The Nine and a Love (ON HIATUS)

34.

Evelyn and Victoria fought together against the gangsters while Genesis stood at one corner and cheered both of them, giving them moral support. Evelyn knocked down the last man standing to the ground and let out a loud and tired groan.

"Uh-oh," Genesis voiced when she noticed a group of boys from a distance, making their way towards them.

"Ahhhh-why do you guys keep coming?" Evelyn shouted in exasperation with her hands rested on her hips. "Screw you all," She gritted and attempted to charge forward but Victoria held on her arm and stopped her.

"You know what- we better make a run before they reach us," Victoria suggested under her panting and gave her a knowing look. Evelyn looked at her for a moment and understood her. They both were tired from fighting and if they continue, they will be crashed and moreover, those boys were all armed with weapons.

"Let's make a run now then," Evelyn said to which Victoria nodded at her. They both went towards Genesis and took on either side of her hand and started running away from the place. 

Genesis kept looking over her back and kept shouting dramatically upon seeing the gangsters nearing them. She quickly doubled her speed and ran ahead. Evelyn and Victoria glanced at each other before accelerating their speed as well. They were now a good distance away from those gangsters and quickly made a turned into the dark alley and hid behind the shadows. They stayed there quietly, trying to normalize their breath. 

Once those gangsters ran past their way without noticing them, they let out a relieved breath and rested their backs against the wall. 

"You should compete in marathon, Genesis," Evelyn deadpanned under her panting. Then the three of them looked at each other for a moment before bursting out into a small laugh.

"Your screaming is worst. I guess I need to go for an ear check-up tomorrow." Victoria snickered and she put her finger into her ear and shook it gently. They stayed there laughing for some moment before deciding to leave for college.

*

Three days passed and yet Brian hadn't talked to her still. Evelyn sighed wistfully as she sat down on her usual spot and blankly stared at the space. 

"Ah-this is sad," She heard a familiar voice coming from her side and turned towards it. Russell closed his book and turned towards her with a smile. "Finally, you noticed me."

"When did you get here?" Evelyn asked lazily.

"I was here the whole time," Russell answered amusedly. "You simply ignored me and sat down. Your mind's somewhere else? Is something bothering you?" He asked in concerned.

"Yes, it is but I'll be fine," Evelyn answered with a serene smile. "I just have to give time, that's it."

Russell regarded her for a moment before turning away from her and stared down at the book that was now rested on his lap.

"I'm guessing that you have completed reading that book," Evelyn said in an amused tone.

"Yes, I just did and it's kind of sad ending," Russell commented under his frown. "I need to start a new one soon." He added.

"Our first evaluation is on Monday, you should stop reading novels and start with the studies," Evelyn reminded him with an amused smile. 

"I'm done with my studies," Russell said under his chuckle. "I just can't wait to see the top-listed students of our batch. I wonder who will be at the top this time."

"That, of course, Nathan will be the top one as always," Stephen said cheerfully as he came and joined them on the bench. Terrence and Jeffrey also came and joined them. They brought sodas along with them and offered to each of them.