Chapter 45: Chapter 45

JONEA

I had just gotten out of class when suddenly Marilyn greeted me with a big smile.

“Are you done?”

“Well,” I answered, “Last class is over. Are you off from part-time work this afternoon?”

“That’s so true. How about we have lunch together?” Marilyn said, putting her arm around my shoulder.

I nodded and was about to turn at the end of the hall. On the other hand, someone ran fast and surprised us. His backpack hit my shoulder, and I fell.

“Ow!” I groaned.

“Hey, asshole!” Marilyn shouted, cursing at the man who had run away after hitting me.

“Are you okay?” Hunter, out of nowhere, reached out to me.

“Hunter Abraham?” Marilyn hissed, looking displeased when she saw Hunter’s sudden appearance.

Hunter’s hand was still extended to me sitting on the floor, but I was too afraid to accept his helping hand. Even though last time Hunter didn’t cause me to lose consciousness because he had a red mark on his forehead, the red mark still haunted me. Even now, when I look at him, the red mark dims and occasionally burns brightly on Hunter’s forehead.

“Jonea, wake up!” said Marilyn, helping me stand straight. “You hurt?”

I shook my head.

Hunter picked up my thrown bag and handed it to me. I’m still afraid to accept it. Marilyn grabbed the bag from Hunter’s hand a little roughly.

I can’t continue like this. Avoiding the problem won’t solve it, right? I have to confirm whether Hunter’s red mark is dangerous to me.

“Sorry if I startled you. Have you taken care of that problem?” Hunter asked calmly.

I glanced at Marilyn before answering. I feel so awkward. “Yes, thanks, my problem has been resolved. Thank you very much.”

Marilyn secretly pinched my arm from behind. Her face looked gloomy. I know she really hates Hunter after the incident that happened to us several years ago. I didn’t even have a choice but to try to be polite in front of Hunter while still keeping my distance. However, I owe him last night’s help.

“What is the problem?” whispered Marilyn, gritting her teeth.

“Well... I...” I was so nervous.

Hunter suddenly cut me off and answered casually, “She had problems with her college assignments, and I helped her.”

Hearing Hunter’s explanation, Marilyn glared at me instead of being satisfied. I don’t understand why Hunter had to lie, either. Even though I only asked for his help to solve the problem of a broken cup handle.

“Since when have you been nice to Jonea? Did you even help her complete her college assignments? You are even from different majors. You must have hidden intentions,” quipped Marilyn. “Why do you keep looking for excuses to bother Jonea?”

“You’re not leaving?” Hunter asked firmly to stop Marilyn’s rambling.

Suddenly, Marilyn became awkward and seemed to be holding back her anger. “You... You are insulting, aren’t you? Should I go? Isn’t it the other way around? You’re the one who came and interfered with our business--”

I took a step forward to mediate between them. I’m sure if left alone, they would definitely cause a commotion.

“Come on, let’s go, Marilyn. Aren’t we going to have lunch?”

Marilyn agreed even though she seemed unsatisfied with venting her frustration on Hunter. Hunter suddenly grabbed my arm from behind when I was about to drag Marilyn away. I reflexively avoided him again.

“Stay here, Jonea. I want to talk with you. And you, Marilyn Monroe, please give us some time alone.”

“What did you say?” Marilyn’s voice rose an octave. “How could I leave Jonea, my most precious friend, alone with you? You’re a cold-blooded murderer!”

Hunter did not respond to Marilyn’s harsh words. He was silent and seemed to be trying to restrain himself. I was really confused. Finally, I asked Marilyn to go to the restaurant and make a reservation.

“I will follow you. At least give me some time to talk to Hunter. Let me end our business so he won’t bother me anymore.”

Marilyn looked dissatisfied with my answer. “Are you sure you can handle it yourself? If he does something bad to you, don’t hesitate to scream for help. Okay?”

I nodded at Marilyn to reassure her. Before Marilyn left, she glanced again at Hunter while glaring sharply.

After Marilyn left, I wasted no time clarifying my relationship with Hunter so we would no longer contact or communicate with each other. But, before I even spoke, he had already said something.

“Let’s eat together. You said you wanted to have dinner with me?”

“What? When did I say that?”

“Last night, I helped you with the broken cup handle problem. You promised to have dinner with me.”

I bowed my head, cursing my stupidity. Did I really say that? Why am I so careless?

“You have to keep your promise, right?” Hunter insisted, looking severe. Apparently, he didn’t want to give up.

“Yes, of course. Is it today?”

“Well, I will pick you up at home this afternoon.”

“No, wait! I mean, should we have dinner? What if we just replace it with lunch?”

The thought of Hunter having to come home tonight and pick me up for dinner was tantamount to inviting disaster into my life. I can’t let anyone know where I live and with whom. Moreover, I still can’t confirm Hunter’s position. Is he a friend or enemy to watch out for?

“I thought you had lunch with Marilyn?”

“Oh, I can cancel it. She will definitely understand.”

“Why? Don’t you want me to know where you live now? Finding your place wouldn’t be difficult if I wanted to.”

“Never cross the line!” I threatened firmly.

“Okay,” Hunter gave up. “Come on, let’s just have lunch now.”

After cancelling my appointment with Marilyn, Hunter and I went to a restaurant quite famous among students. I still can’t trust Hunter completely. I also can’t confirm whether the red mark on Hunter’s forehead is dangerous for me. Because of that, I deliberately looked for a strategic seat to run away if he did something terrible to me.

When I was about to reach for the mineral water on the table, Hunter coincidentally wanted to take the same water bottle. Our hands almost touched again. Reflexively, I withdrew my hand. Apparently, this surprised and confused Hunter.

I bit my lower lip. I must look strange now.

Hunter took a deep breath. “Jonea, there is something I want to ask you since we first met. And now is a good opportunity to hear your answer directly.”

“I also want to ask you something. And I hope to hear a good answer from you, too,” I said more quickly.

Hunters know about the Beast’s Four (B4), especially Alland.