Chapter "Trembling News"

"I told Ullmar to make an anonymous call to the police, reporting a fight involving Red Evil gang members by the roadside," continued Hamlyn. "Expecting an overreaction from the police department, I knew they would send extra officers to the scene. Once the station heard about the planned arrest of Red Evil, the corrupt officer helping Red Evil would undoubtedly rush to their aid, and seeing that one officer panic confirmed his guilt. Now, we just need to suspend him and make sure every member of Red Evil is put behind the bars.”

“But won't Kenshin and Daigo break out of jail by themselves? They're incredibly strong.” Hamond raised a concern.

Hamlyn's smile broadened "Who said anything about sending those two to jail?" he retorted, leaving Hamond, Fredy, and Henry bewildered.

"Then what's your plan?" pressed Fredy.

"I have no intention of sending them behind the bar” Hamlyn's voice turned chillingly, “My plan for those two is different."

Ullmar's grin echoed Hamlyn's determination, while confusion registered on the faces of Hamond, Fredy, and Henry.

"It will be quite fun, Kenshin!" concluded Hamlyn, his smile remaining unyielding.

The scene shifts to Daigo and the Red Evil gang, all kneeling in reverence before Kenshin's brooding figure, shrouded in darkness and silence.

Suddenly, Kenshin's laughter pierces the eerie quiet, a torrent of madness pouring forth.

"Hamlyn, Hamlyn, Hamlyn!" Kenshin's voice echoed chillingly, "The fun of confronting you will be... delicious," he declared, his voice tinged with anticipation. "I can already feel the warmth of Hamlyn's blood across my face." His eyes gleamed with a sinister excitement. "The Earth itself seems to be waiting for Hamlyn's blood, and this air." he inhaled deeply, "Eagerly anticipating Hamlyn's screams." Kenshin's smile widened, chillingly. "Let's dance, Hamlyn... Let's dance to the rhythm of your terror.”

In a surreal moment of synchrony, both Hamlyn and Kenshin's faces contort into sinister grins, their eyes reflecting not joy, but a chilling madness that sends shivers down the spine of any onlooker…

The next day, At lunch on the school terrace.

"Where is everyone else?" Hamlyn wondered. Sheryl shrugged. "No clue."

"Guess it's just you and me today," Hamlyn grinned. Sheryl smiled back, teasingly questioning, "Do you like spending alone time with me?”

Hamlyn's eyes widened, his cheeks flushed as he stumbled through his words. "I... I value our time together, just as I do with everyone. Each of you is important to me," he confessed.

Sheryl locked eyes with Hamlyn, her gaze probing. "So, do you see me as just another friend?" she inquired, her tone a blend of curiosity and uncertainty.

Hamlyn's heart quickened as he met Sheryl's stare, a torrent of feelings engulfing him.

In a sudden surge of emotion, Hamlyn reached for Sheryl's hands. "You are special, you mean a lot to me, more than anyone else." he confessed aloud.

Sheryl's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as their eyes met, but she quickly looked down, her blush intensifying.

"Shall we start our meal? It looks like they won't be joining us," Hamlyn gently inquired while holding Sheryl's hands.

Sheryl's blush persisted as she nodded subtly, her eyes gesturing towards the terrace gate.

Hamlyn followed her gaze to the terrace door, where their friends were peeking in.

"What in the-" exclaimed Hamlyn, his jaw dropping in disbelief.

"You two have surpassed even me and Rurina in the romance department," teased Hamond as their friends stepped inside the terrace.

"Honestly, you two seem like more than just friends," added Fredy, causing both Hamlyn and Sheryl to blush deeply, struck speechless by the unexpected intrusion.

"Alright, come clean." Hamlyn demanded "How long were you all listening in on us?”

"We weren't listening in for long," Henry explained with a smile as they settled on the floor or terrace. "We just happened to arrive right when you mentioned how special she is to you, even more than the rest of us.”

"Yeah, that was pretty rude," Fredy interjected. "I've been with you for years, and now you're saying she's more important than me? Can't be serious, right? She can't be more important than me, right?"

“Shut up Fredy.” Hamlyn swiftly cut in.

Fredy's jaw dropped in response, eliciting smiles from everyone, while Sheryl's cheeks remained flushed with embarrassment. They then redirected their attention to their lunch.

As they enjoyed their meal, Ruby turned to the girls, "So girls, Are you all set for today's special gathering?" she asked

In response to Ruby's question.

Hamond, Fredy, Henry, and Hamlyn exchanged perplexed looks.

"Absolutely, we're all set." Rurina nodded enthusiastically.

"What's the occasion for this special gathering?" Hamond inquired.

"It's just a small gathering between us girls, nothing big." Rurina clarified.

"Seriously?" protested Fredy. "What did we do to deserve exclusion?”

"It's not about anything you've done," Ruby explained. "It's just a special gathering for us girls, just me, Rurina, and Sheryl.”

"Are you serious?" Hamlyn asked Sheryl, who nodded in agreement in response.

"Ladies, you know the risks with Red Evil," Henry voiced his concern. "Can't you at least include us?”

"Sorry, this is strictly for us girls," Rurina stated firmly. "No boys allowed.”

"Where exactly will this gathering be held?" Hamlyn's demeanour shifted to seriousness.

"I'm sorry, but we can't disclose that. It's a private gathering." Ruby responded.

"Seriously?" Hamond said urgently. "Can you give us any details at all?"

"No response means exactly nothing," Ruby replied succinctly.

"Guys, take it easy," Rurina reassured. "We can handle ourselves. Just relax."

Hamlyn's gaze focused on Sheryl, concern evident in his eyes. "Sheryl, think about the risks. Your safety matters to us.”

"Oh, Hamlyn” Ruby's tone softened with a hint of mockery, “Do you genuinely care about us that much?"

"Ruby, I'm being serious," Hamlyn replied, his expression serious.

"We're also serious about this," Rurina firmly declared. "Have faith in us, we've covered all our bases. Red Evil won't have a hint of where we are. Just stay calm, we'll be entirely secure.”

Hamlyn maintained a grave silence, exchanging meaningful looks with the other boys, all displaying seriousness.

"That's enough worrying," Rurina stated firmly, breaking the silence. "Everything will be okay."

"Yes, no need to fret," Ruby chimed in, glancing at her watch. "Lunchtime is nearly over. Let's make our way out." With that, the girls stood up started to walk towards the door,

The boys rose to their feet, gathering around.

"Hamlyn, what's the game plan?" Henry questioned.

"I'm not sure yet," Hamlyn responded. "I have a doctor's appointment tonight to check on my arm, so I'll have to go there.”

"Since the hospital's far, I'll come with you," Fredy offered. Hamlyn nodded in agreement.

"How will you both get there?" Hamond chimed in.

"We will take a taxi, I guess," Hamlyn responded.

"No need for a taxi, I'll swing by Hamlyn's place and give you both a ride," Hamond quickly offered.

"Then count me in as well," Henry chimed in.

Hamlyn smiled, noting, "Seems like we're creating our own mini gathering.” all boys smile in response.

Suddenly, with a mischievous smile playing on her face, Rurina appeared from behind Hamond.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Hamond quickly questioned her.

"I overheard everything," Rurina replied cheerfully. "You guys have plans for tonight too.”

"Yeah, so?" Fredy crossed his arms defiantly. "We're not sharing where we are going.”

"I already know you're headed to the doctor's for Hamlyn's arm," Rurina countered confidently. Fredy's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Well," Hamlyn shrugged, "We weren't keeping it a secret anyway.”

"Alright, let's get going," chimed Hamond as Rurina beamed. They all proceeded towards the terrace gate…

In the hospital room at night, the doctor meticulously examined Hamlyn's arm, with his friends gathered around in support.

"I'm pleased to inform you that your arm is showing signs of improvement," the doctor delivered the good news with a reassuring smile. "We'll be removing the plaster and applying a crepe bandage, but be careful, it's not fully healed yet.”

"How much longer until it's fully healed?" Hamlyn inquired.

"It's difficult to pinpoint an exact date," the doctor explained. "But your arm is approximately seventy percent healed. I estimate another month for complete recovery.”

"Thank you, doctor," Hamlyn nodded, expressing gratitude…

Engrossed in the movie, Ruby, Rurina, and Sheryl lounged on the couch in Rurina's living room, munching on popcorn and sharing laughter, thoroughly enjoying their time together.

"This is so much fun, isn't it?" Ruby remarked, a wide smile on her face.

Rurina nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. It's even better when it's just us girls," she said.

Ruby turned to Sheryl, her eyes filled with curiosity. "So, Sheryl, do you have feelings for Hamlyn?" she asked, eager to hear Sheryl's response.

Sheryl hesitated before responding, "I'm not sure. My feelings for him are a bit confusing," she admitted, her expression thoughtful.

"Tell us, do you see Hamlyn in the same way you see Fredy, Hamond, or Henry?" Rurina probed further, her tone gentle yet inquisitive.

Sheryl shook her head, admitting, "No, whenever Hamlyn's around, it's different,"

"What would you do if Hamlyn proposed to you?" Ruby interjected, her tone curious yet playful.

Sheryl's cheeks flushed as she responded, "He'd never do that, I'm sure."

"Oh, come on. Tell us. What would you say if he did propose?" Rurina persisted, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Sheryl sighed, confessing, "Honestly, I don't know," her uncertainty evident in her tone.

"Do you find yourself wanting to be around Hamlyn more and more?" Rurina persisted, her gaze fixed on Sheryl. In response, Sheryl slowly nodded.

"Do you ever wish to hold Hamlyn's hand?" Rurina pressed on, her determination unwavering.

Sheryl's cheeks burned crimson, but she reluctantly confessed, "Yes, I guess," her voice barely above a whisper.

"And would you be comfortable with Hamlyn spending time with some other girl?" Rurina continued her line of questioning.

Sheryl's response was quick "Absolutely not." her tone was firm.

"There you have it," Rurina concluded with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "You love him. Those are all signs of love," she affirmed.

Sheryl's embarrassment heightened, her cheeks flushing deeper as she instinctively shielded her face with her hands, while Rurina and Ruby exchanged a playful chuckle.

Suddenly, Rurina's phone began to ring, breaking the intense atmosphere. "Who could that be?" Ruby wondered aloud.

"It's probably Hamond," Rurina remarked, "I can imagine how worried they must be about us," she speculated.

Upon picking the phone and checking the caller ID, Rurina's expression shifted to one of perplexity. "Hmm, it's an unknown number," she noted with a furrowed brow. Across from her, Sheryl and Ruby exchanged equally bewildered looks.

"An unknown number? Who could it be?" Sheryl questioned, her brow furrowed with uncertainty.

Rurina hesitantly answered the call, bringing the phone to her ear. "Hello? Who's there?" she inquired cautiously.

"Is this Rurina?" an unknown male voice on the other end asked.

Confirming her identity, Rurina replied, "Yes, it's me. Who's speaking?" her curiosity peaked as she awaited the caller's response.

In a sudden shift, Rurina's demeanour transformed, her face now etched with concern and sweat glistening on her forehead. Panic took hold, "What happened? Are they alright? Where are they?” she urgently questioned.

Sheryl and Ruby exchanged wide-eyed glances, stunned into silence by the abrupt shift in Rurina’s mood.

"Please, be with them “ Rurina’s words hurried, filled with urgency, “We're on our way,"

With a decisive click, she ended the call, her body quivering with fear, the tension thick in the air as she prepared to face whatever awaited them.

Sheryl cautiously stepped towards Rurina, her voice shaking with concern. "R-Rurina, what's going on? Is everything okay?" she questioned, her worry clear.

Ruby's concern mirrored Sheryl's as she called out to Rurina by name, her voice filled with apprehension.

With eyes widened in apprehension, Rurina stayed silent, a mixture of worry and fear evident in her expression as she became absorbed in her own thoughts.

Filled with concern, Sheryl delicately shook Rurina's arm, "Rurina, what happened?" she asked, her voice gentle yet urgent.

Fear flashed in Rurina's eyes as she locked eyes with Sheryl, "T-The boys” her voice trembling as she spoke “T-They've been in a horrific accident" Her words hung heavy in the air.

Sheryl and Ruby were struck motionless, their eyes widening in incredulity at the staggering news.