Pack your bags

Jay

I feel so useless. This is the second time I have let Rin defend me. He is so confident that he will be fine. I don't even understand. Parker said he has no prior experience in this sort of thing, yet he seems like a professional. I'm starting to wonder if Rin kept things from Parker. I peek my head around the side of the dumpster to check on Rin. I notice a man lurking near the entrance of the alleyway. That's not good. If he comes down now, Rin will be outnumbered. I need to do something. I stand up from behind the dumpster, so the man can see me. Luckily, Rin had the other man distracted, so he didn't notice. I darted out and ran down to the end of the alleyway, luring him away. However, when I turned around, I couldn't see him. I'll keep going; as long as he isn't bothering Rin, it works out. I reach the main road and look around. I'm back where we started. I should head to the café. Before I could make a move, I saw the man from before running towards me. Ah, he went around the other way. Fuck, I have to hide.

I don't know this part of the city very well, but if I stick to the main street, I should be fine. It feels like I have been running for a while now. I've been circling the same area. I can't stray too far from Rin. I decide to head the next block over and find myself cornered in a building's back alley. The man finally caught up. I search around to find a way out. I glance at the side of the building and notice a fire escape. I run over towards it and jump, pulling myself up. The man insists on continuing this stupid chase. I reach the top of the building and notice there is nothing. I was hoping there was a rooftop door. There isn't even a building close enough for me to jump to. Not that I would pull some crazy stunt like that, anyway. I did not think this through at all. I should have just stayed with Rin. 

"Looks like you have nowhere else to go, Your Highness. Why not just give up already? You won't make it off this roof alive." The obnoxious man says with a cocky grin. 

"Are you sure about that? Why are you even doing this? You know if you are caught, it will be the end of your life as you know it, right?" I say, trying to stall the man.

I continue looking for a way out, but it's hopeless. 

"You sound so sure of yourself. You have no idea who we work for. He is more powerful than you, and we will prove it." he says.

I look past the man and notice someone climbing up the fire escape. It's Rin! He found me! How? He must not have been too far behind us. 

"Your brother says he wants to see you again, your highness. Too bad I don't work for him. My boss wants you dead." He pulls out his gun and points it at me. 

HUH!?! Is my brother alive? My heart sinks. I feel like I am going to throw up. I feel tears rolling down my cheeks. Wait! He's alive!! There's a chance I can see him again! My heartache fades, and a smile forms.

Rin is closing in on the man from behind. It looks like he is going to save me yet again. There is so much about Rin I don't know, and I don't know why I care, either. I don't want to give up till I find out, but after today, I won't have a reason to keep him around. Anon is right; I need a bodyguard. I could hire Rin and kill two birds with one stone. 

"Are you just going to sit there, bodyguard?." I say with a cocky tone. 

For some reason, I don't think Rin will reject my offer. Call it a hunch.

"Wait, really? You weren't just joking?" Rin asks with a puzzled face. 

We finally made it back to the car. I can see why he would think I was joking. We have only known each other for a day. 

"I'm being serious. When we get back to your place, we will talk with Anon and make a contract. I know this seems unorthodox, but I feel like I can trust you. It might seem naïve, but I don't care. So, what do you say?" I ask. 

Rin grins. Wow, he looks happier than I expected. 

"I just quit my job. Seems like my vacation is over already. However, I have one request. You have to help me get my memories back. I think looking into my past will help trigger something. I don't have the means to do so. If you do that, I will accept it." Rin holds out his hand to seal the deal. I grab and shake it. 

"I'm pretty sure Anon is going to pitch a fit when I tell him." I laugh.

"YOU WHAT?!?" Anon yells. 

Yup, I was right. He isn't happy. 

"Look, I get where you are coming from, but I'm doing as you asked. I have a full-time bodyguard now. He saved me three separate times today. I say that qualifies him for the job, don't you?" I say without making eye contact.

I can feel Anon burning a hole through my face. 

"NO! I don't! You just met this man. He also just lost his memories. How could we possibly trust this man with your life??" Anon is furious.

"NO! My answer is no! Not happening." Anon looks like he will explode any minute. 

Honestly, the only way out of this is actually to make him explode. 

"I think you might be misunderstanding something, Mr. Quin; this isn't up to you. I made my decision. Are you saying you won't respect that?" I stare Anon down. 

He looks at me and scoffs. "I respect your decision, your highness." 

I look over at Rin and Parker, who are stuffing their faces with pizza and beer. 

"Rin, you are now my bodyguard. Pack your bags, and let's go." Rin stops eating and stares at me. With his mouth full, he asks, "Where am I going?" I chuckle. "To the palace, of course. You have to live with me from now on."

Rin's jaw drops.

"WHAT??!?!"