Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(85) TMotDS: No, I'm Not That Strong!

The Botanical Greenhouse was empty during Saturday. No rowdy students, no science club activities, it was a peaceful place. And it was Leona's favorite place. The older lion stride along the stone path, enjoying the warm sunlight that swept through the glass above. However, when he reached his usual spot, he found something. More like someone.

"Pirate Boy?"

The boy had his head down, pressed against his knees which were pulled close to his chest. He flinched when his name was called. Slowly, he lifted his head and Leona could see the puffy eye and wet red cheek. "Oh. Did I take your spot?" the boy mumbled, sounded so tired. "Sorry. I'll leave."

Leona quickly stepped forward and put a hand on Jonah's shoulder, preventing him from getting up. "Were you crying?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Jonah averted his gaze. "No."

"Yeah. You're not gonna fool me."

"Wasn't trying too."

Leona frowned. With his hand still on Jonah's shoulder, Leona set himself on the grass. "What happened?"

Jonah bit his lip before he sighed. He once again pressed his forehead on his knees. "I fucked up really bad."

"Everyone fucked up at one point in life."

"Even you?"

"I overbloted remember?" Leona rubbed behind his neck, glancing at Jonah's arm. "Whatever happened to you, it couldn't possibly be worse."

"I nearly killed Senior Riddle." Leona blinked. Jonah scrunched up his forehead, pressing it hand to the palm of his hand as his eye once again teared up. "I just... I didn't mean to. I... I wasn't thinking... I just blast him off and..."

"What made you do that?" Because Leona just couldn't get his head wrapped around the fact this brat can accidentally kill someone.

"I don't know!" Jonah gripped his hair in frustration. "I was angry and I didn't think..."

"At whom?"

Jonah blinked in confusion. He finally turned his head toward him. "Huh?"

"Were you angry at the Red Prince?"

"No! I'm not-"

"Then who are you angry at?"

"I don't know! I don't know, okay?!" Finally slapping Lona's hand away from his shoulder, Jonah shot up, screaming until his face became red. "Should I be angry at that takoyaki who put us in this situation? Should I be angry at those three idiots for signing the contracts? Should I be angry at Rosehearts for being nosy with my business? Should I be angry at myself for not paying attention to them? I just-Whoa!"

Without announcing anything, Leona suddenly pulled him down, twisting his body so he landed with his back on the ground. "Oi!" Before he could get up again, Leona covered his eyes, pressing down lightly to keep his head on the ground.

"You think too much..." Leona said, not really looking at the boy who tried to rip his hand away from his face. "Close your eye for a moment. Calm yourself. Take a nap if you need to."

Jonah bit his trembling lip. With a sob, he finally let go of Leona's hand, letting his hand fall beside him. Leona kept his hand on Jonah's eyes, making sure that he didn't try to get up. "You're right, Senior Leona." The lion's ears perked up when he heard the small whisper. "This heart of mine is going to be my downfall."

Leona turned his head slightly toward the smaller boy. "Didn't you say you want to take the gamble?"

"Will it be worth it?"