While she was busy revisiting the memory lane, December should have anticipated something different altogether would happen. She didn't understand how that notion could escape her really, especially since she's going out now with one of the elite, role models of the academy. If she had known it would happen, she would have prepared herself for the first onslaught of attack.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V7RWPibPI 維尼
December had just gotten her score on History, and though it wasn't the best of scores, admittedly she was improving. She went to stack them in the lockers, and started to close it when someone beat her to it. Startled, she looked up just to see some of Karen's cronies standing in front of her, posing in a way they thought to be menacing. Strangely, the main enemy wasn't there.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8jnloTEKZ 維尼
"You." Says Harriet, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Is it true?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17DYGURsoN 維尼
December was lost and she blinked owlishly. "I'm sorry, what?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDkrbsX963 維尼
The other girl beside Harriet, Miranda scoffed and cocked a hand on her hips. "Is it true that you're going out with Zach?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNymcluQSo 維尼
By now, they had attracted a small crowd who had either walked slowly to catch the scene or stopped and watched them.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm6Bu4z0yI 維尼
Oh.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS63ACnhbs 維尼
December felt uncomfortable being the attention of the student body, especially since they were about to find out, or already found out about her relationship with the president of the Student Council. Why didn't I think that this would happen?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOCObPI2OL 維尼
She cleared her throat. There was no point denying it, even though she knew things wouldn't be easy on her now that she's facing her adversary's posse. Before she could utter something, one of the girls with thick ringlets suddenly laughed.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm7MvaROLM 維尼
"Of course not! I mean, look at you," She gestured to December in a way that suggested she was an embarrassment and December bit her tongue to rein in her shock and anger. "Why would he go for some loser when he could have had anyone of us?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhTcUixprX 維尼
Ouch.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUVpbugFcf 維尼
And completely unnecessary.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡApUfp1441i 維尼
Suddenly finding herself irritated beyond belief with everything these girls said to her, December retorted calmly. "Okay, you know what? Why don't you fawn all over yourselves to people who actually cares?" She walked past them, and hit one of the girl's shoulders with hers, although she hadn't meant to do that on purpose.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsUmRWheZt 維尼
Sensing that there wasn't going to be a fight, most of them dispersed, but only a few remained at the hallway, especially when the girl gasped then hissed, "You bitch! You're going to pay for that."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF0KHBMywu 維尼
Before December could brace herself for the onslaught of sharp nails and hair pulling, someone else beat her to it.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP1oSVNKpf 維尼
Swiftly grasping the girl's raising arm away from December, Max turned to them, his eyes a cool blue as he spoke softly, "I would not do that if I were you." As if they were all in a trance, they just stared at him in both fascination and confusion.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoQ68BCUb1 維尼
It took Max a few seconds to realise he was speaking in Russian. Shrugging, he simply said in English, "I just saw the principal coming this way."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfrZSn5EZ6 維尼
And just like that, the girls' eyes simultaneously widened before they faltered a step back. The girl whose arm Max dropped rubbed the spot absentmindedly before flashing a glare at December.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGmqhPEP1U 維尼
Once they were gone, December blinked and looked to the guy who may have just saved her from getting pummelled by a group of angry cheerleaders. She glanced at the direction where the cheerleaders disappeared to. December wondered briefly if what Max said was true, or just a farce to shoo them away.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJExZpD8srL 維尼
And indeed, he was. The principal of the academy was making his rounds when he appeared in the hallway, making his way toward them, but only to stop and enter a classroom, no doubt to reprimand some students by the sudden frown on his face.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ02WcBmlF 維尼
"Did you just help them get away?" She asked, tone almost incredulous.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM3D4RARMw 維尼
Max chuckled, his amusement apparent as he spoke in that soft voice of his. "Well, I would like to think that I just helped you get away from them."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR1OaqG4UP 維尼
She raised a brow, unsure if he had a different meaning to that. "Are you implying that I couldn't hold a fight on my own?" She couldn't help but feel offended if he had thought that.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQED8x1DSZ5 維尼
Max paused before realising that she thought he was insulting her, and he shook his head. "Nyet. That is not what I mean at all. I'm sure you could but it is too early. At least you can wait until after lunch, da?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf0wqRq8IM 維尼
December stared at Max, her lips twitching before she smiled smugly. "That is an excellent point." before bursting into giggles. "Thanks, Max." They started towards the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFo5E6wfFy 維尼
"You like speaking more Russian than English, huh?" She grinned at him. "We've known each other for a while now, but I'm only noticing this. How silly of me."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4HrF6UZQr 維尼
Max shifted his body a little bit, eyebrow raised and he said, "I'm sure you are not, but what makes you think that?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZi9OYBWRW 維尼
December rolled her eyes good-naturedly and made a 'psh' sound. "Well, maybe because you tend to slip them in when you're talking. Like what happened just now. What did you first say to them?" She asked, curious.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡzteKRApBHD 維尼
Max relaxed and grinned, "I try not to, but you are right, it's just a habit of mine. And I told them to be careful. Wouldn't want them to hurt their pretty faces."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X9z59i6J3 維尼
December's nose crinkled a little as she grinned at him. "Ohh yeah, because like we agreed, I could totally take them on. But how sweet of you to care about them, even though they were about to claw me." She squinted her eyes at him, a jester's smile tugging at her lips.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiKHSPwiG2 維尼
Max shrugged but he shot December a smile that made him seemed more than just a pretty boy with a soft voice. It caught her off guard for just a brief second. "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer? Kill them with kindness? Maybe that's why I did it."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I3JD56Ulu 維尼
December paused, and stared at him, her mouth almost agape. She was looking at him as though he had just solved the world's greatest problem.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1mt2C87sl 維尼
"Whoa," She breathed out, still grinning. "Remind me not to get on your bad side." She joked.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiGNvzV9fa 維尼
Max only laughed as they reached another hallway leading towards their class.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGyQ3mLHTT 維尼
"Also hey, at least I think I know now what nyeet and da means! Maybe you should speak Russian all the time around me, so that way I could learn some new words."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIrja1yAHZ 維尼
He laughed softly again and December found herself drawing herself further into a good mood.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkgS3eWCa5 維尼
"You're butchering the word, December. It's not nyeet, but nyet. It is like the word yet…yes?" When she nodded, he continued. "So you put the other word like your…knee! Da, knee…yet." He pointed to his knee and snapping his thumb and middle finger to say the word yet. "Knee-yet. Try it. Nyet."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡgffZZeCUBT 維尼
December tried the word on her tongue and when she seemed to get it right, Max told her to say it quick, like a snap of a finger.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11dxK4DRmB 維尼
"Nyet!" December whooped. "Well, that was relatively easy to say. Thanks, Max." She beamed at him.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnzMEmNg4u 維尼
"You're welcome. If you want, I could –"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKjk5zOzxb 維尼
They were cut off by a harsh sounding sentence in Russian. Both of them looked up and saw Katya looking at her menacingly. She was spewing some words that was certainly foreign to December's ears, and so knew the girl was referring to Max.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQypQdP7zWc 維尼
Her counterpart only replied the angry girl calmly, and the only words she recognised from them are the ones she had just learned.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdD7OA6j6j 維尼
"Um," December started, feeling uncomfortable with standing there while the two cousins bicker – although it was mostly Katya. "Hey, Katya." She started again and took a small step back when the beautiful girl glowered at her.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqRRoVL5Ct 維尼
"What?" She said sharply, nose flaring slightly.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlMRrrBqtb 維尼
December shook her head. "Okay, first, please calm down. Second, I'm getting hungry now, and I'd appreciate it if you could step aside."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qv22IczXf 維尼
December was being polite. Somehow, talking to Max had an immediate calming effect on her, and even though she was uncomfortable being in the center of possibly a family affair, she was surprisingly feeling pleasant – even towards the Russian girl, who for some reason she still didn't know, hates her guts.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRWJ7E6iSu 維尼
She had heard this sentence many times from the movies, and even seen them in books, but she truly knew that if looks could kill, she would be dead on the spot. But December held her ground this time.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMto5qFNgF 維尼
"Count me in, too." Max spoke after a pause, and when December looked at him, he sported a smug expression.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡTosr4Y3Jdc 維尼
The black-haired girl only narrowed her eyes at December, ignoring her smug cousin and moved aside, but not before saying vehemently to Max, "The conversation isn't over yet." before walking ahead of them into the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNbobFsrSj 維尼
Once the girl walked in, December raise her gaze towards a satisfied looking Max, wondering what that was all about.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡreoq1VZtje 維尼
"I would ask what, but after how she said whatever she said, I don't think I'd want to know." December pretended to shudder.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ssBz7IkOX 維尼
Max grinned, a playful glint in his eyes, and he widened them a little to emphasise his point. "Believe me, you don't."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq941gxJrR 維尼
December shuddered again and Max laughed.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyZUiSqdDO 維尼
Since it was Monday, and the only day where all of her friends could have lunch together was the day after, December was grateful to have at least Raven and Max, as well as Katya to sit with her. They each took their lunch trays with them and sat down, enjoying their meal quietly with mostly December and Raven making small talk, when suddenly, Raven nudged her foot under the table.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBTZGrb3Lm 維尼
"Oh lookie, it's your lover boy, Zach." Raven whispered quietly to her ear, and December didn't need to turn to know that Raven was smiling cheekily.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2hWYGWCtx 維尼
As if on cue, December flushed – and it caught both of the Russian cousins' attention – although her attention was solely on the boy who was now making his way towards her table.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT6hrB8alw 維尼
When someone hollered in the cafeteria, Zach turned and waved at them – his friends – before leaving them to chuckle and even a couple of them to whoop loudly.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPoyFuqVCt 維尼
December, along with her lunch mates, and the rest of the cafeteria, saw that – and it only made her cheeks burn even hotter.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx79awaof7 維尼
The atmosphere of the cafeteria suddenly dropped, and if earlier the place was filled with loud chattering, now it was a buzzing of soft murmurs.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr7nPWpU67 維尼
He's coming over here?!8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡLChd1GUbGM 維尼
Be still, my beating heart, December prayed silently.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi0WPI3PUp 維尼
Zach approached them with his charming smile, and December swallowed inaudibly – missing the look both Raven and Katya was giving her; Raven, trying her best to stop herself from grinning widely, while Katya looking highly curious but amused.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H7zHir4kp 維尼
Only Max seemed to fix his gaze elsewhere.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQgdnU8rip 維尼
"Zach," she said, still surprised even though she had moments to compose herself.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XWbrVkYQo 維尼
"Hey, December," Zach started with a smile. "Do you mind if I sit here with you?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OJfTLUDnh 維尼
She was about to make some space from the edge of her seat for him, when suddenly the newly empty seat was taken by a new figure.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡutDKV8dEfn 維尼
Every one stared at the person. Raven was startled, Max and Katya both raised their eyebrows in sudden surprise that bordered incredulous but also wary, Zach just looked confused, and December looking offended but also silently plotting various ways to have her revenge.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXgzJ9yINZ 維尼
"Pierre." She said, her earlier look of daggers melt into surprise, confusion, and frustration all in one tone.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sYuA6ZAS4 維尼
Pierre, the figure who was the reason why Max was looking at the end corner of the cafeteria, and who also just stole a seat meant for Zach looked at them all. Behaving as though he didn't just interpret what could be another step of happiness to December's newly love life.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJAjTYvMbY 維尼
"Yes?" He pulled his tray closer to him and, as if he just realised Zach's presence, looked up and said, "Oh, hey Zachary."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1On3kQHPC 維尼
Zach composed himself like he usually did, smiling at him as if nothing happened, and nodded in acknowledgement. "Pierre." He switched to his amicable, Captain mode then. 'How's your progress, by the way? I heard you've been getting better at shooting arrows. Maybe we could play a game sometime."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnMCUPto7E 維尼
Pierre grinned, baring his pearly white teeth, which suddenly seemed so dangerous to December. She had no clue why, but it was a sudden thought that crossed her mind.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuRLmSghYx 維尼
It reminded her of how she felt about Max's smile earlier too. She frowned, trying to make sense of herself while also paying attention to the conversation before her.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ891k1AV7gs 維尼
"That sounds great. I'll be looking forward to that." Pierre said, elbows to his chest as he rest them on the table, and a hand poised in a gesture that made him reached for his food, pausing as he looked at Zach, as if saying, 'Do you mind?'8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg5wchyxGO 維尼
December may not comprehend fully what was happening, but she knew insolence when she saw one, and at that moment, she thought Pierre Lachlan had gone bonkers.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX4PWPY9vU 維尼
Why is he being rude? And so suddenly?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO6DGJs5xA 維尼
Her crush-slash-boyfriend only chuckled and nodded at him, glancing at the seat Pierre claimed briefly before telling her, "Next time then." before suddenly surprising her by kissing her cheek.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK4ymliXYS 維尼
If that wasn't enough to make her swoon, his gaze met hers and they held them for a little while longer before he said to her, loud enough for them and a table near them to hear, "I'd love to take you out sometime this week. Anywhere you want to go. Just let me know."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KbXNKsdsP 維尼
She couldn't look away even if she want to. And she didn't want to. "Okay," she breathed softly and nodded.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDeOpZnQUY 維尼
They watched Zach retreat back to his friend's table with the rest of the student body frozen in their seats. One student must have dropped a tray because the clanking sound reverberated loudly in the cafeteria, leaving an echo that started to itch at December.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡwln4IEu9bX 維尼
She ignored the girls' unanimous decision to glare and hissed lowly at her, and turned to the rest of her friends. The temperature had warm considerately although she could still feel their glares.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOGwM92VZq 維尼
I'm really getting sick of their attitude, December thought irritably, trying to get a grasp at what just happened and focus on it, instead of on their anger and her own.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDLcrp5slA 維尼
She turned towards Pierre, ignoring the other occupants at the moment. "What on earth was that?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1lQ1pEu9O 維尼
He raised an eyebrow, as if not comprehending what she said.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80IlLrv0jV 維尼
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Oh, don't give me that! That seat was for Zach. And you – you just came out of nowhere! On top of that, you were very rude to him." She spluttered, incredulous at the whole thing.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPpLV9ulPk 維尼
Pierre shrugged, picking at his food and said, "I think I'm being my usual self. And I thought I'd have lunch with you today. Besides, I didn't notice he was there," before mindlessly picking a fry and stuffed it in his mouth.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX42h4KRMv 維尼
December was torn between narrowing her eyes at him or widening them in astonishment; the result was a mixed of both. It would have looked comical to her, had she seen her expression on someone else but she had no time to ponder on any of it.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfZfLLaeSj 維尼
Pierre rarely hung out with her – them – in fact, when she thought about it, she realised that he hadn't hung out with them at all. Of course, she had seen him around Caleb, Sid, Isaac, Felix, and even with the other guys, including Oliver, which she remembered him as his roommate.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSFrHkWZzP 維尼
So what changed?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM21wAdPXI 維尼
It wasn't like she didn't want him to hang with her, in fact, she'd welcome that since they were friends, but why…now? And the seat!8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAoNothLF6 維尼
It just seemed like a too well-timed moment.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz2NFbpN5Q 維尼
Immediately, she shook that thought off. She shouldn't be suspicious of one thing because there were a lot of possibilities that could have intervened that moment. It could also be a coincidence that Pierre was there.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmuripfUDz 維尼
Eventually, the narrowing of her eyes won the battle, "You didn't notice? Oh whatever. You know, it would be great if you told me earlier you were going to seat with us." Then, she grumbled, "That seat was for Zach."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvSXpSA0R4 維尼
Pierre smirked. "Don't let me get you down. Like he said, there'll be next time." Then, as if he knew he sounded like an arse, he toned it down. "If it helps, I'm…sorry I took his seat?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAlzcBGinn 維尼
Too stunned by the fact that Pierre said the word 'sorry' for possibly the second time in their interaction, she failed to notice the slight questioning at the end of his sentence, but one which didn't go by the rest of the occupants.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdmcH32RiY 維尼
Raven quirked an eyebrow, lips curled in a confused yet amused smile; she was intrigued at his response.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3fD007MU 維尼
Katya had an expression that people rarely saw on her; a hint of what would be a genuine grin and an unconcealed amused glint in her eyes.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwJImrhJ32 維尼
Max stared at him hard, curiosity flickering in his eyes; he was interested at this sudden change of Pierre's behaviour, yet he was wary of the guy as well.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIow60tViy 維尼
"Yeah, yeah," she muttered before raising her eyebrow at him. "Don't get me wrong on this, but why did you suddenly decided to join us for lunch? I mean, you've always hung out with Oliver and the other guys."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AH5kUxMs9 維尼
December and Pierre were both shocked into surprise when Raven, Max, and Katya all said in unison, "That's exactly what I was thinking as well."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPcnZ8UZix 維尼
The table was quiet for a few seconds before they broke out into a laughter, albeit a little uncomfortably.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVJ0KkJcEU 維尼
He muttered to December, "Let's just say I've realised that we haven't had lunch or hang out together, ever since we became friends. Hm?" then popped two pieces of fries in his mouth.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIGp941zNo 維尼
"Hm." December hummed in acknowledgement before she smiled and joked, "Yeah, I'm glad you've seen your error now."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKuRB7wxOl 維尼
"This is fun. We should do this more often. Don't you think so, Max?" Raven said, smiling.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡyupZ1G8kGd 維尼
Max didn't seem to hear Raven as he looked at Pierre. They hardened when their eyes met.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgl7zvcVUL 維尼
"Why would you want to do that, especially when we're often here with her, and you hate us?" Max wondered in his mother tongue as he tilted his head a little.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5aRIqv137 維尼
It was as if the other occupants at the table didn't exist, except for Pierre and Max, as well as Katya because the air changed from being amicable to dangerously cautious. Rather than avoiding each other, it seemed as though they were now trying to face the problem, treading the waters of their past carefully.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUtWex977n 維尼
December and Raven didn't know what was suddenly going on, but they knew not to interject the conversation. It had seemed like something privy only to these two guys, and the girl with the solemn look on her face.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwayOIAZTh 維尼
Pierre didn't need to ask to know whom he meant by us – Max and Katya – and he paused a moment before uttering the words he never thought he'd say to them, and actually meant it.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn93hEqfqm 維尼
"I never said that. And I never hated you." Pierre replied in the same language.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw3hw8oECl 維尼
"And we're the royals of Russia." Max switched in English, half-laughing and half-sneering as he rolled his eyes.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFW2SWhn1g 維尼
Seeing the things that unravelled before her eyes, December thought she began to realise that there were so much that she didn't know about these three enigmatic people. Max suddenly seemed like a different person than the one she met and knew by the lake, and she never thought Katya could look more human with that soft look on her face. But most importantly, she never could have expected Pierre looking so vulnerable with the way he looked at them.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWnnxAR5oa 維尼
Just what was it between these three people that made them so vulnerable yet invincible?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa5lwdF7to 維尼
Also, she had to agree with Max's statement, even though the guy meant it sarcastically. He and Katya did looked like they belong to the royals…but what did she know?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXJ6Tb1P5B 維尼
"Maksimilian, I think he is speaking the truth," Katya said in Russian. She didn't want any of their conversation to leak to the two girls, even though she considered them somewhat friends.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9xCqg0kaO 維尼
Max flashed his gaze at Katya, seemingly oblivious to December and Raven, as well as showing them the other side of him.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMowQsadeX 維尼
Raven couldn't stop gawking at him, even if she wanted to – and she didn't.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ39njPWdw 維尼
"You believe him after one night of dinner? Is your loyalty to me so fickle, Katya?" He replied in their language.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSN1OOdmFo 維尼
He couldn't help the hurt in his voice. Pierre noticed it, and a strong sense of bitterness and anger bubbled inside him.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlFAFt9CQT 維尼
It had taken him three days to turn the information he learned over and over. To find any loopholes and contradictions which he knew was futile. Denial, anger, frustration, and the acceptance of the betrayal had eluded him. He felt empty then but also a flicker of understanding.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡudNZXhu7w2 維尼
From what he had learned, his perceptions had changed immensely. He hadn't expected that to happened, but yet again he didn't know what to expect that night. But what he knew now not only shocked him, but angered him as well. It also made him re-evaluate the things and feelings he suppressed and felt for them – they were both victims in this case and it wasn't their fault.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEI1RthOug 維尼
It never was.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkw8LjOTb1 維尼
Pierre Lachlan didn't think of himself as someone who was an easy believer but the evidence was there and it made absolute sense from what he had been through. Everything had only just begun, and he intended to get to the bottom of it, from the perpetrator himself.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQpoTNx33A 維尼
But first, he needed to set this right if he wanted things to be like they used to be – or better.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyHuC0E7Yl 維尼
"We've been through so much for you to even question that." Her tone was hard and she looked hurt that Max would say that. "You know where it lies, just as I know where yours do." Katya softened before adding, "But I think it's time we let him in. It's why we came here in the first place."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡigdtiKokQB 維尼
While all of this was happening, December and Raven were both hanging on to their words even though they hadn't had a clue to what they were saying. To December, it felt like watching one of her foreign movies or drama, but without subtitles and it was both engaging yet highly frustrating.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAS6KQm65Y 維尼
"Um," she finally started. December had to say it a couple more times and when she glanced to Raven for some help – but noting the girl was still in a trance at…Max, she shook her head – and cleared her throat louder.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0ka7Yasg 維尼
That got their attention and they consecutively blinked as though they didn't realise she was there and they were still in the cafeteria. Thankfully, it seemed as though only twenty minutes had passed and the rest of the students were still busy chattering to themselves to notice what went on with theirs.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE4rpYQzkX 維尼
"I didn't want to interrupt but I'm afraid I've been really lost and curious with what's going on. Is there…is there something going on with you guys?" December asked, despite being a little hesitant.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAMyo9Yd9S 維尼
Katya glowered and spoke in Russian, "None of your business, you pest."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1nHoWr6r5 維尼
December chuckled and made a sound of relieved. "Oh, how I've missed your glare! And judging by the look on Max's face, I don't think I want to know what you just said…or maybe I do." She growled at the last bit.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW1WKKLw5D 維尼
With a scowl on her face, she said, "I've actually had enough with you and your…Russian-ness! If we're going to fight, then at least say them in English dammit."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R4lLmHXYY 維尼
December left everyone at the table feeling surprised and shocked with her outburst, but it was Pierre who broke the tense air with his laughter.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wOInMT6rm 維尼
His lips stretched, showing his pearly teeth, and his eyes crinkled warmly. It was a picture of joy, and it brightens the usually sour and disinterested look he wore daily, making him looked…almost unfamiliar to them, but charming nonetheless. The sound attracted several onlookers but he didn't care enough to tone it down or be self-conscious as he normally would.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99KGUsTdFS 維尼
December recognised that look, and she felt warm. She stared at him, mouth agape. He's laughing! For the second time since I met him…and in public.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpeWDrJYMp 維尼
December suddenly couldn't think of anything else, and neither did Max and Katya. As a matter of fact, they were sporting the same look December had.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxkdE0XbqK 維尼
He had shocked them all.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1jGtQz1kq 維尼
But Raven had finally broken out of the frozen spell she was in when she was staring at Max, and she was now aware of what was happening, especially when Pierre surprised them all with his laugh. It was a nice laugh, she thought, but she also thought there were a more pressing matter to think about.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRHpu2m3ek 維尼
So, with curiosity laced in her tone, and one that December would have asked had she thought about it if she wasn't distracted, Raven tread carefully, "I hope I'm not being rude.… because the thing is, I've been meaning to ask really, what is the relationship between you guys?"8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oRSyO9Df6 維尼
Raven looked back and forth at both Pierre and Max, eyes scrutinising.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvC03wW77M 維尼
To a reserved and protective person like Katya, she thought Raven was indeed being rude.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw6MRWzo0C 維尼
Max was surprised that Raven had asked that at all, especially since he thought she wouldn't be interested in his affairs and would have come to some assumption and leave it at that; he was wrong on both accounts.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZD1fP3I1B 維尼
A week ago, if someone had asked him that, Pierre would have glared at the person until they left him alone but a week ago, he was an ignorant and stubborn idiot. He was still stubborn but admittedly, less ignorant and he didn't feel like scaring someone off. In fact, he didn't feel much like his old self.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlV5raLrSk 維尼
With a long deliberate look, shared by Max who still looked dubious but extremely wary, and Katya who was looking at Pierre with a hard, but curious glint in them, he could almost see the questions and doubts swimming in them. They were not certain what he would do because despite what was said and done, they hadn't trusted him.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC9SsrvPqM 維尼
Not completely, not even a bit. Not Max.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqdo7GdDtl 維尼
Pierre knew what he should have done, what he could have known if he had accepted to meet with them several nights ago instead of avoiding them. With one sentence, he decided to end those thoughts and hoped that it would be the first leap forward to gain their trust back. With this sentence, he hoped it would mean something to them.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64dpqUPLk3 維尼
"He's my brother. Fraternal twin, to be exact."8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡohuec3SbBy 維尼
December felt as though she was just coming out of a dream.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡERCAr1c0nT 維尼
He's my brother.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqq8otx9sM 維尼
Brother.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qnwtbbQHj 維尼
Fraternal twin, to be exact.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50SEK63137 維尼
My brother, fraternal twin.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBV7LwG17B 維尼
Twin. Brother.8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGUAzdBoli 維尼
…8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVKNY99fQ7 維尼
…8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk7oCQpZkX 維尼
…8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHzBEid8FU 維尼
Uh, wait WHAT?8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eR6pA8chP 維尼
Russian Terminology:8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA6IjJ2uk5 維尼
1. Ulichnyye panki - Street punks8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYPbW3VPoG 維尼
2. Dostatochno - That's enough8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpyqT4oKcJ 維尼
3. Pozhaluysta - Please8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SVuyE6Yqm 維尼
4. Ty nevezhestvenen - You ignorant 8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡneEQdZLa0Z 維尼
5. Nyet - No8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIArLJUDOO 維尼
6. Da - Yes8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡclseMMQrpe 維尼
Scottish Gaelic Terminology:8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXHoxx7gjR 維尼
1. Bràthair beag - Little brother8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNxaSaQrmO 維尼
2. Athair - Father8964 copyright protection443ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBZYGgCVo9 維尼
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