Chapter 20: Things Are Looking Up!

Cilian

The throbbing in his fists were nothing more than a dull ache. He rolled his shoulders back and straightened up, keeping his gaze fixated on Sam.

"The money," Cilian growled, taking a step closer. Sam chuckled, digging his hand into his pocket. "A bet is a bet. Even though I lost, you did give quite the show," he said, shifting his gaze to the unconscious Hyun, "Looks like we don't need this useless sack of shit anymore."

Cilian glanced over his shoulder to see Hyun groan, his body slightly twitching.

Cilian scoffed. If the stubborn fool had given up 10 minutes ago, he wouldn't be knocked out and on his ass. Though, he'd be lying if he said it didn't feel good to finally shut him up. The entire room was silent and Cilian looked around to see blank and shocked faces staring at him. Figures. All he was glad to see were the lack of cameras recording him.

"Here."

Cilian turned back. His gaze settled on Sam's outstretched hand, in it a thick wad of green bills. They all seemed to be hundreds. "5,000. I'm sure Hyun won't miss it."

Cilian hesitated, trying to read Sam's expression. Not being able to see his eyes was annoying, as only his lips revealed emotion. As if hearing his thoughts, the male slowly lifted his head and peered upwards, letting just a few strands fan across his forehead. His lifeless grey eyes peeked through.

"What, you don't want the money?"

"Tch." Cilian grabbed the wad of cash from him and shoved it into his hoodie pocket, then turning to leave this nuisance of a party.

"Hey," Sam called out. Cilian stopped in his tracks.

"If you ever want to make more cash like that, come and find me."

He stiffened, his sore hands balling into fists. He forced himself to swallow his pride and acknowledge the fact that this was an opportunity. He could practically feel Ivy's stare boring into the side of his head. He swallowed thickly.

"Fine."

"Oh, and bring your girlfriend too."

Cilian whipped around to see Sam's flat grin. He growled.

"She's not my-"

"We'll be sure to take you up on that!" Ivy chimed in. She latched onto his arm, pulling him towards the living room's exit. He huffed, reluctantly letting himself be dragged out of the home.

After being led through the front garden and past the sleek black gates, he tore himself from her grasp.

"Alright, enough." He grumbled, shoving his hands into his pocket. Ivy didn't argue and looked up at him with a huge smile- which took him aback.

"How did you learn to fight like that? It was amazing! The way your fists went all swoosh and bam was just," Her hands waved about eccentrically, as if trying to recreate his moves- though horribly done. He stifled a snort and instead shrugged.

"Used to train at a gym."

"Really? Can you teach me some-"

"No."

"But come on!

"No way."

Ivy visibly slumped, her lips puckered into a pout. "So mean." She mumbled.

Cilian simply rolled his eyes. Though, it was amusing how eccentric the girl could be sometimes.

They made it onto the sidewalk and began to return to the bus stop. It was dark, with the only light around being the high street lamps, illuminating the path ahead. Ivy's fast pace allowed her to walk ahead. Cilian stared at her, his thumb rubbing over the wad of cash he held in his pocket. He felt like he was indebted to her. It was annoying.

After a few minutes of grumbling to himself, Cilian stopped.

"Hey," he called. Ivy stopped and looked over her shoulder.

With a tsk, he pulled out the money for her to see.

"How much do you want?"

"Huh?"

"Your cut. How much do you want?"

Ivy tilted her head, her eyebrows furrowed and upturned. Did she not understand the word cut?

"Why would I take some of the money? I didn't do anything. Besides, you definitely deserve it."

Cilian silently blinked, now puzzled himself. He wondered if Ivy understood what he was saying, or if there was some catch to her words. Not taking the cash didn't make any sense.

"Geez, are you gonna make me spell it out? I wouldn't have been able to get into the party without you. So, how much do you want already?"

Ivy turned around fully, shrugging.

"None. Getting you in is hardly anything."

A smirk then crept on her face, and Cilian perked up.

"I'm not doing this to be nice or anything. I guess, think of that money as a downpayment on our partnership. When I pull my weight, then we'll split 50/50. But…if you really wanna treat me, buy me some snacks from the convenience store."

With that, Ivy turned on her heels and continued down the path, leaving Cilian dumbfounded. He knew that she was struggling just as much as he- yet she refused to take a dollar. It wasn't out of pity either. No, it was respect. Which he…appreciated.

Cilian felt his ears heat up, but he brushed it off, cracking a faint smirk of his own.

"Fine, have it your way."

He continued to follow after her.