Chapter 28: Co-Leader
Zein's Point of View....
I need to calm myself. I briefly sensed the surroundings when I heard the signal. I quickly stood up and put on my blazer with a hood. I glanced at Mia and Vanessa who were sound asleep. Mia's right arm was still bandaged.
I carefully twisted the doorknob of our room. They shouldn't wake up, I'm sure they'll object again and I might not be able to move.
After leaving our room, I went to the boys' room. Even though I expected not to see anyone there, I still couldn't help but feel nervous.
For a few days now, a worry about my male friends had been bothering me, but only now did I find the courage to act on it.
I knew this time it wasn't just curiosity driving me. I wasn't seeking the usual danger my curiosity brought, but the strong desire to help my friends. I felt there was something significant happening with them, something that explained their risky behavior.
My grip on my blazer was tight as I reached for the front door's doorknob. It tightened further as I fully opened the door, met by the cold wind, silent surroundings, and darkness.
I carefully closed the door again before scanning the area.
After a deep breath, I started walking away from the dorm, moving silently in my footwear. The rapid pounding in my chest was relentless.
I suddenly recalled Nicky's words. I knew I had to break a rule to get the information I needed, and I had definitely done that. The rule was broken.
I stopped abruptly, my knees feeling weak, when I heard a rustling sound nearby.
My grip on the hem of my blazer tightened. Anxiety and fear were taking over.
I quickly looked behind me, and at the same moment, I saw a— "Cat," I whispered to myself, unintentionally.
That cat! It nearly scared me to death! Ugh! I'll definitely get back at you if I see you again.
I looked around, checking for anything else unusual besides the cat. The area was quiet, so I kept walking.
Damn it! Hell University is huge! How am I supposed to find them in this place? The sun might be up before I even get halfway through HU.
I quickly hid behind a large trash can when I heard laughter not far away. I held my breath as the voices of the men, who sounded like two, got closer and closer.
The knife Supremo gave me flashed in my mind. I should have brought it! I forgot in my haste! Ugh! I don't have any weapon. I need to be more careful.
"What did Boss see in him anyway? I'm better than him."
They were being incredibly careless, talking so close by. I barely dared to breathe, trying not to make a sound that would give me away.
"Better than him? Whoa! He is better--- I mean you're nothing compared to him."
"Gago." (Idiot/Bastard)
"Bro, he's a huge help to us. We can beat the Devil God Warriors because of him."
Seriously? Are they planning to leave? My position was getting uncomfortable, and my knees felt like they could give out any second.
Shit!
"Tss. Let's go, they might be there alrea-"
I squeezed my eyes shut as I accidentally elbowed a small trash can near me, creating a loud noise that echoed in the quiet surroundings.
"Who the hell is there?!"
The pounding in my chest intensified, and the hairs on my neck stood up. No, I can't be caught yet. Not now! I've only just started!
"Meow."
My eyes widened when I saw the cat at my feet, looking up at me. I glared at it! I hadn't forgotten how it had scared me earlier.
"It's just a cat! Putik!" (Dirt/Damn it!)
"Hey you two! Do you want to get in trouble with Boss?"
"We're coming!"
I only heard their footsteps moving away.
I let out a sigh of relief, and when the sounds faded completely, I quickly grabbed the cat. I expected it to struggle, but it stayed calm.
As if it wasn't afraid of death. It suddenly reminded me of Supremo. I shook my head hard before glaring at the black cat I was holding.
"Any last wish?"
"Meow."
"Because of you, I nearly died of nerves. Do you know that?! Huh?!"
What the hell?! Why am I talking to a cat?! What the heck?! Am I losing my mind?!
"Talking to a cat, huh?".
I quickly turned around when I heard someone speak there. I narrowed my eyes at Nicky, who as usual had a dark aura.
"What do you want?" I asked her coldly.
She looked up at the sky and observed the stars. "I want you to know everything." She said without even glancing at me.
"What do you mean?"
She looked at me while grinning. "Your days are numbered, you need to know everything." She added.
My forehead creased. "Y-You know?" I asked.
"I want you to witness everything through your own two eyes."
Only now did I notice the black mask she was holding. I removed my hood and narrowed my eyes at her.
"Just a friendly-reminder. Don't let your curiosity drive you to hell."
She threw the black mask to me. I felt a strange feeling when I held it. The black mask of Black Blood Gang.
"Follow me."
I let go of the cat that I had been holding for so long and put on the mask she gave me. I put on my hood so my hair wouldn't be seen. Nicky is the only female member of BBG, they would be suspicious if they saw my long hair.
I followed Nicky and stayed behind her. There's no turning back now. I need to find out all this by myself.
I felt an uneasiness when more of us in black masks gathered. I tightened my grip on the hem of what I was wearing.
Calm down, Zein Shion. If you want to last until Saturday, behave. I lectured myself.
"M-Mistress Nicky. Boss is calling for you."
A man who was only bowing and looked afraid to meet Nicky's deep stare faced us.
Nicky looked at me and nodded before speeding up her walk. I didn't follow her anymore and just continued walking.
I felt some of them staring at me, as if they were scrutinizing me. Even though I was having a hard time moving, my movements remained calm. I should not act suspiciously.
I stopped walking when I felt a warm breath on my neck.
"Whoa. We smell good, bro." The grinning man said. [
I stopped myself from hitting him and showering him with a 160 degree-slap. What the hell he did?! Damn.
"Don't talk to me." I raised my voice.
"Whoa! Easy! Pft."
Only now did I notice his red hair. Dammit! I know this man.
I turned my back and started to distance myself from him. If I didn't distance myself from him, he might recognize me, especially since he's seen me before.
Everyone became quiet when a group of BBG arrived. The leader who wasn't wearing a mask caught my attention. Nicky, who was subtly glancing at me, was holding onto his arm.
"Tonight, we will welcome the newest member of Black Blood Gang."
Everyone was still quiet, waiting for the leader's next words. He looked at each and every one of us here.
My heart pounded in nervousness when his gaze landed on me. I met his gaze, which made him grin.
Did he recognize me? No! Impossible. He immediately took his eyes off me before looking at Nicky.
They kissed each other in front of us. What the fudge?! Nazzer Lumia looks like a fragile nerd and I must say that looks can be deceiving. He is a total jerk inside a devil of a nerdy guy.
Good thing they finished. I thought I was going to watch a live bed scene. Psh.
"I feel like having someone to kiss, as well." The man with red hair next to me whispered.
Fuck! Him again! And what did he say? He wants a kiss too?!
He suddenly looked at me with a smirk. "Your lips seem so soft and uh, nice lips." I quickly looked away from him.
"A-Are you gay, Bro?" I asked him, which made him laugh softly.
Good thing he didn't tease me anymore, or I really wouldn't be able to stop myself from bursting his lips. Jerk!
"A moment of silence as I introduce the co-leader of Black Blood Gang."
Our companions' reactions seemed reversed because there was whispering around.
"Co-leader? Boss has never had a co-leader."
"He must be strong enough."
"Shit. I wish I could be."
I heard many more reactions from the members around.
"Who is not in favor of my decision." He said without emotion. Take note that it wasn't a question. It seems like a threat.
No one objected. Who would? Surely if they went against him, they would die.
Knowing how evil these people are.
I accidentally looked at Nicky who also wasn't wearing a mask. It's like she's warning me.
"Ok, please introduce your name in front of us."
We all looked at the one man who walked to the center. His stance, his aura, his figure. What I'm seeing now is a huge slap to my face.
I can't believe it.
"Matthew. Black Blood Gang, co-leader."