Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 31 - Arisa

I thought I could put the rooftop losers to the back of my mind. I thought I could attend my morning classes without interacting with any of them. Then the delinquent went and claimed the seat behind me. Everything that rat-pack did was either rewarded or overlooked by both students and teachers. I knew it was out of fear and intimidation. Zander had his fan club looking out for him, Loyal had the whole school terrified of the rooftop, and Khaleel went around toying with people's hearts. I couldn't understand why Hino associated with people like that.

Maybe Krish and Paulie were right. Maybe there was a dark side to Hino too, and I just hadn't seen it yet. Still. He was the only one I could get real answers out of. I wanted to know what Loyal's relationship with Wade was like? I wanted to know why a rich kid like Loyal needed to make extra money on the side? Was it for drugs? Alcohol? Maybe he was an addict? I wasn't banking on Hino giving away the farm but I was hoping to learn a couple of useful things. Unfortunately, he wasn't in class today. I had no idea where he was but I hoped he wouldn't be away for too long.

After first period, I ignored Khaleel on purpose. I wanted to keep calm and carry on. I wanted to maintain my composure and not let him provoke me anymore. "Hey Krish," I said, catching up to him on the way to second period. "Where is Paulie? I haven't seen her this morning."

"She had a dentist appointment," Krish replied. We walked the corridor together, moving past the crowded space, and eventually reached the stairwell. "How are things going with the devil?"

My stomach shrank as we climbed the wide steps. "Found out that he hates being called that," I said, hoping it would encourage Krish to reconsider using it in the future. "Besides that, I'm so tightly tangled up in his web, I don't know how to get out."

"Sounds about right," he nodded. "It's kind of why I didn't say anything to you during English."

"I understand. I don't want you doing anything that would make you feel uncomfortable."

"Sorry for being such a coward. I've crossed paths with his friends before and I promised myself I would never do it again."

That peaked my interest. "Speaking of which," I said, stopping him at the top. It was one of the quieter staircases, not as many students used it because it went straight to the rooftop entrance. "What can you tell me about the soccer prodigy?"

Krish led me to the third floor and away from prying eyes. "Hino is not the nice guy he pretends to be," he said. "I saw him on my way back from school one time, playing soccer with a completely different crowd than his usual teammates. We live in the same neighbourhood, so I guess you could say it was fate. His opponents were older, bigger, and looked like they were fresh out of juvenile detention. At first, the game looked like a regular three on three, but the longer I watched, the more I realized something was off."

"With the game?"

"With Hino," Krish whispered. "He gets quiet and serious on the field, so it wasn't a shock to see him assessing everyone and their positions. That night was different though...when the ball was passed to him, his focus shifted from the game to his opponent."

"How exactly?"

"He kicked the ball so hard it bounced off the goalie's head before it went into net," Krish said. "I've never seen anyone score with such scary precision. The goalie dropped...and no one moved to help him, not because they didn't want to, but out of fear. You know how I said legends don't get to pick their names?"—I nodded—"Well, that doesn't just apply to Loyal. Hino has earned one too. They call him Grim Reaper because when plays on the field, it turns into a graveyard."

Slow breaths escaped me.

"I lost it on him," Krish admitted. "I said we had to get the goalie to the hospital right away. The blood—there was so much blood, Arisa. But instead of thanking me for calling the ambulance you know what he said?"

I was afraid to ask.

"Snitches get stitches," Krish finished.

I shook my head refusing to believe it. "A-Are you saying Hino meant to hit the goalie that hard?"

Krish'a fear was contagious. "I'm convinced he did. You can't be fooled into thinking he's a good guy. He's not. They are all evil. How can they not be while working for the devil?"