white knight

"Luca is unsatisfied with my performance," I couldn’t help but to open up to her

"He said that I won't last long here if I don't improve my skills. I don't want to lose this job, Carol.

"I might have no choice but to transfer to another school," “I said. I felt Carol clinging tightly to my uniform

"Oh, don't even joke about it," Carol responded” you're just starting out, so there's plenty of time to keep improving and don’t you dare transfer to another school or else I will murder you”

I couldn't help but share with Carol about Radia's fan dance at the cafe. She was silently listening to me, as I gushed about the performance. I described how graceful and beautiful Radia's movements were, and how she stole the hearts of everyone present at the cafe.

She was silent for a while, as if reliving the moment, until she finally spoke up.

Have you heard of a manipulation trick where you help someone, but you actually caused the problem in the first place?

"I know how you can make luca let you stay ...I have a plan but I feel you're not going to like it," Carol said, with a mischievous smile on her face.

She had a grand plan to get Radia noticed. The plan was to get Radia beaten by a bunch of bullies.

"luca and Radia are best of friends," Carol went on. "

"You know, I think Luca looks after radia like a little sister," Carol said thoughtfully.

"And did you know that Luca is actually the grandson of the cafe owner? It turns out that his grandfather has been looking after Radia since they were a kid. So there you go, you've got a bit of history behind the cafe too."

I was stunned by this information. It made so much sense now. Luca's protective nature towards Radia, and his position as the grandson of the cafe owner. I hadn't realized the close connection they shared until Carol told me. I had to think of a way to win Luca's approval and keep my job...

"How could you get so much information, Carol?" I asked,

"I did my research, actually. Getting such kind of information is an easy task. I just thought that doing some background research on the cafe youre working at would be a good way to get to know more about the people youd be working with."

i nodded, impressed with carols initiative.

"It's a coincidence that we can use my knowledge to solve your problem," Carol said with a smile. She had a way of making everything seem so easy and effortless, even when the odds were against us.

“ Now that we knew the connection between Luca and Radia, and Luca's position as the grandson of the cafe owner, what could we do with this information?”I asked as I continue carrying her on my back

“Now, I'll just send some thugs to pretend like they're roughing her up, and then you'll conveniently come and save her. You'll be a hero and Luca will think you're amazing," she concluded. I was stunned by Carol's plan. I hated that I was being convinced to do such a thing to Radia, who had been nothing but kind and nice to me.

"but…They're just fake bullies, right?"

Carol found out that Radia walked home every Wednesday. She would then send the bullies after him, and when I jumped in and gave them a few fake kicks and all I had to do was pretend to fight the bullies and yell "dinosaur" which was the bullies' cue to run away like bunnies. It was an easy plan, and in a way, fun. But we were still using Radia as a bait to get Lesley's attention. Was there no other way for me to impress Lesley without taking advantage of Radia like that?

I couldn't believe that Carol would try to use a stunt like this to get lucas attention. It felt so wrong and manipulative. I didn't want any part in it, but…..

**

On the day of our plan, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep at the library and didn't realize the time until it was already 5:30 p.m. I woke up 10 minutes late and rushed franticly to the scene, only to find Radia pinned against the wall with broken glasses and a smashed flute on the ground. I was so shocked by what I saw!

This wasn't the original plan! I didn't want Radia to get hurt. I realized that I made a big mistake by going along with Carol's plan.

"Dinosaur!", I yelled, but the bullies didn't seem to get the code. "Why aren't they running away?" I thought. Radia and I were in trouble.

They all stood there stared at me confused

The bullies where just ignoring me and weren’t back if

"Radia, watch out!" I cried, as I saw a swinging bat that was about to hit her. I didn't waste a second to jump off and throw myself to Radia to block the bat. I was determined to protect her at all costs.

I grunted as the bat hit my shoulder, I stood in front of Radia with my arms outstretched.

“We have to run “I whispered to her as I glared at them

"Even if we run away, it will only take a few seconds for them to catch us," Radia said hiding behind my back

"Right now, we have to run," I said to Radia, grabbing her hand tightly as we tried to get away. I jumped and kicked those who blocked our way, dragging Radia out of the alley as fast as possible.

"I promise I'll protect you," I said to her, trying to reassure her. But I could tell that she was scared and confused, and I was worried about what would happen next.

"Come on, let's go," I urged her as we rushed through the dark and empty streets, desperately trying to find safety.

After a few minutes of rushing through the dark and empty streets, we finally reached a seemingly safe place with houses and we both stood in an empty street, trying to catch our breath.

Radia's hand was still gripped tightly in mine as she looked at me with wide eyes.

I watched as Radia stared at the broken flute in her hands, her expression cold.

"It's broken,"

"But at least, you're okay," I said, trying to offer some comfort

However, Radia glared at me and said, "No, I'm not! It's not just any flute, this is a gift from my late mother and I need my flute for the music competition. And I'm so stupid, all my hard work gone!”

Oh my god, this is bad! Very, very, bad."

"Would you like me to walk you home?" I offered Radia,

Radia remained silent for a moment, before replying with a nod and a quiet "yes."

I was not surprised by her response, as she had never been very talkative around me before.

The night was cold and quiet, and we walked together in silence.

Neither of us said a word, neither wanted to break the peaceful moment. But as the silence continued, I began to wonder if there was something else going on. Was Radia thinking about something, or was she lost in her own thoughts? Was she uncomfortable with the silence between us?

I couldn't help but feel that there was more going on beneath the surface. But for now, we continued to walk in silence until we reached a big house with a gate and she stopped her track

This must be were she live?i thought

Radia put on her broken glasses and held her broken flute. When we reached the gate, she turned to me with a faint smile.

"I'm sorry I didn't even thank you," she said. "Thank you for saving me back there, Errol."

A huge wave of guilt washed over me at her words. I couldn't believe that I had caused Radia so much pain and stress

"I wish I could go back in time when Carol suggested her plan ….”