Chapter 3: Lost and Found (3)

Chapter 3: Lost and Found (3)

"Are you all right, madam?" this unknown man asked in sincerity but his face looks cold, stoic.

It was a sudden appearance of this unknown man, so the woman got her guard up. Especially that this man seemed annoyed but tries to hide it.

However, the woman still gave him a reply.

"M-Me? Ah, yes! I am all right!"

This unknown man scanned the woman in front of him. Once this man confirmed her condition, his shoulders relaxed. He turned to Caleb who was watching them then back to the woman.

"I would like to introduce myself." He paused, then took out his wallet. "I am a third-year student of Correl State University. I major in Law"

Then he presented a university identification card. Seeing this, the woman instantly dropped her guard down and relaxed. She even moved closer to this unknown man.

On the other hand, upon hearing this limited information from this unknown man, people whispered and it became bustling with noises. Correl State University is a proud college institute in Correl. It housed elite students who graduated and topped the bar. If you ask any of these people about their dream university, nine out of ten will say 'that' university.

Even Caleb who came from the countryside is aware of this fact.

When he heard the unknown man mention his major, he flinched. Startled to his core.

It's over.

Everyone already believes he is guilty. It was a misunderstanding but people don't believe him so, the involvement of someone who oversees the law… can make this misunderstanding a horrifying truth.

Fear is evident in Caleb. His lips trembling, his whole body is trembling.

No, it cannot be.

He can accept their harsh words but he cannot afford to stain his family name.

"Is that true? Oh, my! "The woman reacted happily.

She wants the police to take care of that boy but they are not there yet. Good thing this good Samaritan stepped up and---- that's what she's thinking.

However, it was halted when this good Samaritan she deems spoke.

"May I see your identification, please"

This unknown requested her and the woman obliged.

"Sure"

She rummaged through her bag and took her wallet out then handed her identification card.

Maricel Garcia.

Aged 26.

The unknown man read the id card. After scanning it, he handed it back to the woman.

"It must've been a surprise to you, Madam. If you don't mind, would you like telling what are you doing at this train station?"

"U-Uh, is there any reason for that, student?"

"Yes, it is, Madam."

"But, why? That man took a picture under my dress. He looks so young but… but, he's already immoral. "

The woman named Maricel Garcia cannot contain her emotions anymore. She burst into tears and sobbed. Seeing this did not help Caleb's situation at all. Instead, it added fuel. The whispers got louder, and some even fished out their phone and started recording.

"Pervert!"

"Peeping tom!"

Their frustration and anger rose to the level where Caleb cannot contain his emotions either.

Just why are they like that? They haven't heard his story; not like they allowed him to speak. He did nothing wrong. And with words just of that woman, it resulted in this. Are they even sure that was all the story? No, they don't. They even what is the story is about. These people are only following the flow of the water, not knowing it's leading to a dangerous one.

When Caleb's eyes were hurting earlier, he gave his utmost best not to let his tears drop. But at this moment, he can feel they're going to flow down any minute.

But before that, he wanted to say something first. They're going to see him at his worst anyway… but at least, he stood up for himself.

"No! I am not!! He yelled.

Caleb yelled as he shut his eyes, his tears flowing down.

"You guys are wrong!"

'Wrong… wrong… you are wrong…'

It is the first time Caleb had yelled this loud in his life. However, even though he yelled with all his might, it did not reach them. The atmosphere at the train station is charged with negativity and loud boos directed at Caleb.

The situation got so worse, the security personnel of the station have to meddle and dissipate the crowd.

People forgot they even existed. They responded late to the situation.

As the guards rushed to the scene, they efficiently formed a human barrier between the unknown man, Madam Garcia, the perverted young man, and angry onlookers.

"Hey!"

"Oh, my! "

"Stop pushing!"

With the stern authority of the security personnel, people began to disperse and were asked to step and allow space for the passengers waiting for the incoming train. Gradually, these people have no choice but to step back. Some still mumbled and voiced their frustration, but the security personnel's presence effectively restored order.

As the crowd step back, some encouraged the woman. While Caleb received the harshest word he'll never forget.

Caleb balled his fist.

This situation happened in less than an hour. Some people might forget the next day, and some people might fully remember the whole incident but it'll remain a faded memory for them. They feel pity for the victim but it's not like they'll do it for the rest of their lives.

…

"Call the police"

The head of the Correl North Station security personnel stated.

They are only two people involved in this incident but the total of onlookers interfered with the train station's operations. They received massive complaints from other passengers due to their inconvenience. And as a result, the station took action to resolve the issue.

The woman and Caleb were requested to their office to explain the situation. They asked the woman to explain her experiences before Caleb as she claimed to be the victim, which the personnel also believe.

"We are sorry to hear that, ma'am. You dealt too much today. Police are on their way, if you want to press charges on that boy, you are free to do that"

They did their utmost best to comfort the woman. The head of the security personnel reached her with a box of tissue.

After hearing the woman's side of the story, their impression of Caleb naturally decreased. Well, it's not like they have before.

While the woman was interrogated at the head's office, Caleb was moved into a separate room whereas three securities are keeping an eye on him. These security personnel heard the gist of the story so they are showing their hostility to Caleb.

Under their hateful gaze, Caleb remained in his seat. His heart is racing but he is trying to remain calm. Their stares are piercing him but compared to the unknown man in front of him, it's making him nervous more.

'Why?'

Like why? Is there any need for this unknown man to be present? The security asked for a witness and this unknown man went on his own. There were a lot of people earlier but this man is here.

However, on the bright side, it's also a good thing this unknown man is here instead of those people who expressed their anger toward him.

'Right, let's be thankful he's not talking to— '

"What's your name?"

The silence dominating the room is shattered by a deep voice that exudes authority. Hearing him suddenly, Caleb can't help but feel confusion and curiosity. He glances up to meet the unknown man's gaze. Caleb was struck like lightning. The man's gaze is so intense that Caleb can't pull his eyes from him.

Waiting for a reply, the man is easy to annoy. His brows furrowed and his hip formed a thin line, clearly expressing his annoyance.

Noticing this, Caleb's eyes widened.

"My name is Caleb," he stated, his voice slightly shaky but managed to sound as composed as he can.

The man in front of Caleb took a deep breath.

"Hello, Caleb. My name is Zad. Nice to meet you "

'Eh?'

"Hello…? Nice to meet you too. Zad…?" (?)

So, that's the unknown man's name.

"Do you have any identification cards?" Zad asked.

"Uh…" Caleb trailed. He is so confused.

Why did this unknown man, namely Zad, keep asking for identification cards? He wants to him ask that but, meeting the serious eyes of this person, Caleb shut his mouth.

'I'm the criminal here. '

He forgot about that for a second.

"Yes, I do"

Caleb reached into the pocket of his pants to reach for his wallet. His wallet maybe one of his dearest possessions when he came to Correl City. His wallet contains a picture of him together with his parents when he graduated, the address of his university, his mother's phone number, his to-do list once he arrived in this city… and his identification card.

How important his wallet is. His worn-out leather wallet was gifted by his grandfather so Caleb treasures it the most. But, how unfortunate, it was stolen on the very first step into the city of Correl.

Wait, stolen what? His wallet? Oh, right!

Silly, how can Caleb forget about that?

"AH!" But he remembers now,

Caleb screamed when he remembered what happened to him earlier. His scream was so sudden that everyone is also surprised.

But Caleb doesn't have time to bother with them. He just realized that his wallet was stolen earlier.

As he realizes that, panic sets in. His heart races even faster and his forehead started dripping with sweat.

He and Zad meet each other's eyes. Zad noticed the meaning displayed on Caleb.

'He doesn't have it.'

Another problem has risen for Caleb once again. Just what kind of luck does he have? Or did the goddess of luck bless him any?