Chapter 18: Chapter 18

"Aren't you heading home?" His question startles me as I step out of the changing room. He's leaning against the doorway, looking at me with an unbelievably calm expression. When did he even get there, I wonder.

I decide to continue walking, choosing to ignore his question. I really don't want to deal with a Grey who seems to be consistently present around me since I set foot in this school. In fact, even before that—remembering our unpleasant first encounter and his reputation as a troublemaker, it's no wonder people have nicknamed him "Grey," a name that seems to stick easily to someone with those stormy gray eyes of his. It's not just me who's coined that nickname, even Jeni refers to him as that. Especially within their circle, known for being the school's infamous mischief-makers. I don't want any part in their antics, especially not the one who leads them.

I'm about to reach for my phone when suddenly Grey pulls me away, muffling my mouth so I can't protest. He guides me behind a pillar near the entrance of the building. With a firm finger pressed against his lips, he signals for silence. I freeze, then give a cautious nod. My heart races as he's brought us so close that there's almost no space between us. My eyes widen slightly, and I find myself biting down on my lower lip.

"Close your eyes and ears," Grey's hushed voice brushes against my face, his warm breath causing a shiver to run down my spine. All I can do is comply, shutting my eyes tightly and pressing my hands over my ears. I barely hear the commotion from behind us, and with Grey being so close, it's hard not to be affected by his presence.

"Stay low," Grey's voice reaches me once more, this time accompanied by a touch as he gestures for me to crouch lower. I'm aware of how close he is, and the pounding of his heart against his chest is almost palpable. Strangely enough, I can feel my own heart racing just as fast. I'm not sure how long we stay like this, following the rhythm of our heartbeats until Grey's hand brushes against my face.

"They've left," he murmurs, and I slowly open my eyes. Our gazes meet, and I'm drawn into those stormy gray eyes. I'm not sure what just happened—whether it was a danger or someone else using the swimming pool. My main question is why Grey dragged me into hiding behind this pillar.

"What's going on?" I ask in a hushed tone, my voice barely audible.

"Something we need to avoid," Grey answers, leaving me pondering. What could it be?

"Shouldn't we go?" I try to move away, but he doesn't budge.

"What more do you want?" I raise an eyebrow, perplexed.

"I'll walk you home," Grey suggests, making me glance at him questioningly. Is he offering or just being absurd?

"No, thanks. I have my bike," I reply and move to leave, but he remains unmoved.

"What else do you want?" I ask, slightly irritated.

"I can walk you home," he insists, making me stare at him, puzzled. Is this a genuine offer or just an odd remark?

"No, thanks. I have my bike," I reiterate, deciding to walk away from him. I had every intention of keeping my distance from him.

I'm about to retrieve my phone when my steps come to an abrupt halt. I look up and see the scene before me—chairs overturned, scattered around the area. I'm not sure how many people entered the building to create such a mess in the swimming pool area. The spectator seats are in disarray, some even broken. I turn back to Grey, expecting him to have an explanation.

"What happened here?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued.

"Didn't I tell you we were hiding from something we needed to avoid?" Grey responds calmly, though my curiosity only grows stronger.

"Are your enemies looking for you? Then why did you drag me into this?" I question him, as being close to him might make his enemies assume I'm associated with him.

"I'm not sure if they're enemies, but it seems like they're looking for you," he responds, leaving me utterly incredulous. I don't know many people here, let alone someone who would want to target me.

"Nonsense. What is this all about?" I retort, ready to leave and report the situation to the school authorities. It's only fair since I was the last one in the building. I don't want to be caught up in any trouble because of this mess.

"I told you, I'll walk you home," Grey interrupts my thoughts by grabbing my arm. It's not the gentlest grip, making me wince. Is he always this strong, I wonder, as I encourage him to loosen his hold.

"They might be looking for you. I just wanted to make sure a fellow student is safe. I don't want my sister to be involved in any trouble at her school," Grey explains, making me think of Miss Brenda. Right, I forgot about her—she was just being kind, not causing any trouble for her sibling.

"Do whatever you want, but let go of my arm," I retort, causing Grey to finally release his grip. I continue walking, realizing it's already dark outside. Rex is probably worried since I haven't contacted him. I decide to dial his number and give him an update.

"Hello, Rex. I'll be heading home now." Before I can continue, Rex cuts me off.

"Lia, listen to me. Are you alone?" His voice sounds rushed and panicked.

"Why? Is something wrong? Are you okay?" I ask, concern filling my voice.

"Just listen, can you stay at a friend's place, anyone from your club? Don't go home, okay?" Rex's words puzzle me. What's going on?

"Why would I not go home? What's going on?" I inquire, curious.

"I'm not telling you not to go home, but something happened in our housing complex. We're handling it—when I say we, I mean the police. I don't think it's safe for you to go home, and I'll tell Mom you're staying over at a friend's. Can you ask one of your friends to accommodate you for a while?" Rex's explanation raises more questions in my mind.

"I'm not sure. My friends have already gone home by now," I reply truthfully, not wanting to lie again. I've learned my lesson after the last time I lied to Aunt Anna.

"Is there no one at your school? Maybe a school staff member? I promise I'll sort this out and come to see you," Rex continues.

"Rex, actually, I'm with Grey," I admit, making Rex fall silent on the other end of the line.

"Hello, Rex? Are you there?" I inquire.

"In that case, give your phone to Grey," Rex says. I look at Grey, and he seems to understand the gist of my conversation with Rex. I hand my phone over to him, not sure what they'll discuss. After a brief exchange, Grey hands me back my phone.

"Rex wants me to take you to my house," Grey states, leaving me momentarily speechless.

"Did he tell you something? What's happening?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"Seems like something's going on in your neighborhood. Maybe he's worried," Grey replies, and for some reason, I feel a sense of unease. It's not just the conversation with Grey, but also the chaos I experienced earlier. Even though I didn't witness it firsthand, I could hear the faint sounds of disruption around the swimming pool area. Could it be related to what Rex is dealing with right now?

"Are you sure you don't want to come along?" Grey asks again, throwing me off with his question.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. Brenda is at home as well," he adds as if he's reading my concerns. But it doesn't matter whether it's Grey or Miss Brenda – both of them are making me feel uncomfortable. Yet, I don't have any other choice; I have to go along with what they say.

"Fine," I reply finally, deciding to follow his lead.

"Wait, I need to inform the school security about what happened at the pool," I say, stopping in my tracks as we're about to leave the school premises.

"Let's forget about that. We can just tell Brenda directly. Don't worry, I'm a witness. I won't make you a suspect. Besides, your petite body wouldn't have the strength to break those spectator seats," Grey's words annoy me, and I don't have the energy to argue with him. I resume my steps towards the parking lot where my bicycle is, but Grey grabs my hand again.

"Where are you going?" he questions.

"My bicycle," I answer curtly.

"You're not planning to cycle while I drive my car, are you? Just leave it, we'll take my car," Grey suggests, causing me to look at the sports car parked outside the school. I'm not sure if he had any business at school; when I arrived earlier, there wasn't a Grey car in sight.

"Are you sure my bicycle will be safe? Rex just bought it, and I don't want it to get stolen," I mutter, which prompts Grey to chuckle. Is he laughing at my bike?

"If your bike goes missing, I'll buy you five more. Would that be enough?" he says, and I snort in response. I then walk past him without acknowledging his comment.

"Is this your car?" I inquire, as Grey once again smiles dismissively before opening the door for me. I don't have much choice but to reluctantly get into the car, following the guy I've been trying to avoid.