Saving the Villain

After Luke sent the message, they looked at each other in silence. No word was said between Cosette and Luke, but they nodded at each other. As planned, the two of them observed the situation outside the KTV room where they were.

The rooms were soundproof, so they couldn't hear the chaos next door. They could only rely on the situation outside. There were a few goons on the lookout outside, just guarding the door while casually chatting with each other.

"God, Amie… just what is that girl thinking?" mumbled Cosette, pacing back and forth in front of the slightly ajar door. She had been biting her thumb nervously, thinking of many things that could be happening inside the KTV room next door.

"Stop that." Cosette paused when Luke suddenly held her wrist, jerking his chin to her thumb. "Are you a cannibal? Look. Your thumb is bleeding."

Cosette glanced at her thumb and caught the tip of her thumb, already bleeding. She didn't notice it until he stopped her from biting her thumb. Her expression softened as she sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, dropping her hand from his grip to her side. "It's just that I wish it's not what I think it would be."

"The feeling is mutual." Luke let out another sigh, turning his head at the door. "Remo said he was on the way, but Max hadn't read my message. His meeting isn't probably finished."

Cosette peeked up at Luke and pursed her lips. Since earlier, they had been standing by the slightly ajar door, peeking outside from time to time. They could have just sat down and waited, but her nervousness wouldn't allow her to relax, even just for a moment.

"Luke, thank you," came out a tiny voice, catching him off guard as his brows rose in surprise. "You have a part-time tonight, but here you are with me. I know this isn't something you should be doing, so I appreciate you for coming along with me."

Luke blinked before he waved dismissively. "The heck is wrong with you? Don't just say things out of nowhere — geez. I'm getting goosebumps." He rubbed his shoulders and shivered, making her chuckle weakly.

"I'm trying to be grateful, okay?" Cosette slapped his shoulder mildly, clicking her tongue. "I just want to thank you."

"Alright, alright. I heard you, so just stop, okay?" he scrunched his nose up, making her frown deeply.

"What is wrong with thanking you?"

"Nothing! Just that tone!" Luke pointed a finger at her. "Stop thanking me, alright? When we're out of trouble, treat me to a great steak house. I've been craving it since yesterday."

Cosette sighed. "Fine, fine. Gosh… since when did you like eating so much?"

"Since that time, I cannot afford to waste food." He shook his head, marching close to the door. He peeked his eyes, checking if the situation outside changed. However, the goons outside were still chatting. It seemed they have many nonsense talks in store.

"Are they a part of a gang or something?" he wondered, noticing the black snake tattoo on the guy's arm, and then on the side of another's neck peeking out of his collar. "Is Amie joining their gang?"

When Luke's last remarks rolled out of his tongue, Cosette already squeezed herself into the tiny space in front of him. She also peeked outside, making him glance down at her.

'This girl… seriously…' Luke took a step back to give her some space, shaking his head as he shifted his focus outside.

"Hey, Luke?" called Cosette, receiving a calm hum from him as a reply. "Should we pretend to be passing by?"

"Huh? Why? Remo is already on the way. He might be here as we speak."

"It's just oddly quiet," she said worriedly. "Let's just pretend to be passing by. Maybe we'll get an idea of what is going on inside there."

Cosette turned her head heavenward while Luke gazed down at her. They stared at each other in silence until he conceded.

"We'll just pass by, okay?" he breathed out in defeat, making her smile in satisfaction. "You promise."

"Yes, I'll promise! I will behave until Remo comes."

Luke assessed the sincerity in her eyes first for a minute. When he was certain Cosette was being honest, he pushed himself away from the door. Both of them straightened their backs, staring at each other in determination while nodding in understanding.

"Should we hold hands?" she suggested before they open the door, seeing him cast her a look.

"No need." Luke shook his head, reaching for the knob to open it for her. "Just stay close to me."

Cosette stared at his side profile and nodded. Just as Luke opened the door, she jumped to his side, almost making him flinch.

"What the —" dismay instantly dominated his face at how close she was to him.

"What?" Cosette fluttered her eyelashes ever so tenderly. All she needed was to hook her arms around him and they would look like a couple. Well, even if she didn't, she was already too close to him. "I'm staying close to you… just as you said."

"Never mind." Luke shook his head mildly, letting it be since it was better if she was close. "Let's go."

With that being said, Luke and Cosette stepped their feet outside the KTV room. As soon as they did, the goons guarding the room next to their instinct set their eyes on them. Cosette held her breath and gulped, only to flinch when Luke hooked his arm over her shoulder.

"Where do you want to go next, babe?" he asked coquettishly, marching forth.

Cosette followed his pace and flashed him a sweet smile. She clipped her fingers on the lapels of his polo, biting her bottom lip.

"Anywhere you are," she replied sweetly as they walked away, passing by the door where Amie and her friends were.

"Anywhere?" Luke arched a brow, and she nodded. "Then, my place?"

Her cheeks blushed, glancing at the goons, who were following them with their gaze. More like they were looking at her as she was wearing quite revealing clothes that displayed all the curves of her body.

"Gosh… why would you say that aloud?" she whispered loudly as if embarrassed at his suggestion.

"Haha." Luke grinned.

The two of them almost walked past the KTV room when they heard a faint shriek.

"Kyah!!!"