The Triple-D Failure Rises To Power

CHAPTER 4: The Cruel Setup

The apartment was small, old, and cracked in places, but it was home. Helena had taken him in from the orphanage when he was seven, raising him with nothing but love and patience. She wasn’t rich, but she had given him everything she could. And Eren adored her for it.

“Mom,” Eren said, standing by the small dining table. “I… I won’t be having dinner tonight.”

Helena looked up from the pot she was stirring, her grey-streaked hair tied back in a messy bun. She raised a brow, wiping her hands on her apron. “Oh? And why’s that? You finally planning to eat outside?”

Eren scratched the back of his neck, cheeks burning. “Um… yeah. Something like that.”

Helena smirked, crossing her arms. “Don’t tell me… you’re going on a date.”

His face went red instantly. “M-mom!”

She laughed, shaking her head. “I knew it. Look at you blushing. So, who’s the lucky girl?”

Eren hesitated, then whispered, “Serena Arclight.”

Helena’s smile faded a little. She knew the name. Everyone in the neighborhood did. “That girl, huh?” She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “You sure about this, Eren?”

“She’s different with me,” he said quickly. “She’s… she’s really nice when it’s just us. Please, mom. Just this once.”

He looked at her with those pleading eyes he’d had since he was a boy, and Helena sighed. She couldn’t resist him when he was like that.

“Fine,” she said softly. “But be careful. And don’t stay out too late.”

“I won’t,” Eren grinned, relief flooding him. “Thanks, mom.”

By 7:40 pm, he stood in front of the mirror, straightening his shirt for the hundredth time. It was the best one he owned—still a little faded, but clean and neatly pressed. His shoes weren’t new either, but he had polished them until they shined.

“Okay… okay, you can do this,” he muttered to himself before leaving.

---

The city lights glowed as he made his way to the restaurant under the bridge. It wasn’t a fancy place, but it was popular, especially among students. His heart raced as he reached the spot.

And then he waited.

Minutes passed. Ten. Fifteen. Twenty. Eren’s stomach twisted, but he held on. He finally pulled out his phone and dialed.

After a few rings, Serena picked up.

“Eren…” her voice came through, soft and breathless. “I’m so sorry. I'm close to the resturant but I had an emergency. Ugh, my dress ripped.”

Eren’s chest sank, but he forced a smile she couldn’t even see. “That’s fine! I can give you my jacket. Where are you?”

There was a pause. Then she gave him her location, just a little way off the main road.

“Don’t move,” Eren said, already hurrying off. “I’ll be there in a sec.”

He rushed there worried. But when he arrived, Serena wasn’t there. The street was dimly lit, quiet.

He frowned, pulling out his phone again. Just as he was about to call, a voice cut through the silence.

“Well, well, look who actually showed up.”

Eren froze. Silver stepped out of the shadows, smirking, followed by a few boys from his class. They spread out, circling him like wolves.

“W-what are you guys doing here?” Eren asked, trying to sound steady.

Silver chuckled darkly. “Waiting for you, obviously.”

Before Eren could respond, more figures appeared. Darius himself walked forward, his arm slung casually around Serena. She looked radiant, her golden hair shining under the streetlight, but the smile on her face wasn’t for him—it was cruel.

Eren’s heart stopped. “Serena…?”

Darius smirked. “You really thought she liked you? Pathetic.”

The boys shoved him around, laughing as Eren stumbled. He tried to fight back, but they were too many.

“Stop!” he gasped, only to be pushed hard, landing right in front of Darius.

Darius didn’t hesitate. His fist connected with Eren’s jaw. Pain exploded through his face.

Another punch. Eren collapsed to the ground, coughing, his vision spinning.

“You’re so stupid,” Darius sneered, towering over him. “Did you really think any girl would like you? Talk more of my girlfriend?”

Then, to drive the knife deeper, he yanked Serena close and kissed her, long and hard, right in front of Eren.

The boys howled with laughter. Kicks landed on Eren’s sides, his back, his legs. Every strike hurt, but the kiss hurt more than anything else.

“Pathetic loser!” Silver barked between kicks.

Then—

“HEY!” a voice thundered.

Everyone froze. The restaurant owner was running toward them.

“Shit,” Serena hissed. “Let’s go!”

In seconds, they scattered like rats, leaving Eren broken on the ground. 

The restaurant owner knelt beside him. “Eren? Is that you?”

Eren groaned, barely able to nod.

“Dammit,” the man muttered, lifting him carefully. “Hang on.”

Inside, the man’s wife gasped. “Oh my goodness!” She rushed to get a first aid kit, dabbing gently at his cuts and bruises.

“Who were they?” she asked softly, concern filling her eyes.

Eren looked away, shame burning through him. “Just… some thugs. They tried to rob me.”

She and her husband exchanged a look. They didn’t buy it completely, but they didn’t push.

When she was done, she offered hhim some food to eat which he finished quickly because he hadn't eaten any dinner. 

The man finally said, “I’ll walk you home, son. No way I’m letting you out there alone again.”

And so Eren, limping and brokenhearted, was escorted back, his dream shattered before it even began.

By the time they reached his apartment, Eren’s steps were heavy. The restaurant owner gave him a pat on the back before leaving, making him promise to be careful. Eren forced a weak smile, then turned the key to the door.

The smell of warm stew drifted out. Helena was waiting. She had a blanket around her shoulders, sitting by the table like she always did when he stayed out late.

“There you are,” she said with relief. But then her eyes narrowed. “Why are you walking like that?”

Eren froze. “I-I’m fine. Just tired.”

Helena stood up, and the blanket slipped off her shoulders. Her gaze sharpened, mother’s instinct kicking in. She walked closer, and in the light of the room, the bruises on his face couldn’t hide anymore.

“Eren…” her voice cracked. “What happened to you?”

Panic shot through him. He turned away quickly. “It’s nothing, mom. Don’t worry.”

“Nothing?!” She grabbed his chin gently but firmly, making him look at her. Her hands trembled as her eyes scanned the cuts and swelling. “You’re hurt! Who did this to you?”

He pulled back, shaking his head. “It’s not like that. I… it happened on my way back. Some thugs tried to stop me. I fought them off but Mr. Eden helped me out.”

Her eyes filled with worry and anger all at once. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Why didn’t you call the guards?”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” he muttered. “And I’m okay. Really.”

Helena didn’t look convinced. Her heart ached seeing him like that. But Eren forced a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Guess I’m not cut out for late-night dates, huh?”

The word date made her stop for a moment. “So… you did go?”

“Yeah,” he said quickly, eyes darting away. “But things got messy, and I had to head back early.”

Helena sighed deeply, wrapping the blanket around him. “You’re all I have, Eren. Please. Just… be safe.”

He nodded, guilt stabbing his chest. “I promise, mom.”

But as she fussed over him, tending to his bruises with trembling hands, Eren kept his head down. He couldn’t bear to tell her the truth. That his first date had been nothing but a cruel trap. That the girl he liked had handed him over to wolves.

So he stayed silent, carrying the weight alone.