I stood up abruptly and looked at him seriously. Shit. Why do I always end up meeting people who want to kill me?! Am I really destined to die? He is Prince Quillan Evangelista Ferrer, a boy who likes cats. To him, a cat's life is worth more than a human's. He looks kind… but looks can lie.
"What are you doing with my cat?" he asked, his voice serious. Tsk.
"It came to me on its own," I said flatly.
"Clover doesn't like humans." And I don't like monsters like you either.
"Then I guess I'm not human." I smirked. He froze at my words. "Don't worry. I won't take your cat away from you." I walked past him, but as I did, something strange washed over me—something I couldn't quite explain. ⸻
After buying three large bags of junk food, I decided not to go home yet. I wanted to wander around for a bit. As I walked, I could feel sharp eyes watching me. I knew Prince was following me, but I pretended not to notice. Then I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Sol, crying as she leaned on Saichi's shoulder.
"I don't get it! What did I do? Why won't Luna be friends with me? Is it because everyone at school hates me?" Saichi gently rubbed her back.
"I'm sure Luna has her reasons. Forget about her, Sol. I'm here for you," he said softly. He was about to look my way, so I quickly hid behind a wall. I knew it—he sensed I was here. I had to be extra careful. That guy's probably planning something bad again. ⸻ I glanced around. Okay, good—no sign of— "Luna! I need to talk to you!" Shit. I turned and saw Saichi heading straight toward me. Before he could reach me, I grabbed Cl's arm and pulled him away with me. Once we were far enough, I immediately let go.
"I'll say this right away," he said. "My heart belongs to someone else. Sorry, I can't love you back."
"I'm sorry I dragged you here," I replied dryly. "I just needed to escape Saichi. Now, if you'll excuse me—"
"Wait, you're not going to confess to me?" he asked.
"Why would I? Do I look like I love you?" Sometimes, I forget to be scared. He's just so punchable—I swear I want to smack him until he realizes not every girl likes him.
"Ouch, I really thought you were about to confess," he said, pouting. I rolled my eyes.
"Sorry to disappoint. But I really need to go."
"Meet me at the cafeteria during lunch break!" he called out. I didn't bother replying.
...
When I entered the classroom, my eyes met Sol's. She looked away sadly. I approached my desk, stared at it for a second—then kicked it. It broke instantly. I knew it. Saichi did this. If I'd sat down, that chair would've collapsed and everyone would've laughed. There was even wet red paint smeared on it. He really thought he could trick me? Please. I'm an expert at dealing with bullies. With a sigh, I walked out of the classroom. I wasn't going to stay there any longer—he's probably already thinking of another way to kill me.
...
Mom wasn't home; she went to the market. It was just me and Enzo, which was… awkward.
"Luna—" he began, but stopped when the doorbell rang. He was about to get it, but I spoke first.
"I'll get it." I opened the door—and there he was. The smiling, shameless flirt.
"Hi, Luna!" he greeted. I stared at him blankly.
"What the heck are you doing here?" I asked, dead serious.
"Luna, who's that?" Enzo asked from behind me.
"He's my classmate," I said. Cl extended his hand toward Enzo, who only looked at it. In the novel, they never got along—because of Sol, of course. What else would you expect in a story like this?
"Hi! We've met before, but I forgot to introduce myself properly," Cl said cheerfully. "I'm Cl Khaxier Villacorta Millan, sixteen. Nice to finally meet you, Enzo. Oh, and by the way…" He grinned. "I'm Luna's future boyfriend." He winked at me, and I grimaced. Enzo didn't seem amused either. I shook my head. Why do they always start hating each other this fast?
"Luna," Enzo said firmly.
"Yes?"
"Stay away from that guy. He looks dangerous."
"Hahaha, I'm sorry if I scared you," Cl chuckled. "But for your information, I'm safe. Luna knows that." He looked at me. "Right, Luna?" Both of you are dangerous. One day, one of you will kill me. Worst-case scenario—you'll both do it together. In the story, they never revealed who killed me. One out of eight guys did. Actually, all of them wanted to. Someone just got there first. I grabbed Cl's wrist and pulled him outside. Once we were far enough, I crossed my arms.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded.
"Whoa, chill! I just came to visit," he said, smiling.
"Is that really all?" I asked wearily. He cleared his throat.
"I want you to help me make Sol jealous."
"Pardon?"
"I want you to be my fake girlfriend." I froze for a moment before coming back to my senses.
"No."
"Huh? Why not?" I rolled my eyes and started to walk away, but he grabbed my arm. I looked back at him sharply.
"Saichi is trying to kill you," he said, his tone suddenly serious. My eyes widened.
"What the—"
"Just be my fake girlfriend, and I promise I'll protect you," he said, pulling me closer. "I'll protect you till the end, Luna. Just be my girl—and I won't let anyone hurt you."