Saving the Villain

"Max."

Sarah called even before she could think of anything, biting her tongue when Maxen looked back at her. She didn't know what came over her to call Maxen and stop him from getting out of the room, but since she already did, there was nothing she could do.

"Hmm?" Maxen tilted his head to the side, waiting for Sarah to say what she wanted to tell him. There wasn't anything distinct from his countenance.

"Are you okay?" asked Sarah with a tinge of nervousness before she awkwardly added, "don't get me wrong. I just noticed that something seemed off, so I'm asking. Did I misread it?"

Maxen kept his lips in a straight, thin line and took a few seconds before he answered. "Yes, you did, but thank you."

"Oh…" Sarah laughed awkwardly, watching Maxen walk away without looking back. "Something definitely is not right."

Just then, Fay yawned loudly, catching Sarah's attention. The latter shifted her attention to Fay, only to hear Fay say something gibberish while yawning.

"Well." Sarah shook her head, throwing whatever thoughts were into the back of her head. "They'll be fine."

One thing Sarah was confident about was that whatever bothered Luke, Maxen, and Cosette, they would figure it out on their own. If this was in the past, Sarah would try to know what was actually the problem. But now, she believed they would tell her if they wanted to.

It wasn't that Sarah didn't care about her friends anymore. It was just that her priorities this year changed quite a bit. After all, her mother and father divorced and came along with it a ton of problems.

Surely, many things happened this school year. For instance, Remo, who used to be a school bully was now friends with Maxen. Remo was also focusing on his studies instead of ruining his life in the street.

Fay also changed, and anyone would say Fay's change was for the good. She took everyone by storm with her grades and surprised everyone with how hardworking she was.

Amie, on the other hand, also had changed. Her change, however, was something that worried her friends. Sarah could only hope Amie would earn her newfound gut and courage, but for the good.

Cosette, Luke, and Maxen were more or less the same. Those three didn't change much. Or rather, their changes weren't in school since those three were already top students with a great backgrounds. But for sure, Sarah knew those three matured one way or another.

Sometimes, Sarah would think about the changes in her friends and their relationship. But, deep in her heart, she knew they were still the friends she used to know. It was just that their priorities were changing, and they could only support each other.

'This year… is surely something memorable.' Despite that realization, Sarah still smiled with pride. 'I'm proud of my friends.'

***********

"Ahh —ack!" Cosette tapped Luke's arms as the latter kept her in a headlock, twisting his knuckles on top of her head as he caught her in the hallway. "It hurts!"

"Take back what you said!"

"No way — ack!" Cosette winced and ground her teeth. "Fine, fine! I'm kidding!"

"Are you sure?!"

"Yes!"

Luke paused and peeked at her face. "You're lying."

"Ahh!" Cosette shrieked again before she blurted out. "I swear I'll kill you if I get out of here."

"Then more reason to smash your skull —" Luke halted when Maxen's figure suddenly walked past the two. Cosette also stopped complaining, snapping her eyes at Maxen's figure.

He just walked past them as if he didn't see them. Cosette and Luke were unsure if that was on purpose or not.

"Oy, Cosette, did you two fight?" asked Luke, unknowingly releasing her.

Cosette just stood beside him, eyes on Maxen's back. Worry filled her eyes, pursing her lips into a thin line. Last night, she snuck into his room. However, she heard Maxen was still with Conrad. Although she waited for him to return to his room and eventually fell asleep, Maxen didn't return until morning.

She heard Maxen and Conrad left late last night and only returned at dawn. She didn't have time to ask him because Maxen slept on their way to school.

"What? You fought?" her train of thoughts halted when Luke gasped, making her frown. "Oy, Cosette. How dare you fight him when he already saved our asses last night?"

Cosette glared daggers at him. "How am I always at fault when something happens between Maxen and me?"

"Because Max is innocent!" Luke replied without a second hesitation; it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't even think about his response. His reply was already automatic. "I'm certain if there's a problem with your relationship, the cause is you."

Luke shamelessly pointed at her, making her frown deepen. However, instead of refuting that, Cosette couldn't. After all, Luke was telling the truth.

She sighed, setting her eyes ahead.

"I'm not sure about anything," she murmured. "But if I am the real cause, I want to confirm and talk to him."

Cosette didn't hesitate to follow Maxen, knowing Maxen wouldn't be so petty. Even if he was upset about last night, she was certain they could talk about it and makeup. It had always been that way. For as long as they communicate, they would be fine.

Seeing that Cosette walked away in the same direction where Maxen went, Luke blinked innocently.

"Hey!" called Luke, following Cosette. "You can't threaten him anymore. I'd make sure you'd get a piece of him instead of getting away easily. I'll teach Maxen how to teach a spoiled brat like you a lesson."

Cosette ignored Luke's sentiments and accusatory remarks. It was pointless to even try to change Luke's belief that Cosette was simply threatening Maxen whenever they have misunderstandings.

With that being said, the two found themselves standing on the rooftop they hadn't visited for some time. Their eyes searched for Maxen, only to find him sleeping under the shade where he would usually sleep while skipping class in the past.