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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL2qYOIA34 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43nKS5JoIF 維尼
"You." Says Harriet, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Is it true?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxlOPiTQrB 維尼
December was lost and she blinked owlishly. "I'm sorry, what?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1iKPCU3ds 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdGmoLG3Zn 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aY6URvtfy 維尼
Oh.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡs74HBRv3N7 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUJKCl64A0 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFnIeBegWh 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R5N3a86wX 維尼
Ouch.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02ningy2Vo 維尼
And completely unnecessary.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCR7sb0vih 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡz676GAAYVt 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDDz4Wq1el 維尼
Before December could brace herself for the onslaught of sharp nails and hair pulling, someone else beat her to it.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHJA8NwT40 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJhvDV0jHk 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FaSbzx0Vq 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMkC30PHPr 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3BN94QhHL 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwbNwfA02 維尼
"Did you just help them get away?" She asked, tone almost incredulous.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD8PC4lqnH 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡADoKGpI6iY 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBqmCachna 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99UKYULWBE 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfJtZcVOX1 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZprgL8oIN 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAASRkWTJa 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs4IUDM9br 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk8Vu2oVDJ 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHNeMxK7EE 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2OnDEC8fU 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZVcE9dBA8 維尼
"Whoa," She breathed out, still grinning. "Remind me not to get on your bad side." She joked.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOyvKo22UV 維尼
Max only laughed as they reached another hallway leading towards their class.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3fvqSjk4E 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdcLI1RV1y 維尼
He laughed softly again and December found herself drawing herself further into a good mood.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ567Wy36qPr 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69sAINYmyR 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IKr3LKS32 維尼
"Nyet!" December whooped. "Well, that was relatively easy to say. Thanks, Max." She beamed at him.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BNrFL5oo9 維尼
"You're welcome. If you want, I could –"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwcdfsoLeJ 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oHPhC1iRB 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52jBpjM6IF 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡag7RRjQCrI 維尼
"What?" She said sharply, nose flaring slightly.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLfGSB3s1R 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPIIws9m0k 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv7SwOwikF 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPejiex45z 維尼
"Count me in, too." Max spoke after a pause, and when December looked at him, he sported a smug expression.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsH19RcoAn 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJyZA5kt4A 維尼
Once the girl walked in, December raise her gaze towards a satisfied looking Max, wondering what that was all about.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡegKmG0P3mh 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0skoYjOdA1 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvLw5PHhf2 維尼
December shuddered again and Max laughed.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13lwsoaSmo 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3hjn3KZ3I 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1HVqELEVw 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡypISA1knM7 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡivHjaezXDd 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTFtCy2mNd 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4xDGEuY2b 維尼
He's coming over here?!8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡndQoREpysq 維尼
Be still, my beating heart, December prayed silently.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPv76flIby 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DvoTM0OGh 維尼
Only Max seemed to fix his gaze elsewhere.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsObHbcvKN 維尼
"Zach," she said, still surprised even though she had moments to compose herself.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y2t8a3XW9 維尼
"Hey, December," Zach started with a smile. "Do you mind if I sit here with you?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGTuGhIw94 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLNnu3fiqX 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuJ50fQGCf 維尼
"Pierre." She said, her earlier look of daggers melt into surprise, confusion, and frustration all in one tone.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhFaEivIfk 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmsKPhw9YK 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f2K8XAJop 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45z7wJ7yOn 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaZ7AZ7Hrv 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwmT1JiOBC 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NHkXVYHpl 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi2Jx6Ma4W 維尼
Why is he being rude? And so suddenly?8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9zyg9KPHC 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fzzLfIiKj 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZd1AwxO9p 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcDFyVGeB2 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBMt1TyUoP 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7VB9c5hhj 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RVjRB9xk3 維尼
She turned towards Pierre, ignoring the other occupants at the moment. "What on earth was that?"8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV2pLnIZjW 維尼
He raised an eyebrow, as if not comprehending what she said.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLPvued0sE 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zCCEEx7Pb 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvFNW9nvaX 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PvbuQzBBo 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJEh4Sx3Wl 維尼
So what changed?8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIEB3cSJIP 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06xZHmY0XO 維尼
It just seemed like a too well-timed moment.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJiFt4ToaP 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4DTQKbltN 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqOGWzm5e0 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp2KxuBMjX 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOzI2gSwUw 維尼
Raven quirked an eyebrow, lips curled in a confused yet amused smile; she was intrigued at his response.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1gfOu1Vgv 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRxTVlLWEI 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDMTK9Mhf2 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ564iVjWVPO 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6ya5E7p4W 維尼
The table was quiet for a few seconds before they broke out into a laughter, albeit a little uncomfortably.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aa4RBV9XZ 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ebsvWJ74S 維尼
"Hm." December hummed in acknowledgement before she smiled and joked, "Yeah, I'm glad you've seen your error now."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC8JiIbd8R 維尼
"This is fun. We should do this more often. Don't you think so, Max?" Raven said, smiling.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgziFFGkFa 維尼
Max didn't seem to hear Raven as he looked at Pierre. They hardened when their eyes met.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0xmY1p11P 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡgieptDmfT3 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jX68LoXq3 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9283NhVA8 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTgahAsG2q 維尼
"I never said that. And I never hated you." Pierre replied in the same language.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡalttM2YNaF 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1sHHdUpp9 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnOyKzoLIt 維尼
Just what was it between these three people that made them so vulnerable yet invincible?8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡnElNTMPu0X 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfVhhLmQ7q 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8h98dnSu4 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd0B0cFxXb 維尼
Raven couldn't stop gawking at him, even if she wanted to – and she didn't.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzQqiegGxe 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa05pns2VC 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡX94dhdC5bS 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05CJKRvghh 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM1HAuERJz 維尼
It never was.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtZxB3kyy6 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLacabhCUZ 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKtTqePtYN 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡccdLNV2j5e 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeU1K2YQyI 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwC6Jde9CY 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMqwtAiQYu 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNg0KUsMxb 維尼
Katya glowered and spoke in Russian, "None of your business, you pest."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZxjzofP77 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4JNcgwsU7 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69BFVmuY9L 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIvfRYjzvI 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCapWssBpj 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjdjSvrhZ6 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyPrM0hBzw 維尼
He had shocked them all.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbnAZywxXO 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9zyWaY2ab 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmki5nFJYN 維尼
Raven looked back and forth at both Pierre and Max, eyes scrutinising.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZapSeNVXn 維尼
To a reserved and protective person like Katya, she thought Raven was indeed being rude.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVndmcGjw9 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf2gCvIA2w 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPlzY4busF 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡMitV63Jm1b 維尼
Not completely, not even a bit. Not Max.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzBLcBjxsW 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 protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcclMjDltu 維尼
"He's my brother. Fraternal twin, to be exact."8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAmL83VKPe 維尼
December felt as though she was just coming out of a dream.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR28MvPEAO 維尼
He's my brother.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6d0M4nxq5 維尼
Brother.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lCFBW7rrc 維尼
Fraternal twin, to be exact.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JCnQyOx94 維尼
My brother, fraternal twin.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjYtDHCX50 維尼
Twin. Brother.8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwx9O8UdcU 維尼
…8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE7LRd5IfN 維尼
…8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnWaN6Kk42 維尼
…8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvxZirtXbo 維尼
Uh, wait WHAT?8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOifaR6LWF 維尼
Russian Terminology:8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC4r3OfGsh 維尼
1. Ulichnyye panki - Street punks8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqU3qfsSLv 維尼
2. Dostatochno - That's enough8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7IRltXvIw 維尼
3. Pozhaluysta - Please8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfK9Ddj1Nz 維尼
4. Ty nevezhestvenen - You ignorant 8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡenWXufaU49 維尼
5. Nyet - No8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPegdg4hLK 維尼
6. Da - Yes8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyQRKs0Tdh 維尼
Scottish Gaelic Terminology:8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6EXWQKlKz 維尼
1. Bràthair beag - Little brother8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LBGJ3Ka0i 維尼
2. Athair - Father8964 copyright protection307ＰＥＮＡＮＡYELLkhe21p 維尼
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