Cosette didn't know much about Maxen's affairs. She knew the general details, such as his illegal dealings and criminal activities, but she didn't get a lot of information regarding the people surrounding Maxen.
It was better for Cosette to know less about Maxen's dealings, since knowing more would put her in danger; Maxen and Cosette knew that, and thus, they rarely discuss Maxen's affairs. Still, Cosette had heard a few short stories about the Underboss of the Don (Maxen.)
One of them was that this said Underboss was the only person Maxen had trusted. This person would even cut his own limb if Maxen asked for it. He also played out a huge role in Maxen's torture of Mia, "the female lead."
However, never did it ever cross Cosette that Maxen and his right-hand man had this sort of relationship at first. A bully and the bullied.
RIIIIING!
"Passed your work before the day ends, alright?" the teacher spoke louder as the school bell rang, indicating lunch break. She efficiently picked up her work text and books before sauntering off.
Normally, during this time, everyone would've already formed a huge circle to eat together. However, even when the teacher left, the students just looked at each other, wondering if they should make a huge circle or take their lunch in the cafeteria.
"Max —" Cosette furrowed her brows, looking up at Maxen as he stood up. "Where are you going?"
Maxen pointed up while his other hand was holding the bag containing their lunchbox. "Rooftop."
"Won't you eat here?"
"No." His answer was quick and cold, snapping his eyes at the delinquents, who were preparing to leave to. Or so what it looked like.
"Wait for me." Cosette pushed herself up, glancing at Sarah and Fay, who were looking back at her. Amie was still hanging her head low; she had been quiet since the start of the first subject.
"Should we eat somewhere else?" Cosette invited with a smile, ignoring the stifling atmosphere dominating the room. It was obvious everyone was just waiting for those bullies to leave.
"Uhm… Su… re?" Sarah trailed off, holding her breath when one of the delinquents approached Cosette, only for the long-haired student to walk past Cosette and stand in front of Maxen.
"Heyo, Maxen, my brother." Wyn, the long-haired delinquent, planted a hand on Maxen's shoulder. "We left you off last week, but you see, why don't go with us?"
He then cocked his head back, arching a brow. "Boss will be delighted to have lunch with you."
Maxen glanced at this "boss" Wyn was talking about. The bully arched a brow and glanced at the two of them. He looked a little baffled as if he didn't know what Wyn was talking about.
"I can't." Maxen set his eyes back to Wyn, raising the bag of lunchboxes. "It's only an hour's lunch, so I refuse to go."
Wyn sneered, shoving his hands inside his pockets. "You –"
"Are you hungry?" Wyn halted when Cosette suddenly raised a question, turning to the lady who was slowly rising from her chair. Cosette faced Wyn squarely, tilting her head to the side. "Are you hungry but don't have the money to fill your stomach? Is that the reason you're inviting Max to lunch?"
"Hah?" The long-haired student raised his brows, rendered speechless by her inquiry. Cosette flashed him a smile, staring him straight in the eye.
"We bring lunch boxes because the food in the cafeteria is expensive. Should we share our food?" she continued innocently, looking at everyone. "Can you guys spare a portion of your lunch for him? Of course, Maxen and I will also share ours."
Cosette then faced Wyn once more. "We're all classmates, after all. Therefore, we should help each other."
"Hah…" Wyn burst out of laughter, rendered speechless for a moment. Did he hear her correctly? This girl and everyone would donate a portion of their food to him? What was he? A charity?
"Oy, just because you're a girl, don't think you can get away if you insult me unprovoked —" His hand stopped midway when Maxen grabbed his arm before he could grab Cosette's collar. Despite his attempt to assault her, Cosette was unfazed as if she wasn't afraid of getting hurt.
Maxen's eyes glinted, tightening his grip on Wyn's arm. "Not even the tip of her hair, Wyn." He shook his head, his tone as if that was the first and last warning.
"Insult? What is insulting about that?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. "We simply want to help our classmate, but you call it an insult. Was it better to intimidate someone who is weaker than you to get what you want than allow them to give it to you willingly?"
Cosette paused, frowning. "Why? I don't understand such reasoning."
'This bitch…!' Wyn ground his teeth and pulled his hand from Maxen but to no avail. His eyes dilated, tugging his arm, but Maxen's grip didn't bulge. Yet, Maxen's expression remained cold and distant, as if he wasn't putting any effort into it at all.
"Wyn, is it?" Cosette continued, watching Wyn look back at her. "It won't hurt to be kind and ask nicely. Violence and forcing things won't resolve anything."
She glanced at Maxen, and as if on cue, Maxen released Wyn's arm. He raised his chin, eyes down on Wyn as if there were such a significant difference in their stature.
"Sarah, Fay, Amie," Cosette called and smiled. "Maxen and I will have lunch on the rooftop. Do you want to join us?"
The three looked at each other and nodded awkwardly. Seeing that there was a tinge of relief in the girls' eyes, Cosette cast Maxen a look.
"Let's go, Max," she urged, walking past Wyn nonchalantly. Maxen followed Cosette, pausing when he was about to walk past Wyn. He cast the latter a cold look, and then at the bald guy sitting silently in the corner.
Maxen smirked before following Cosette. Sarah, Fay, and Amie followed the two silently. As they left the classroom, the rest of their classmates either had their mouths agape or their eyes popping out of their sockets.
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