Elian needed a new sanctuary. The oak tree had been compromised by his chaotic friends.
So, on Wednesday, he ventured into the Sports District—the land of sweat and testosterone.
He found a secluded bench hidden behind high hedges near the massive Rugby Stadium.
"Perfect," Elian whispered. "No one will look for me here."
He sat down and opened his bento box.
The aroma of Spicy Thai Basil Pork with a sunny-side-up egg wafted into the air.
It smelled spicy, savory, and heavenly.
Before eating, he snapped a picture and uploaded it to @VioletKitchen.
Caption: Something spicy to wake up the senses.
#LunchTime
Almost immediately, a notification popped up. It was that mysterious user again.
[User_K]: Location?
[VioletKitchen]: Secret. :P
[User_K]: I will pay you double the market price for delivery.
Elian giggled, shaking his head. "This person is persistent." He put his phone away and picked up his spoon.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
The ground vibrated. The birds in the hedge flew away.
Elian froze. "Is that... a T-Rex?"
The bushes parted. A shadow fell over him.
Standing there was a giant. He had messy silver hair, broad shoulders that blocked the sun, and he was covered in dirt and grass stains.
Jax. The Rugby Captain. The "Beast of Saint Caelum."
In the novel, Jax was a violent character who broke people's bones for fun.
Elian trembled, clutching his bento box. "P-Please don't eat me."
Jax didn't look at Elian. His wild eyes were locked onto the Basil Pork. He sniffed the air like a starving wolf.
"Food," Jax grunted, his voice deep and rough. "Smells... good."
He looked at Elian, then pointed at his own stomach. Growl.
Elian blinked. The "Beast" didn't look scary anymore. He looked like a giant, hungry puppy.
"Do... do you want some?" Elian offered, holding out a spare container. "It's spicy, though."
Jax snatched the container. He didn't use a spoon. He just shoveled the food into his mouth.
"Mmm!" Jax's eyes widened. "Good. Spicy. Good."
He finished it in ten seconds flat. He wiped his mouth with his jersey and looked at Elian with intense seriousness.
"I am Jax."
"I-I'm Elian."
Jax nodded once. "Elian feeds Jax. Jax protects Elian."
Elian tilted his head. "Protect me?"
"Pack logic," Jax grunted. "You feed the alpha, you are part of the pack."
Elian smiled. It was simple logic, but he liked it.
Suddenly, voices echoed from the path behind the hedges.
"I know he went this way! I saw that ridiculous white hair... no, wait, his hair is black now."
Elian turned pale. He knew that arrogant voice.
Gabriel Cross.
"Why is he looking for me?" Elian whispered in panic. "I didn't do anything!"
If Gabriel found him, he would demand answers. He would ask why Elian was ignoring him. He would cause a scene.
"Trouble?" Jax asked, seeing Elian's fear.
"Yes! Big trouble!" Elian stood up, looking for a place to run. "I need to hide!"
"No running," Jax stood up, towering over the hedge. "Hide here."
Jax grabbed Elian by the waist and effortlessly lifted him up like a gym bag.
"W-Wait! Jax!"
Jax carried him into the nearby locker room, opened his large captain's locker, and stuffed Elian inside.
"Stay," Jax commanded. "Quiet."
He closed the door, leaving a tiny crack.
Seconds later, the locker room door banged open.
"Elian! Come out! I know you're in here!" Gabriel's voice was full of frustration.
Elian held his breath, pressing his hand over his mouth.
"Who makes noise in my locker room?" Jax's voice boomed, echoing off the tiles.
Elian peeked through the crack.
Jax was standing in the middle of the room, arms crossed, muscles bulging.
Gabriel stopped in his tracks. Compared to Jax, Gabriel looked like a toothpick.
"I... I'm looking for Elian Sterling," Gabriel stammered, his arrogance slipping. "Did you see him?"
"No Elian here," Jax lied smoothly. "Just me. And I am changing."
Jax took a step forward. "Get. Out."
Gabriel swallowed hard. He was rich and popular, but he wasn't stupid enough to fight the Rugby Captain.
"Fine," Gabriel huffed, adjusting his jacket to save face. "If you see him... tell him Gabriel is looking for him. He can't ignore me forever."
Gabriel turned and stormed out.
Silence returned to the room.
The locker door opened. Jax peered in. "Tiny man gone?"
Elian tumbled out, taking a deep breath. "Yes. He's gone. Thank you, Jax!"
Jax patted Elian's head. It felt heavy but comforting. "Tiny man annoying. You safe now."
Elian smiled, dusting off his clothes. He had a new friend. A very big, very strong friend.
But as he walked back to his dorm, Elian's smile faded.
Gabriel was actively chasing him now. And in three days, it was the Gala.
Everyone would be there. Gabriel. The Squad. And the terrifying Blackwood Twins.
"I need that suit," Elian muttered to himself. "I need to armor up."