Dara's POV

"FIGHT! FIGHT!"

"Where?!"

"Quick! Let's watch!"

I immediately backed away and ran to the stairs. Avoiding gang brawls has become my daily exercise. It has been an automatic reflex for me to bolt to another direction if I hear any commotion and I believe I'm already getting good at it.

As I reached the upper floor, I slowed my pace and breathed a sigh of relief. Safe! I smiled triumphantly and walked in the hallway while tightly hugging my books. The days in InterSAT are unpredictable, to say the least. But I think I'm getting the hang of it.

As I was walking a different route towards my next class, my mind wandered to the events that happened last Friday. I've been replaying it in my head a hundred times that it now seems surreal. Did Jiro kiss my shoulder that night? It's quite unlikely but I saw him and I felt it! Or perhaps I accidentally moved my shoulder and since his lips were conveniently situated behind my shoulder, he accidentally kissed it? Gah! I don't know! If it was not accidental, then what does that mean? I've been searching 'kiss on shoulder' via google and it only contaminated my mind. It was a landmine of perverted anecdotes.

I haven't seen Jiro during the weekend since he has a part-time job on both the automobile repair shop and hardware store. I guess it's a good thing because I was able to think things over. Heaven knows what might have happened if I see him a day before that 'incident'.

I'm still mulling over things as I was nearing my classroom and just my luck, another brawl happened and I was in the middle of the chaos so I had nowhere to run. I hugged my books tightly and pressed myself against the wall, wincing a little when I heard someone grunt from pain. I was trying to calculate in which direction to dash to evade this pack of demons when someone pushed me aside, making me yelp in surprise.

Oh no! My books went flying in every direction and I immediately knelt to retrieve them. I was having a hard time grabbing my things since the ongoing brawl is in full throttle and extending my hand will increase my chance of getting stepped over. Oddly, the hallway became eerily quiet and the movements around me stopped. The students who were fighting were all moving away and the others were staring at something. I followed their gaze and that's when I saw Jiro standing in the middle of the hallway with his arms across his chest, glaring at all the punks who were raising hell earlier.

Ack! He's here! I hurriedly grabbed my scattered books on the floor in panic but when I was about to reach for the last book, a hand with a dragon tattoo retrieved it. Of course, I knew who it was.

Without uttering a word, Jiro helped me up and gave me my book. I tried to meet his eyes but it unnerves me. To be honest, after what happened last Friday, I pictured us getting a bit closer when we meet each other at school. I mean, even if the kiss is just figment of my imagination, he did hug me from behind to keep me warm. That's something, right? But being in front of him right now reminded me of the invisible line between us that, I'm quite certain, he will never cross.

My heart almost stopped when he moved, only to realize that he's already walking away. I turned around and watched as he slowly walked without glancing back. And just like that, he's gone.

***

Picaro found him on the rooftop, his eyes scanning the school ground but his mind is obviously elsewhere. He approached their leader and stood beside him, roaming his gaze around although, as expected, there is nothing to see. The students were walking to their respective classrooms, some running and some walking gingerly. There are those who were huddled in groups while others are alone. There's really nothing to see, except...

"That's Dara and Bullet", he stated and pointed at a spot on the round tables where the two are sitting.

"Yes."

"The biggest flirt in InterSAT", he said. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Jiro shifting his feet and he heard him breathe deeply.

"Dara is with him", Picaro added.

"What about her?"

"You know how smooth that guy is when it comes to girls. Women are practically throwing themselves on his feet. If he date Dara-..."

"He won't."

"How'd you know?"

"I'll make sure that he won't."

Picaro slowly glanced at him and sighed before darting his eyes again at the two oblivious subjects of their conversation.

"I hate to say this Jiro, but you won't be able to dictate who she can date or not."

A stony silence passed between the two. Picaro knew he's right but the problem is, what Jiro thinks is right.

"She needs someone who deserves her", Jiro said after a long pause.

"Someone like you?"

"Someone not like me", Jiro replied and turned around, shoving his hands in his pockets. He was about to walk away when Picaro placed his hand on his shoulder, stopping him. He glanced back lazily and stared at his gang mate. "What?"

"I don't understand", Picaro told him quietly as he lets go of his shoulder. "I knew you promised to protect her, but why are you doing this? Is there something more his father asked from you?"

Jiro faced him and slowly shifted his gaze to Dara, who was still sitting at the round table together with Bullet. "He just asked what all fathers wanted for their daughters."

"What?"

"A steady future. He asked me to protect his daughter and guide her to a man that will give her a happy and complete family that she wasn't able to experience since her mother died when she was young."

Picaro studied him for a moment, his mind trying to comprehend what the other is thinking. He cleared his throat, carefully weighing his words. "And you think...her father basically rejected you when he asked that?"

His words were met by a sharp glare. "You're not making any sense", Jiro said.

"Then why are you-..."

"I gave Mr. Ramirez my word that I would protect her daughter", Jiro spun around and started heading towards the door. "And that's what I'm doing", he added.

"That's exactly the problem", Picaro whispered.

***

"Girllll frienddd!!" Namee cheerfully dashed towards Dara and enveloped her in a big hug. "I miss you! We haven't seen each other for days!"

Dara darted her eyes while Namee is still clinging to her. Girls were looking at Namee weirdly while some boys are checking her body. Why didn't she notice this before? She thought other students are staring at her, not Namee, because of her connection with Jiro. It turns out even though they are indeed curious about her and Jiro, they are also eyeing her friend. She also assumed that since Namee is a loud one, grabbing the attention of people is but a natural reaction from them. Come to think of it, she saw Namee talking to her classmates on one of their classes but once she turned her back at them, she saw them whispering to each other.

At the corner of the hallway, she saw Riko. Their eyes met and she saw one of her classmates saying something to her while looking at them.

"Let's go somewhere. We need to talk", Dara said.

"Uh-oh. Are we breaking up?" Namee asked jokingly but Dara didn't answer. They walked towards the university garden at the back of the building and when they reached their favorite spot under a big tree, Dara faced her.

"What is it? Should I be scared?"

"Your part-time job..." Dara started and watched as Namee's eyes slightly widened in surprise, her smile slowly fading.

"What about it?"

"What exactly is your part-time job?"

"It seems you already know. I'm assuming you've heard the rumors."

"I saw you cutting class again so I followed you when you sneaked out of school", Dara admitted.

"Wow", Namee laughed bitterly while shaking her head. "I guess you wouldn't believe the rumors until you see it with your own eyes, huh?"

"No. That's not it. I-..."

"Yes, I'm a hooker. I'm sorry for not telling you", she said with a straight face.

Dara stared at her in astonishment, her breath caught in her throat. There is an awkward pause between them as Dara tried to absorb what she just said while Namee watched her reaction.

"I-Is that why you have no other friends here in InterSAT?"

"Yes."

"Why-..." Dara pondered for a moment before continuing, "Why did you choose to approach me?"

Namee averted her gaze and sighed. She then glanced back at her, pain evident in her eyes. Gone was the confident, loud and cheerful girl that Dara knew.

"I approached you because I saw how the leader of the strongest gang in InterSAT protected you and if I became your friend, I will be indirectly under his protection too. Being coined as the 'hooker' of this school is not an easy title, you know? Girls accuse me of stealing their boyfriends and look down at me. Boys put indecent letters in my locker asking for my fee. All those stopped when I started sticking with you."

"Okay. Then, stick with me", Dara said.

"I-...What?"

"I said, stick with me." Dara furrowed her eyebrows and crossed her arms over her chest while her forefinger is on her chin, pondering over something. "But I'm pretty miffed that you didn't tell me about this beforehand. And I'm really worried because of your part-time job. I mean, I know it gives you quick cash but I'm sure there is a way so you can earn as much. I will never be in peace whenever you go to that club. How the hell did you get that job anyway? And how safe are you in that place? Forget it, you will never be safe in that place. What if a customer that has some loose screws tried to-...OH MY GOD NAMEE, I'M SORRY I CANNOT LET YOU GO TO THAT PLACE AGAIN!"

Dara went on while Namee stared at her, too dumbstruck to utter a word. Her mouth was gaping at every word vomit that her friend is spouting. Dara was speaking softly at first, then she started freaking out all on her own. It was an amusing sight. Namee wasn't able to hold the smile that stretched on her lips, which turned into chuckles.

Dara abruptly stopped and stared at her amused friend in disbelief. "This is not funny, Namee! We should make a plan on how you can get out of that job! We-...LISTEN TO ME!"

"Dara", Namee said in between chuckles. "Wait, I'm having stomach cramps. Oh my gosh, this is not what I'm expecting at all!"

"Stop laughing!" Dara exclaimed in exasperation.

"Alright", Namee replied and breathed deeply. "Do you even understand what you're saying?"

"What of it?"

"I'm basically an outcast of this school, Dara. You wouldn't want to stick with me. I know you're nice, but you can't be stupid."

"Excuse me, my grades are higher than you in all our exams."

"Exactly", Namee said softly. There was a smile on her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Rumor is a scary thing, Dara. All my former friends turned their backs at me because of it and I don't blame them. I also don't want you to be dragged in the puddle that I'm currently at. They might say things about you because you're with me."

"Aren't you over-thinking things?"

"I'm stating a fact."

Dara blinked at her in wonder. "But it didn't happen yet."

"Are you going to wait until it happens?"

"Yes", came Dara's immediate response. "You'll be there for me, right?"

Namee's smile was now gone as she stared at her friend. She's unexpectedly...simple and sincere. Uncalculating and easy. 'Easy to fool', she thought. No wonder Jiro is very protective of her. No wonder-...

"I really think Jiro likes you", Namee suddenly said.

"What?"

"I lied. I'm not a hooker, Dara."

"WHAT?!"

 "I told you, rumor is a scary thing. An InterSAT student saw me entering that club before, and that's when the rumor spread. I'm actually working as an assistant cook in that club. That's also where I get all the info about what's going on in InterSAT because most of the patrons are our professors and since I'm friends with all the hosts and hostesses there, it was easy for me to get the details that I want", Namee started walking backwards with her hands clasped behind her as she chuckled at Dara's shocked expression.

"All that dramatic talk for nothing?" Dara hissed.

"I'll see you later, girl friend! Montecillo is probably waiting for you at the front gate!" Namee shouted and ran away.

"NAMEE CHENG!" Dara exclaimed angrily. "Get back here!"

***

There was a dangerous air around him as he walked on the hallway. Jiro's hard gaze was directed forward, like a predator waiting for his prey. When Bullet entered the building and saw the leader of the Black Dragons, the corner of his lips curved in a tiny smirk. He continued walking without looking at Ice Lord but the moment they passed by each other, his words made him pause.

"See you at the InterSAT bonfire", Jiro said. Bullet knew that brief statement is a warning. Or more aptly, a threat. The leader of the Black Dragons has officially extended a challenge and he, the leader of Fire 39, should accept it whether he likes it or not.

***

Dara's POV

As the mistress of darkness predicted, Jiro is indeed waiting for me at the gate. We walked home without talking – him being his usual self while my mind is still in a loop about what happened last Friday. I don't know how I can ask him about it without melting into a molten lava of shame.

I glanced at Jiro and sighed. This sounds pathetic but I want to spend more time with him. I haven't seen him during the weekend and now that the day is ending, I want to at least have a chat with him or something.

We stopped at our house and just like what he usually does, he stood on the doorstep, waiting for me to go inside. I looked at him and clenched my fists before asking, "Would you like to come for dinner?" I swear, that took an entire year worth of my courage. I braced myself for his answer. Since he has no part-time job today, I figured he would be free and he would hopefully say yes.

"No, thanks."

N-No?

"I have to meet Riko."

RIKO?! He declined my offer because he has to meet Riko? After he cuddled me last Friday and kissed me on the shoulder (? question mark needed), he didn't want to eat dinner with me because he had to meet Riko? Hold me, peopleeee!!!

"Okay", I said in the most cheerful voice I could muster and smiled at him. Breathe Dara, breathe. "Then, see you tomorrow."

I quickly turned around before he could say anything. I HATE HIMMMM!! How could he do this? I want to know why he needs to meet Riko at this hour but I'm sure whatever it is, it will not quench my thirst for blood right now. Oh God, I'm being immature. Calm down, self.

I threw my bag on the couch and headed towards the kitchen. I know he has every right to decline my offer but I can't deny the fact that it stung. Who is Riko in his life? He didn't answer my question when I asked if she's someone special so here I am, speculating and assuming things that will surely break my heart. Gosh, this is tiring.

I started preparing dinner and was startled when I heard someone pressing the keycode. The door opened and I watched as Jiro stepped inside the house.

"I thought you're meeting Riko?"

"I changed my mind."

I had to turn around and pretend to be continuing what I was doing to hide my smile.

"I'll help you", he said and placed his things on the couch before going to the kitchen.

We prepared dinner and set up the table in silence. Silence is good because that means the name 'Riko' is not being uttered. I don't know when it started but my 'tiny crush' on him is ballooning into something crazy. I'm becoming greedy of his attention and just thinking about him accommodating other girls rips my soul. It seems the dreaded 'L' word is crawling its way into my heart which, I must admit, is quite scary.

*Sigh* What does he really think of me? The things he does makes me confused. And whenever he says 'kid' to pertain to me, my world slightly crumbles. A kid? Seriously?

I stared at Jiro as he was placing food on my plate. That stoic expression of his almost never changes, which makes him hard to read. What he's thinking completely eludes me. I concentrated on staring at him, hoping I will see something odd in his behavior like a little uneasiness since it's just the two of us and if he did what I thought he did last Friday, it should somehow show in his behavior. A slight awkwardness, perhaps? Something!

I command you! Spill your thoughts!

"What?" He suddenly asked, breaking my hypnosis.

"Huh?"

"It seems you want to say something."

"Uhm..." Ack! What can I possibly say? Should I ask him about Riko even though the mere mention of her name makes me want to throw bricks at random people? No, right? Should I ask him about the kiss-on-shoulder incident that I've been fussing over the entire weekend and is now successfully taking over every second of my life?

"What is it?" Jiro asked while looking at me curiously.

"Nothing ha ha ha." Gah! I hate the sound of my awkward laugh. Can I please stop embarrassing myself?

My awkward laugh faded out while Jiro kept staring at me. I cleared my throat and focused my gaze on my plate. "I enjoyed Bonsai's birthday party", I started. "Your gang mates are fun and they seemed to be nice, especially Picaro and Bonsai."

"They are."

I glanced at him and gnawed my lips. "Say Jiro, what was your childhood like? Dad never really told me anything whenever I asked about you."

"My past is pretty ugly."

"I can handle it."

I was met by silence and I thought Jiro will not going to divulge anything, but he finally spoke.

"My only memory of my childhood is my father beating me and my mother whenever he got drunk", Jiro said. "They died in an accident and I was forced to stay in a foster home, then was sent to an orphanage but I ran away and lived by myself ever since. I met the wrong people, joined underground fights to survive and lived every day wishing it will be the last day of my life."

I was stunned in silence as Jiro continued talking. It was the first time I'm hearing this from him.

"Your father found me sitting in an alley after beating up some guys. I was constantly in a fight and that night is not an exception. But that night, I felt really tired of living. I was about to slit my wrist and be done with my shitty existence but he stopped me. Even though I tried to shoo him away, he kept on talking to me. It started raining and he suggested that we take shelter in his home. That's when you tended to my wounds", he said. His eyes are focused forward but his mind is obviously somewhere else, recalling the past. "Days passed and he kept on following me - persuading me to go to school while taking a part-time job, asking me to do things, inviting me over to your house. I didn't realize my life is slowly changing because of him being meddlesome. And I didn't realize I began liking the life I have now."

He then shifted his eyes on me, his gaze boring into mine. "That's about it. My mother led a difficult life because I wasn't strong enough to protect her. And Mr. Ramirez is more of a father to me than my real father. Now, eat. Kids should eat more", he said and placed more food on my plate.