The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

B2 Chapter 9

HE KNEW this would come so it wasn't a surprise when Noritaka came to ask for help. It's the second day of the examination week and the giant is already doubting that he will pass everything.

Alasdair has pulled Noritaka into the toilet room and ordered him to check each cubicle. When he's confirmed that none is occupied, Alasdair locks the door behind him. 'Talk.'

Noritaka's chest heaves as though he's going to cough off a piece of food that has been lodged in his throat for a long time. 'I'm not gonna make it, I just know it.' The disgust and hatred in his voice mix with the frustration in Alasdair's head.

This is not the time to be driven by your emotions, he wants to say. But Noritaka get that. He's as pure as a toddler. 'You will. Just trust me. Answer every question you can and I promise you, you won't fail.'

'Why do you sound so sure?' His question has no tinge of doubt, simply pure curiosity.

Because I'm not going to lose face as the class president. 'Because I believe in you. You've studied so well. You don't have to ace high marks. We both know that's not where you excel at. But you're not as stupid as you think you are.'

'Really?'

'Yeah, really. Honestly, Noritaka, you have to believe in yourself more.'

Noritaka smiles, relief washing over his eyes. 'Okay, I'll try.'

Of course, you will.

* * * *

'Damn, I could've done better,' Declan says sarcastically as he checks his grades. He is ranked in the top thirty-four. In a way, he is right. He could've done better. He's capable enough to at least take the twentieth spot but as always, he didn't try. At least he's not below fifty or else Alasdair would've skinned him alive.

Jaxon flicks his phone on. 'Lucky you. I'm on top forty. Could've been worse.' This is an odd case since Alasdair didn't have time to manipulate his grades. 'Good thing Eien is a good teacher.'

'He is. He'd taught me Morse code. Yeah, it's useless but it's fun.'

'For real?' Jaxon exclaims, already forgetting his disappointment with his grades. Such a simple-minded person... He wonders what it's like living without thinking all the time.

Alasdair has no time to dwell on that thought, so he goes over to Watanabe and asks what his rank is. 'Top two. As always.' It doesn't come off as a surprise. Watanabe will never surpass him.

That's everyone. Except for Noritaka. 'I got top forty-nine.' Alasdair feigns surprise, congratulating him with a full smile. 'I can't believe it. I'd barely understood all the lessons.'

Declan's eyes flick to their side. Alasdair holds his breath. Why does this Phoenix boy have to be sharp about everything?

'See? I told you. You just have to believe in yourself,' he breathes out, patting Noritaka's back. 'All right. Everyone in the class has got good grades. I can't wait for our brief holiday. I expect you all will participate.'

Jaxon sits up straight. He reminds him of a dog who's been promised a treat. 'Finally! Been waiting to do nothing but swimming and partying...man, I miss Zone 3.'

'It won't be just partying, though. We will—' Seriously, every time Watanabe opens his mouth, it's either to criticise or to correct people.

'We will have more fun, is what Watanabe wants to say, am I not right?'

Watanabe bares his teeth, zips his lips and then sighs.

Satisfied with his friend's silence, Alasdair lowers his voice. 'Before that, we should meet my father again. I know none of you likes him. I don't like him too, believe it or not, but we need him.'