CHAPTER 1: Sense Enhancer

Legends have it that angels were created for quintessence, they were planned to be perfect. They were meant to protect and guide all creatures, to be righteous, just, and to follow everything the great creator wanted. Then again, things never go as the heavens planned. One drop of darkness was all it took to ruin everything. It wasn’t long when the lights in the angels dimmed, making them sinners in the eyes of the mighty one. The accused sinners were ordered for exile, never to return ever again. Doubts filled the hearts of the once pure and innocent angels as their wings burned, falling to the land meant for humans.

Though distraught, the fallen angels gave in much effort to adapt in the new world they were thrown to. They weren’t able to feel hunger, fatigue, nor any human weakness. It was evident that being an angel had its advantage. Somehow, they thought that the creator had pitied them. If not, they would have been easily turned into fragile humans. Pity or love, it was enough for the fallen angels to accept their situation and still live in the words of the creator.

Soon, they were able to live with normal humans. They were stronger, had super sensitive senses, and had the ability to cast spells. Fallen angels used this as a chance to redeem themselves and helped the creator’s favorite, humans. They went on a quest to help the ones in need, hoping that they could prove their good intention.

They were praised by kings and queens of all lands they helped. They received gold, jewels, and silver which they used to help the poor and people in deprived lands. All seemed perfect. They were the saviors and heroes of humans. Then again, it only lasted for a century.

It wasn’t long when humans started fearing them for their power. Leaders of most dominant lands decided that they were a threat in the lives of humans due to their unknown descends. They were called sinners, devils, and monsters as they ran away from the people aiming for their capture.

Once again, they were casted by the ones they helped and protected. With nowhere to go, the fallen angels decided to live in isolation by travelling in search of a habitat they can live in. It was when they were found by the king of Zarquoa. The king was fully aware of their existence and the fact that the leaders of the higher court ordered for their incarceration. Nonetheless, the king saw no flaws in the said vigilantes and decided to help them. The fallen angels were soon called ‘Sins’ which meant ‘Sense Enhancers’ in Zarquiesties, the language of Zarquoa. The king did his best to keep their existence from the world which meant he had to keep them isolated in his kingdom forever. With the king’s help, the Sins were able to control their strength and enhance their abilities. Though it seemed like they were finally in peace, the leaders caught up with the king’s treason costing him his life. In anger, the Sins avenged the late king and took the lives of all that tried to stop them.

The leader of the Sins was then crowed new king of Zarquoa and it became the most powerful kingdom for decades. With that, the bloodline of the fallen angels was passed on through generations. Under the Sins’ governance, Zarquoa prospered. But it was not long when the leaders, together with an elite force that they believed was sent by the creator, attacked Zarquoa and killed every being.

The elite group was able to capture the king and locked him up with a spell. The king was able to escape only to find out that he has been in deep sleep for 60 years. In his escape, he witnessed the most horrifying scene that even he can never imagine. All Sins and their bloodlines were captured and imprisoned in a facility. They were experimented on, butchered, and tortured in the most heinous way possible. In fury, the king casted the most powerful spell that cursed the whole world. The spell cost his and all the Sins’ lives. Before the scientists could do anything, all Sins and everyone with their blood all over the world burned to ash.

“Sin dumme-maranii. Maran dumme-Sinia.”

All Sins are humans; all humans are Sins.

The king’s curse made it impossible to detect a Sin’s existence. One cannot be born as a Sin and a Sin cannot give birth to a Sin. It cannot be controlled by anyone nor anything. Only fate will determine.

The moment all Sins turned to ash, stories and theories about them spread like wild fire. Through the mist of misleading plots and opinions, only a few people truthfully know what really happed at that moment. 

Twenty years after the king passed, a young man was able to find out that he was a Sin. He claims to be the reincarnation of the late king as he had visions of the past. Relying on his instincts and trusting his visions, he travelled the world in search of Sins like him to resurrect the wrecked honor of the fallen angels. He was able to find some and that’s when the new era of reborn Sins began.

The young man became the new king of Sins. Together, they searched for Sins all over the world and began to form a new union that will protect and guide Sins to be able to live alongside humans. The cycle went on until another tragedy occurred which disintegrated the foundations of the union.

Twenty years from the present, the king was rumored to be killed by an alliance that were in charge of capturing Sins for experimentation.

To this day, Sins are in hiding. Sins try hard to live unnoticed by anyone.

My name is Rayne Martin and I am one of them. I am a Sin.

..

“Newsflash, another body was found this morning under a…” the news anchor stated as the TV flashed the place where another dead person was found.

“That is just so creepy. It’s obviously one of them again.” A girl accused as she drank her milkshake on a table not too far from me.

“THEM? You mean… Sins?” another asked as if confirming they were thinking the same thing.

“Exactly, Sins.” She corrected.

“B-but I thought they were captured?” a third voice asked.

“Na-uh, my dad said not all of them. Some still lurk in places waiting for their chance to strike.” The girl said frightening her companions.

“For real? That is super scary.” One said with obvious fear in her voice.

“Rayne?” I heard an old man called my name.

I looked front and saw the snack bar’s owner, Uncle Sam, standing in front of me wearing his pink apron. He’s got that worried look on his face again, a look I’m getting kind of used to.

“Hey, don’t be sad. You know that’s not true.” He whispered as he placed a glass of water beside the slice of sponge cake I ordered and sat on the chair in front of me.

“But what if they’re right?” I whispered while looking at the glass of water he gave.

“But what IF they’re not? Not all crimes are done by Sins you know.”

“But not all are done by humans.” I sighed.

Different from what history says, Sins in the present are dangerous. Years of hiding made some of us loose it and just blow up into pure anger and lust for power. A lot of Sins used their abilities to steal, hurt the weak, and kill. Though a great number wants to live in peace, ones that have immoral beliefs and dark views in life still exist. If only the King didn’t die, maybe there’s still order among us. Maybe we won’t have to hide and live in fear of being captured.

..

“Rayne!” Our class president, Philip, called out as I entered the classroom.

Just like other Sins, I also use a disguise. I am currently a grade eleven student at Proper Academy. A simple student with a simple life. I keep a low profile to make sure that nobody gets suspicious of who or what I really am. So far, everyone believes I’m just another student at P.A.

“Take these to the stockroom, okay?” Philip said with a sarcastic smile.

“Okay pres.” I willingly answered and carried two boxes filled with stuff they used in the presentation.

Our class president usually orders me around and I'm totally fine with it. Every time he tells me to get or return something, I get the chance to walk around the school and watch students play and do regular stuff.

“Spider!”

“Ah! Quit it!” I shouted at Ray as I nearly dropped the boxes I was carrying.

“Ha-ha. Let me get that for you, mi lady.” He joked and took the boxes from me.

His name is Ray, my best friend, protector, guardian angel, bodyguard, and crush. He’s a year older than me but we’re at the same grade because he dropped out last year. He said he wanted to graduate with me that’s why he did that. That memory still gives me butterflies. He was the only one I had when I became estranged with my family. Both my parents are in a faraway place that I do not know of while my big brother is in Australia for his job. Ray has become someone special to me but I’m scared of confessing my real identity. The fact that I'm different, that I'm a Sin might make him hate me. I can’t afford to lose another person I love.

“Well you’re being nice today. What’s the catch?” I joked as we walked to the stockroom.

“Was it always bad to help a friend? By the way, you’ll be there tonight, right?” he asked, pertaining to his birthday party.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” I answered and we both laughed.

We walked back to our room while telling stories of how we met. I could still recall his cute smile when we were young. His voice as he called my name still lingered in my memory. As we entered the room, I suddenly noticed an unfamiliar face. He was looking at Ray with his dead blue eyes. It’s either staring or glaring, I'm not really sure because his eyes looks different. They look cold.

“Rayne! What took you so long? Here, take it to the clinic.” Ordered Philip as soon as I was about to sit on my sit beside Ray.

“Pres, I’ll do it.” Ray volunteered and reached out for the enveloped Philip was holding.

“Are you Rayne?” He asked with one eyebrow curved higher that the other, a typical diva.

“Hey, wait a minute. You’ve been ordering her around like she’s you slave or whatever. What the hell is your problem, huh!?” Ray angrily hissed while he stepped towards Philip.

If Philip was just like the other guys, he’d probably back off. But he’s not. He is our class president, also the drama club president, and have been representing the school in speech and quiz competitions. He’s not just a nerd, he’s a super cool-badass-diva-nerd.

“Excuse me!? How dare you question my authority? I’ve been working my ass off for this section to be the best and you, Mr. Always-Absent-in-Important-Events, doubt my intentions? Is it wrong to order MY Vice President who’s always LATE and ABSENT in MY meetings?” Philip stated in full emphasis while looking at Ray straight in his eyes.

Though I planned of receiving zero-attention, I can't let my grades fall too far. This made me third in our section and some students thought it’ll be a great idea to vote me, a total nobody, to be their vice-president.

“Hey-hey, give me that Pres. I’ll take care of it ha-ha.” I faked a laugh trying to ease the tension between them.

“Tsk. Let’s go.” Ray hissed and was about to leave the room.

“No, It’s fine. I can handle this. Not a big deal ha-ha.” I convinced him with a sweet smile.

As what Philip said, I am always late and absent in our meetings. My absences were never intentional. It’s just that whenever they set a date, something always happens, either at home or outside. No wonder I’m on Philip’s bad side. Still, it helped to show everyone how irresponsible I am. Some probably even regret giving me this position. Hopefully, they’ll think twice about it next year.

“Excuse me Ms. Felix?” I knocked on the clinic door before entering when I saw the school nurse on her desk.

“Rayne? Oh, just leave it there. Thank you.” She said with a smile.

“I’ll be off then.” I said as I turned for the door.

“By the way, how’s your brother?” she asked which stopped me from stepping out.

“H-huh? Uhm actually, I haven’t heard anything from him yet.” I answered in hesitance.

I was 11 when I found out that I was a Sin and before I could even tell them, they said that it would be nice if I won’t end up like them. Father also said that there was zero chance of me becoming a Sin because I had a weak stamina. They said I was too young to even know what a Sin means and it was too soon to know if I was one of them. Because of that, I decided to hide it from them. It wasn’t that hard to convince them that I was a normal human. With assurance that I was normal, they left me on my 13^th birthday. Since then, I had no news about them. Not a call, not an email, no anything.

..

The bell rang as we all slouched in relief from our history class. Ray and I went to the canteen and as usual, a lot of students are already eating and buying. A regular-day ruckus in the school cafeteria.

“Move!” Someone shouted behind us.

We turned and saw a group of cheerleaders with their leader in the middle walking their way to their spot in the cafeteria.

“What you looking at?” The leader asked with a bitchy tone as she looked at me from head to toe.

Ashley Fern Heronimo, leader of the cheerleading squad and the school prom queen. She’s arrogant, a total hot-head, and a complete bitch. Rumors have it that she never dated anyone in P.A., even outsiders because she claims to be ‘too perfect’ for anyone. Talk about loving oneself to the highest level.

“Yo Ray! Practice at 3!” A guy shouted not too far from us which made us look at their table.

Jacob Ash Heronimo, the captain of the basketball team. Boastful as hell but really friendly, unlike his twin sister Ashley. Just no sure who’s older. Unlike his twin, he’s dated the hottest girls in the campus. He also claims that he has the responsibility to bless every beautiful girl with his ‘divine’ aura by dating them. Still, he never keeps them. He always ends up breaking up with them after a week or so. The typical playboy.

They’re just a few of the school celebs in the academy. There are also models like Angel Quillan, nerds like Philip and his squad, rich kids like Ray, and average ones like me. With the number of students in this academy, Sins come and go unnoticed.

..

Time passed quickly and Ray’s birthday celebration came. I went to their house and as expected, a lot were invited. It’s not the super crowded and extravagant party, just a normal and simple birthday party. There’s a mini-stage and round tables in the front lawn where the attendees are seated.

“Rayne!” My classmates called out and I went to their table.

“Hey, you made it? Where’s Ray?” I asked as I sat down beside Philip.

“He was here a while ago.” Philip said as he looked around.

“What’s up guys! Enjoying the party!!!???”

“Oh, it’s Ray.” One said as she pointed to the mini-stage.

I turned to see Ray standing in the mini-stage with a mic in his hand. I waved at him as our eyes met and he answered me with a sweet smile before looking around, as if preparing to make a speech.

“Thank you all for coming. As you all know, it’s my birthday and… my farewell party.”

I stiffed as I felt a cold breeze brush my arms when I heard his announcement. I suddenly felt numb, as if my senses stopped functioning. I can hear him talking but I can’t understand a word he’s saying. Everything just sounded fuzzy.

“Hey guys! Glad you made it!”

His voice was vague from the sound of music and cheering. My hearing seemed blocked from everything, even his voice can’t come through.

“Rayne! Rayne!”

I heard my name but it didn’t matter. I just wanted to leave.

‘I won’t leave you, I promise.’

I stopped as his memories rushed through my mind as if watching a sad movie with a predictable tragic ending. I could feel my tears stream down my cheeks but my arms are too numbed to wipe them. I looked up, hoping to stop my tears as I stared at the dark sky. Not a single star to share the pain grasping my chest.

“Rayne.” I heard a soft call behind me.

“Rayne… I’m sorry.” I clenched my fist as I heard his apology.

He knows what I’ve been through. He knows how I felt about being left alone. Still…   

“You promised…” was all I could say as my tears rushed down faster, making me unable to talk.

“I’m really sorry. If only I had a choice, I won’t… I'm so sorry…”

“I… hate you…”

..

‘Ray’s flight is at 11. We’re at the airport. U coming?’ Ray’s cousin texted as I sat on my bed.

It’s been ten hours since I decided to hate Ray and never talk to him. Seeing him for the last time won’t help me in any way. It won’t change anything. I'd rather start being used to not seeing his face now than seeing him for the last time.

Fifteen minutes of strolling at the mall made me feel a little better. Being with humans is somewhat relaxing for me. Having them around makes me feel a little normal. I was on my way to the children’s park where children were playing when my instincts kicked in. I felt someone watching me from somewhere. I walked by a tinted glass wall and saw an unfamiliar guy wearing a black hoodie and black facemask. His eyes were clearly aimed at me. I suddenly felt a rush as the thought of someone challenging me came to my sense. I walked faster as he followed my pace. Spells will be useless in tracing his heartbeat because we’re at a crowded place. I can only base on his footsteps that’s keeping up with my speed.

I walked faster and saw a Haunted House in the middle of the mall. I remembered that it’s nearly Halloween and the mall opened an early Halloween special so I decided to get in. I paid for my ticket I listened to the guy’s footsteps following me.

“AAAHHH!!!” I faked a scream as a supposedly ghost jumped in front of me wearing an all-white gown and ghost make-up.

I ran faster and hid behind a fake tree as I closed my eyes to hear if he’s still following me. His footsteps are getting closer to my location. I could estimate he’s three steps away from me. I decided to open my eyes and peep to see if he was there but I saw no one. I looked around and stood up to check if he was really gone.

“Boo.”

“AAAHHH!!!”

..

I sat on the bench as I grasped for air. I'll make sure to kill that ghost the next time I see her. She really scared me good. I didn’t notice she got near me while I was too busy checking for that mysterious guy.

I felt my phone ringing and saw that it was an unregistered number. Only a few people know my phone number and this makes me feel uneasy. It’s either someone I know or someone who got my number somewhere.

“Hello?” I asked in my regular happy voice but there was no answer.

“Hello?” I asked again but still no answer.

“I’ll report your number for scamming and harassment if you won’t answer.”

“Rayne…”

“R-Ray?” I stuttered upon hearing his voice.

“Where are you?” he asked casually.

“Why?” I asked arrogantly, as if I didn’t want to hear from him.

“I’m really sorry. I thought I was strong enough to stop them but… I still ended up leaving you.”

Hearing him, a though came to me. I realized I have been too selfish. Since we were kids, he spent all his attention and time with me. He did everything to make me happy. I have no right to own him. I don’t deserve to own someone as precious as him.

“I'm okay…” I whispered as I took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry. I'm fine… I'll be fine.” I barely said as I stared at my shoes.

“Really? I can imagine your sad face while saying that.” He teased on the other line.

“Ha-ha.” I faked a laugh then the call ended.

I have to stop clinging on him. I can't keep him locked by my side. I have to let him go.

“Liar.”

I stiffed as someone hugged me from behind. I can hear his heartbeat, a familiar heartbeat.

“R-Ray?” I asked as I turned to face him.

“I can't leave knowing you’re still upset.” He said as he looked straight to my eyes.

I just stared at him as he smiled at me. That reassuring smile that made me fall head over heels for him. That smile that made me want to live normal. I can't believe I got to see this smile for the last time. I couldn’t stop from being sentimental as he just looked at me with the eyes that comforted me this whole time.

“Sorry, for real. Promise, when I get back, I’ll marry you.” He said as I blurt a sudden laugh.

“Oh! You laughed! Thank goodness. I thought I won’t be able to see your smile before I leave. So, are we good? You're not mad at me?” he asked cutely as he held my hands.

“Tss, fine. Leave before I change my mind!”

..

In the end, I had to let him go. Maturity comes with letting go. It just sucks that it has to hurt.

..

It’s been a week since Ray left and nothing much changed. I just didn’t have someone to talk to at school because he’s the only one with me. Still, it’s bearable. I spent my time reading books at the library and walking around the school.

“Ready for school?” uncle June asked as I got down.

“Yup. Aunt Emma, I'm off to school!” I shouted as I left the house.

I wanted to take the bus but I decided to walk on my way to school. I like waling because I get to see kids running around, people selling stuffs, and the average lives of humans.

“Oh sh--!” I cursed as a body came flying from nowhere.

I glanced at the body and saw he was still breathing. I walked towards where he came from and saw an alley, probably a dark shortcut to somewhere. I peeped and saw a familiar uniform. One guy was wearing the same uniform form our academy, standing as he’s surrounded by five guys who looked exhausted. The guy in our uniform looks really hurt and he can barely stand. One guy began to attack with a punch and hit him on the face. He stopped his fall with his left foot and gave out a strong blow unto the attacker’s gut. Another guy attacked him with a metal pipe and again, he received the attack. He got a chance to get a hold of the pipe and pulled it towards him, making the other party let go and drop to the ground. He stood with the pipe in his left hand, holding it like a sword, and struck the attacker’s head. Others also attacked him and he seemingly countered them using the metal pipe. He stood in the middle of five unconscious men as I watched him from behind. I can hear his slow heartbeat, probably from exhaustion. He lets out a human scent that any Sin would recognize. I can't help but admire his capability of fighting off five men alone despite him being human.

“Hey.”

My back stiffed in surprise as our eyes met. I didn’t realize that I stared at him for too long, long enough for him to notice me. I took a step away from him but he pointed at me with the bloody pipe. He looked at me dead in the eyes as he walked towards my direction. I could smell blood and some sort of drug as the wind blew towards me.

“You…”

I watched him as he got nearer and I just couldn’t to move for some reason. As I looked at his eyes, I could see a familiar sight. Somehow, I feel like I have seen his eyes form somewhere. This familiar feeling of knowing him sort of bothers me as he got closer and closer.

“H-hey!” I exclaimed as he fell towards me.

I caught him but his weight dragged me to the ground. His head rested on my chest as I as held onto his arm. His breathing became slower as he held unto my left arm.

“H-hey! Wake up! Waaah! I just washed these!” I cried as I saw the bloodstains on my blouse.

I heard a phone ringing so I reached out to his pocket and saw an unregistered number calling.

“H-hello?” I asked as I answered.

“Jiro? Is that you?” a guy asked on the other line.

“What? No-no, he’s-uhm… he’s hurt. He’s unconscious.” I informed him.

“Could you take him to the hospital?” he suddenly requested.

“W-what!?” I exclaimed.

“Please? If he dies, it’ll be on you!” he blackmailed which flustered me.

Before I could decline his request, he suddenly ended the call.

‘You piece of sh---’I cursed in my mind.

..

“He doesn’t seem to have any serious injuries, no broken bones nor deep wounds. Turns out he was given anesthetic which made him unconscious. He just needs to rest and leave once he wakes up.” The nurse said and left to take care of other patients.

I took this stranger to the nearest clinic via taxi. Good thing he’s alright because I’ll charge him the fare. I sat on the chair on the side of his bed as I stared at his name imbedded on his uniform.

Jiro.

The nurse said he was given anesthetics making him unconscious. It was the drug I smelled from the alley. If he was drugged and was still able to fight off five men, there’s a possibility that he’s stronger than I think. There’s a bigger chance that he’s a Sin like me. A careful Sin that is. Alarms are hidden all over the country. Any Sin-related activities such as spell casting will trigger the alarms that automatically set-up barriers with a 10-meter radius enhanced with a special numbing technology, making it hard for any Sin to escape. Seeing how he didn’t use any spell shows he’s aware of the alarms. He truly is strong, strong enough to make me want him.

“Jiro? Jiro!” a loud call came from behind me then appeared a guy in a familiar uniform.

“You rascal! Wake up already! I thought you were dead!” he shouted at Jiro.

He’s the guy that called Jiro’s phone, judging by his voice. I can see he’s from Noble Academy from his uniform.

“Shut up.” I heard Jiro whispered and got up.

He got his feet down the floor as he faced my direction and I just stared back at his eyes.

“What are YOU doing here?” he asked, as if I wasn’t supposed to be there.

“You unthankful rascal. She helped you get here!” he scolded but Jiro seemed to be unbothered, glared at me before he took off.

His glaring makes me really uncomfortable. One more of those and I'll pluck his eyes out.

“Miss, I'm really sorry about that. He’s just kind of out his mind lately. By the way, I'm Ken.” He said as he reached out his hand towards me.

“Rayne… my name’s Rayne.”

..

“Robert, a little gentle okay? I don’t want our guest to get flustered.” Ken told the driver as he answered with a smile and drove off.

How the heck did I get in this situation!?

Ten minutes ago, Ken insisted that I should come with them so that they can thank me properly. I refused but he just dragged me to their car where Jiro was already waiting. Jiro is on my left and Ken on my right, making me feel very uncomfortable. I glanced at Jiro and saw him asleep. I couldn’t stop staring as his scars, especially on his face. It somehow looked like paint strokes on a white canvas.

“Thank you for saving him.”

I turned to Ken when I heard him talk but was taken aback when I realized his face was too close to mine.

“D-don’t mind it.” I tried to sound unbothered as I looked away.

“You know… you really look familiar.” He then said and got nearer, as if inspecting my face.

“R-really? I’ve never seen you though. Maybe I just looked like someone—”

“No, I'm sure I saw you somewhere. Let me—damn your cute.” He said as I faced him accidentally.

Out of nowhere, a fist passed through me and landed on Ken’s cheek.

“Shut the hell up or else.” He warned and went back to sleeping.

“Such a mood!” Ken shouted with his hand on his reddish cheek and turned away from us.

A few minutes later, both of them fell asleep on my shoulders.

Again, how in the hell did I get stuck with these two!?

..

I heard a clicking sound and realized I fell asleep on our way. I slowly opened my eyes and an angel’s face met my eyes. He had scars but they looked perfect on him. He opened his eyes and it met mine. His eyes are beautiful. They were cold but it somehow made me feel warm. I could see my reflection in his eyes as he looked at me. He got nearer and nearer. Then, he kissed me.

“AAAHHH!!!”

..

..

“Hahaha! Damn I can't---hahaha!!!” Ken’s laughter filled the van as we approached a huge golden gate.

“What the f-ck are you laughing at.” Jiro asked while holding his cheek.

“Y-you can't remember? Hahaha!” Ken laughed once again as he glanced at me.

“No but my face hurts. Did you punch me!?” Jiro angrily asked as the van came to a stop.

“Hahaha! Whatever! Let’s get in and get you treated.” Ken said as he got out of the van.

I can't believe he can't remember what he did to me. My first kiss was stolen in a snap. A punch in the face will never be enough to punish him for his crime. If only I could kill him right now.

 “Just a sec!” a familiar voice said as Ken pressed the doorbell.

“Angel?” I asked as the door opened and saw a familiar face.

“Rayne? What are you---” she stopped as she saw I was with the two.

“You know each other?” Ken asked confusingly.

“Huh? Oh, we’re at a same club… journalism.” Angel reasoned, opening the door widely for us.

“Y-yeah… I didn’t know you lived here...” I said as Ken and Jiro got in.

“Jiro! What happened to your face!?” Angel exclaimed as she noticed Jiro’s face.

..

“A-ah! I said it’s fine!” Jiro complained as Angel tried treating the cut I caused.

“Stop moving you brat! It might get infected!” Angel nagged.

I can't stop but smile as they bicker. I suddenly remembered my brother because I used to treat his wounds after every fight. I can't help but miss him.

“Stop! You’re not even being gentle!” Jiro complained for the last time and stood up.

We followed him with our eyes as he sat between me and Ken, forcing Ken to leave his seat.

“You do it. You look gentle.” He demanded at gave me the cotton Angel was using on his face.

“Pfffft!!!! Hahaha! Sure. You really look GENTLE hahaha!” Ken teased as he laughed loudly.

I can't stop but twitch in annoyance because I know what he means. For some reason, I can't get the nerve to tell Jiro that I punched him, neither does Ken.

“Hey Angel, I have something to ask.” Ken called out and Angel looked at him.

“What?” Angel asked but silence filled the room.

I looked at Angel as her face changed, she seemed serious.

“I’ll get you some snacks.” Angel said with a sweet smile and left for the kitchen.

“What are you waiting for?” Jiro suddenly said making me face his direction.

Being bossy huh? What if I punch you again?

Then again, looking at his face makes me kind of responsible for treating his cut. Even though I still hate him for kissing me, I feel sorry for punching his face.  

 “You’ll melt me with your staring.” I whispered as I glanced at him because he’s been staring at me since he sat beside me.

“You look like someone…” Jiro said all of a sudden but I didn’t bother answering.

He didn’t say another word. He just looked at me until I finished treating his cut. A while later, Angel came out and I could sense there was something off from the looks on her face.

 “Hey Rayne, it’s already eleven. And don’t tell me you're going to school with that uniform?” Ken asked as he pointed at my bloody uniform.

“You can have lunch here. I can also lend you my uniform, if it’s okay with you.” Angel said with a smile.

“So what’s for lunch?” Ken suddenly asked and ran back to the kitchen.

“H-hey! Don’t touch anything in the fridge!” Angel shouted and ran after him.

I looked at Jiro as he stood up. I suddenly remembered I had his phone in my bag. I got his phone out and stood up to give it to him but I stepped on a bottle of medicine making me lose my balance. I let out a whisper-like shriek which made Jiro look back. I reached for his hand but I grabbed his sleeve instead, pulling him with me.

“A-ow…” I whispered as I opened my eyes and stared at the man on top of me.

I could see his chest because three of his buttons were open, probably because I pulled him. I could feel his left hand behind my head as his right hand supported his body from totally falling over me. I could even smell his breathe because his face is a few centimeters away from mine.

“Jiro what do you want for--- Rayne! Get off of her!!!” Angel shouted as she pulled him away from me.  

“Tss. Weak.” Jiro whispered.

“What?” I asked as I got up.

“I said your weak! You’re no---” he suddenly stopped and stormed out.

..

“Hey, take it easy on him. He’s just immature.” Angel said as we waited for the taxi she called for me.

I lost my appetite so I decided to go to school after changing into one of Angel’s uniform. I gave Ken his phone because I don’t want to see his face again.

“Is he really your brother?” I asked bitterly as I looked at the fountain in front of us.

“He’s my step-bother.” She answered with a frail smile.

“No wonder he’s different from you.” I commented.

“Hey, I said take it easy. Still, it’s a good thing that happened.” She said which triggered me.

“Good thing? That he called me weak? Tss.” I hissed as I clenched my hand.

“Yeah. He thought you were Ace.”

I stopped at what she said and looked at her.

“Ken told me he saw your picture on his phone. I'm not sure of what he’s doing but I think he’s looking for Ace.”

“Why in hell would he look for Ace?” I asked, almost laughing.

“Because… you’re the first one to defeat him in Sin Combat. Ugh, he’s so corny. Probably fell for you in your first fight.” She said.

“Then he calls me weak? What a wacko.” I whispered as the taxi arrived.

“Call me when you get to school!” Angel said as I got in and left.

..

I looked at my phone as it vibrated. It’s a message from one of them.

‘9pm, Halo Bridge.’

Should I go… or not?

…