𝐄𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝐋𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊

【 Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ １０ 】

       It's been two days since Dio and I kissed, and in these two days Dio has barely left my side. We know that Jackson is more likely to take the bait if he isn't there, but Dio doesn't want to take any chances this time.

       Right now I'm sitting under my favorite tree, as per the usual after school routine, to not raise any suspicion, and so that Jackson knows where to look for me to launch his attack.

       The familiar sound of pages brushing against each other finds my ears when I turn the page of the book I hold. Dio recommended it to me, and so far it has not disappointed. I'm sure he's reading the book I lent him right now, too. I hope he's enjoying it.

- After Dio and Anne's Confession -

       "How long do you think we'll have to wait?" Dio asks as he lays beside me on the lush grass, watching the stars.

       "I'm thinking. . . three days, give or take," I reply, stretching my arms above my head. "How about you? How many days do you think it'll take?"

       He hums in response, then confidently answers. "It'll be on the second day, I'm sure of it."

       I giggle, smiling at him, "Oh really? How much are you willing to bet that you're right?"

       "I'd wager. . . " he puts a hand to his chin in thought, eyebrows furrowing, "a kiss."

       "Oh really?" I let out a laugh. "Fine then, if you win I'll give you a kiss, but if I win, then I want something from you. Let's see. . . if I win I want you to tell me one of your secrets!"

       "One of my secrets? How childish," he scoffs, but still wears a smile on his face. "Alright then, it's a deal. If I win, you have to give me a kiss. If you win, I'll tell you one of my secrets."

       I grin at him. "Deal."

       I smile, recalling the little bet we'd made. Today is the second day, and so far Jackson hasn't shown up. Looks like someone's gonna lose. I turn the page of the book, continuing to read in the calm afternoon. A shadow looms over me, and I frown.

       "Could you please move? I'm trying to read, or do you wanna call off the bet you're afraid to lose?" I ask in a teasing tone.

       "Lose what? If it's a fight you're talking about, then I bet ten pounds I can beat you till you're bedridden for weeks," a familiar voice says from above me.

       "Jackson," I sigh, snapping the book shut. "What an unpleasant surprise. To what do I owe this visit?"

       "You know exactly why I'm here! To kick your arse!" he states, full of confidence.

       I tuck the book back into my bag, smirking as I wait for this moment to unfold. When I get up from the ground I crack my knuckles slowly, instilling fear into my enemies. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. That's more guys than I had expected, but, I'm sure we'll be fine.

       Leaves rustle from above me, which is followed by a thud as the blond himself lands gracefully on the ground before me, book in hand. His eyes flick to each of our opponents, sizing them up and forming strategies no doubt.

       He places the book down gently, then stretches his arms a bit, preparing for the fight. "Jackson, fancy seeing you here. I didn't know you frequented this area. Are you lost, perhaps?"