Saving the Villain

Meanwhile…

Maxen stood in front of the apartment building, holding a plastic bag after going to the nearest convenience store. His eyes were on the floor and the unit where Luke would stay. The longer he stared at the rundown building, the more he couldn't help but compare the grandeur of the places Luke had.

Luke was a show-off, so even if Maxen was not interested in Luke's life, he was forced to know.

"I shouldn't help him," he muttered, dragging his feet to the stairs. "But he should've just stayed in the hotel."

Perhaps, it was because Maxen had experienced fleeing home that he could relate with Luke one way or another. It wasn't easy. Maxen survived all that because he knew deep down he could, but Luke? Not that Maxen thought Luke had a lower survival rate, but well, he couldn't help but think that way.

It didn't take long when Maxen returned to the unit. As soon as he entered, he caught Cosette all alone inside. His brows furrowed, taking off his shoes.

"Oh, you're back?" Cosette smiled as she stopped wiping the floor, eyes at him. "Luke went to throw the trash. What did you buy?"

"Things." Maxen carried the plastic bag with him as he approached the corner wall.

"Huh?" Cosette cocked her head to the side, seeing that Maxen took out a plier. "Did you just go to the convenience store?"

"I stopped by the construction site and borrowed a few materials," explained Maxen as he tighten the window that had been creaking since earlier. The construction site Maxen was previously working was just right in front of the convenience store, and he had noticed a few things that required an easy fix which Luke hadn't noticed yet.

"He will only notice these things once it starts bothering him," he continued while opening and closing the window to check if it would still creak.
"Max…" Her eyes softened, watching Maxen work on the things that they didn't notice. Maxen also brought a hammer for the raised nails on the corners and walls. He moved efficiently while Cosette stood in the middle, watching him in silence.

'He always says he doesn't like Luke…' she chuckled inwardly. 'But I guess… hate also grows on people.'

A sense of pride flickered across her eyes as the side of her lips stretched from ear to ear. She just watched Maxen and it didn't take long when he finished, putting bag the things in the plastic bag.

"Done?" she asked, holding her hand behind him.

"There's more to fix, but it'll take some time. This entire place needs a lot of fixing, but I just repaired the most annoying ones." Maxen swirled his index as he explained. "He'll be fine."

"I didn't say he won't be, but I'll pretend that message is meant for me." She grinned, twisting her upper body when the entrance opened. "Welcome back."

Luke darted his eyes between Maxen and Cosette. Although Maxen was standing in the corner and Cosette in the middle, he still narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"You didn't install a spy cam here, did you?" he asked, almost ruining Cosette's mood.

"And what will we gain if we spy on you?" she rolled her eyes, glancing at Maxen to see if she could gloat about his kind deeds. However, Maxen's poker face didn't change, but it was enough for her to understand he didn't plan on telling Luke.

'I want to gloat about it so so bad!' she grumbled internally, but she had to respect Maxen.

"We're going home. It's getting late," Cosette announced with a sharp breath. "Will you be fine here all alone?"

"Of course!" Luke raised his chin as he was getting late, indeed. The night fell and he was already glad that these two helped him, even though they were the last people he wanted to let him know about his situation.

"Alright…" Cosette cast Maxen a look and tipped her head in the door's direction. "Let's go?"

"Mhm."

With that being said Cosette and Maxen marched towards the entrance while Luke leaned against the wall. The latter watched the two put on their shoes, but when they were about to leave, he called.

"Wait." Maxen and Cosette looked back at him. "Now that I think about it, where are your bags?"

"Home. Although we skipped class, I asked driver George to excuse us for the day. He already took our things home."

"Ahh…" Luke rocked his head in understanding.

"We'll drop by here tomorrow," Cosette said in a reassuring tone. "You should go to school and let's hang out here, alright? We'll help you with whatever there is to fix here."

"Ah, whatever. Just go. I really want to rest now." Luke waved, making her frown deeply.

"Geez. whatever." Cosette turned her back against him and tugged Maxen's arm for them to leave. But just when Maxen opened the door, they stopped again when Luke called.

"Oy." Out of instinct, Maxen caught a small chocolate candy in the air. Cosette also caught it thanks to her fast reflexes. The two of them furrowed their brows, gazing at the candy in their hands. They then raised their head, but Luke already turned his back against them as he walked away.

"That's all I can afford for dessert, but thanks for helping out."

Cosette smiled as her eyes softened, looking up at Maxen. Luke may sound insincere, but she knew he was embarrassed that this was the only repayment he could give them.

"Gosh, that guy. You could've said it more dramatically! And you're welcome!" she teased before facing Maxen. "Let's go?"

"Mhm."

With that, Maxen and Cosette left in a good mood as the treat Luke gave them was enough. It wasn't as grand as what he would usually give to show off, but it was better. It had always been the thought that counts.

Meanwhile, Luke, who hid near the bathroom, ran his fingers through his hair. His cheek had a light shade of pink, a little embarrassed.

"She didn't have to tease me," he mumbled, raising his head to look around the studio apartment.

It was… silent again.