"You're the first girl who doesn't want me," he said playfully.
I rolled my eyes. "And then?"
He smiled, as if amused by my reaction. I could feel irritation rising inside me. He's probably the one who'll end up killing me, since he knows I don't want to be friends with Sol.
"I like being close to you, Luna. Sorry about that." He patted my shoulder before walking away.
What the heck?! Is he trying to piss me off?! Why did that stupid man have to drag me into this mess?! Why did I have to end up inside this ridiculous novel?!
"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath.
I turned around—only to freeze when I saw Eros staring at me.
Eros, the playful psychopath. The man who kills for fun.
Am I his next target? He smiled at me before walking past.
What the hell was that?!
•••
"Hey, Enzo." He stopped scrolling through his phone and glanced at me. "You've been absent for days. Why don't you come back to class?"
He looked back at his phone, still cold as ever, though I could feel that somehow, we were slowly getting closer.
Actually, I was the reason he met Sol. But now that I've cut ties with her, will they still find each other?
"I don't want to go to school," he said seriously.
"But you have to, Enzo… for your future."
He gave me a faint smirk. "Do you really think I still have one?"
"Of course you do." He shook his head like what I said was some kind of joke.
"Stop kidding around, Luna. How can I study when no one supports me? Mom won't even let me go back to school." He turned and left.
I sighed deeply. One day, I'll be the one to help you—before Sol ever does.
•••
"I'm sorry, miss. We're full," the man said, and I let out a long breath.
Thirty times. I've applied thirty times already, and still, no one's hiring. I just need a part-time job—to save enough money to send Enzo back to school.
Being good is exhausting.
"Hey."
I froze at that voice. Calm down, Luna. Shit—it's already dark! How did I not notice?! Okay, just pretend you didn't hear him. I turned to leave, but he spoke again.
"I know you can hear me."
Slowly, I turned around. He was smiling mischievously.
"Umm… what do you need?" I asked.
He stepped closer, and I instinctively stepped back. What is he planning? Is he going to kill me?
Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me along.
"Hey—where are we going?!" I asked nervously.
When we reached a quiet, isolated alley, he shoved me against the wall, cornering me.
He leaned in close, his breath brushing against my neck. I turned my face away, refusing to meet his eyes.
"You saw me, didn't you?" His voice was smooth, teasing.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said firmly.
He leaned even closer, leaving me nowhere to run.
"Really? Aren't you the girl who was hiding that time?"
"I said I don't know! What are you talking about?!" I pushed him hard, his back hitting the wall. I was shocked at what I'd done—but I quickly steeled my expression.
He smirked. "I'll believe you… for now."
"For now?"
"I need your help." His tone shifted, darker.
"What?"
"Help me hide a body."
My eyes widened.
"W-what?" You psychopath!
He laughed—actually laughed.
"I'm kidding! Hahahaha! That was funny—"
"Eros! That's not funny! Killing someone isn't a joke!" I snapped.
He stopped smiling. "I never said I killed anyone. I just said I needed to hide a body."
Damn it. Stupid, stupid me.
"W-well, maybe I just watched too many horror movies," I said quickly.
"Is that really it?" he asked, studying me. I nodded.
"So, what did you want from me?" I asked.
"You're looking for a job, right?"
I frowned. "Wait—how did you know that?"
"I've been watching you this whole time."
I froze.
"Don't worry," he said casually. "I'm not interested in you. Someone else already caught my attention."
I looked down, expression dull. Nobody asked. I already know who that is—and it's none other than Sol.
"K." That's all I said. I'm not interested in their love story. I just want to get out of this dangerous world.
"Come on." He took my hand and started running.
For a moment, it felt like we were lovers. Why was he being so gentle? He's not supposed to care about anyone. He only wants Sol. He sees people as toys.
So why is he kind to me all of a sudden?
This isn't in the plot. In the story, Luna means nothing to him.
•••
I gasped for air as we stopped in front of a massive house. It was already 9:30 p.m. Mom must be worried sick.
Wait… isn't this his house?
"What are we doing here?" I asked.
"You'll see," he said, pulling me inside.
And there—sitting on the couch—was Hevis. His cold eyes met mine.
"Hevis, meet Luna. She's our classmate, remember?" Eros said cheerfully. Hevis didn't respond, just stared at me.
Eros turned to me with a mischievous grin. "If it's okay with you, you can apply as our maid."
My eyes widened. If I become their maid, it'll be easier for them to kill me!
"No thanks," I said quickly, turning to leave.
"Five thousand a week," he said. "You could pay for your brother's tuition."
I froze.
When I looked back, he was smiling warmly. His hand gently brushed against my cheek.
"Be our maid," he whispered, his voice dark and velvety.
"Obey your master."