The Scratch

"One more, and I'm going to kill you!"

Antonio stood up as if he didn't care about what I said and ruffled my hair.

"Before you get brave, you have to eat a lot of rice."

I got even more annoyed, so I stood up and was about to step on his foot when he suddenly squatted in front of me, revealing his fit back in front of me.

What is he doing?

"Hop on!"

Huh?

"Quick, I feel numb here already!"

"What do you want to happen?" I asked him, annoyed.

"Get on my back, and I'll take you back to your house, so we can treat your knee."

Of course, I had second thoughts. Why would I ride his back, right?

"I can walk."

I started walking even if my knee hurt a little, but I was sure it was far from my intestines, I wouldn't die from having scratches.

I was surprised when he picked me up bride-style.

After minutes of walking, I couldn't stand the silence between us two. So I tried to open up a conversation without taking a glance at him.

"Aren't you tired of lifting me? You've been doing that for a while!"

"I will never get tired of you."

What does he mean by that? Aish!

I just stared at his gentle face as he carried me. It's easier to see him up close. You can see how beautiful the shape of his face is, his bright eyes, his thick eyebrows, and his high eyelashes. Added to that, his sharp nose and smooth face looked as if he had never experienced pimples in his whole life. But I still can't figure out why I can't seem to take my eyes off his lips.

I went back into my trance when Antonio suddenly spoke.

"Look, I didn't mean for things to go this way. I just wanted to talk to you about what happened to your grandfather's case."

I was stunned by what I heard.

"What do you mean, Antonio?"

"I dug deep into the case, trying to find the truth, and when I was about to report it to you, I didn't expect Canim. I tried to compose myself, but it spiraled out of control, and I feel guilty for the mess I caused."

"Why do you feel guilty if you were just trying to help?"

"It's complicated. I don't have a reason to apologize to Canim, but I hope you won't force me to."

I nodded, I wouldn't try to force him either. My Grandpa once said that if guys can't understand or settle things through words, then a fistfight would greatly help.

"I understand. So, what do I need to know about my grandfather's case?"

"Thank you for being understanding. Your grandfather's death might be more than it seems. Some details don't add up, and I need your help to uncover the truth."

He slowly put me down when we reached my door. 

"I'm in. Let's get to the bottom of this." 

Before he could even talk, his phone rang, so he picked it up swiftly. I could tell he was mad, his eyebrows were crossed, and his facial reaction was saying it all.

"I'm so sorry, Kaesu, but I really have to go back to Uncle. I think he found something."

"It's okay, Alex and Lara are here, they'll help me."

He gave me a sad smile and patted my head before bidding goodbye.

I took a deep breath first before opening the door, but I couldn't step any further. I heard voices in my bedroom. I stopped to hear what their topic was all about.

"What are you doing here? What are you going to do with Keasu? I told you to stop. I begged and if I had to beg again, I would gladly do so. Just please leave her alone."

That seemed like Lara's voice. Who is she talking to?

"Why? Why do I have to distance myself from her Lara? Tell me."

I heard Canim's voice as cold as ice, and it gave me chills that made me hug myself.

What are they talking about? Why are they talking about me?

"Please... If this has something to do with-"

"I don't need your permission to do whatever I want because you didn't ask for my permission when you ki-"

"Canim!"

I couldn't seem to follow their conversation because they kept on cutting themselves before they could even finish what they were about to say.

There was a long silence between the two, and I was eager to hear more when the door creaked and spat Alex.

"Why are you standing there like a statue?"

I facepalmed at what Alex just asked in his loud voice. This gay is starting to get on my nerves too. I glared at him, but he just shrugged his shoulders in response. What the? Can't he see how frustrated I am right now?

I heard Canim and Lara's footprints coming near us.

"Have you been there, Kaesu?"

I cleared my throat before facing them and flashed a quick smile. "No, I was just a few seconds ahead of Alex."

They both nodded and tried to avoid each other's gaze, so I knew something was going on. Why am I their topic? 

Canim excused himself and Lara just gave me an awkward smile. I could sense it. I stared at Lara thinking of confronting her, but I stopped when I realized that maybe she had her reasons. I noticed that Lara was not smiling genuinely, which worried me more.

I decided not to ask Lara about it immediately, believing that Lara had her reasons and hoping she would explain later.

"How did you get your scratch? What did Antonio do to you?" Alex shouted, which broke the silence.

Then I looked at my knee and remembered that I had a scratch.

I saw Lara rush at me and worriedly asked me to sit down on the couch. I couldn't stop looking at her, her genuine reaction at that moment. I have never felt that kind of worry my whole life. As I was looking at both Alex and Lara, who were restless and nervous about treating my wound. I feel like the world has slowed down. The anxious faces of the two caress my longing heart. I never experienced being treated like this because I didn't grow up with my parents. I didn't spend time with them, but even though Grandpa was the only one I grew up with, I know he tried everything so that I wouldn't feel like I was missing something.