Chapter 3 our classroom

Chapter 3

"How exactly are you two related?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I wasn't sure if I should tell them. It's weird to say he's my stepdad when we're only nine years apart. So, I just stayed quiet.

"Are you eating with Kuro later?" I changed the topic.

She grinned mischievously, and I laughed. This girl!

"Ugh, you're so crazy over Kuro!" she teased, giving me a light slap on the shoulder, making me laugh harder.

"Let's eat together later. Bring Kuro along, Asha," Calen said.

Natasha nodded with a smile, and both Calen and I grinned even wider.

After that, we went back to our classroom. Calen had been excited since earlier to have lunch with Kuro. Honestly, so was I. This was my chance to get closer to him. Even just as a friend - that's good enough for me! I'm not even allowed to have a boyfriend yet.

Zero's right too. I'm only fourteen. It's too early for me to get into a relationship like that. Kuro's a year older than Calen and me, but we're in the same grade. Sometimes, I even mistake him for a senior high student because of his height, mature looks, and demeanor.

I tried to focus on the lesson. Our teacher was saying something, but I couldn't understand any of it. Natasha's words earlier were still bugging me.

He almost punched Kuro yesterday.

I didn't even know how to react to that. So the three of them are cousins, and I had no idea. I don't know anything about Zero's family. I'm pretty sure Mom doesn't either.

After he told me yesterday to just call him by his name, he immediately left. Maybe that's when he went to see Kuro.

But what does he even care if Kuro talks to me? It's not like I'm dating Kuro - and even if I did, there's nothing wrong with that. Is he just overly strict? Is that what dads are supposed to be like?

Maybe he's just trying to fulfill his responsibility as my stepfather.

I also wondered... why did he agree to marry my mom? Was he really okay with her being older than him? But if he was, why did he hurt her before?

At least now, they don't fight anymore. I haven't heard them yelling in a long time.

"Hey, idiot!"

I jumped when Calen suddenly pinched my arm. I looked around and saw everyone staring at me. I lowered my head in embarrassment. How long have I been spacing out?

"Ms. Destaun! Are you listening?!"

I looked up at our teacher and slowly nodded.

Sh*t. Next time, I really have to pay attention!

Class finally ended, and like we planned, Natasha, Calen, and I went to eat together.

"Where's Kuro? I thought he was eating with us," Calen asked when we didn't see him with Natasha.

"He said he'll follow. He has something to do first."

Calen and I both nodded. A little while later, we saw Kuro walking toward us. His face was expressionless, and the way he walked - so cool and confident. He was alone. Maybe his friends weren't with him today.

"Sorry, Sister. I had to talk to someone," he said, sitting across from me beside Natasha.

I kept my eyes on him. I had no intention of looking away. But he didn't even glance at me. Not even for a second.

"You took forever! These two have been waiting," Natasha said, referring to us.

He looked at me, but only briefly. Then he turned to Calen and smiled.

I bet Calen's over the moon right now.

"Let's order," I suggested.

Natasha flashed a teasing grin.

"You and Kuro order for us," she suddenly said, making me look at Kuro.

Kuro stood up, so I followed. He walked ahead, and I stuck my tongue out at Calen before hurrying to catch up with Kuro so we could walk together. Some students were staring at us, and a few were even giving me dirty looks.

He ordered the same thing for everyone. I guess I only came along to help carry the food.

Why isn't he saying anything?

I cleared my throat to get his attention, but he didn't even look at me. No reaction.

"Umm, why aren't you talking?" I asked.

He sighed, then finally glanced at me. Those deep eyes of his... so captivating.

He opened his mouth but closed it again. When he saw I was waiting for an answer, he finally spoke.

"My cousin Hanzero threatened me yesterday... he said I'm not allowed to talk to you," he said coldly before turning his back on me.

He walked back to our table. I picked up the rest of the food and followed.

What kind of threat?

I Stayed Silen

I stayed quiet the entire class, not uttering a single word. Calen kept asking me about our lessons, but I only answered with nods or shakes of my head. I don't even know why I'm like this. I just feel annoyed. Annoyed at Zero. Annoyed at the man my mom married-my stepfather.

Why did he have to threaten Kuro to stay away from me? I also noticed earlier that Kuro was avoiding me. It felt like something they had talked about. I could sense he was deliberately keeping his distance. It should've felt normal since Kuro and I don't really talk anyway. We're not friends or anything. But this time, I could really feel it. He wouldn't even look at me.

Whenever I tried to speak, he'd change the topic. And if not, he'd just go quiet and stare at his food.

I quietly got into Zero's car. He was still the one picking me up. I don't even know how he finds time to fetch me when I know he's a busy person. Grandpa told me Zero sometimes helps his dad with their company and other times, he works on some personal business no one knows about.

I could feel his gaze on me. From the corner of my eye, I could see him looking. I still felt uneasy being around him - but I know I should get used to it.

Sometimes, I'm scared of him. But right now, I don't even feel afraid. I just wanted to talk to Kuro and be friends with him. I had no plans of flirting with him or anything. Why did Zero have to threaten him like that?

"How's school?"

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the sound of his voice - deep, serious, and intimidating.

"I-it's fine..." My annoyance toward him faded instantly.

He started the car. As we drove off, he glanced at me for a second before focusing back on the road. Just earlier, I was so pissed at him - but now, I was back to feeling uneasy and a little scared.

His face is always so serious - and his voice, so cold. His big build only adds to the intimidation. I mean, in the shows I watch, stepfathers often hurt their stepdaughters. And I don't want that happening to me. If he can hurt Mom, there's a chance he could do the same to me.

"Are you and Kuro cousins?" I asked without looking at him, afraid he might hit me for asking.

"Yeah," he answered, taking a deep breath.

I nodded. I wanted to ask why he was keeping Kuro away from me - but I already knew what he'd say. He'd just claim he was looking out for me.

"Why?"

I was a bit surprised when he suddenly spoke. I stared at him for a few seconds before finally opening my mouth.

"Why are you forbidding him from coming near me?" I asked directly.

I saw him swallow hard - and it made him look even more handsome. I could see his Adam's apple move. He licked his lower lip and let out a deep sigh.

He looked like he was having a hard time answering.

Is it really that difficult to say?

They're cousins. Maybe he just doesn't want me getting involved with his relatives. Maybe he doesn't want them to know I'm his stepdaughter. Maybe he's keeping his marriage to Mom a secret. And he's embarrassed about it. He doesn't want anyone to find out - so I should stay quiet too. Because I don't want people finding out either.

Calen's already seen Zero. I'm sure he's confused since Zero's so intimidating at first glance. I'll just tell him he's one of Mom's friends.

I glanced back at Zero after getting lost in my thoughts.

"Like I told you before. You're not allowed to have a boyfriend," he said quietly - but I still heard it. His voice was deep and serious.

It made me think of Kuro's raspy voice. Their tones were kind of similar.

I frowned at what he said.

"Kuro's not my boyfriend. I have no plans of having one. Because... I'm still young," I told him.

I gripped my bag tightly on my lap when I saw his brows furrow.

"Still... you're not allowed to talk to any boys. I forbid it."

"But-"

"Don't disobey my rules, Hestia Reign. You won't like the punishment if you do."

I pressed my lips together. Punishment? He's going to punish me if I don't follow his orders? Is he going to hurt me too like he does with Mom sometimes?

"Is it because Kuro's your cousin?" His left eyebrow raised at my question. "Is it because you don't want them to find out-" I didn't get to finish my sentence because he cut me off.

"I have no plans of introducing you as my stepdaughter, Hestia. I want... something more than that."

To Be Continued...