Gray began walking. He was so calm and studied that he even had the guts to put his hands in his pockets as he followed the two girls. His pace wasn't rushed. Well, he didn't need to be.
The alley beside the school building was quiet. It was shaded by tall trees and the concrete wall that ran along the back. It was the perfect place for kids to sneak around or hang out without being noticed.
Unfortunately for May and Jenna, they were very much noticed.
As Gray turned to the corner, he spotted the two instantly. However, he didn't proceed. Rather, Gray leaned against the corner of the wall, arms crossed. He made sure that he was out of sight.
He didn't want anyone to see her, especially the two kids. He stayed there for some time, listening to the two as they had a conversation.
"My mom said I'm too young to get a new designer bag," May whined, her voice was full of bratty annoyance. "She's so lame. I know I'm only 11, but I'm already grown up!"
"Mine too," Jenna replied, her voice was low and sad, but you can hear the annoyance behind it. "They act like we're babies."
"At least we're not like that Lily girl. She wears the same boring clothes every day." May let out a huff as she rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, and her shoes are like, old too," Jenna muttered.
"Exactly!" May agreed. "And my mom says her family's poor. Like, really poor. That's why she never brings good snacks."
"Maybe that's why she's a crybaby!" Jenna let out a mocking gasp. "Like last week, when I 'accidentally' bumped her bag off the desk and she just stood there like a statue. She didn't even say anything! It's so boring!"
"That's why it's fun! She doesn't fight back, and when she does tell on us, no one believes her." Jenna giggled as if that knowledge gives her so much joy.
Gray narrowed his eyes as he listened attentively to the two. Every mean words being said to Lily was like a punch to his face. His hands were still in his pockets, but his fingers were already curled into a fist.
He could tell that neither of the two kids had any idea that someone was listening to them. They were too used to saying whatever they wanted, without consequence. It was as if they weren't kids at all.
It made him think of what kind of parents the two have. They must be shitty, as they can't even discipline their children.
"Honestly," May sighed as she sat on the ground, "I hope she gets moved to another class. I don't like her. Her face is annoying and my crush said she's cute! I don't want that."
"It's fine, May." Jenna patted May's back. "If not, then we can make her leave!"
'These fucking kids…'
That was enough.
Gray stepped out from the corner where he was hiding. He stepped forward, going into full sight. The moment May and Jenna saw him, they stopped their words and became surprised.
Their small eyes widened, and their tiny bodies immediately stood straight. But still, the two didn't look scared. It was as if they knew that even with troubles, they can easily get away of it because their parents would save them like they usually do.
"Good morning, kids, what are you doing here?" Gray smiled sweetly. It was so sweet that he could feel the corners of his lips aching as he stretched them out widely.
May and Jenna blinked at him. There was a brief pause before they returned back to their usual bratty selves.
"Who are you?" May asked, frowning. "This is a school. You're not supposed to be here."
"Yeah, are you a creepy uncle?" Jenna added with a sneer.
Gray's smile twitched slightly.
"Oh, no," he said calmly, "nothing like that. I was just walking by and heard some kids talking about bullying a girl named Lily. That name sounds familiar. I think I know her…"
"Why do you know here? She's a loser." May's eyes became curious as she stared at the tall man in front of her.
"Yes! Yes! She's boring too!" Jenna said as she folded her arms. "Why are you even talking to us, Sit? You're not a teacher or a parent."
"No," Gray replied as he smiled even more. "I'm her brother."
"…"
For a moment, both girls stood stunned.
But then May gave a cocky little laugh, clearly unfazed.
"So what? Are you gonna cry about it for her?"
Jenna giggled beside her.
And that was it.
Gray's smile vanished.
His patience was thin, especially for kids like this. It was one of the things he hated in the world.
Gray took a step forward. His smile dropped low. He doesn't hurt women, especially kids.
"I wasn't planning to get involved, you know" he said, his voice calm, "because I thought maybe you were just kids who didn't know any better."
Another step forward.
"But now I see that you do know better. And you still do it."
May instinctively took a step back. Jenna's giggle died in her throat, and she became silent on the side.
Gray crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to their eye level, but still towering enough to feel threatening.
"You think it's fun to make someone feel small?" he said, tilting his head. "To laugh at someone because they're poor?" His eyes darkened, and the sweetness in his expression was now long gone.
"Let me make this simple. If I even hear that either of you looked at my sister the wrong way again—" He leaned closer, his voice now just above a whisper.
"I'll kidnap you two and throw you in the ocean, okay?"
May's mouth opened slightly, her face suddenly turned pale. On the other hand, Jenna blinked, unsure whether to scream, cry, or run.
"A-a-are you serious…?" May's voice trembled. Her chin wobbled as she instinctively stepped behind Jenna, her earlier confidence was now gone.
"You can't say that!" Jenna blurted out loud, but her voice cracked. "You're… That's bad! You'll get in trouble!"
"Maybe," Gray replied coolly, standing back up. "But how will they know that it's me since I already threw you in the ocean?" Gray smiled again.
"So… are we clear?"
Neither the girl answered. They were just standing still with trembling hands.
"I asked. Do. You. Understand?"
"…Y-yes…" May mumbled, her voice cracking.
Jenna also nodded quickly.
"Good." Gray's smile returned, but this time, it wasn't sweet. It was cold and knowing.
"Now," he gestured with his hand, "don't say this to anyone okay? You'll see what happens if you do."
"Y…Yess…" The two kids answered in unison, their voices were low. They wanted to cry out loud and run away, but they were too scared.
"Alright. Go now."
Without another word, the two girls ran off like startled cats.
Gray could even hear them as they cried while running, blaming one another.
"Pft-- that was so easy." Gray almost laughed at it.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host!]
[Mission Completed.]
[You have been rewarded +1 in influence.]
|+$1,000 has been added to your wealth,]