because of what you did.

>

> Joker: I know.

Undoubtedly after, a grin smile on my face softly rose to the surface as Arthur spoke one of the greatest quotes in all cinematic history.

> Joker: How about another joke, Murray?

From this point on, it started to get absolutely bombastic. The soundtrack was so perfectly timed, my god!

> Murray: No, I think we've had enough of your jokes.

>

> Joker: What do you get...

>

> Murray: I don't think so.

>

> Joker: ...when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons him and treats him like trash!?

>

> Murray: Call the police, Gene, call the police.

>

> Joker: I'll tell you what you get! You get what you fucking deserve!

A loud shot originated from the Joker's gun as he brilliantly shot Murray in the middle of his head, thus making the audience scream and flee from the terror that they just witnessed.

Unknowingly, I got up from my seat and felt immense joy from watching the scene as it was masterfully crafted in my eyes.

Upon seeing my reaction, Hyunda also got up and said:

"You know, if you wanna clap, do it now. No one is gonna blame you for it. There's a total of 9 people in this room, us two included. Do it. I'll follow your lead. Let's get everyone to clap at this masterpiece of a scene!"

Almost like before, if not totally like it, Hyunda read my complete intentions as I pondered whether or not it's alright to clap at the scene.

My skepticism originated from the self-doubt about whether anyone would follow, but now...

I am feeling strangely confident about this, as I allowed my palms to connected briefly resonating an emitting vibrating sound within the whole hollow room.

At first, within the initial three seconds, no other claps came forth, which brought self-doubt to the surface, but then, Hyunda followed it up with a more powerful, resonating and clashing set of claps that surely led the rest of the audience into a harmony of claps that filled the hollow room; as we contemplated the scene being displayed.

Around the same time that Hyunda stopped clapping, a couple of seconds later, I matched his rhythm and stopped at the same time as him; as the rest did the same.

Thus, back on our seats, our glances crossed each other and that alone struck me with a powerful force as my words got stuck on my throat; shortly after realizing that I had completely forgotten what I wanted to say.

My gaze on you, a dangerous war.

"That went well. All you."

"Liar, if you hadn't intervened, then I bet that it would've one-hundred percent awkward as hell. I don't even have to think about it, Hyunda."

"So, date as a reward?"

He really sees everything as an opportunity, doesn't he?

"Praise-worthy effort. Still, rejected."

"Sad."

Maybe I was a little bit harsh. If that was intentional, then it was more than just 'praise-worthy'.

Eventually, as the movie came to an end and I thought about the deep ending and the certain scenes that I could not understand surely, the lights flashed subsequently.

As the rest of the students left, I posed a question to Hyunda, who was still glaring at the movie screen, watching the end credits.

"Umm... That kid's parents got shot, but like, why? How is that any important?"

"Don't speak too loud while saying that. Some of the students that just left could be hardcore Batman fans who will brand you on sight for not understanding the obvious reference."

Worried, I looked at the entrance to see if any of the students had heard me, but none did...

"You're mocking me..."

"No, I'm really not. But if you want to understand the reference you'd have to watch some other movies. We can do that another time. It's getting sorta late. What time is it, Sana?"

"It's exactly 8 pm... Indeed late. Shall we get going?"

"Yeah. Don't want to keep my guests waiting for too long or their brain cells might just fry from overthinking at this point."

How playful. He's openly mocking Kawahara, Daniel, Arkalee, and Yulia, if not more.

Nevertheless, despite saying that, I noticed something as I got up from my seat and started to walk at the side line that would serve as a guide to the room's entrance.

Hyunda wasn't leaving his seat, which forced me to speak up.

"Hyunda? Aren't you getting up? You said that you were ready to leave. Or do you want me to go ahead and do so?"

"No. Don't go outside yet."

He's staring into literally nothing but the movie screen that doesn't even have the credits rolling anymore.

As it stands, it's just us two in this hollow room and no one else.

But, could it be that he's still worried that someone is after him? As far as I'm concerned, this is the last movie session for the day, so I really doubt that anyone's out for his blood.

Plus, if he's worried about our classmates, then I strongly doubt it too. It's basically dinner time and staying away from the doors will only result in having a warning...

"What is this about...?"

"It's not that big of a deal. It would just be troublesome to have all that work go down for nothing at the hands of someone whose curiosity always gets the best of him. Well, everyone has left, so let's try our luck this time."

With a swift jump, Hyunda quickly rose up from his seat and met me at the entrance almost instantly.

However, as we approached the door, Hyunda spoke once again.

"Sana."

"You like saying my name a lot, don't you?"

"It might become a habit. Also, listen up. As soon as we open the door, before emerging into the flat line of the straight hall, there is a space that serves as the entrance to this room and the hall, in other words, a separation called entrance."

"Hyunda, I am not dumb. I know what the area ahead of this door looks like."

"Good. Now. On your knees."

Considering the number of suggestive things that have happened thus far today, I backed off a few steps while looking at Hyunda with eyes of disgust.

"As much as I would love to do what you have on your mind, that's not the case. We will crawl to the edge of the entrance; beyond the door. You as well. I'm on my knees already."

".......Why?"

It's kinda funny looking at him in a crooked position with his knees on the ground as he slowly crawls his way to the entrance.

Ultimately though, he turned his head and spoke to me.

"We need to hide. Again."

"Oh my god. Like, what? Fine..."

I would complain if I was in front, but since I'm behind him, I crooked down and got on my knees thus crawling along with him to the door.

However, this smartass felt the need to open his mouth and speak something unnecessary.

Something that he probably labeled as super funny.

"Sana, I forgot to say. We should swap positions. You in the front and me behind. I mean, think about it, they are after me and not y---"

"Fuck you."

"I refuse to believe that I'm this unfunny. Are you on your period by some chance?"

"If I was, trust me, we wouldn't even be having this conversation."

"Bold, Sana."

After this unnecessary trade of words, Hyunda, with his right hand, gave the door a little push and opened it yet to my surprise, as I expected someone in front of us, no one was there. There was just the side line of the main hall and another movie room in the front.

Regardless of that short notice, we kept on crawling until Hyunda eventually stopped at the edge of the entrance that he described earlier. From this position, no one from the main hall's entrance could see us, as the only thing a person from the entrance could spot or simply glance at was no other than the hall itself and we were absent from the hall so to speak.

With all of this in mind, I threw a question at Hyunda, in the middle of this.

"So, what now?"

Does he want me to check if there's someone at the entrance?

"Don't stick your head out. We both can't be seen. Let me use your phone for a second."

"Uh..."

"I just want to take a picture. Mine's out of battery."

"Fine, sure."

As I opened the camera app, I handed him my phone. He traded a short glance with me and then looked at my phone.

What he did next was a bit puzzling, as he placed my phone on the edge of the entrance, at the bay of the ground, horizontally, only sticking out the phone enough to the point where the camera tool could be visible.

Only using that, he took a picture, which he showed me immediately.

"What do you see, Sana?"

"The hall. But it's way too extensive, so the end is..."

"Hard to see. Now, before I zoom in, at the hall's entrance, who was there?"

"The guard, duh."

Although I gave that obvious answer, I'm trying to think of other details because Hyunda might've implied something else yet that didn't appear to be the case as his next words confirmed my suspicion wrong.

"Correct. Usually, that's about it. The guard is there, or, other students who have tickets. Now, this doesn't currently apply as this was the last movie session, so no students should be here. It doesn't make any sense. But..."

Finally, Hyunda decided to zoom in the picture he had taken and as I witnessed the entrance of the hall being zoomed in, I noticed that instead of one person, which would usually be the guard, there was another person.

But, the picture was blurry. Despite that, there was a clear factor that made me believe that the individual that was outside of the hall's entrance was...

"That's a blonde hair, right? And those black chokes, it's definitely Kawahara, isn't it?"

"I'm surprised. I thought you wouldn't notice due to the image being too blurry, but that's just not the case for you."

"The black chokes gave it away, honestly. That's just something that only Kawahara has... Anyway... Why is he still here, Hyunda...?"

It doesn't make any sense for Kawahara to be here... From his past words, he should have no reason to still be here.

What gives...?

"Your facial expression is full of doubt. Take it slow. Kawahara will be here for no more than five minutes. Right now, it's 8:05 pm. The theaters close at 8:10 pm. He will be forced to leave. But, that alone, just won't do it, will it...?"

Speaking words of mystery to me, what was even more mysterious was the fact that he decided to return my phone and pull out a phone that was from a different model out of his blazer's pocket.

Just how many things does he exactly carry?!

"Wait, that's a different model from your usual phone. What's it for?"

"It's a back-up resource, so to say. The situation doesn't necessarily deem its usage, however, just for safety measures, I'll have to use it."

Weirdly enough, after that explanation, I simply witnessed Hyunda dealing out a call from this phone that I had never seen before. The color of the phone was exactly the same as the omnikey. Pure dark blue.

Soon enough, no longer after three seconds, the call was picked up, as Hyunda started to talk, in a high toned voice, as if speaking to a very familiar person.

"Yo, my man! Kawahara is on the loose and hasn't returned to the dorm yet. He's inside the theaters. Come and get him, boss. Hm? Nah, I'm not hungry. What? I like curry. Well, I love it, actually. I see. Thanks. Really? Go easy of them, they are just foolish creatures. Aight, be fast. Later, King."

King?

Who did Hyunda refer to exactly? I wanted to ask that, but as soon as he was done with his call, he spoke hastily to me.

"If we are lucky, then it should be less than 2 minutes. So, let's have a quick rundown. Busy day, right?"

"Yeah... You said it. It was the first day that I have ever had this much fun, I think... Also, the busiest day ever."

"Fun days are packed with a lot of tasks. That's the curse yet bliss of it. Hey. About the movie. Did you notice a small detail, Sana?"

"Tell me about it..."

Arkalee would kill me if she knew that I am this physically close to Hyunda right now.

Yet as it stands, she doesn't know. 

Rather.

She doesn't have to know.

"Before the talk show with Murray, Arthur was planning on killing himself when he was about to say 'How about another joke?'. However, at the last minute, after he witnessed how badly he was being treated by his surroundings, he instead, opted to kill Murray and pass a message to the world. That message being 'This is not fine and this is only the beginning.'. Really brave to make such a crucial decision at the last second, don't you think?"

"Oh yeah, I sorta noticed that. He was practicing his joke with his empty gun and it was shown that he was going to kill himself but I slowly started to forget about it!"

"But... What if Arthur had actually killed himself?"

"Um, wouldn't that be anti-climatic? That obviously can't happen. The audience wouldn't be able to accept it and it would ruin the twist. The plot twist of the movie solely relied on that scene, as the whole movie built up Arthur's depression. That depression would lead him to suicide in the talk show but he rose up from the oppression and gave us that mindblowing twist!"

Seriously, all in all, I'm in love with the movie.

The drama element is so realistic it's absurd! 

"You're right. All of your points are fairly accurate. However, what if Arthur, hypothetically speaking, couldn't find his inner strength to rise from the oppression and fight back? Wouldn't he suicide?"

"Well, if you put it like that, then yeah, he would..."

"It's funny, Sana. With the right amount of motivation, any individual can feel like nothing is impossible. Yet if you strip all of that motivation away, that link of strength and the individual is rendered useless and ultimately hopeless. Wouldn't you think that the individual would resort to suicide as an alternative?"

And there goes Hyunda with his satanic speech again, indirectly referencing evil acts...

"Hyunda, I get it. You're evil. You don't have to go out of your way to show me that."

"Sana."

"What?"

"Has someone close to you ever committed suicide? I realize this is a personal question and that if you don't want to answer me, it's completely fine to do so."

Hyunda, you're a cheeky one.

Using that victim's line for the sake of manipulation, but you are out of luck.

"Nope! Too bad, you lose."

"Haha, it seems so. Such bad luck I have. Also, let me borrow your phone again. I need to take another picture to check if he's still there."

"Hopefully he's gone. So annoying and it's getting cold!"

As I handed Hyunda my phone once again, he asked me a question that I wasn't expecting, out of anywhere.

"When is your birthday, by the way? So I know when to deliver you a plausible present."

"How unfortunate for you. You're too late because it was on March 2nd. No present for me then."

He's already trying to plan ahead. In his mind, he is going to get me no matter what. So bold and over-confident.

Struggle all you want, I won't fall for you.

"I see. Late happy birthday then. Congrats, someone gave you a present, although late. I took you out at the cinema today twice and made you laugh a couple of times. Plus, I gave you some fanservice, didn't I? I think I deserve some credit, miss."

"I would consider it, but you are late and that counts. Too. Bad."

"Oh, come on. An exception."

"No exceptions, mister. Try again next year."

"Shame."

Although he didn't look disappointed, he returned my phone back, after he was done taking the picture and analyzing it.

Furthermore, he also got up, which made me do the same.

Hyunda wouldn't get up unless Kawahara was gone.

"We're leaving, Sana. You must be tired, right?"

Now that I think about it... I am indeed physically tired. It's been a long day.

Tomorrow, surely tomorrow, I'll focus more on the events rather than having fun and openly procrastinate.

Thus, on our way out of the entrance, as we walked through the hall and saw that Kawahara was nowhere to be seen, I replied back.

"Yeah, just a little bit. What about you, monster? I bet you are not even tired."

"What's that supposed to mean? Even I get tired every now and then. I can't just ignore my human limits."

"I'm not sure if I believe that after what I have seen today. Plus, you have a key that can open literally anything! How have you not used that to do a plethora of other things?!"

Wait... Now that I think about it... Doesn't this mean...

"Hold on, hold on... You could like... Just walk into our dorm and hypothetically speaking, unlock my door lock and---"

But then I noticed. While walking, without saying a single word, his mischievous smile couldn't vanish off his face, no matter how hard he tried.

Indirectly, he was already speaking so much...

"I would rock you senseless."

"I have a lot of weapons with me, for the record. Should I ever sense your presence in my room, I will take ahold of my chainsaw and I will drill your balls off. Okay?~"

Of course, they are all secrets that no one knows about... But I did show my chainsaw once...

It's a miracle that I wasn't framed for that. I do not like perverts and perverts take this as some sort of sexual innuendo or compliment when it's really not.

"Relax. Mindless overusage of power is by far the most excruciatingly boring act a human being could commit. Naturally, that's something I wouldn't do."

"Ah, how very wise of you. So, why do I still feel like you would do it?"

"How very cunning, Sana. You are aware of how bangable you are."

"You don't cease to amuse me..."

"Thanks."

"You're not supposed to thank me for that!"

8:30 pm.

After I had dinner with the boys, I reflected on the whole day outside of the dorm, at the entrance door.

Hyunda's absence today was by far the biggest mystery. Even though I insisted with Yulia to know Sana's whereabouts, she said that she shouldn't persist because she thought that Sana was asleep and that was why Yulia couldn't hear anything from her.

Weirdly enough, I didn't see Arkalee in the dining area, even though I had arrived there just in time back then.

This is why with all things considered; I'm waiting for Hyunda and speak of the devil...

As usual, with a relaxed attitude, hands inside his pockets, and a brash smile on his face when he looks at me, his confidence was overflowing.

"You did it, Daniel. Great job. Though, I realize that my task was a bit nonsensical. Keeping Arkalee from me might not just work."

"You had five people after you. Kawahara was in the middle of them as well."

"Really? I had no idea."

Perhaps he decided to have a mini-chat as he just stood looking at my crooked posture bathing in the moonlight that the dark sky light emitted over me while still showering me with plenty of chilly gusts.

"So, did you do something today or did you stay constantly on the run from Arkalee?"

"Both. Do you remember that time I told you that I got a new toy?"

I think he said that....

Though, I don't exactly remember when.

"Yeah. So, you got a new toy?"

"That is the case. Though, this one was expensive as hell. Acquiring it took me some trouble, but it's fortunately under my possession now. Actually --- not yet. It's gonna be, but only after a few days. I hate to wait for it, but oh well. I can't wait. I was getting tired of only having one toy. This one will be fine in my collection."

"Haha, what the hell, Hyunda. Can't wait to see it. You are gonna show it to me, right?"

I wonder what it looks like? I also didn't know that Hyunda had an interest in toys. What is he, a kid?

"I don't need to do that."

Maybe he got tired of talking or maybe the talk itself was about to be concluded, but Hyunda decided to finally enter the dorm through the door, which made me get up as I accompanied him.

"Why though?"

"Because, Daniel, you know what the toy looks like already."

"What?"

I didn't understand Hyunda just now.

How can I know what the toy looks like if he confirmed that he had only bought it today? Didn't he also imply that he was going to have the toy for him in a few days?

"Nothing. You wouldn't get it."

"Sure, if you say so. Gonna sleep already?"

"Yeah. Got some things to do."

Coincidentally, as I started to yawn out loud, I went along with Hyunda and attempted to go straight into my room.

However, as we climbed the stairs even further, in front of Hyunda's room door, there was something that we both couldn't ignore.

Rather --- someone that we couldn't ignore. 

So this is where she was. Although...

"How the fuck did you get inside the damn dorm, Arkalee?!"

This bitch has no fucking shame whatsoever. The worst part about this is that she's in the middle of sulking and refuses to look anywhere else but below.

She's standing there, with her back against his room door, motionless, like a doll, waiting for her master to give her some sort of order.

Needless to say, I got completely ignored.

"One hour and thirty-five minutes. That's how much it has passed since 7 pm. I win."

".........Hyunda...!"

Slowly looking up, as soon as she heard Hyunda's words, Arkalee rose her face full of tears up and looked at Hyunda, while immediately flying into his arms.

This, however, wasn't enough to bring Hyunda's body down, as Hyunda held Arkalee tightly with his right arm.

"I was so worried! I thought that you died! I really did! I searched everywhere possible for you! I checked every bathroom, every room in this dorm, and every room in every dorm while you were gone and still no signal! You must've left school, right!? Right?! Gosh, hahaha!! I should've known! That was the obvious choice! Looooooook, I even went and got myself into the principal's office yet you still weren't there. Trust me, I actually searched the whole school, twice! TWICE! Still, with little to no response of you and -------"

No one interrupted her own speech, except Arkalee herself, who for some reason decided to go silent.

I'm used to Arkalee's leech-like speeches at this point, so it doesn't even faze me at this point, but I certainly got curious once she stopped talking.

However, my doubt was shortly answered, as Arkalee angrily spoke to Hyunda with eyes of fury.

"Um, so, you remember your promise, right? No talking to other girls. I made that pretty clear. So, do you mind explaining this? I know your smell so well at this point. And it's absent. I don't like that. If mine was mixed, then sure, that's tolerable, however, what the hell is this that I'm smelling!?"

I take my words back. It still fucking fazes me.

This smell talk literally sent a shiver down my spine. My god. Holy hell. I need to bath myself in holy water to get this filthy memory off my brain. This is so cursed. What the actual fuck, Arkalee?

"..."

Despite Hyunda being questioned, he remained silent.

"Not answering? Okay. We can stay here all night honey, that's fine. After all, I am most surely not leaving until I get a damn answer as to why you have another wretch's vile smell in your damn body right now!"

I should go downstairs and grab some popcorn.