He was the most feared person in the school.

Whenever he passes through the corridors, people would make way, and just his presence alone could make the noisiest of elephants turn quiet. He wasn't actually a top bully or someone that physically and verbally abuses everyone that is weaker than him. What made him scary was his eerie silence, and unpredictability. He seemed to be an introvert too; nobody ever saw him talking to a friend or colleague. But someone said he talks to cats, yes.

He's like the global warming; nobody can tell when it will rain or shine. Or if there would even be a sunshine at all. There is even one time when this boy in your class said "banana briefs," and he suddenly punched him in the nose. The boy wasn't even talking to him. He was sent to detention, but he didn't seem to regret it one bit.

There are other stories as well where they say he's a member of an evil evil gang lurking under the city, and they always fight against mafias and drug dealers and other more cliché antagonists, and that's the reason why he always has scrapes on his fists or even a cracked lip.

Zhang Yi Xing.

That's his name, but rumor says that he does't want to be called that and once broke the leg of someone that dared to do so.

So people call him Lay. Some go with cheesier names like Dark Knight or Cold Prince, because he is indeed undeniably handsome with his piercing eyes and honey brown hair and oozing charisma and all, and sometimes could look even sexier with a lip cut.

You? Well you prefer to call him "The Delinquent."

It sounds so cool and matches him well. But you prefer to keep it to yourself because he may hunt you down and kill you if he dislikes the nickname.

"He is soooo creepy." Amber, your one and only friend, suddenly said when she noticed you staring at Lay. He was just walking a few meters ahead of you towards the school gates as it was already end of classes.

"Stop it Amber." You hissed. "If he hears you, you're dead."

"Sorry," she supressed a smile as if the situation was amusing to her. "But he really is hot, ne?"

"AMBER!" You hissed, and she giggled. Lay suddenly snapped his head around, and Amber and you froze like lamp posts. It was even scarier for you as he decided to lock eyes with you.

Oh God oh God I don't wanna die now please I promise I will never fool around again I won't steal Amber's cookies again and will become a better person--

And then he turned his head again and continued walking straight, as if nothing happened. Meanwhile, you felt like you just died.

"Holy shit _____, I could've sworn he shot laser beams through his eyes."

"Goddamnit Amber. I almost died because of you. Stop fooling around." You rubbed your temples, but being the jolly girl she was, Amber just laughed and started walking backwards.

"Be careful on your way home. I heard a lot of mafias are lurking around." She made a finger gun and pretended to shoot around. "See ya tomorrow."

With one last wave, she walked away, and you were left alone in front of the school. Sighing, you started walking the opposite way towards home.

After a few minutes of walking, you felt like someone was following you. You kept on looking behind your back, but nobody was there.

Gosh this feels like a horror movie. I hope there's no backward bending exorcism girl following me.

"Excuse me," you jumped when a large hand landed on your shoulder. You whipped around and saw this elderly man, maybe around late 30's, wearing shades and had his long-ish hair combed a little sideways. "Do you happen to study in S.M High?"

"Umm... yes?" Your brows furrowed, wondering why he still had to ask that when you were still in your freakin uniform. S.M High was quite a popular school, so even a primary schooler would know its students with just one glance.

"And do you happen to be ______?" He smiled, but there was something menacing about it. So you kept your mouth shut, knowing that staying silent would be the best choice. But then his eyes shifted to your nametag.

Oh shit. We have nametags.

"It's her." He said aloud, and suddenly these dozens of men appeared from alleyways and behind trees, all headed towards you. Someone yanked your bag away from you and proceeded to grab your arms, preventing you from moving.

"Hey!!! What the hell is this?!! What do you want from me?!!!"

You screamed, but the man with sunglasses just chuckled.

"Someone owes us a lot, and we think you will be a good trading material for us." Then he flipped his phone open. "Send in the van. We got her."

Your eyes widened.

They're going to abduct me. They're a mafia gang and they're going to abduct me.

That realization alone was enough to make you want to cry.

"Don't worry, we won't hurt you. Well, unless he refuses to cooperate." His grin was that of pure evil.

"Let go of her."

All of you turned at the source of the voice, and you felt like your eyes dropped out of their sockets and bounced back.

It was Lay. And he was there to save you. Holy crap this is sooo like a hollywood movie.

"Wow, Mr. Zhang. You came earlier than expected." The evil man chuckled, but Lay didn't seem amused. He took a step forward, and the other men took a threatening step as well.

Suddenly, evil man wrapped an arm around your shoulder, making sure you couldn't move as he pressed something cold and pointy against your neck. "Try to fight back and she'll be dead."

You pleaded to Lay with your eyes.

Please don't fight back. Please I don't wanna die.

Slow seconds agonizingly passed by as the bad men slowly inched towards Lay, ready to pounce on him if he moves. He maintained eye contact with you, and somehow you felt as if he was trying to make a telekinetic conversation with you. His eyes slowly moved to your feet. You followed his gaze. Evil man's foot was just beside yours.

Ooooooh.

When he noticed you've got the message, he slowly blinked once.

Then he slowly blinked again.

And on the third blink, both of you moved like the perfect tandem. As he punched the face of the nearest guy from him, you stepped on evil man's foot hard, making hip yelp and lose his grip. You ran away as fast as you could, while Lay was busy fighting the rest of the guys. He expertly weaved through the cluster of men, swiftly kicking and punching around. He looked like he was used to this kind of thing. Too bad you had no time to grab a popcorn and watch, as there was this angry mafia boss running after you.

You passed through several streets and alleys, and as you ran for your life, all you could think about was how you should've taken P.E more seriously. Your lungs felt like they were about to explode. Your vision was starting to get all blotchy as well. At some point, you stumbled and tripped on your own foot. Evil man harshly grabbed you by the collar and flipped you around to face him.

"You made a grave mistake of running away, bitc--"

He was violently kicked on the head before he could finish. There stood Lay above you, staring at the man's unconscious body like it was nothing. His gaze shifted to you, and you froze.

He just went to a fight with a dozen men, but he didn't have a scratch anywhere. And the way his sweat trickles along his collarbone. Damn my pervy brain is starting to activate.

"Need help?" He mumbled, handing out a hand for you to grab. You timidly nodded and let him pull you up. He gave you your bag that you left, and you only nodded in thankd. There was about 8.3 seconds of akwardness, before you decided that you had to say something.

"Uhh.... thanks."

He just nodded. Another set of akward seconds.

"Who were those people?" You finally asked, and something flashed across his eyes. He didn't immediately answer, so you asked more. "What did they want from me?"

"They were trying to find somebody they could use." He looked unsure.

"Me? Why me? To use for what?" He took a step back, as if starting to get freaked out by your questions.

"Let's say I'm in their wanted list."

"And the only way they could get you is by blackmailing you? By using me?"

He carefully nodded, and your brows furrowed even further.

"But why me? Will they come back for me? Am I in danger from now on?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?"

He sighed. "Yes they will come back for you and yes you are in danger from now on."

"And why.....?"

"God you really are so persistent." He rubbed his temples in annoyance. Your eyes widened as you saw this long red scratch along his left arm. You immediately grabbed his wrist to inspect it. It wasn't that fatal, but it still had some blood and could be infected if left untreated.

"We have to get you to the clinic. The school couldn't be that far yet." You tugged him, but he refused to move.

"I'm okay. It's just a scatch."
"No you're not ok. We have to treat that." You frowned and tugged again, but he still didn't move.

"______, we can't go anywhere. Some of the men might still be out there looking for us. It's dangerous."

"Fine," you huffed and grabbed two empty crates of fruits lying around, then forced Lay to sit on one. You sat across him and pulled out your scarf and an alcohol from your bag. You started cleaning his wound, but he didn't wince even once. As usual, he was silent, so it was you that had to start a conversation.

"So all the rumors are true?"

"What rumors?"

"That you're a member of a gang and you fight mafias."

You thought you heard him chuckle, but when you looked up, he looked completely serious.

"I don't have a gang. But yes, I come across trouble often."

"Do you owe them money?"

"One of their members was caught by the police because of me. I didn't know then that he was a member of a large group. Seemed pretty important as well."

"And now they hate you so they hunt you down."
"Exactly," he nodded.

"How about the cats?" You mused. "Is it true you talk to cats?"

"I do sometimes, yes." His tone hinted that he was smiling. You just chuckled and patted his arm when you were done tying you scarf around it. You stood up and peeked a little from the corner of the alley. The place seemed silent.

"I think they're gone." You started to walk, but he suddenly grabbed your hand.

"We can't be so sure." And then he crouched down and started walking, still not letting go of your hand. You weren't even sure if your feet were making noises or not because all you could hear was how your heart beat wildly against your chest. His hand felt so comfortingly warm against yours.

After a few more minutes of ninja-walking, you started to imagine what your neighbors would think if they saw both you like this. Either they'd think you're robbers or just good ol' teen couples sneaking around the neighborhood.

"We're here." You looked up, and realized that you were right in front of your house. You looked at Lay, then at your house. Then back at Lay again.

"You know where I live???"

You couldn't even decide if that was creepy or sweet.

"Get in before one of the men sees you."

You crossed your arms and stood your ground. Nuh uh. No he's not getting away with this one.

"Zhang Yi Xing, I demand to know why you know where I live."

"Google map?"

You gave him a look. He sighed in defeat.

"Those men went for you because they found out I like you." You felt like an ice bucket was poured all over you. Not just the ice, but the bucket as well.

Holy frickin skittles.

If this is a joke, then this is so damn not funny.

This better be true or I will be so freakin confused because my heart is like a dubstep party right now.

"I knew you wouldn't like it." He stated coldly, and turned to leave. You grabbed his shoulder.

"Not that I don't like it..." You hesitantly said, and gosh did you feel like a total flirt, but it was the truth. "I mean... you saved my life... and I haven't even said thank you..."

"What do you mean...?" His eyes narrowed a fraction, and you could've sworn it was lust that flashed across his eyes.

"NO!! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!!!!" You squeezed your eyes shut. This is the most awkward situation ever. "I mean just thank you. Like thank you for saving my life. I can never hate you because of that."

His eyes flashed in amusement as he watched you blush there like a little tomato.

"From now on, always watch your back." He started walking backwards, and had this sexy smirk on his face. Then he turned around to leave.

But then he didn't.

He whipped around and suddenly, hus nose was brushing against yours. And your lips were right against his. he quickly pulled away before you could even comprehend if you liked it or not.

"That was the thank you I wanted." He whispered, and ran a hand through your hair as he pulled you into a hug.

"I'm sorry that I pulled you into this mess, but I promise to protect you, no matter what. I will be your most loyal knight."

He pulled away to look you in the eye. You felt this wild fluttering in your chest, and somehow, just knowing that Zhang YiXing would always be by your side from now on, was already able to make you smile.

He smiled back, and landed a gentle kiss at the tip of your nose.

"I promise."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~