............

The next day at school was full of bubbling excitement for the upcoming games later in the day.

There were loud chatters mostly among the freshman as Nathan watched it all, feeling the contagious energy himself.

But Rose wasn't joining in on the frenzy, she seemed moody, dressed in a black crop-top, with jeans, her hair tied into a ponytail.

Letha came into the hallway, her hair flowing loosely at her sides and she wore a blue checkered blouse, a black skirt, and a blue back-pack across her shoulders.

Rose said something to the group, then left and walked towards Letha. She took Letha's hand and pulled her away from the crowd, taking the aisle that led to the convenience.

Nathan didn't catch the confusion on Letha's face, but something else caught his gaze.

Three guys who had been lurking around the corner, stealthily followed them, unnoticed by everyone else as they went after the two girls.

But Nathan wasn't to be fooled. He hurried after them at once.

He rushed past the white-tiled floors of the lobby, leading to the toilets.

He hid by a corner when he arrived the entryway, hoping his black on black outfit will hide him enough.

The one who seemed to be their leader was tall and muscled, and had ivory skin, red hair and tattoos on his arm.

He looked your usual bad guy in a murder setting, except his clothes were way-more cooler than he looked. A hooded brown leather jacket on a red designer shirt and brown pants.

The three of them were following the sounds of the girls voices.

Which Nathan could hear too.

"What did he say to you?" Rose was saying.

Nathan's heart skipped a beat . Damn his heart. Even in this situation? Like seriously?

Was her interrogating Letha about him, more important than three guys about to carry out mischief?

"I don't get what you mean? ..We just talked"

"Did he tell you anything about --"

Nathan heard the door bang open and cursing, and shuffling, and screaming and tussling.

"Let me go you worthless piece of shit" Rose was saying. "I'm not going to let you get away with this Cayden. I've had enough of you"

"What do you want to do? Report me?" Cayden said, his voice was husky and strangled out.

Had he been smoking?

Nathan rushed over then.

Cayden had pinned Rose to the wall, twisting her hand behind her back, his nose on the bare of her neck.

The other two barricaded Letha so she was unable to interfere.

They all turned when Nathan ran in.

"Let go of her. I won't say it twice" Nathan said, his tone a calm before the storm and his expression grim.

Cayden scoffed. "You must be one of the freshers.

" I swear you duffel-heads with budding balls have been getting on my nerves ever since you entered this school. I think it's time I taught you guys a lesson, using you as example "

Nathan rushed at him, he hurled his hand away from Rose and dodged a punch from him. Then he kneaded him on the stomach and shoved him into one of the toilet cubicles.

The other two abandoned Letha---she could've ceased to exist as far as they were concerned---and went after Nathan.

He swerved his head and dodged a clenched fist coming his way and punched him in the nose, drawing blood and a scream from him.

And a gasp from Letha who had been staring in awe.

Rose expression was lathed with fear, and what looked like bedazzlement as she watched Nathan---watched him save her.

The other brown-haired guy readied himself, almost indecisive as it was his turn, then he dashed for Nathan.

Nathan moved out of his way, and tripped him over with a leg, sending him sprawling to the floor, his head thudding heavily on the marble tiles.

He stood up and backed off somewhat, signs of a bump forming on his head.

Cayden had come out as well, surveying the situation and cursing. He then called his boys to him and turned to Nathan when he'd neared the door. "We'll come back for you"

"I'll be waiting" Nathan said, smugly.

They left then.

Letha let out a breath.

"Are you okay?" Nathan glanced between Rose and her.

"You shouldn't have done that. It wasn't necessary" Rose said, beginning to come back to herself.

To the spoilt brat she was.

"Clearly looked to me like you needed help...my help. A thank you should suffice " Nathan frowned at her.

"I didn't need your help" Rose argued. "Cayden just likes to tease me. He wasn't going to do anything stupid. He wouldn't dare"

"That didn't look like teasing to me"

"I told you to stay away." Rose said, with a quick glance at Letha who was keenly listening.

"I'm a good feet away from you already. Miles away if you ask me. " Nathan smiled.

"Nice try"

"Wait...wait...wait...hold on" Letha butted in, raising her hands "What's going on here? Perhaps there's something I ought to know? That you two are hiding."

"It's nothing" Rose frowned.

"Rose, we're close enough for you to know I won't believe that crap"

Rose rolled her eyes. "What do you think? For some strange reason, he feels he wants to guard me"

Nathan scoffed. "Wow. I didn't know you also made a wonderful liar. Besides your nasty attitude that is "

Rose hesitated. "You shouldn't have gotten into Cayden's radar, he's not one to be toyed with. He's the nemesis of almost every student in this school "

"He got what he deserved, alright" He argued.

"Come on Letha, Let's get going. We shouldn't be late before the games start.." Rose said, hooking Letha's arm to hers and leading her away.

Letha glanced back at Nathan briefly to see him smile at her, before looking ahead.

***********

Nathan washed up the blood on the floor after finding a mop a distance away. Then he cleaned up as well and headed out of the toilet.

He had gone back to the main hall---ever bustling with students---when he stumbled into the red-haired girl.

She wore a dark-pink sweatshirt and sweatpant, and green earrings to match her green eyes.

"Hey" She said shyly.

"Hey" He responded.

"I was actually hoping I'd meet you"

"Ok. I'm here now " He said, looking himself over for any traces of the fight a few minutes ago.

She studied him briefly." You're angry with me aren't you?"