Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 11 - Doubt It

 – What's the problem?

The boys got closer, getting a look at her cellphone.

– Siali got injured, said Leto, shocked. He seems to be doing okay, but since he won't be available for a while... Soohun's asking me to take this Taemin as my rookie.

– Wait, that kid you can't stand? Asked Gesh.

– Yeah, this one. Why me?

She pouted, putting her phone away. Ishael chuckled.

– Well, you should be happy, your father is finally giving you better missions than terrorize the local street rats or shit like that.

– And if he sucks, you can still ban him, since you're a Lieutenant now.

– I agree with Gesh. That's nothing to worry about, sis.

– Yeah, you're right.

She sighed, while the green-haired man put a hand on her shoulder.

– Let's go home.

– Let's go.

Her friends left the rooftop first, going down the stairs. Leto was about to do the same, but stopped, and looked back at Dufferdale, how the sun shined on its building, how the clear blue sky fitted it so well. She watched the spot where Rhy and her were sitting some minutes ago, and she reminded of his warmness, of his strong arms around her, of his fingers in her hair. For a bit, the idea of not seeing him again hit her, but the pain in her chest didn't last for long when she thought about what he told her. Of course they would meet again.

– You comin', sis?

– Yeah, yeah.

– Otherwise we'll leave without you!

– Hey, wait for me, you dumbasses!

She ran downstairs, catching up with them as they left the place.

– So, what are we doing, now? Gesh questioned, as they got into Ishael's car.

– Can you guys drive me to Weckham Corp? Asked Leto, checking her phone.

– Well, sure, agreed the blonde, driving off. But, like, Soohun told us you'd be on a break?

She sent a text then put it away.

– I need to talk to him.

Pushing the wooden door felt like usual: going to her father's office was something stressful to Leto. And seeing her stepmother was sitting next to him didn't help: what if she saw her with Rhy earlier today?

– Hello again, Leto, casually said her dad.

– Hi, told the blonde woman next to him, smiling.

– Hey...

Noticing her anxiety, the blonde woman woke up.

– Did you want to talk to your father? She asked. If so, I can leave.

– No, no worries Lieza, answered the pink-haired girl. You can stay, I just have something quick to ask.

She sat back, Soohun wrapping an arm around her, and Leto could not help but think of Rhy. The man's voice got her out of her thoughts:

– Go ahead, he told her.

– It's about that Taemin.

– Is there a problem with him?

– Yeah. And that's directly related to that stray Lyfer I've killed.

– How come?

Leto crossed her arms.

– I've killed that woman to protect him. But I don't understand why she attacked him first.

– Get to the point.

His impatience made her sigh.

– I'm glad you gave me this mission, but I can't accept it. There's something off about this boy, and even if it would just be me being paranoiac, I'd still not teach him well because of that. And as a Downtown Lieutenant, it is my duty to refuse a mission I know I would fail.

The brown-haired man considered her for a while, then smiled.

– You really grew up, Leto. I am proud of you for coming there and being honest about it. You deserve your rank.

She nodded as an answer.

– Then it's okay. I'll give this rookie to another Lieutenant until Siali's back, but considering what you told me, I'll keep an eye on him.

– Thanks.

– It is me who is thanking you. Enjoy your days off, Leto.

She gave them a quick smile before turning around, exiting the office, rejoining her friends.

– How did it go? Asked Gesh, as the three of them walked to the elevator.

– Quite smooth. I won't have to take care of that-...

However, she did not finish her phrase, and the three of them abruptly stopped: Taemin was coming their way.

– O-oh, hi, Lieutenants, he told, sheepishly.

– 'Sup, kiddo? Said the blonde.

– Heard your instructor got shot, commented Leto, tilting her head to the side, hands in her jeans' pockets.

– Yeah, about that...

– Hey, move outta the way, asshole!

Suddenly, the black-haired boy got tossed away, and the little group's nerves got on the edges when they recognized the voice: it was the guys from the Serenade. When they noticed Leto standing right behind, they took a step back.

– What a coincidence, growled the green-haired man.

– So, you two don't only disrespect Lieutenants, you also harass trainees, huh? Added Ishael.

– H-hey, we're sorry, we're-...

– As if we cared.

In a swift move, she grabbed one of them by the collar, pushing him on the wall.

– You better keep your filthy mouth shut and let this boy be, 'kay? Don't forget what a freak I am.

– Y-yes...

She could feel their fear, and in a way, that soothed her: they were too frightened of her to disobey. She let go off him, and the two of them left the corridor in a hurry. Taemin turned to her, stunned.

– Th-thank you... again, he whispered.

– Yeah, whatev'.