The Girl He Promised to Protect

Raindrops against the window create a soothing chorus in the classroom.

Everyone had left from the extra hours of revision class that had just ended, leaving me alone in my seat. I was lying face down on the hard surface of my desk, my bag slung over my shoulder, ready to go home, but I decided to stay a little longer.

Dribble, dribble, dribble...

This is much more relaxing than being at home at this time. Mom will be busy preparing dinner, and Luca, my younger brother, will most likely be playing with his favourite Legos. And Dad will be there in an hour.

When Dad is home, Luca is less likely to attack or annoy me.

Luca was diagnosed with a rare intermittent explosive disorder, which required him to attend a special school and undergo extensive therapy.

Playing with blocks and drawing are usually the best ways to lift his spirits, but his episodes tend to occur when I'm at home. He couldn't be around me doing my own thing without having outbursts of rage like him. He refuses to be the only oddball, so I naturally become his human punching bag.

I've learned over time that staying away from home when dad isn't around is the best way to avoid Luca. As I progressed through high school, the number of hours spent in class increased.

Detention in class? I'll be glad to have it, but I used to enjoy class detention!

An additional hour of class? No problem, I secretly smiled while my classmates grumbled. I'm good at keeping my eyes open while my mind wanders.

Staying in class to waste some more time wouldn't kill me. I tell myself as my droopy eyes become heavier due to the soothing sounds of nature.

It's only a few minutes since I've fallen asleep.

The pouring rain begins to tap, keeping me awake in my dazzled dreamy languid.

What time is it exactly?

I questioned myself. I should have left by now, but instead of being driven away by our school security guard like a pest, I decided to drag myself out.

But hold on...

Something is wrong right now.

My skin feels tingly as a result of the strange atmosphere. I had the distinct impression that "someone" was standing right beside my seat. I have the urge to open my eyes before I realise what is going on.

A joke? Is Samuel Jin playing a joke on me? It's impossible, he's not like that.

And then something unexpected happened...

The person is now extending their hand to remove the hair that has been covering my face, their fingers' calluses standing out against my skin.

While thinking how to escape the situation, I remain firmly seated while my heart rate gradually rises.

By stroking the corner of my lips, the person displayed increased boldness. The stench of smoke gets stronger every time they breathe.

I used all of my strength to knock the opponent off its feet once I was no longer able to tolerate it.

"Ahh!" He screamed in agony.

Even though I was unsteady from my sudden movement when I hit the person, I at least managed to hurt them. When I turned around, I couldn't believe my eyes at the person who was attempting to take a chance on me.

He was none other than Mr. Bong, the security guard at our school.

"What are you "What are you attempting to achieve?" I exploded. Backing up, keeping a safe distance between us.

He wipes the blood from the corner of his lips. I had hit exactly in his mouth area. Adjusting his composure, he approached slowly towards me. "Young girl in your age must be in raging sexual hormones, right? You are actually luring me to do things to you, am I right?" He said in his semi-whispered tones.

Sneering, he is unaffected by the pain I had caused him. "Come, don't be afraid. After the first time, you will be begging for more. Or Is it, you already have been with a man?"

The sickening raspy in his tone disgusted me, my heart almost skips a beat as his hand tries to reach for me.

"No! You are crazy, go away! I'm telling you!" I had never been this terrified in my life. My insecurity at home had me misunderstood by the adult, exposing my vulnerability to the perverts.

"Stay away from me! You can't do this, " I snarled. Looking for any device around me to be used as my shield. Other than chairs and tables, there is none.

"Baby girl, I have shut down the camera surveillance system. Our secrets will be safe, don't worry. No one will be here at this hour, I assured you." He said, approaching closer to me, almost had me cornered. "It will be fun, trust me, baby girl..."

Psycho! He tried to speak in a way of comfort, but all I see is a dirty villain and nauseating person in front of me!

What are the first rules in any dangerous situation?

DON'T PANIC.

But, damn, I'm scared!

He tried to grab me and I act just the right time by pulling a table from my side, putting a barricade over us, and turning to the other side.

I think it had hit him somewhere as I heard him flinching away, hissing in pain with a loud thud, yet I didn't bother to look back if he is alright.

My instinct is to save myself, thus, I make a dash out towards the open door for escape.

At this hour, there won't be any single soul mingling in the building. Class ended at 5:30 pm, but our class is the last leaving today after Mrs. Sue's extra hour revision session.

Idiot me, I never foresee the inevitable of a pervert in a school which supposed to be a safe place for us!

Sprinting along the empty walkway, I regret being inactive in athletics. This short run had me gasping for air, yet, I refuse to look back, the pouring rain doesn't bother me.