It's a good thing that I'm still 2 weeks ahead in most of my classes because in the past week I haven't gotten any work done. Most of my professors are very understanding of the situation, a few of them still requested I watch the recordings of their lectures. I haven't done that yet. I've mainly been sitting by Link's side, speaking to him when he probably can't even hear me. Mipha has spent a lot of time at the hospital as well but she sleeps at the dorms while I stay with Link.

Other people have been trying to visit him, a lot of people actually, but hospital policies prohibit it. It seems every student from HU has come to the hospital only to be told that they can't see him. I've been trying to keep my mind off of the baseball game and the Boars but it's quite difficult to escape those thoughts when the whole world is talking about Link.

On top of that, random people have been spamming me, only because I'm the girlfriend. It's frustrating. After reading the first ten messages, I decided to abandon social media for a while; most of them were either questions about Link's condition or death threats. Unfortunately, even when I manage to avoid the media, Link is right in front of me, carrying scars as a poignant reminder of last Sunday.

It's Friday afternoon now and it's been exactly three days since the doctors have removed the medications that are keeping Link in his induced coma. Mipha is already here and Impa is planning on joining us after her MMA training. I texted Revali but he hasn't responded nor has he visited the hospital. I know they don't exactly like each other but I'm disappointed that Revali hasn't made any effort in showing his support. Maybe it's because it's too soon to see Mipha holding Link's hand. While I relate to those complicated feelings all too well, I still think he should be here for Link.

I get up from the couch to walk over to his bed. Mipha has been holding his hand for the past hour. I'm okay with that. I would be lying if I said deep down I wasn't bothered by it, I can't control how I feel, but I can choose to ignore those feelings and be the friend Mipha needs.

"Have you heard from his family?" I ask Mipha.

"I spoke to his mother last night. She is trying to book a flight to visit."

"What about his father? And Aryll?"

"They are not able to come at the moment."

I'm glad Link's mother is planning on making the trip, even if it makes me anxious. I never imagined meeting Link's parents under such traumatic circumstances. The doctors said it will take him some time to regain full consciousness. He might be a little sleepy and confused when he wakes up. I don't expect him to have full conversations with me today, I just want to hear his voice, feel his touch on me, and see those perfect blue eyes looking back at me.

The door opens and the doctor walks in. I never understand what they are looking at exactly when examining Link's body. Only a couple of seconds later, Impa walks in with a plastic bag and drink carrier in her hands.

"Hey guys! Subway?" Impa hands Mipha and me a sandwich and soda.

"Thank you," we say at the same time. Impa has been an amazing friend throughout all of this. I would have surely broken apart if it weren't for her.

"So," Impa puts her arm around me and looks down at Link, then back up at the doctor. "When's he waking up?"

The doctor turns to face us with furrowed brows. "He should have woken up by now."

"What's that mean?" Impa asks for the rest of us.

"Why isn't he waking up?" I quickly add to the question.

"Not sure. Everything looks fine; there is brain activity. We'll just have to be patient."

"I don't understand. If everything looks fine, how can he still be asleep?" I want to know.

"Link suffered severe head trauma and critical injuries to the rest of his body," the doctor tells me what I already know. "Sometimes it can take longer for a patient to wake up after such events. We will run more tests, but as of right now, it's impossible to tell why he isn't waking up."

The man leaves the room as if this didn't concern him at all. I look at Mipha to see her reaction to all of this. I have gotten used to leaning on her when it comes to medical stuff. If she is calm, so am I. However, right now, she is holding on to Link's hand as if it were her lifeline. This isn't good, is it?

"I need some fresh air, excuse me," I say to them, breathless from the growing ball of anxiety sitting in my throat. What if Link is going to remain in a coma? What if the doctors can't figure out why he isn't waking up? How will this affect his health?

"Zelda–" Impa tries to stop me from leaving but I'm already out the doors. It's as if my mind turned off. The walk to my car is a blur, all I know is that I'm driving out of the parking lot now. I don't even know where I'm going, I just need to get away from the hospital for an hour or two.

I've been living in that depressing building for five days straight. I slept by Link's side every night only to wake up every morning while he didn't. I haven't attended school, I haven't eaten... All I've done is wait and wait for hours to go by. The thought of Link looking up at me and telling me that everything is going to be alright was the only thing that kept me going. I was told it could take up to 72 hours for him to wake up, but now...

I was okay with the waiting because it had a timer; a number of hours after which the waiting was supposed to stop. Now, this certainty has been taken away and I don't know if I can continue what I have been doing for the last week, not knowing when it will stop.

I drive for a while. In silence. Not once do I take my eyes off the road. When I finally take a look around, I find myself on a familiar road. I don't even remember how I got here, but suddenly I'm at the frat house. I'm parked in their driveway before I know it. I wanted to be alone, why are my legs taking me to the front door?

The porch is covered in candles, cards, flowers, get-well-soon balloons... It's painful to see. I see the good intentions behind it, but it just makes all of this too real... I don't know if I can do this for much longer. Especially now that the doctors are as clueless as me. It scares me! The thought of losing Link is just so painful and there is no medicine or treatment for my heartache. There is absolutely nothing that can be done to stop this pain inside of me! I'm freaking myself out with these thoughts!

I look up at the door. Should I knock? Should I just walk in? Should I leave before somebody sees me? I need someone to tell me that I'm overreacting. I need Revali. But I don't know if I can take his rude comments today... I don't know what I want... I can't decide if I want to be alone or not.

"Just leave me alone!" I hear Revali shouting from the back. At least he knows what he wants. I walk around the house and get to the back yard where I spot Kafei. He has one hand on his hip and is looking up at the roof. I follow his eyes; Revali is sitting on the lower part of the roof, his legs dangling off the edge. He has his bow in hand and doesn't make eye contact with us.

Kafei notices me and gives me a soft smile. "Hey, Zelda. Any news? How is he?"

"He's okay. Still sleeping," I say with strain. "What's going on here?"

"Revali's been refusing to help set up the party. He's being even more of a pain than usual."

"Fuck you," Revali snarls and aims an arrow at an empty beer bottle lying in the rear back of the yard.

"Come on man, get down before you hurt yourself," Kafei says to him.

"Or others," I mutter, looking at all the arrows stuck in the fence and the lawn.

"Unless you want to become my target I suggest you go back inside and stop bothering me," Revali draws another arrow.

"I'm so looking forward to graduating," Kafei shakes his head and walks inside through the back door. I follow him feeling worried and confused.

"Is he doing okay?"

"Yeah, I think he's just not looking forward to being asked a million questions about Link tonight. So what are you doing here? Need to pick up stuff for Link?"

"No. To be honest, I'm not sure why I came here."

"Huh. Then you should stay for the party."

"Er... You know how I feel about parties."

"Come on, we missed you. Anju most of all. She loved having another girl in the house."

"Hm... I suppose I could stay for a bit."

"Sweet! You can just hang for a bit, party doesn't start for another hour." He gives me a pat on the back and continues to the basement where they store their liquor.

I walk upstairs and down the hall until I reach Link's room. I stop there, unable to move. If I enter his room, the realization will hit me that Link is very much not okay. My breaths quicken, swallowing becomes painful, legs feel weak... I have to find a distraction.

I open the door to Revali's room and hastily step inside. He is still sitting on the roof outside his window, shooting more arrows at bottles and cans scattered on the lawn. I open the window and climb out onto the roof to take a seat next to him. Revali takes a glimpse at me, then returns his eyes to the yard.

"What are you doing?" He asks annoyed. He finishes his beer and throws the empty bottle into the yard. Now I know where all those other bottles came from. He aims at that bottle but misses it by a couple of inches.

"What's going on with you, Revali?" I ask him caringly.

"I'm good," he shrugs.

"You don't usually miss your target."

"Maybe I was aiming at the lawn. Ever thought about that?"

"Are you aiming at the lawn?" I raise a brow at him.

"Go away."

"Why haven't you visited Link?"

"Busy," he shrugs again.

"He's in a coma."

"I know."

"But you're too busy to pay a visit?"

"Why would I visit if he's not even awake?"

"Because you're his roommate, his friend... His brother? Come on Revali, I know you care about him. You should be there for him."

"Please go." Revali picks up another arrow.

"Not until you promise you'll come by the hospital."

"I'm not promising shit."

"You're being an arse."

"Shocker."

"Revali," I gasp annoyed.

"Leave, Zelda. I'm not in the mood."

"Something is clearly going on with you. You don't have to tell me, but you know that your friends care about you, right? If you're not feeling good, you can talk to us. I'm here for you."

"Zelda, I swear to god, can you for once just mind your own damn business?"

"What's wrong with you! I'm just trying to help you!"

"I don't need your help!"

"But I need yours!" I cry. "Link should have woken up by now but he hasn't and the doctors don't know what's wrong. I don't know what to do, I'm about to break down completely and I need you! What if he doesn't wake up again?"

Revali's eyes narrow. He pauses his actions but doesn't take his focus off the target. Then he proceeds to aim at the bottle. Another miss.

"Did you hear me? Link's not waking up! I'm losing my mind! I'm scared! I miss him so much it hurts! I know you can't understand that but it feels like he's dead!" I thought I was unable to cry any more but these tears prove me wrong. "Look at me," I beg him in vain. "Look at me, Revali!"

He tilts his head slightly to look down on me. My cheeks are drenched in tears, my hands are shaking. Now he fully turns his head and studies my face.

"Can you imagine what it felt like? Holding him in my arms as he took his last breath? Having to watch as your friend struggling to keep his organs alive? The sound of his ribs breaking under the pressure... Such a jarring sound... Left behind as the ambulance drove, I felt so useless... Can you imagine that? Not knowing if he's alive or dead, waiting for hours on end unable to escape those dark thoughts for even just one second? Do you know what I've been through this past week? And you–"

"Zelda–"

"No, shut up! You should have been there! You're my friend! And Mipha's friend! And Link's friend! Deny it all you want but you are his friend and claiming the opposite is pathetic! We need you, Revali, I need you so badly and here you are drinking on the roof! And for what? Because you're annoyed by fans asking questions? I get it, okay? I get that! I didn't before, but now I do. But don't push me away like one of those fans... We're friends... Aren't we?"

"Zelda, I'm sorry," he genuinely looks guilt-ridden.

"Stop..." I shake my head in tears.

"No." He puts his bow down. "Shit. We are friends, okay? I just... I just don't see the point in watching someone else asleep. Whether I'm there or not makes absolutely no difference."

"You're wrong though..." I wipe my cheeks.

"Okay, maybe. Just stop crying."

"I can't control it!"

"Yes, you can. Just stop."

I look up at him in bewilderment. Just stop? I take a deep breath, and stop crying. Oh... That actually works?

"You've been a bad friend to Link. If he dies, you will regret not saying goodbye."

"Geez, that's a bit dramatic. Nobody's saying goodbye."

"Do you have any idea what happened at the game?"

"He got beat up."

"Karusa broke Link's leg. They got into a fistfight. Ganon picked up a bat and broke Link's spine, then his ribs, then he hit him in his head." Revali's mien has changed dramatically. What was once wired by wrath has now adapted to the subtle signs of shock and worry. Even if it's minor, it's another proof that he cares. "I hit Ganon with Link's bat. A security guard restrained him while I knelt down to help Link get up. But he couldn't stand, he couldn't even talk. He looked up at me..." I press my lips together and take a deep breath. "He looked up at me and I told him he was going to be just fine. That is the last thing he heard before his heart stopped."

For the first time, I am witnessing Revali at a loss for words. His eyes are aiming down. No haughty remark. I'm impressed. On the other hand, I wish he had something to say in return. He told me exactly what I came here to hear, but somehow that doesn't stop the pain either.

"I once thought that Link and I must have met in a previous life because I always felt like I had known him for a century. If he dies... If he leaves this life, I have to find him again... And that scares me."

"He's not going to die," Revali says in a low voice.

"You don't know that."

"Yeah, I don't, sorry." He lowers his head. "But you have to calm down. I know you're like obsessed with him and all but just because he isn't waking up right away doesn't mean he's gonna die."

"Right..." He's right. Again. I shouldn't have stormed off when the doctor told us about Link's coma. I should have stayed with him. "Will you visit him?"

"No."

"Why? And don't tell me you're busy."

"Just don't want to."

"Okay."

"What?"

"Okay," I shrug. "I can't force you."

"Huh..." He looks so confused. "Really?"

"Do you want me to force you?" I ask puzzled.

"No, just not used to you being okay with the decisions other people make."

"I'm taking your advice; I'm minding my own business."

"Okay. Great." He looks the other way and chews on his cheek. After a few moments, he opens another bottle of beer and mutters something just before he takes a sip. "Maybe," is what I hear him say.

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe I'll visit."

He ignores my smile and keeps his eyes on the lawn. I put my head on his shoulder. His body stiffens but instead of shoving me away, he just holds his breath and doesn't move. His muscles relax and he takes another sip.

"This is all my fault," I say under my breath, my head still on his shoulder.

"Don't say that. It's annoying. Ganon and that other guy are to blame."

"They didn't even face any consequences, can you believe it? Ganon is on probation and Karusa didn't receive any punishment at all."

"Nice," Revali lets out a sarcastic scoff.

"I'm so angry. And there is nothing I can do... Link gets suspended for assault while Karusa and Ganon...... It's so frustrating. I've been having these dark thoughts of wanting to slap Karusa so hard that his cheeks will be in insufferable pain every time he tries to smile."

"Do it."

"Yeah, right."

"Girls get away with assault much easier. You could literally kick him in the nuts and nobody could say shit."

I wish it were that easy. Karusa would kill me if I slapped him. I've done it once and regretted it immediately. And this time Link wouldn't come to my rescue... If I had just let Karusa do what he did that day, Link wouldn't be in a coma. But then we would have never kissed. And we would have never fallen in love... Perhaps I wouldn't change a thing about the past. I can only make better choices in the present and hope for better outcomes in the future.

"How much legal trouble is Link in?" Revali asks.

"It's unclear. He hit Karusa first, but since it happened during a sports game, it might get dropped."

"Let's just hope Ganon doesn't press charges."

"He can't. Link didn't touch him."

"Maybe not this time, but they've gotten in a lot of fights in the past two years and as far as I know, Link always hit first. With Link's recent fight happening in public, Ganon could easily file a report that could ruin Link."

I'm getting dizzy... More problems just keep on piling up, it's suffocating! I have to do something to make all of this stop. I get up and crawl back through the window.

"Where are you going?" Revali asks as I return to his room.

"I have to do something. I can't just sit around anymore. All I do is cry... It's not helping anyone. Someone has to stop Ganon from hurting more people."

"What are you gonna do?"

I'm already out the door. I hurry down the stairs, a good handful of people have gathered in the living room area. Every weekend, the frat house throws a party with the majority of people being athletes. HU is not the only school with this concept. Almost every fraternity is just a camouflaged excuse to worship the popular and athletic, Lorule being no exception. With Ganon being Lorule's most popular athlete, his presence at a frat party is basically guaranteed.

I get into my car and drive off. With each passing minute, I get less confident in my plan but I refuse to overthink this. I've spent my entire life overthinking, it's time I take action. Ganon is going down tonight!

I have to use Google Maps but I manage to find Lorule's frat house. I park my car at the side of the street and take a look at the intimidating number of partying students on the front lawn. Loud music is booming from inside, people are laughing and cheering. I don't even hesitate long enough to talk myself out of this; I get out, lock my car, walk across the lawn, up the stone steps, and through the gate of hell.

The music is unbearably loud! It's crowded in here and a thick cloud of marijuana makes it difficult to breathe. I keep my head low to avoid eye contact as I glance at every athlete at this party. Dark skin, tattoos, undercut with red highlights-- where are you? My heart is hammering at the same pace as the beat of the music. Anger and adrenalin are the only things keeping me from fainting. I need to find Ganon.

I head up the stairs and open every door. The things I see are disturbing but I keep going until I've checked every single room on the second floor. In the living room, a lot of people give me a weird look. Link's face isn't the only one that has been on the news lately. Most people at this party recognize me as his girlfriend and it's making me uneasy. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I should leave. I don't even know if Ganon is here.

I'm only two feet away from the exit when a Boar with a jersey and red cup in his hand steps inside the house. We almost bump into each other. He stops to look down at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"Hey, I know you," he says through the noise. "You're Link's girl, right?"

"No," I shake my head and attempt to leave but he is standing in the doorframe, blocking my path.

"Yeah you are, I was at the game last week."

"I was just leaving," I gasp for air as my chest is closing in.

"Didn't you just get here?" I have to go. Right now. "You don't look so good," he comments on my panicked expression.

"I'm fine," I breathe.

"Hey, I just wanted to say I'm really sorry for everything that happened to you. I'm sure it's been pretty rough these past couple of days." What is he doing? I don't believe a word of what he's saying. "Link was an amazing athlete."

Suddenly my body feels on pause. My breath is shallow and my chest has calmed abruptly. I look up at him and my brows relax. "He is," I correct the guy. "He is an amazing athlete."

"Yeah, he's incredible. It's a shame what happened." I nod and sniffle. "Sometimes I get really embarrassed for being a Boar because my team doesn't know how to respectfully lose a game."

"Yeah, they don't." I don't know what he's trying to achieve by talking bad about his own school but it's just salt in the wound. I already know that Link is great and Lorule is not.

"Hey, just because I play for Lorule, doesn't mean we have to be enemies," he says calmly.

"Doesn't mean we're friends either," I huff.

"No, yeah, I know," he gives me a shy smile. "I'm just saying I don't have a problem with your school or your family. Or your boyfriend. I've always kinda admired Link so... Yeah, sorry, just thought maybe I should apologize for my team's behavior."

"You can't. What they did is unforgivable."

"I know. It doesn't make up for what happened but I hope you know that we're not all like that. Some of the guys on the team are actually pretty alright."

"I find that hard to believe." But I also know that a title or the name of a team or family shouldn't define who we are as a person. All my life I have struggled to convince prejudiced people whose opinions were solely inspired by my family name, that I am my own person. Perhaps some Boars struggle just as much with the bad reputation of their school. "But I'll try," I add after a short pause.

The guy just nods uncomfortably and doesn't say anything in response. I notice the bandage on his hand and wonder if it's from that day. A lot of people were fighting and got injured. Having noticed my eyes on his hand, he holds out his cup to offer me his drink. "Want some?"

Eying the red cup, I feel a sudden appeal to the dark liquid. I've never felt this way looking at alcohol. It's almost as if my body is longing for the taste, or rather the effect. Maybe it will finally stop the pain and numb me the way no medicine could. Isn't that why people drink?

"It's Jägermeister and Coke," he says patiently.

I take the cup into my hand, still hypnotized by this urge.

Whenever I'm scared, I feel paralyzed. I used to think it was my curse but turns out my body was just protecting me from all the overbearing emotions rushing through my mind. After being scared for a whole week straight however, I no longer feel paralyzed. If you are constantly hurting, eventually you start getting used to the pain and your body stops protecting itself. But no matter how used you get to the pain, it's still pain. It doesn't just leave. The only way to escape those bad feelings is to paralyze the mind again. To go numb.

This is the solution I've been looking for. I slowly bring my hand up and place the cup on my mouth. Just as the liquor touches my lips, someone slaps the cup out of my hands. I flinch and freeze for a moment. It's Impa!

"Zelda what the fuck?" She yells.

"Where did you come from?" I ask confused.

"Don't fucking drink at a Lorule party! What's gotten into you?"

"I just... I just want it to stop for a moment. I can't take it anymore. It's so painful to think about it. Whenever I close my eyes I see Link's face getting bashed in. I thought maybe the alcohol could numb the pain..."

"Alcohol doesn't enhance your mood, it embellishes it! It will make you sadder! Shit Zelda! Fuck!" She's furious. Why am I so calm about that? "How much have you had? I can't believe this! You always decline alcohol but then you go get drunk with a Boar first chance you get? What's the matter with you! Seriously!"

"I'm not drunk," I say instead of intoxicated. What a dumb word. I roll my eyes and push both her and the Boar aside to walk out. I'm just done being scared.

Impa follows me and interlocks her fingers with mine as if I was going to run off any second. "We're leaving!"

"Two steps ahead of you," I retort.

"Stop being a bitch, you should be thanking me for coming."

"How did you know I was here?"

"I went to Link's house after you left the hospital and Revali told me about your conversation. You're lucky this is the first place I came looking for you!"

"Yay me."

"You know what, fuck you, Zelda! Going to a Boar's party... How stupid are you?"

"Pretty stupid, I guess."

"Oh stop with this passive-aggressive bullshit! I'm just looking out for you."

"Then why are you so mad at me?"

"Because you could have gotten fucking hurt, okay? You can't just go chasing after Ganon all by yourself without a plan?"

"I had a plan."

"Yeah? What? To get drunk with him?"

"Threaten him."

"Threaten him?" She laughs. "He's a criminal, he's not gonna let you threaten him."

"Says the one who has threatened him."

"I've insulted him."

"You've threatened him."

"Yeah but I'm also a black belt. Did you even bring your phone?"

"Yes," I show it to her face. "And it's charged."

"Good for you," she rolls her eyes at me. We reach my car. Hers is parked right behind mine. "He'd hurt you, Zelda."

"If he tries to hurt me I will have a recording of it. I can go to the police and say he assaulted not only me, but you too. He hit first. Both times. With Malice as well. He's a misogynistic psychopath who deserves a life sentence. And unless he promises to stay away from Link, I will make it my life's mission to make that happen."

"You're out of control," Impa shakes her head. Then she laughs. "I kinda dig it. But still, don't just run off all by yourself. I got your back, you know? We can confront Ganon together. I was really worried."

"Fine."

"Are you okay to drive?"

"Yes. I didn't drink."

Impa drives ahead. She takes the wrong turn though, so I follow her. Why is she driving toward Lorule Academy? I keep following her all the way to campus. What is she doing? We park in front of the Boar's baseball field. Impa gets out and opens her trunk to grab something, then she walks up to my car. I lower the window.

"Get out," she tells me with a mischievous grin.

"What are we doing here?" I whisper.

She holds up two cans of spray paint. "We're going to draw a giant dick on their field."

"What?"

"We are going to draw a giant–"

"You don't have to repeat it," I cringe. "That's vandalism."

"And what they did was attempted murder. Which one is worse?"

I look at her for a long second. Unable to find an argument, I grab the pink can and get out of my car. We walk up to the deserted field. Hidden in darkness, we might just get away with this crime. I just hope nobody hears us. I'm nervous about getting caught but I'm also full of elan. I've never broken the law! Sure, I've gone over the speed limit, but I have never committed vandalism or anything like this.

"Let's hurry," Impa whispers, running to the center of the field.

I shake the bottle and open the cap. I've never used one of these. Should we be wearing gloves? Or masks? This is so exciting! I hold it close to the grass and press down on the top, creating a blob of striking neon pink. It's so bright! I draw a long line, a perfect 180-degree turn, then another long line. Impa draws the rest of it.

We share a good amount of giggles until another voice joins in, sounding far less amused.

"It's crooked," he says and my heart drops.

Karusa...

Impa and I throw our heads around in a hectic search for him. I spot him sitting in the stands not far from us and drop the spray can at once. How long has he been there? We should run, no hide--No, I'm done hiding! I ball my fists and step forward but Impa holds on to my arm.

"Let's just go," Impa whispers. When did she become the rational one?

"He deserves to suffer!" I hiss.

"Yep, he does, but he saw us, which means we have to go before we get in serious trouble."

"Wait–"

"We can beat him up another time. We have to go. Now."

"I want to talk to him."

"What?"

I jerk my arm away from her grip and walk up to the stairs. "Wait here," I tell her.

Karusa is sitting in the third row, lighting a cigarette. As I approach him, I can make out the injuries on his body. He really does have two black eyes. His whole face is purple, blue, green... He looks up at me when I reach him. One of his eyes is red from burst blood vessels and his lip has an open cut. I feel no pity for him. None at all.

"Don't worry, it still looks like a dick," he says calmly and aims his eyes back on the field.

"Link is in a coma," I tell him to see his reaction.

"Really? How come?" His sarcasm is revolting.

"He almost died," I add. Impa is down there, watching with her phone in her hand in case anything goes wrong.

"You need anything from me?" Karusa snarls.

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Too bad. Fuck off." I dare take a seat next to him. He lets out an annoyed chuckle. "You've got to be fucking kidding me. What are you doing? Want me to hit you? Make sure your friend has it on video."

"Why did you have to say those things to him? At the game. I'm genuinely curious what went through your sick head."

"Nothing went through my sick head."

"I'm serious. I want to know. What is happening in your mind when you say such disgusting things to people?"

"There's no philosophy behind it," he sucks on his cigarette. "Just following orders."

"Said by every soldier ever. And yet they are all responsible for the blood on their hands."

"Okay?"

"Are you aware of the wrong you've done?"

"I do what I'm told," he shrugs.

"Oh, so you were told to harass me and tell Link? Were you also told to add a few extra details to spice up your little lie? You're disgusting! It should be you in the hospital. You should be the one in a coma. You should be the one suspended, facing charges."

"Yup," he flicks his cigarette and takes another breath from it, then calmly exhales the smoke.

"So you confess that you're guilty?" I ask, drawing his eyes to me.

"I'm not admitting shit."

I glare at him but he just looks away as if I wasn't here. "Are you sorry?"

"I didn't want anyone to die," he answers. I don't know why, but I believe him. And I hate myself for it. I just can't see a murderer in him, even after everything he has done. "I was told to provoke Link so he'd be too distracted to hit the ball. I didn't think he was gonna swing his fucking bat at me in front of everyone. I kicked his leg but... I can't remember the rest."

"So you're not sorry," I conclude.

"I came here to find some peace after being questioned all week, not to be questioned even more."

"Too bad. Answer the question."

"Or else what?" He looks at me and leans closer. Feeling brave, I don't back away or falter under his appalling demeanor. "Hm? What are you gonna do?" He looks at my lips, trying to intimidate me.

"I can report you and Ganon for physical assault," I say, waiting for his eyes to return to mine.

"I've never hit a girl," he says carefree and blows some smoke in my face before backing away again.

"What you do is worse."

"What do I do?" He challenges.

"You treat girls like you own them. Like you can do whatever you want."

"Yeah? Like what?"

I disregard his question and bravely hold eye contact with him and his disgusting smirk. Looking at his eyes like this is giving me the creeps. They are hostile. I've never looked at him just to look at him. I always avoided it until I needed to remember what he looked like the day he gave me that hickey. Is that a normal thing for him to do? I could tell how much he enjoyed my pain that day. Just like the day we met. His eyes had no light, no color. They were like those of a predator. Like he wasn't even present. I try to find something in them, anything really, but they are empty. They don't reveal anything about him.

"Are you scared?" He suddenly asks, holding my gaze.

"Are you?" I ask him back and he smiles.

He sucks on his cigarette one last time before putting it out between us. "What is it you need from me?"

"Ganon's address."

Karusa laughs and waits for me to speak again. I hold a serious mien until he is done being a jerk. "Wait, you're serious? I know my face is pretty colorful but do I look like fucking Google?"

"I can't find it on Google. He is not as famous as his father and ever since the soccer game last year, Ganon's address has been unknown to the public."

"He moved back in with his dad after he got out of jail this week."

"Wait, what? So he is currently living with Ganondorf?"

"Yup. Guess daddy loves him again. All it took was taking Link out."

"Is this a joke to you? He almost died, you sick bastard!" I snap. Impa takes a protective step toward the bleachers but stops herself from getting in the middle of this.

"Look babe, I'm gonna tell you the same thing I told the reporters and the police; it's not my fault."

"Are you! Are you actually kidding me?"

"Do I look like I'm fucking kidding?" he yells. "No seriously, look at my face, do I look like I'm having a good time? Ganon is the psycho who hit Link with a bat! Why am I the one getting hate mail?"

"Because you're the one who started it all."

"You know where Ganon lives, go bother him with this crap. See if he cares. I've had enough hate for a lifetime."

"I don't think you know what hate is. Not until someone hurts you the way you've hurt people."

"You don't know shit. And you're starting to piss me off so I'd advise you to leave before this gets ugly."

"You can't hurt me any more than you already have."

"I wouldn't be so sure." He gives an obvious glance at my chest and brings up his hand. I flinch, when all he does is pull out a pack of cigarettes. "Not so fearless after all," he notes amused.

"You won't touch me. Or any girl. Ever again," I say in a fierce tone.

He lights another cigarette and gets up. Before he leaves, he looks down at me one last time and speaks calmly. "I don't know why you need his address, but I hope you know what you're doing."