Dara's eyes darted left and right, unable to move. Tattoos, piercings, weird hairstyles - the guys surrounding her looked scarier and more intimidating than the InterSAT gangsters. Judging from their uniform logo, they're from the university located downtown.

"You're a former Bridge Rose student, aren't you? You look so pretty and innocent", one of the guys inched closer and sniffed her, making her shudder in disgust. "And hmmm....you smell so nice!" He exclaimed. "What are you doing in InterSAT? Just transfer to our school!"

"Excuse me, p-please let me pass", she tried to steady her voice, but to no avail. She's scared as hell.

"Just hang out with us for a while. We won't harm you." The guy smirked at her and tried to wrap his arm around her again, but Dara rapidly stepped aside. She tried to pass but the others kept on blocking her path while laughing, thoroughly enjoying her frustrated expression.

"Oh look, she's about to cry!"

"Aww. Come here, I'm going to make you feel better."

Dara was hugging her bag like a shield while her mind kept on screaming Jiro's name. She was about to fish out her phone but due to nervousness, her bag slipped from her grasp and her stuff tumbled on the ground, making the thugs roar in laughter. She slumped on the pavement and clumsily picked up her things with trembling hands.

Jiro!

"HEY!" she heard an unfamiliar voice from afar. Dara looked up and saw Arden Lee walking towards them, his hands shoved inside his pockets. He has his usual bright smile on his face but his eyes convey something different. "Want to have fun with me instead?" He asked and kicked one of the thug's lower leg.

"You assh-..UGH!" The guy wasn't able to finish as Bullet's fist forcefully connected on his face. The other thugs were about to retaliate when someone shouted from the InterSAT back gate.

"Bullet, do you need a hand?" One of the members of the Fire 39 called out jokingly.

"Nah, I got this!" Bullet shouted back and grinned at his gang members. Dara glanced at the back gate and saw that at the corner, there is a stair going up to the turf of the Fire 39 gang.

"D-Did he say Bullet?" The thug asked his other member.

"Damn. It's the leader of Fire 39. Let's go."

The guys surrounding Dara immediately ran off, leaving her and Bullet behind. Not knowing what to say, she hung her head low and just busied herself on gathering her things and stuffing them back inside her bag. To her surprise, Bullet slumped on the ground as well and tilted his head, catching her eyes.

Dara sheepishly looked at him and upon seeing that he was smiling at her, she quickly averted her eyes. "Thank you for helping me", she murmured.

"Can't you say that while looking at me?"

She lifted her gaze and looked directly on his eyes. "Thank you for helping me", she said.

"You're really pretty, and you're welcome!"

Dara blinked at him in bewilderment, not knowing how to react.

"Call me Bullet", he winked.

Flirt.

"Thank you, Arden Lee", she said and stood up. She was about to walk away but Bullet grabbed the handle of her bag, halting her steps. She glanced back and saw his amused smile.

"Isn't Ice Lord waiting for you at the front gate?"

Dara pulled her bag from his grasp and shifted her gaze elsewhere, unable to respond.  Bullet let out a soft laugh and glanced at his gang members who were eyeing them from afar. "I'll be back later!" He shouted and waved at them coyly when they started howling and whistling.

He then turned around and started walking ahead. "Let's go. I'll walk you home", he said.

"What? Wait!"

***

Dara's POV

Nope, this is not what I was expecting when I decided to go through the back gate. Walking home with Arden Lee, or Bullet, who is the current leader of the Fire 39 never crossed my mind.

After sending a text to Jiro that I went home early to cover up the mess that I've gotten myself into, I stole a glance at my unexpected savior. Bullet always has a smile on his face that makes him look like everyone's best friend.

"Is Ice Lord going to punch me because I walked you home?" he suddenly asked.

"Are you scared?"

"No, just curious."

"Curious of what?"

"Curious of your relationship with him. Curious of you", he replied and gave me a lingering look.

"There's nothing to be curious about", I said, focusing my gaze on my feet as we walked slowly. "And no, he won't hurt you. Why would he?"

Bullet did not press on. We both walked in silence for a while. "Namee told me you and Montecillo are a couple."

"That's not true!" I AM GOING TO KILL NAMEE!

"Really? Everybody in school thinks so too. And she said you kissed Ice Lord-"

"Don't listen to her!" I shrieked in astonishment. Seriously, that girl needs a lot of prayers because I'M GOING TO EAT HER LIVER! Gosh! I can't believe her!

I was plotting more sinister ways of murdering Namee when Bullet's boisterous laugh entered my ears.

"You're still cute even when you're angry", he said and pinched my cheeks. I rubbed the spot that he pinched and glared at him. "If you and Ice Lord are not a couple, why is he so protective of you?"

That question again. The question I'm dreading to hear. "He owes a lot to my father", I answered in a dispirited voice. "You really don't have to walk me home. I can manage from here."

"I insist", he said and darted his eyes around. "Montecillo is also from this neighborhood isn't he? What will he do if he sees us together?"

"He will glare at you. And then he will kill you", I joked.

He laughed and shoved his hands inside his pockets while glancing at me. "It's okay. My gang mates are already plotting my funeral the moment I told them that I'll walk you home."

I smiled and looked at him, studying his features. He's really not bad and is quite good looking, to be honest. I bet girls are throwing themselves on his feet with just one wink.

"Why are you staring? You're making me blush", he said while grinning at me.

"You really like girls, don't you?" I said with a slight smirk.

"Eww! No. Girls have cooties!" He exclaimed dramatically. I chuckled at his exaggerated expression. "Just kidding", he said and nudged my shoulder. "Namee also told me that you don't like me because I'm a flirt."

"Oh my gosh! Does her mouth ever stop moving?!" I exhaled furiously. "Don't listen to Namee, Bullet. That crazy woman believes in unicorns and leprechauns so her words don't have any merit at all."

"Don't be mad at Namee. We just happen to talk about it when I treated her at Starbucks."

I think I've consumed massive amount of energy denying the things that Namee told Bullet. I can't believe she sold my soul in exchange of a cup of Starbucks coffee!

When Bullet and I finally reached my house, I realized we've been talking nonstop while walking. Chatting with him is quite engaging and relaxing. Of course, I will never EVER tell Namee about this little incident since I'm already aware how 'trustworthy' she can be.

***

Dara was sitting on the bed hugging her knees when another thunder roared loudly followed by heavy rain. She was never fond of rainy nights. Another loud thunder was heard and the lights went out. Damn. Darkness is another thing in her 'hate list'.

She does not only hate it. She's scared of darkness. Her breath came in short gasps as she crawled slowly out of the bed while repeatedly reciting a prayer, hoping that a holy barrier will protect her from the ghosts. Ghosts. She shivered at the thought. Dara screamed in fright when a sound came from the balcony, startling her.

"Ramirez!" Jiro urgently called out.

"Jiro! I'm here!" She replied while crawling out of bed. In just a few seconds, two strong hands were holding her arms. "Go back to your bed. The electric post is still being fixed and the blackout might take a while. I'll find the candles", he instructed and was about to go but Dara suddenly gripped a fistful of his shirt.

"I'll just come with you", she whimpered. "You know I'm scared of the dark since I was a kid."

"I know. That's why I'm here", Jiro stated flatly. "But the candles are just downstairs and you can use your phone as a light. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"I'll come with you", she insisted, not letting go of his shirt.

Jiro sighed and protectively draped his arm around her shoulder. "Fine. Hold your phone to light our way and stay close to me. You might stumble down the stairs", he said.

"O-Okay", Dara stuttered and swallowed hard. Her heart is doing some weird beat again as Jiro pressed her closer to his side. Getting the candles and going back to her bedroom became a blur as she was fully concentrated on Jiro's closeness to her. She can feel his muscled torso and his strong arm, making her disoriented.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he let go of her and wiped the sweat on her forehead with his hand.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine." Dara said. "Your shirt is drenched from the rain", she noted. "You can just use any of my clothes that will fit."

Jiro nonchalantly took off his shirt and draped it on a chair. "It's okay. It'll dry before I leave. Try to get some sleep. I'll sit on the floor beside the bed so you don't have to be scared." Jiro said while placing the candles on the table.

Silently, Dara crawled on top of the bed while Jiro settled on the floor, his back leaning on the bed. He rested his arm on his left bent knee and glued his gaze outside. Dara, on the other hand, was staring at the back of his head, not knowing what to say. She doesn't want to burden him and she wants him to take a good rest but sending him home is not an option since it's still raining hard outside (plus the fact that she's really afraid to be alone in the blackout). But, if she asks him to lie on the bed while she takes the floor, she knew he'll certainly decline.

Of course, there's another option...WHAT OPTION?! THEY CANNOT SLEEP TOGETHER ON THE SAME BED, THAT'S PREPOSTEROUS!

"Jiro..." Dara called out hesitantly and bit her lips. OH MY GOD! Dara Ramirez, what are you thinking?!

Jiro glanced back at her and frowned. "You still can't sleep?"

"Uhm..." She pulled the blanket to cover half her face as she stared back at him. "The floor looks uncomfortable. Do you want to sleep here beside me?"

Jiro eyed her quizzically, making it more awkward.

"I can't sleep and...and..." Dara was about ready to die of embarrassment as she tried to reason out.

"You're still afraid of ghosts, aren't you?"

"YES!" Dara replied enthusiastically. YES! GHOSTS! Of course! What more plausible excuse to use than unseen entities.

"I won't leave you. I'll just be here."

Dara sat up and pulled his arm.  "It will make my mind at ease if you're here beside me. Come on, Jiro. Please?"

"Ramirez..."

"Please?" She pleaded, clasping her hands together. With a resigned sigh, Jiro got up and occupied the space beside her.

"There. Now, go to sleep", he said coldly.

Silence enveloped both of them. Minutes have passed, which felt like hours, and her eyes remained open. She rolled over, trying to find a suitable position of sleep when her gaze landed on her half-open closet with a slight light (ghost!), making her jerk back in fear.

"What? What happened?" Jiro asked in alarm.

"Sorry. Nothing. I was just surprised", she said.

Jiro sat up and was about to check if it is still raining but Dara thought he was leaving, making her get up as well.

"Lie down and sleep, Ramirez. I'll just-..."

"Wait! Don't go!" She said in panic and tugged his arm, making him collapse on top of her. She was lying on her back as Jiro gingerly pushed himself up. He was about to get off her when his eyes caught her gaze, making him stop. "Don't go", she whispered.

Jiro hovered on top of her, their eyes locked with each other. Dara's chest was heaving up and down, her mind in total chaos. Her eyes unconsciously darted towards his lips, making her heart double its pace. What the hell is she thinking? Her throat felt dry and her body felt unusually hot. She was about to raise her arm to pull him closer when his voice pulled her out of her trance.

"Go to sleep", Jiro instructed with a flat tone and lied beside Dara, his back facing her.

Dara stared at his form gloomily. Namee was right. It seems she is developing a huge crush on her sworn protector. 'A one-sided crush. How tragic', she thought and closed her eyes.

***

"Ramirez."

Hearing Jiro's voice, Dara frowned while her eyes remained tightly shut.

"Ramirez. Wake up."

There it is again. She decided to ignore it and cuddled on the warmth beside her, nuzzling her face on the sturdy and bare chest...of Jiro. WHAT?! Dara abruptly opened her eyes and gasped upon seeing Jiro's naked upper torso; with her arms wrapped around him. She immediately scooted backwards and her eyes widened as she met his blank stare.

OH MY GOD, WHAT DID I DO?! Dara searched her hazy brain of anything that she probably did that will require denying. Did she drool? Sleep talk and chanted his name? OMG, if Jiro tells her that she sucked his nipple while she's sleeping, she will probably kill herself!

"You have a morning class. You'll be late", he said nonchalantly. He got off the bed and grabbed his shirt. Dara wasn't able to take her eyes off him as he gingerly wore his shirt; his muscles rippling with his every move.

"Ramirez."

"H-Huh?"

"Get up and prepare. I'll fix some breakfast."

"Oh. Okay"

As soon as Jiro closed the door behind him, Dara let out a deep sigh. Another day. Another day with him. She gazed outside gloomily, noticing the clear sky. She hugged her knees and rested her chin on top, wondering if there will be a day that she'll finally figure out the complexity that is Jiro Montecillo.

***

"You are dead to me", Dara hissed as soon as she saw Namee at the school corridor.

"Why? What did I do?" Namee cheekily smiled at her, her eyes twinkling with amusement. It is quite obvious that Bullet's little stunt of saving Dara and walking her home yesterday has already reached Namee's gossip command center.

"Unbelievable", Dara sighed in exasperation as the girl walked beside her.

"Did you tell Ice Lord that you were in trouble yesterday?"

"Namee, keep your mouth shut or I swear, I will burn you."

"Oh relax, will you? Look, we're about to walk past your boyfriend's turf!"

"He's not my boyfriend. Are you not going to stop?"

"You are so cuttteee! Why don't you just admit that-..." Namee abruptly stopped, her eyes focused elsewhere. Dara followed her gaze and her breath was caught in her throat as she looked on the window, inside the Black Dragon's turf. She was frozen on her spot as she watched the girl sitting beside Jiro reach for his cheek to kiss him. Her heart squeezed painfully at the sight and she felt like air has been knocked out of her chest. Jiro saw her and their eyes locked for a few moments before Dara finally averted her gaze.

"Let's go", she murmured and continued walking, with Namee following her from behind. There was a seething pain in her chest that she plans to ignore. She exhaled audibly, trying to psych herself not to think about what she just saw.

Who is that girl? Dara swallowed hard and bit her quivering lips, still refusing to succumb to the unexplainable pain that is making her eyes moist. She casted her gaze downwards and walked hastily.

"It's a relief that nothing happened to you yesterday, Dara", Namee suddenly exclaimed in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Dara's eyes widened and her head immediately bolted towards Namee.

"Namee", she said warningly, but the girl was not deterred.

"I can't imagine what will become of you if those thugs dragged you in the alley."

"NAMEE!" Dara shrieked. She looked at the Black Dragon's turf and saw Jiro eyeing them, his eyebrows mashed together. When he stood up and pushed the girl clinging to him, Dara immediately grabbed Namee's wrist and dragged her out of there.

"My God, Namee! I want to punch your face right now, I swear!"

"What? I was just telling the truth."

"What the hell happened yesterday, Ramirez?" Jiro's voice boomed within the vicinity. When Dara glanced behind her, he saw Jiro exiting the door of the Black Dragon's turf; walking briskly towards them.

Writer's Note:

I hope you're enjoying the story ^_^ Please vote and comment loveliesssss!!

huntress