Chapter 9. Stay Away Part II. (IV)

"I could feel it. That you've changed. Despite what the kids in class say, If you want to, I will choose to stay by your side." Lin said as Loy's eyes lit up in delight.

"But I have to be honest… maybe part of my choice is because I feel today that I have nothing left to lose.” Lin admitted as she closed her eyes. Her look conveyed pain and grief together. Loy's look turned dejected, a look Lin didn't get to see.

"Or, it could be... that it's because I really believe in you." She said opening her eyes and looking at Loy with a hopeful smile.

Surprised, Loy froze in place for a brief moment. "Is this really happening?" he wondered astonished. "Am I dreaming this?".

He smiled back.

"Lin... Thank you…" he said in disbelief.

She put her hand on his shoulder, leaning on him as her head pressed lightly against his in sympathy.

Immediately, she felt an electrifying sensation as a dark figure appeared in her memory from the shadows.

Lin jumped forward from her place, grasping for air.

"Lin! What happened?! Are you okay?!" Loy asked worriedly, jumping to his feet anxiously.

"Ah... I... I..." she mumbled in shock. Loy looked at her concerned. "Ye-yes...!" she then exclaimed happily. "What was that?!" She asked intrigued with stars of excitement in her eyes, "It was so fast!".

"I don't know...!" Loy called back with a confused shrug. "Maybe static electricity? It was weird..." he replied as he scratched his head.

"It was surprising...even fun!" she smiled thrilled.

"Ah... yes..." Loy mumbled. "Is she a masochist or something?" he wondered. "But seriously, what was that?" he asked himself confused when the bell rang.

"Let's go." Lin called as she stood up to enter the classroom. "Together?" Loy asked worriedly, "Are you sure you want us to enter the classroom together again? Everyone will notice.".

"Loy... you don't have to worry," Lin said looking into his eyes. "I'll deal with whatever they say. You can trust me like I trust you. Not matter how much they will try to scare me, I trust you to not give me any reason to be afraid." she smiled confidently. A smile crept across Loy's face as he nodded in agreement.

Lin walked into the school through the rooftop door and Loy followed her when suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. "You shouldn't." the other voice stated coldly.

His gaze became shocked. Loy was frozen as he understood his words were directed at Lin.

Loy shook his head to snap back and ran after Lin quickly so she wouldn't notice until he was by her side.

As they entered the classroom, Dot spotted them together with the speed of an auto-sensor.

"Huh?!" he called forward Lin in surprise, "You're still hanging out with him?! You must be out of your mind! Did you forget everything we told you a moment ago or something?!" Dot wondered as he grabbed his head, "He's dangerous! Leave him alone!" he shouted aggressively.

Lin looked at him pointedly. "I didn't forget. I'll decide for myself whom I want to hang out with and whom I don't." Lin stated in a serious tone.

"Huh? What just happened here?" Dot questioned, who wasn't used to encountering such resistance. Especially not with a look like this. It burned him inside.

"Are you stupid or what?!" he exclaimed angrily. "Why are you clinging on to him?! What do you even find in him?!" he waved his hand aggressively.

"A monster. Every day, wandering from place to place. When he realized that he can't terrorize the city as long as I'm here, he swallowed his tongue. Since then, he never speaks. Never reacts. Is this really whom you want by your side?" Dot asked disdainfully. Loy looked at Dot but didn't respond back.

"What's with you that you are so obsessed with him? What do you want from him?" Lin asked Dot.

Dot was about to burst out as usual when another question made him stop in his tracks.

"Why do you hate him so much?" she asked him.