Chapter 12 : Hateful Truth

| Hateful Truth | "UNDERGROUND FIGHTS is illegal because it is dangerous. But why does C.U permits this?" I asked Nena as I never take away my eyes from him. "Yeah. In other countries. But here, they have strict requirements. According to no one in particular, C.U has a license, and they only allow fighters who were trained and followed health and safety requirements," she explained. "Does watching this kind of stuff reduce the aggressiveness or does it satisfy human being who has an interest to violence?" I asked, and look at her. She sighed and scratch her left eyebrow. "Boxing… kickboxing… MMA fighters, and more… we're used to watching them on the big screen—illegal fight clubs are more than present in this world. That's who they are. C.U permits this because they have licensed, okay? Does it clear your thoughts? Ah!" she sneered. "Just watch them, and let's cheer for Linus," she said, then shouted, "GO L!" I sighed. Again, what else I can do. As if I have a choice—well, I have a choice, but… ugh! he's making me mad most of the time. I hate to admit it but damn—I hate this thought of falling in. My mind is swimming with all of my unanswered questions and these unexplainable feelings. I continued to watch him fight. The way he throw punches and kicks… the way he swayed and dodged those moves from his foe… he seems like a pro. It seems like he is used to fights—that it was just like his hobby. He is uncommunicative in class, but now, I'm seeing him throwing aggressive moves just to beat his enemy. I hate to admit it, but he is my type of a guy. I never tell Reina or anyone what usually my type—what I want in a guy. I never entertain boys before. Yes, they showed me interests but I never give a damn. All I ever wanted is to focus on my studies. Just books, no boys. But now, I don't know. I don't know why I have to experience this—that I need to put myself into these, even if I have the choice to stop. I know, and I can feel that as the time pass by, these feeling is growing. "Whoa!" Nena exclaimed when Linus fell and was pinned by his opponent. The feeling of disappointment echoed the club as Linus can't make a move. His opponent tangled him on his neck, strangling him into death. I compose myself as people on our side stood up… waiting for how Linus to escape from his opponent's grips. I turned my gaze away from it. I hate to see how he lost the fight. Guilt fills in when I just remember what I wished before the fight starts. Nena suddenly held my hand and her long nails stapled on my skin. I push her hand to loosen her grip. "Sorry," she mumbled. The crowd started to intensify the atmosphere. They continuously shouts his name… "L. L. L!" I covered my ears to save my self from their noises. I closes my eyes when Nena suddenly shouted, "OMG! HE'S BACK!" With that, I open my eyes and shift back my attention inside that risky cage. Linus successfully got out from his opponent grips. Thus, I found out that even I feel aghast because of it. My mind flies to nowhere as the fight continues. I never know that it already ended, if Nena didn't poke and asked me if I already want to get back to our dorm. I tell her that I'm staying, and not to bother to wait for me. I need to talk to L no matter what. I didn't come here and waited for how many hours just to go home and forget why I am here. "Are you sure?" she asked. "Yeah. I can manage," I answered. "Okay. Call me when you're home," she said. I nodded and she continues to went down the bleacher. She waved at me one more time as she reaches the exit. I smiled and waved back. I waited for how many minutes until I was the only one left on the bleachers. Linus is still there sitting in the long metallic chair as he put his shoes on. he's already wearing his black jogger pants, white shirt and his dog tag on his neck. Our distance is not a hitch for me not to recognize him. I'm at the corner where no one can see me in an instant without examining the area. Lights started to turned off. I waited for another minute until Linus stand up and started to walk through the exit. I stand up and started to walk down. I'm following him but I keep our distance. I don't know why I need to do this if I can confront him instantly. Because you just want to find out where he lives! shouts the corner of my mind. I look down on my wristwatch to see the time, and it's already nine. I'll be damned when I get back. For sure, Reina will throw successive questions at me. That I need to be prepared of— "Why are you following me?" I gasped and touch my forehead as it hits a hard—shit I'm unfocused. "Ha?" I asked with my not-so-innocent eyes fluster in my face. The splendid light from the lampposts sent chills to my system. His dark menacing eyes, make my heart beat fast that I almost overheard it. I gulped as his forehead crinkled. "Why are you following me?" he repeated, with his intimidating voice. I gulped again and tries to compose myself, "Hmm… I," I cleared my throat, "I'm here to get our reaction paper!" I said, trying to be confident. He surveyed my whole and shifted his back on me… he starts to walk. I catch up, grabbed his left arm and pull him to face me. "You're absent and you have—" "So?" "So? Today is the submission, and—" He pulled his arm back that makes me loosen my grip on him, and slides down his hands on his pocket. "Look kid, this is college. It's not high school. You can still pass that shit of piece of paper on Wednesday." "I'm not a kid—" "You act like one," he replied and the corner of his lip twitched. "You know what, I'm so done with your attitude. I hate you. You know that?" "The feeling is mutual," he replied and started to walk away. "Don't follow me," he added. "You—" I pulled some strand of my hair out of frustration. I followed him and stop right in front of him that keeps him to halt. My raging eyes met his deep blue eyes. "I can't let this pass without getting even." I walked closer to him living just an inch that he need to look down. I just realize how far the difference of our height. "I didn't came this far just to hear a so kind of insult from you." I inhaled and with all the courage, I put my hand on each side of his arm. Confusion registered in his face. I gave a sarcastic smile, gained some strength and my knee lifted and landed in his groin. "Have a good night, jerk!" I said and move away, before he'll do something. That was an indecent, courageous, but dangerous move. He can't blame me when he get into my nerves! "Congrats anyway!" I shouted and started to jog away. I look back one more time, can't help to smile seeing him… hand on his groin and his twitched lips because of the searing pain. For sure that hurts. Serves you right, a-hole. "WHERE THE hell have you been?!" Reina shouted, hands on the side of her waist, seems like an old lady who's complaining for some old stuffs. I just smiled and walk through the bathroom. "I'm talking to you, Becca! Where did you go?" I locked the door and answered back, "I went to see a monster—" "Monster?" "Don't bother to asked it! I won't tell you anyway. Just get back to sleep, Rey!" I shouted back and laughed. I didn't last long under the shower. When I went out, I thought Reina already asleep. Crossed arms, crinkled forehead, "where have you been?" she asked. I walk through my cabinet and grab some clothes. I forgot to bring one when I went inside the bathroom. I put my white shirt , doesn't care if Reina's watching me putting my garments on. "Where have you been?" she repeated. I didn't reply and continued what I'm doing. When I'm done, I hanged my towel in the drying rack. I grabbed my comb and sat on my bed. "I'm asking you, where have you been? Don't you dare lie to me," she said. I laughed and cleared my throat. "I went to London to visit the queen. How about you? Have you met the prince?" I asked in a mocked tone, then laugh. "Nothing's funny, Becca. And don't bring that prince thing, ‘cause I'm over it. It's a fake news and that rumor already died about few days ago. Let's be serious here. Now tell me, where have you been—hep! don't philosophize me." "Okay, fine. I went to Nena's house," I replied. Lines get more visible on her forehead. "Do you think I'd buy that?" "What? If you don't believe it, then ask Nena by yourself—" "I will ask her first thing tomorrow—" "Great. Can I sleep now?" "Don't sleep if your hair is wet. Wipe it thoroughly." "Aye, aye Ma'am," I replied and let out a chuckle. "Crazy bitch. Take note of this, if I find out that you're flirting—" "Hey! There's no way that I would do that," I said. "You think I'm dumbed? You have a crush, Becca, and I'm sure of that. Goodnight and dream of him," she said and turned her back away, facing the wall. I throw a punch in the air, hating the truth behind her words.