Matthew quietly took out his phone.
Click.
A picture of Rick—completely engrossed, leaning toward Ava, talking nonstop.
He sent it.
To Jay.
Come carry your best friend.
Then he went back to eating like nothing happened.
Time passed.
Too long.
Finally Jay arrived.
Ava glanced at him, then at Matthew, then back at Jay, eyes narrowing slightly.
Rick didn't even notice at first.
"How did you know I'm here?" Rick asked casually, holding his iced rose milkshake with chocolate, biting the straw as he looked up.
Jay looked at him like it was obvious.
"Is it that hard?" he said calmly. "You always come here when you want to look at abs. You even used your saved pass for this place… even though you said you were going to save it."
Rick just smiled, sipping his drink, already distracted again by the training outside.
Jay turned to the waiter he called.
"I'll take a takeaway—grilled chicken wrap, spicy fries, and iced lemon tea."
The waiter nodded and moved off.
Matthew wiped his hands lightly and looked at Ava."Order what you want. Eat quickly. We're leaving soon."
Ava immediately sighed, resting her elbows on the table, holding her face as she pouted at him.
"This is our first date," she said dramatically. "Can't we enjoy the moment?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow.
Slowly.
Then glanced at Rick then at Jay.
Then back at her.
He clicked his tongue as if asking who dare with extra company.
Ava followed his gaze.
Paused at Jay and Rick smiling at them.
Jay didn't say anything already reading the room.
He just reached over grabbed Rick by the collar and dragged him off the seat.
"Hey—! My drink!" Rick protested, looking back at his milkshake like it was his lifeline.
Jay didn't stop.
"Can't you read the room?" he said calmly, dragging him toward the counter. "You must have a lot of energy to still be here after practice." He said changing the topic
Rick stumbled along, still trying to look back.
"My drink—!"
At the counter, Jay rested one arm casually, waiting.
The staff told him to wait a moment.
Rick stood beside him, pouting.
Around them, people were staring.
Some girls in line whispered, stealing glances.
"They look like celebrities…"
"No—hotter…"
Jay and Rick didn't react.
They were used to it.
"I always have energy when it comes to abs," Rick said proudly, smirking.
Jay chuckled.
"If you like abs so much, why not just go to the hostel?" he muttered near Rick's ear.
Rick immediately scoffed, lifting his chin.
"That's a lie. Which hostel? None of them walk around shirtless. The only time I see abs is during bathing, and I can't even stare or they'll think I'm gay."
He rolled his eyes.
"And I'm tired of seeing your abs."
Some of the people nearby went quiet, pretending not to listen.
Rick suddenly smiled at them, completely unbothered.
Then his eyes lit up.
"Wait…"
He clapped his hands.
"What if I date a girl with abs?"
Jay didn't even respond.
The staff handed him the takeaway
.
He took it and turned away Rick immediately followed.
Back at the table
"We're heading back to school first," Jay said.
Rick glanced at Ava.
"We'll talk online. Enjoy your date."
A small pause.
"Don't do anything crazy I won't do your age."Rick added as grabbed his drink.
Matthew rolled his eyes.
Rick grinned, then ran after Jay.
Jay had barely taken a few steps before Rick jumped onto his back, wrapping his legs around his waist.
"Carry me!"
Jay didn't even stumble.
He adjusted slightly and kept walking like it was normal.
"Damn, Rick—are you trying to make it look like I'm gay?" Jay complained.
But he didn't drop him.
Instead, he adjusted his hold—one hand securing Rick's legs, the other carrying the takeaway bag. Rick rested comfortably on his back, one arm around Jay's shoulder, the other holding his drink.
"So what if they think you're gay?" Rick whispered into his ear. "People can think whatever they like. What matters is what you think you are."
Jay glanced at him their face very close.
"What do you want?" he asked calmly looking forward as he continuing walking down street to arrive at the road that leads to the school.
"Do I always need to want something to speak wisdom?" Rick replied, resting his head on Jay's shoulder as he sipped his drink.
Jay nodded.
That was all the answer he needed Rick immediately leaned in.
Bite.
Jay groaned.
"Do you want me to drop you?" he asked flatly.
Rick gasped tears spilling out from his eyes.
"So you don't love me anymore? Put me down, you cheater! You've already found someone else—I'm no longer important! You even yelled at me now my poor heart"
He started struggling like he wanted to get down.
People around them were already staring.
It wasn't every day you saw two ridiculously handsome guys—one calm, noble, and composed and freaking sexy and hot,carrying another with a soft cute ,handsome, angelic face who was busy fake-crying like his life depended on it.
"Sorry, sorry I should not have scolded you," Jay said calmly. "My fault. I attacked your delicate heart. I'm a monster."
A pause.
"Calm down. People are staring."
Rick sniffed.
"You're the only drama I need if you want to bite bite," Jay added, used to Rick personality.
Rick stopped crying.
Immediately.
He nodded proudly.
Then bit Jay again.
Jay didn't even react this time only biting his lip.
"I want to go to a club next week," Rick said suddenly, excited. "Let's book a vacation house too."
"Whatever suits you," Jay replied.
They crossed the road, already near the path leading to their school.
Meanwhile, back at the café Ava and Matthew enjoy their date .
Or rather—
Ava tying their hands together and holding his phone hostage so he wouldn't leave.
By the time they finished eating, it was already late.
Matthew knocked her lightly on the head as he stood up untying their hands.
"Ah!" Ava rubbed the spot, pouting.
He paid for everything and walked out.
Ava followed behind, carrying both their bags, still rubbing her head.
Outside, the night air hit.
"Wow… it's cold, isn't it?" Ava said, staring at Matthew with wide eyes—very obvious hint.
Give me your jacket.
Matthew kept walking.
Completely ignoring her.
Ava narrowed her eyes.
Idiot.
"I know a shortcut," she said instead.
"Instead of going all the way around to the main road and taking the bus, we can take a direct one from our side."
"Fine," Matthew replied.
They walked.
Ava talked.
Matthew listened.
Street after street passed until.
Ava turned into a narrow alley.
Dark.
Quiet.
Matthew's lips twitched slightly.
Yeah… this looks like a perfect place to get jumped.
Right on cue—
Shadows moved.
A group of thugs stepped out, blocking their path.
"Well, well, well… what luck," the leader sneered, stepping forward. "Two little strays walking straight into the tiger's den. Didn't your mommy warn you not to walk into dark places?"
His lackeys burst into laughter.
Matthew looked at him.
Disgusted.
Not even trying to hide it.
Ava was worse.
"Oh… wow," she gagged dramatically, covering her mouth. "The cringe it is too much cringe my number one weakness it's actually killing me."
She waved her hand like she was trying to push the words away.
"Did an elementary school kid write that line for you?"
The laughter died instantly.
"How dare you mock our boss!" one of the lackeys snapped. "If you know what's good for you, get on your knees, beg, and hand over everything you have—maybe you won't die!"
Another one stepped forward, licking his lips.
"The girl stays," he said. "It's been a while since I've had someone this pretty."
Ava blinked slowly.
Then sighed.
"Another idiot," Matthew muttered. "Honestly, ava, every time I'm with you, we run into trash like this."he started counting on his fingers.
"First time—lackeys. Second—school bullies. Third—fake bosses. Now this."
She tilted her head at him wondering what he is implying.
"I think our zodiac signs are clashing."
Matthew said didn't even look at the thug.
"Hey," Ava shot back, "I'm the entertainment here without me your life will be boring I'm the pepper to your bland sauce the salt to your rice ."
She glanced at the group, unimpressed.
"These ones are just… low quality."
Then she added casually, "This area used to belong to that Snake Clan thing, right? They were at least fun. Always gave me gifts."
She sighed.
"These ones? Disappointing."
The thugs' faces darkened.
"You damn kids!" the leader roared. "How dare you ignore me!"
Ava raised a brow.
"So you know we're kids, and you still want to bully us?" she said sweetly. "How do you even sleep at night?"
She stepped forward slightly.
"Knowing you only go for weak people like a pussy your dad must be proud at what he raise.Oh wait—let me guess."
Her smile turned mocking.
"Your dad already knew you were a failure from day one, so he ran away early to go for the milk ."
Matthew snorted.
Ava didn't stop.
"You probably bully old people just to feel strong. 'Oh look at me, I'm tough!'" she mocked, puffing her chest out.
Then she leaned closer, eyes scanning him.
"And those cheap steroids? Not helping."
Matthew burst out laughing.
"Damn," he said. "Even I felt that."
The leader's face twisted red.
"You—you—you dare mock me?!"
Ava blinked.
Then copied him perfectly.
"You—you—you…" she stammered, tilting her head innocently. "Did my beauty stun you that much?"
She sighed dramatically.
"Honestly, being this beautiful is a burden. Even lowlifes start dreaming of getting."
Her gaze turned cold for a split second.
"And that's just insulting."
"Kill her!" the leader screamed. "Kill them both!"
The stunned goons snapped out of it.
Knives came out.
Bottles.
Wooden sticks anything with them or what they could find from the ground.
They rushed forward.
Ava's smile widened.
Bright.
Excited.
"See?" she said lightly, glancing at Matthew. "They attacked first."
She stepped forward.
"So now…"
Her voice dropped slightly—thrilled.
"I'm just defending myself."
Before the thugs could even reach her Ava unzipped her bag.
Two guns came out.
The thugs froze mid-step, stopping a few meters away.
Ava tilted her head, looking down at both guns like she was choosing between snacks.
"Hmm… which one has real bullets and which one has rubber?" she murmured.
She glanced between them, genuinely thinking Mattew stared at her quietly he lean on the wall let her handle it.
The goons swallowed hard, instinctively stepping back.
"Why are you idiots scared?" the leader snapped. "It's probably a toy! A water gun! Do you think she even knows how to use a real one? She's just a girl—grow some balls!"
The hesitation broke.
Two of them rushed forward.
Bang.
The sound cracked through the alley.
Both men dropped instantly, clutching their shoulders, screams tearing out of their throats.
Ava blinked.
Then sighed.
"…Oops. Wrong one."
She casually lowered the gun and slipped it back into her bag, like she hadn't just shot someone.
Then she twirled the other gun in her hand and caught it neatly.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
"Okay, that one's rubber."
She tilted it slightly.
"IT is rubber gun only two bullet in each gun we are ten two is already down we can do it "the leader yelled.
GET HER!" they shouted, trying to hype themselves up.
Matthew glanced at them.
Then at Ava.
Then chuckled softly.
He casually covering his ears like he was about to watch fireworks.
The thugs charged.
Pop!
A shot hit the ground right in front of them.
They flinched—but kept going.
Pop! Pop!
More shots.
Closer.
Too close.
They stumbled, tripping over themselves and crashing hard onto the ground.
Ava lifted the gun again.
This time pointing directly at the leader.
He stood frozen, eyes wide, legs trembling.
Ava slowly lowered the gun then tilted it.
Down.
Straight at his most sensitive area.
The message was clear.
The man nearly collapsed.
"You—this is illegal!" he stuttered. "The police will arrest you! How can you be using a gun and hurting people?!"
Ava blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"A criminal… teaching me the law?" she said, amused. "How pathetic."
She took a small step forward.
"And don't try to threaten me with the police."
Her tone stayed light.
Almost playful.
"There's no CCTV here. No witnesses."
She gestured lazily around.
"And don't tell me about nearby residents. The closest ones are a street away. The people here work late… or used to be part of that Snake group."
A small smile curved her lips.
"They moved out."
A pause.
"Because of me."
The leader's face drained of color.
Ava crouched slightly, still aiming.
"But don't worry," she added cheerfully. "I think we're going to be good friends."
"Yes—yes! Friends!" the leader stammered immediately. "Good friends! Please—please lower the gun—your finger is too close to the trigger—this isn't safe—"
Behind him, his goons had already gone completely still.
Some pretending to be unconscious.
Others not even daring to breathe.
Ava tilted her head.
Watching him panic.
Smiling.
"Oh right—what's that word again?" she muttered, then snapped her fingers.
"Ah. Yes."
She pointed the gun casually.
"Give me all your money bitch."
The leader froze.
"…What?"
Ava's smile widened.
"I said—give me your money mother fucker or I pop your head ."
Her tone dropped slightly.
"From now on, you'll be paying protection fees to me."
She tilted her head.
"And if I ever hear that you bullied anyone weaker again…"
She lowered the gun slightly—then lifted it again with a small click.
"…we'll have a biology discussion."
A pause.
"Let's see how well a man survives without his reproductive organs."
Pop!
She shot the ground near their feet.
That was enough.
"AH—!"
The thugs panicked.
Wallets. Phones. Chains. Cash.
Everything hit the ground in seconds.
Some of them were so desperate they nearly stripped down to their boxers before stopping.
Ava crouched down, calmly gathering everything Matthew glance at them as they quickly ran away.
"Good," she hummed.
Then stood up and walked off like nothing happened.
Matthew followed.
A few minutes later they reached left the alley entering a complete different street with a donation bin nearby.
Without hesitation, Ava dumped everything inside.
Except the cash.
She kept that.
Counting it neatly.
Matthew stopya taxi then glanced at her.
"So… this isn't your first time doing something like this?"
Ava didn't even look up.
"Of course it is," she said casually. "I was just making things up. Who knew they'd believe me?"
She shrugged.
"I've only passed through that alley once."
She paused, thinking.
"And the 'Snake group'? That part was half real. Some guys used to harass people near a street food place I like."
She waved it off.
"I dealt with them. They left."
Then she smiled slightly.
"Past is past."
Matthew watched her for a moment.
"…I see."
A beat.
"What about the gun?"
"A gift from my grandma," Ava replied easily.
Matthew raised a brow.
"Your grandma sounds… intense. Teaching you how to race and giving you guns?"
Ava finally looked at him.
"Curious?"
She smirked.
"Only my boyfriend gets to ask me questions like that."
She opened the taxi door.
"And we're not even friends yet."
She got in.
Matthew paused for half a second—
Then followed.
Inside the taxi, Matthew leaned back slightly.
"Verdale Crest, Silver Arc District," he said calmly.
The driver paused for a split second.
Then glanced at them through the rearview mirror.
It wasn't every day someone casually named that destination.
Verdale Crest wasn't just any street—it host the Silver Arc District, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Velmora City though it was more deeper inside the stre far away from other places in the street.
Crownside Elite High School was located there, surrounded by residences owned by top industry figures, elites at the peak of their fields were all located in the verdale crest street with other high end commercial buildings.
And even within that Silver Arc District was on another level.
A city within a city.
Top five in the entire Velmora.
The driver's eyes flicked back to them again, more carefully this time.
Then he noticed their uniforms.
Crownside Elite High.
Understanding dawned.
Ah… that explained it.
The car engine hummed as he pulled into the road.