Castaway ➳ cth [EDITING/HIATUS]

Chapter 23

*Calum's P.O.V.*

Another scream broke the silent neighborhood. What was going on? Judging from the voice, the person isn't as far away as I thought they would be.

Usually, I'm not that type of person who loves to manipulate other's businesses, society taught me well enough, but at that moment I was battling with myself of whether I should take action or not. Still, I had no idea whether the person was threatened or not.

Climbing down the water pipe next to my balcony, I landed safe and sound on the soft grass of the front garden and sneaked along the huge walls surrounding the property, so my mother won't observe my depart.

Ducking under the trees along the driveway, I glimpsed around the corner of the gate to see where the situation was happening. No one in my field of vision, but curiosity took over me.

The gate wasn't fully closed, giving me access to leave through a tiny gap between the two heavy, black steal doors.

Weak lighting of the streets lamps provided mere vision, it was hard to notice anything in the darkness.

My eyes finally recognized two people... dancing? No, that's impossible. Otherwise one of them wouldn't have screamed.

I stepped closer, my back pressed against the cinderblock walls. The quietness pointed out my heavy breathing, the air from my lungs evaporating in the coldness sent shivers down my spine.

So sketchy.

As I took my time watching these two people dancing, I shuffled closer until my eyes were finally capable to assume that they were not dancing or hugging each other, but one of them in struggling in the other's pair of arms while she whimpered noisily.

The victim got yanked backwards, the long, blue hair swept around, reflecting the weak street lamp's light.

"June!"

*June's P.O.V.*

The sound of my name made me weaken in his arms. Rescue, someone had noticed me after an eternity of fighting against a stranger.

"Let her go!" The voice yelled and ran towards us. Using the same manner as the hooded man did, he tackled us and we all ended up laying on the ground, my head smashed against the sharp stones scattered along the path.

"Ouh... holy shit", I panted and delicately touched my temple. A metallic odor made me wince, blood was pouring down my head, wetting my hair.

I feel my eyes flicker towards the fight that broke out in the last few moments; Calum was straddling the guy and wouldn't quit punching him in the torso, head and neck, the attacker under him ached and made a deal to fight back but his energy left his body.

"Stop... stop..." the stranger coughed and hold his throat, swallowing in pain and using his hands to protect his face. "It's me, Cal, it's me."

In confusion, I rose up and started at the situation unfolding. My vision started to blurry, but I kept myself conscious. The nervousness and shock forced me to stay awake. A trail of dark red liquid flowed from the open wound down my jawline.

The hesitation between both of them created such a credible silence that I believed I heard the drop of blood landing on the soil.

"I can't believe it", Calum huffed and got off the attacker's body. What was he not able to believe?

"Ashton?"

His voice cracked by mentioning the man's name. Ashton. Did I hear the name somewhere?

Calum helped Ashton up on his feet, the guy flicked off his hoodie, revealing his face.

His appearance was terrible. Open wounds, bruises and cuts on every part of his face and neck, but his hazel eyes remained threatening. He wiped his palms on his black jeans and ran his fingers through his dark blonde hair.

"Are you guys related, or something?" I broke the quietness and gazed at Calum and Ashton, one at the time.

Ashton scoffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Do you think we look related? I don't even know him." He nods at Calum and shrugs, making Calum frown and blink in disturbance.

"Hey man, I'm just fucking around with you", Ashton grinned and nudged him in the shoulder. "You're my bestie. Remember the times we used to eat ice cream together and watch chick flicks on every Friday night?"

I could see Calum's eyes roll in annoyance. "Stop making those ridiculously bad jokes to camouflage your bad reputation. Just go and leave June alone for once."

Ashton's smirk turned into a childish pout. "But you told me it's all right if she comes with me! Remember the three thousands?"

My ears couldn't believe what they were hearing. But you told me it's all right if she comes with me. Remember the three thousands?

He's a criminal. He's a criminal. He's a criminal.

Michael's voice reverberated in my brain over and over, nonstop, causing the headaches to hurt even worse.

"June, go hide in my room." Calum's voice shook as if he lost control, his eyes wouldn't leave Ashton's, "now."

I hear Ashton clap jokingly, he laughed scornfully. "You didn't tell your pretty girlfriend about our deal? Man, I thought you were a tad sincerer." He came closer to me, kneeling down to touch my cheek. I crawled backwards, indicating I don't seek any physical contact in any way shape or form.

"June, get back into the house, now." Calum spoke louder this time, making me freeze in fear. The agonizing pain in my head kicked in.

Ashton stops in his action and turns around to face Calum, a nasty smile plastering his face.

"We got a lot of explaining to do, my friend", he chuckled. 

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(A/N): Sike, this is gonna be the last one because I'm feeling like I'm about to die right now :D

But hey, triple update!

Anyway, thanks for reading, stay tuned!

-Ally