Saving the Villain

As usual, the day went by for Cosette just like that. However, it wasn't like any other day that had gone by like the previous months. Today, the whispering of her classmates regarding Amie's drastic change was inevitable, but Amie couldn't care less.

It was not only Amie's appearance that changed but also her attitude. As a friend, Cosette and Sarah were concerned. Fay didn't give any strong reactions, although deep down, both Cosette and Sarah knew Fay was simply disappointed.

Months ago, they wanted Amie to change. A change that she wouldn't be too afraid to voice her thoughts and could be independent. They didn't wish for her to rebel.

It was the reason Cosette felt a little responsible. Therefore, she agreed with Luke's proposal.

Spy on Amie.

Luke didn't need to say it aloud because Cosette knew how nosy he could be whenever he was intrigued. Maxen wasn't there to stop them or give them a word of advice. So when the school bell rang, Luke dragged Cosette to spy on Amie for a day.

Being discreet as if this wasn't their first time stalking someone like a creep, Cosette and Luke kept their distance from Amie. They would go hide behind the post, skip to a street, or blend with people so as to not attract Amie's attention.

This was solely to know what was going on with Amie. They let Amie's constant absence in school pass, thinking it was simply a short phase. That Amie was simply sad and wanted some time alone to get herself together. Moreover, everyone was busy since they were already juniors and they were preparing themselves for the next school year because that would be their last school year as high school students.

However, Amie proved it wasn't just a short phase and she would continue to grow worse. It was one of the most crucial times for them; if she continued, she might repeat a year.
Much to Cosette and Luke's dismay, after following Amie to wherever she was planning to go, they found themselves standing in front of a KTV bar.

Yes.

A club.

"What the what the what?" Luke mumbled, staring at that flashing signage across the street. There were a few people lined up outside, but Amie already got in with a group she met outside the club. "Oy, Cosette, tell me I have poor eyesight."

"I wish we have," Cosette also mumbled.

They had followed Amie from their school to the city. It took them quite some time to reach this place because Amie made a lot of detours. Aside from the travel time alone which took around two hours, Amie also took her precious time to get changed in a public toilet and then rented a locker for her bags and uniform.

"Who are those people?" she wondered, recalling the small group of young adults — two girls including Amie, and four guys — which Cosette hadn't seen before. "They're not from school and by the looks of it, they look too old to be high school students."

"Oy, Cosette. That's like judging Remrem he is already an old man with two kids instead of a high school student."

"Please stop wagging your tongue, Luke, before I do." She didn't cast him a look as she threatened him, keeping her eyes on the establishment across the street. "Hey, Luke. Do you think they're the reason for her change?"

"Well." Luke cleared his throat, setting his eyes on where she was staring at. "A bad apple can spoil the barrel."

A deep exhale slipped past her lips at what he said.

"What should we do now?" Cosette slowly set her eyes back on Luke, hoping for some wisdom from him.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" Luke arched his brows, facing her squarely. "To be frank, the reason I'm here is that I was curious about what happened to Amie. She's a nice girl, but she's not that significant in my life. If that's Max or Rem or you, I'd probably think of what  I should do."

Her frown deepened, making him sigh. "You're too honest."

"Should I lie?" he cocked his head to the side, only to see her shake her head.

"Nevermind then."



"But Amie is your friend, right?" Cosette slowly raised her head once again, blinking almost innocently when he continued. "It's probably none of my concern and I'm too busy to even poke my nose into her business, but since you're my friend, I'd help you."

His brows rose when her eyes twinkled, clasping her hand right above her chest.

"Aish…" Luke ruffled his hair in irritation, looking away from her. "I said I'll help you, but the planning and whatever is all your responsibility. Being a lookout or a guard is the best that I can do, alright? Don't even think of dragging me around or blaming me for whatever reason."

"Yes~!"

Luke peeked one eye at her and sighed. "Dang… just what the hell am I going to do with you?"

Cosette smiled from ear to ear, setting her eyes back to the establishment across the street. She hadn't thought of anything until now. Well actually, she had, but she was a little hesitant since she didn't want to drag Luke, knowing today was his day off from his part-time in the convenience store near his place.

"Oy, Cosette. Remember. Max will scold us if you and I got in trouble, alright?" he reminded her, having this strange feeling seeing that smile plastered on her face. "I swear if he blames me for it, I'm gonna bury you alive."

"Yes~" Cosette faced him with a sweet smile, making his face contort.

"Don't just agree while smiling like that. It makes me feel like you will completely do the opposite of what I just said," he remarked as the corner of his lips twitched, but Cosette just kept her smile at him.

And just like what his gut feeling told him, Cosette's plan wasn't that really good or rather, a little awkward for him.