We are [ENG]

Chapter 4: Waiting

After answering that deathly phone call, I was in shock for a full three seconds. How the hell did Phum get my number? This guy isn't just ruthless; he's definitely dabbling in the occult or something.

Once I regained my senses, my brain slowly started processing the situation. He said I had ten minutes to show up—or else. That was all it took for me to grab my backpack and bolt straight into what felt like the depths of hell.

Everyone in class, including the professor who was passionately lecturing about Renaissance art, turned to stare at me. Even Q looked startled. I could hear him shouting after me, but I didn't have time to answer any questions or clear up any confusion because the first circle of hell was about to swallow me whole.

"Gasp... gasp... Damn, I'm exhausted," I wheezed, finally reaching the front of the engineering building, panting like a dog after a long run in the sun.

One hand was clutching my stomach from a stitch, while the other was propping me up by the knee.

Do you have any idea how far the arts building is from the rest of civilization? It's practically in the middle of nowhere, like it's been banished from society. Meanwhile, the engineering building is right up front, proudly standing as the face of the university. And here I am, forced to sprint all the way here within ten minutes. Hah, I should sign up for the national marathon team tomorrow.

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I looked around for Phum. He didn't even specify where in the building he'd be. How the hell am I supposed to find him?

"How long are you gonna stand there, shorty?"

"It's not like I'm trying to be short!"

Wait, who am I even talking to?

I whipped around and saw Phum standing behind me, looking all tough and cool. Damn it, he scared the crap out of me. Besides dabbling in the dark arts, he's definitely trained in some ninja skills too. One second there wasn't a soul around, and the next, there's this one dog—oh, I mean, Phum—right here. Hahaha.

"What's so funny, you short lunatic? Why are you smiling?" Phum asked.

I glared at him.

Did I really just accidentally let my satisfaction of insulting him show on my face? I must be seriously pissed off. But can you blame me? Suddenly having someone control your life like this would make anyone furious. Phum is just as evil as everyone says.

Ignoring him, I started looking around for Tan. Phum and Tan hang out together, and if Tan showed up, all my efforts to lie my way out of this would be in vain.

"Besides being short and crazy, are you paranoid too?" Phum continues.

I wanted to snap back that the only reason I'm like this is because of him. "Where's Tan?"

"He's in class."

"And you're not in class?"

It's pure torture having to talk civilly with someone you absolutely despise. If I could, I'd jump up and smack him in the head a hundred times.

"What about you? Why aren't you in class?"

"I was, until some pest called and dragged me out here." I said, feeling rather bold.

Phum shot me a murderous look, and I was a bit scared. But I was brave enough to stand up to him because we were on campus, so he couldn't do anything to me. Heh.

"Hey, move," he ordered a group of freshmen sitting nearby so he could take their spot.

What a jerk. But they quickly scrambled to gather their things and vacated the spot for him.