“Where did the two of you go?” Yuri said angrily.

Her left brow furrowed into a curve which expresses her annoyance.

Phew. Thank God, Yuri’s here to save my ass.

“Anyway, I’ve already collected our credit stars. Here’s yours and yours” she stated then gave each one of us a metal badge with “10 Credits Score” written on it.

“I already gave the one for Nelly and Charles, they are all waiting for us in the venue for the next game” Yuri said then led us to the where the next game will be held.

“The next game we’ll be having is dodgeball” The coordinator announced.

“For this game I will still need 2 teams in each department and 5 members each” the coordinator added.

“Guys! Let’s join again.” Yuri said enthusiastically.

“I don’t think they're interested–” I wasn’t able to continue what I’m saying when I saw all of them already devising strategies with Yuri, and all that was left is me talking by myself.

“Dylan? What are you doing there?” she asked when she finally noticed I wasn’t there with them.

“Y-yeah, right” I answered nonchalantly.

The dodgeball game was so intense and fun except for the part where I have to fight for my life being targeted by the opponent, and Simon who is my supposedly teammate.

“Last warning for the Mathematics Department, hit the opponent not your teammate” the coordinator announced.

Well, it’s not like anyone can tell Simon what to do. In the end, we were disqualified for rule breaking, and unsportsmanlike conduct. A lot of thanks for Simon.

The evening came and I still needed to fight for my life as Simon and I shared a tent with one another. Glad that Charles is here to save my ass but not when he’s sleeping like a log.

I was zoned out by my thoughts that I didn’t realize I’m staring hard at Simon Park, who is now killing me with his stares.

“What?” he asked grumpily.

I ignored him, and lay down to bury myself to sleep yet I can still feel him go out of the tent.

* * *

“What?” I asked irritated when I noticed this midget staring at me.

He ignored my presence then proceeded to go to sleep. This bastard.

I went out of the tent to appease my mind with a cigarette. I went far away from the camping site and lit the cigarette.

“Ahh” I exclaimed after puffing the cigarette, and exhaling the smoke satisfactorily.

I then tossed my cigarette and started to stretch my body when I felt the presence of someone lurking around.

“Finally, you got the nerves to show up,” I said while stretching my hamstring.

“Stop bullshitting me!” Billy, from the Art Department said while caressing the baseball bat he’s carrying.

I looked around to see how many are there.

“1,2,3…8” I counted.

“You sure are scared” I exclaimed then left out a sarcastic chuckle.

“You bastard! You’re really getting on my nerves. Attack Hi–”

I quickly rushed towards him and hit him in the face with a straight jab using my left hand which made him lose his balance. I then followed it up with a tapper jab to divert his attention, then finished him up with an uppercut.

He was thrown a few steps from me but still managed to stand up.

“Ugh” I exclaimed when someone hit my back with a piece of wood.

I turned myself in front of him quickly then blocked his arm which tried to hit me once again. I then kicked his left foot where he lost his balance.

Another man came up to me and attempted to grab my shirt. I quickly evaded his attack, then knee-kicked him in the solar plexus which made him arched his back.

Billy’s underling ran towards me one after another, but all ended up lying on the floor.

“Hah! Useless brats!” Billy said in his annoying voice.

“Come at me!” he shouted, while spreading his arms and provoking me.

“As you wish” I ran towards him and delivered the hooking kick, which I executed effortlessly by hitting his right face with the sole of my right feet in a hooking motion.

“Blagh” he coughed while holding his guts.

I then rotated my torso to back kick him, in which to my surprise he was able to block with his hands.

“Huh! Gotcha!” he exclaimed then forcefully twisted my foot with his hands.

I then pulled up my other foot and wrapped it around his torso where he subsequently lost his balance and ended up falling on the ground. I used this chance to choke him using the triangle method. I wrapped my right food around his head and shoulders, and was supported by my left foot. I exerted much force, while trapping his harm in front of his neck.

When I noticed that he’s not already moving, I let him go and let his body roll on the ground.

“B-boss” Some of his underlings said under their breath.

“You might as well carry him to the hospital, or else you’ll lose him” I grinned.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

“The ringleader will hear about this, Simon Park,” he added.

I went back to the campsite, and left them in the cold ground.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

What the fuck is going on with this midget?

“Piss off,” I said. I was about to enter the tent when he blocked me with his small body.

I looked at him with such an enraged face. I can see him now getting cocky and even staring directly at him. I can’t keep on wasting my time with him as my body is now feeling the pain of being hit.

“Move” I said seriously which let him step aside and make way for me.

***

I gazed blankly at the window, scrutinizing the scenes I’ve seen last night. The cold ambience of the campsite packed together with the dark energy coming from the man with the intent to kill, Simon Park. My body was filled with cold shivers, as I reenacted the last sight of him in my mind.

“Geez” I said then caressed my arms as I felt the cold breeze passing me by.

“Kyaah! He’s so handsome.” Nelly squeaked while stomping her feet. The sound generated echoed in the whole room which piqued my interest in whatever they were talking.

“What is it?” I whispered to Yuri.

“She’s trying this new app called ‘Hit me up’ where a guy would message the girls first to ask them on a date.” Yuri answered while browsing the said app for me to see.

“Isn’t that dangerous?” I asked.

“What do you mean dangerous? The guys here are so kind and so innocent. I bet they’re even scared to hurt a fly” Hana defended.

“Let’s ignore Dylan. Should I meet him?” she added while giggling.

Yuri looked at me and smiled bitterly.

“Yes, meet him up tonight. I bet he’s more handsome in personal” Nelly said to lift up the mood.

“In that case, I’ll join you just to be sure you’re safe” I said without having any idea why.

The girls all looked at me as if I had done such a heinous act.

“Are you kidding us?” Nelly asked while raising her right brow.

“Such a creep,” Hana murmured, then rolled her eyes.

“Don’t worry, I think you’ll be fine” Yuri said to distract them and to discard my ass in the hot seat.

“A-actually, I’ll ask you if you can meet him with me,” Hana said, then wrapped herself around Yuri’s arm.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to…but I’m just scared something will happen to me if I go there alone,” she added while looking at Yuri with sparkling eyes.

“Oh, okay. I think it would be best to go with you” Yuri answered. I can feel that she’s in a tough situation not to say yes.

“Yay! Meet me at Kofi Café at 8 PM later.” Hana answered and hugged Yuri.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit suspicious?” I asked Yuri while we were eating in the cafeteria.

“What?” she asked while separating the rice cake and fish cake in the tteokbokki.

“I mean you, and Hana going out to meet some guy you didn’t even knew”

“Well, I guess it’s better than her going there alone,” she said.

“Just call me if you think something's so strange,” I said and drank a bottle of water.

“Hey, do you like me or something?” she asked without a warning.To my surprise, I automatically blew out the water that I just drank.

“Are you high?” I asked in disbelief then softly knocked her head with my fist to give her some awakening.

“I’m just worried, I’d carry you to the hospital and spend my money on your medications. Keep dreaming.” I said then rolled my eyes on her.

“Keep dreaming” she mimicked while rolling her eyes and exaggerating every word.

“Eat up!” I said then offered her my remaining fish cake.

I was just glad that I didn't have any trouble in our class today. Simon Park’s schedule is packed up with his training, Harold’s not acting strange, and other phenomena that might happen just like the other days.

“Mom! I’m here” I shouted, while removing my shoes.

There was not a single sound that replied to me. My heart beats in the tune of a wildly played bass drum. The door wasn’t locked, which tells me that mom is inside the house.

Is she alright?

I rushed towards her room to see if she’s there…nothing. I headed to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. She’s not there. Where would she go at a time like this?

My head started cold sweating, as my hand shakes in fear and anxiousness.

“Dylan!”, someone called.

I turned around to see, and it was my mom coming out of my room.

“Mom!” I cried and leaped to hug her.

“I called your name, why didn’t you answer?” I whined, trying to hold my tears.

“Aigoo! Is my Dylan so worried about me? I just put your clothes in your room” she answered while caressing my hair.

I hugged her for a few minutes to calm myself down.

“Anyway, I would like to ask if you can cover my shift for me” my mom asked.

I straighten myself to look at her.

“Of course I can, but why?” I asked.

“I am not feeling well today, I think I need a rest. That’s why I’m asking you if you can go to the Soup shop for me.”

“Okay. I’ll do it. Just promise me you will take a rest and won’t do any chores. Also, lock the door when I leave” I announced.

“Okay…okay…” she said while nodding her head.

I then changed my clothes and brought her apron. Her shift in the Soup shop lasts from 7 pm to 10 pm.

“Mom, I’m leaving” I said then hurried to the Soup shop where Mrs. Kim, the owner, welcomed me.

“Good evening, Mrs. Kim. Mom says I’ll cover her shift for today.” I said as soon as I entered the Soup shop.

Mrs. Kim has been running her business for around two decades already. The shop’s best seller is their Korean Ginseng Chicken soup paired with lots of side dishes and drinks. Mom’s been working here since the time we have decided to live here.

“Aigoo! Tell your mom to get plenty of rest. I think she’s being stressed a lot” she added.

I faked a smile and started wearing mom’s apron, hair protectors and other safety garments.

“Dylan, please bring this to table No. 7” Mrs. Kim said while giving me their orders.

“Coming, Mrs. Kim” I said while wiping the table left by the other customers.

“Just eat all you want. I got paid a lot” I can’t help but to overhear the conversation of table No. 8 while serving the food on table 7.

“Hah! Of course, that bitch is so easy”

I was taken aback when I heard a familiar voice.

“Is this all, sir?” I asked to distract myself from eavesdropping.

“Yes, thank you” said the customers from table No. 7

“Wasn’t she your friend? You know what they do to fresh meat?” the girl from table No. 8 added.

“Who cares? As long as I got my cut, and Shh! Just eat”

I wasn’t able to control myself.

I confronted the people from that table, and what I saw completely struck me down.

“H-Hana?” I asked in disbelief.

She looked at me as if she had seen a ghost.

“Where is Yuri?” I didn’t notice that my voice got loud and echoed in the whole shop.

“W-What?” her voice shakes.

“What did you do to Yuri?” I asked once again, this time while forcefully holding her hands to extract information from her.

“O-ouch! It hurts” she whined.

“WHERE IS YURI?” I asked while losing my mind.