Chapter 33 Ch. 33: Settle Things [1]



The wheat-haired boy's brows twitched before lifting his eyelids slowly.

He blinked several times to adjust the lightning that pierced his eyes.

As his hazel eyes fully opened, the forestry environment came into view.

"Ugh."

He clutched his head at the unbearable headache.

As if remembering something, his eyes stretched wide, and Péréz abruptly sat.

"The Monster—"

Yet, the beast was nowhere to be found, only chirping birds and tranquility enveloped him.

He scanned the area and met with a pair of amber eyes, yet, to his surprise, Rhea threw her face away.

"Ah…"

Continuing to take in the surroundings, he found Sylvina and Ralph, however, they shared the same reaction.

Only then he realized that they were in contention before he stupidly entered the forest alone.

Glancing to the side, his hazel eyes crossed paths with a pair of cold cerulean eyes.

Differing from his other friends, he did not avert his gaze and Péréz felt a pang of guilt in his heart.

Mustering every grain of his courage, the wheat-haired boy stood and approached the white-haired boy who was leaning against a tree with his arms folded.

Arriving before him, Péréz couldn't help but be overwhelmed with regret for his past actions.

Without further ado, he held out his right hand and his cracked voice broke the silence.

"I'd like to apologize to you."

Although Péréz was skeptical if Adrian would forgive him, he was determined to make amends.

Adrian tilted his head and responded.

"So it was all for me and not your friends?"

"Huh?"

The wheat-haired boy's forehead creased in confusion; he couldn't comprehend his words.

"Well, your friends nearly died to save your ass from your foolish action."

Péréz was stunned, not because of Adrian's harsh comment but the revelation.

The boy darted at his friends and again, they immediately looked away to avoid eye contact.

So, the one who saved him was not Gizel's team but them…

Just… How could they decide to protect him, even after he pissed them off?

It was just—

Péréz took a step back and hastily bowed toward his comrades.

"I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused. I assure you that this issue will not arise again in the foreseeable future. Thank you so much for saving my life."

He knew he had wronged his friends, but he was determined to make it up to them. 

"..."

"..."

The trio exchanged glances for a moment before Ralph clucked his tongue and approached him.

"Péréz, remember that you're not off the hook yet."

Straightening his back, he saw Ralph standing in front of him with a stern expression.

·ƈθm "And you can't just expect us to forgive and forget."

Ralph placed his hand on Péréz's left shoulder.

"Still, I appreciate your apology and I'm glad you understand the gravity of your mistakes."

Péréz nodded his head in understanding.

"Thanks, Ralph, I know I messed up, but… I'm committed to making things right."

He knew he had a lot of work to do to earn back his friends' trust, but he was willing to do whatever it takes.

"Good. I believe you."

The muscular boy patted his back and smiled.

"Just make sure to not make the same mistake or I'll burn you to ashes!"

Péréz glanced at the voice and Rhea was seen standing next to him with her hands planted on her hips.

He couldn't help but chuckle; how come he missed arguing with her already?

"Don't worry, I promise not to fall into the same pit."

Rhea shrugged casually.

"Well, fair enough."

Beside her there was Sylvina; she was smiling gently at him.

"Please be mindful of your actions from now on."

"I will. Thank you, Vivi."

Just like the rain that soaked the arid land, Péréz couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude.

Starting today, Péréz was determined to prove to them that he was worthy of their trust and friendship.

But…

Someone was missing.

His sight landed behind Ralph and Adrian was seen not moving an inch from his previous spot.

"Excuse me."

Péréz marched toward him and their eyes connected once again.

He just learned that Adrian paved a path for him to mend the relationship between his friends, but not with him.

Despite his previous apology being rejected, Péréz still wanted to apologize properly.

"Would it be possible for us to have a private conversation?"

"..."

Yet, Adrian just remained still and looked at him uninterestedly.

Regardless, Péréz gazed back at him sincerely and patiently waited for his response.

After waiting for a minute straight, Adrian eventually straightened his back and walked past him without saying a word.

A disappointment crept in.

Nonetheless, considering how he mistreated the boy in the past three months, it was understandable.

If someone continuously treated him in that manner, he would naturally feel angry too—

"Very well."

"!"

A voice interrupted his thought and Péréz instantly veered around.

Adrian stopped walking and turned toward him.

"I said, very well."

Adrian repeated.

"Ah…"

Péréz was taken aback but he quickly composed himself and a sense of relief washed over him.

"Thank you."

Adrian shrugged and waved his hand, beckoning Péréz to follow him.

Noticing something, Péréz glanced sideways and saw his friends wishing him good luck.

He smiled and nodded his head before beginning to tail Adrian into the forest.

As the silence continued to prolong, Péréz couldn't help but feel nervous. 

He was anxious about how Adrian would react to his second apology.

Upon arriving at a small clearing, Adrian halted his track and faced Péréz.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

Without beating around the bush, he straight to the point.

—Thud

Péréz kneeled in front of the white-haired boy and eyed him intently.

However, just when Péréz could barely open his mouth, Adrian clucked his tongue in annoyance and walked away.

Péréz drooped his head and lamented.

Well, he deserved to be treated like this; he reminded himself.

He was a villain after all.

—Drrtt 

Péréz was startled when the soil beneath him unexpectedly trembled.

He glanced at the sound and Adrian was seated on a makeshift chair of an earth block.

Across from him, there was a table and an extra chair.

"Take a seat."

"Huh?"

Adrian leaned his back against the chair and crossed his legs.

"You hear me well."

He answered lightly and Péréz hesitated; he was unsure of what to do. 

"Uh…"

Judging from his previous harsh response, he expected Adrian to be angry and confrontational.

Yet, unthinkably, there was a strange turn of events. 

Nevertheless.

Péréz couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that maybe things could be resolved between them.