Couple x2

Marques: Do you have a problem with it?

What's he up to? And why does he sound as though he's on guard against them?

Team H 1: Why would we? We we're just-

Marques: We'll take our leave then. Let's go.

Ciara: Huh? O-Okay.

Marques cuts him off and lightly pushes me ahead as if to tell me to start walking. We leave them behind and start descending down the stairs.

I'm about to turn my head to look at them again when Marques whispers to me.

Marques: Don't look behind.

Ciara:.... Okay.

I whisper back to him. He must have a reason for it. When we reach the third floor, I finally ask the question that I was meaning to.

Ciara: What was that back there? Why did you-

Marques: You should stay away from them.

He interrupts me before I can finish.

Ciara: Why?

Even though they seemed a little intimidating, they didn't really look like bad people. So, why?

Marques: Scary looking guys like them ought to single and will surely drool over any women they say, especially attractive women.

What?! I wasn't even thinking about that. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about what he said.

He must've pretended to be my boyfriend to prevent them from getting any ideas. Wait a second...

Ciara: Did you just indirectly call me "attractive"?

Could this be the first ever compliment Mr. Loner is giving me?! He turns his face away and covers mouth with the back of his hand.

Marques:..! What are you talking about? I was just trying to make a point, don't flatter yourself.

Ciara:... I see.

I pout my lips in disappointment and continue walking. I sneak a glance at his face. A poker face as usual.

It's not like I'm dying for it, but looks like it'll take me a lifetime before I can get a praise from Poker Face San ("San"= japanese for "Mr."). Pfft, that actually sounds cute.

While I'm busy giggling at my newly created nickname, Marques comments in an sarcastic tone.

Marques: Never have I ever seen somebody smile so happily after getting insulted.

Ciara: Oh? So, you KNEW that you insulted me? It must come naturally to you since you are so stressed about being single, Mr. Loner.

Marques:... I have a name.

Ciara: Hm? Are you talking about "Mar-kiss"? It's been a while since anyone brought it up.

Marques: Shut up, "Kiara".

Ciara: Hey!

We continue bickering as we reach the ground floor. It's crowded in the campus grounds as though the whole batch of trainees have gathered there.

Some are in groups and some are standing outside the gates with their friends and partners (outsiders aren't allowed to enter the campus).

It must be tough not being able to see their loved ones for so long. I... am actually quite envious of them because there's no way that I can "see" my parents anymore.

I haven't visited them for 5 years because I still can't bear the pain each time I think of their deaths as my fault.

I can only rest assured when I bring justice to them, only that way will I be able to face their graves without guilt.

*Flick!*

Ciara:..! Ow! What was that for?!

Marques suddenly flicks my forehead. That came out of nowhere!

Marques: What're y'spacing out for? We're going that way.

He points towards the parking lot. I thought that we're going to catch a cab or bus. Does he have a car or something? How privileged..

Ciara: Oh.

As we start walking again, I glance at the main gate to spot the twins, Ryan and Hanley, leaving together. They must be going home. It must be nice-

Ciara: Ack!

Just as I'm cooped up in my thoughts, Marques yanks on my arm and pulls me towards him.

Ciara: What are you doing?! I could've fallen down!

Marques: If I didn't, you'd be whining anyway.

He says pointing behind me. I turn around to see a pole that I could've hit if not for him. That would've been... bad.

Ciara: Yikes.

Marques: I always tell you to be more alert while walking, but you never listen to me.

... That's true, I can't remember how many times I've slipped on flat floor in front of him. But I can't do anything about it! I'm flat-footed!

Ciara: Sorr-

Marques: If you hit your head, you'll become even more stupid.

Ciara:....

EXCUSE ME?!?! I angrily smack his hand off me.

Ciara: Shut up!

Marques: Hey, the truth's bitter, okay?

Jerk. I cross my arms and turn away in a huff.

???: You guys are so lucky!

Marques and I: ???

Someone calls out to us from behind and we both turn to face him. It's a fellow trainee. Oh, I've seen him before! He's in Team F I think.

Ciara: What do you mean?

Trainee: Well, were not allowed to bring our friends or girlfriends inside so, I guess you're lucky to have your boyfriend train here as well.

Marques:.....

Ciara:......

... WHAT?! What is it with this day and us being refered to as a couple?! All he does is call me dumb and hit me on my head when I don't study!

He's more like a strict parent than a partner!!

Marques: I guess we are.

Ciara:...

AGAIN?!