12. Clandestinely

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Wet footsteps resounded across the empty street as he stepped on the puddles left by the rain. He stopped, sensing the presence who's been following him ever since he left the library. Then, he disappeared into the next block a second later.

Savi craned her neck and tried to look ahead, wondering where he went.

"This is stupid." She scratched the back of her head and sighed. She considered leaving it for the next day.

"But, this chance is hard to come by. I should get this over with."

She walked forward, into the darkness. Guided only by the faint light from the window of one of the houses.

"Where did he go?"

"Why are you following me?"

She screamed out of shock then took several steps backwards to distance herself from the mysterious person.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips upon realizing that it was Augustine. The man she had been following.

She closed her eyes and opened her mouth. "I know it's kind of weird to say this in such a place. This is the only chance I will be able to say this. Augustine, I have a crush on you. I have liked you since the day I saw you trying to jump from the railings in the rooftop of the CTE Building! I can't stop thinking about you. I see you everywhere, but you're always surrounded with your friends—"

"Can you say it slowly?"

"I like you, Augustine!"

Her chest heaved. She panted as she stared at him, waiting for his response.

Although Augustine is the least popular and least attractive among his group, Savi can't help noticing him.

He doesn't have an impressive figure. There are no visible veins on his arms and it wasn't even muscular. His voice isn't deep, it's soft and sounds like a whisper. He looks more delicate than her. But, something about him caught Savi's fantasy. The way he walked, talked, drink water or eat is elegant and eye-catching.

It's his cleanliness and simplicity that made Savi fall head over heels.

However, she didn't get a response from him after a considerable amount of time. They just stood there, in deafening silence.

Savi felt embarrassed. She was about to leave when a familiar sound reached her senses. A series of clacking bones.

She turned around only to see Augustine's body moving in a grotesque way. His bones dislocating right before her eyes.

All she can do was to stare in horror as a furry creature emerged at the spot where he had been standing a few seconds ago.

She blinked stupidly.

Walking slowly towards her, the furry creature spoke in what seemed like a growl, "Do you still like me?"

"Y-You..." Savi's body shook pathetically. "Y-You're a werewolf."

The delicate Augustine is now in front of her, growling with his canines exposed.

How is this possible? How did it turned out this way?

In the midst of this fear and confusion, Savi knew what to do. Her heart is beating so loudly that she can feel it in her throat. It's only normal to be like this in the presence of such a creature.

Augustine is a good person. He won't hurt her. She had no other intentions than to confess her pent-up feelings.

Looking at him, he's not showing any signs of aggression either.

"Yes, I still like you!" She said confidently.

His gaze was sharp, as though testing her conviction. But, Savi didn't submit to his intimidation.

The clacking bones resounded once again. Slowly, the furry creature transformed back to his human form.

"Come with me."

---

They sat on the roof and stared at the rain-soaked city.

"Name?"

"Savi. I'm Savi Fleuresca."

"The girl who won the burger-eating contest and got into a fight with Tricia?"

She closed her eyes, finding his words painful to hear.

Yes, she had quite a reputation.

"That's me."

"Friends with Gypsy Camero?"

She nodded her head.

Gypsy is popular in school, but she never expected that Augustine would know her, too. She should have asked for her help before following him here.

"I never expected you to like me back. It's just that—after all the overthinking I went through, I think I deserve a sincere response. So, why did you bring me here?"

The cold wind blew their faces. Savi shifted in her seat and stared at him, eagerly waiting for his answer.

He is simply mesmerizing. His scent mixed in with the fresh smell of rain is nothing short of enchanting.

"I want you to think of yourself first. Being involved with me will compromise your safety."

"I am scared of werewolves like you. Judging from your fur, you are born a rogue. But, I can protect myself." A mysterious smile formed on her face. "After all, I'm a werewolf, too."

"So, you felt the bond."

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ⓒ sinrysch

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