Saving the Villain

"I can't hear a word." Cosette pressed her ear against the wall, but alas, it was stupid. "Gosh… this is unlike those in the movies."

While she was mumbling and complaining about not hearing a word, Luke had his arms crossed while sitting leisurely. They managed to get in thanks to Luke's sweet tongue and Cosette's money, but the moment they got in, they felt like they were back to scratch.

Fortunately, he sighted one of the people he remembered meeting Amie. Thus, they got a room just next to Amie's group. But he wasn't hopeful just like Cosette. All these rooms were soundproof so everyone could enjoy singing, dancing, and drinking without disturbing the other guests.

"Seriously… is this your first time?" he wondered, watching her look back at him.

"In this kind of place? Yes." Cosette let out a deep sigh, retracting her ear from the wall.

Nightclubs or just cozy high-end bars were her go-to places as an adult. However, she was never inside a KTV bar before. Also, it wasn't like spying on someone was something she used to do.

"Seriously. How can she go in this kind of place?" her shoulders lowered as another deep exhale slipped past her lips. "I mean, from what I've seen so far, it's not a place that Amie would go to."

"You're talking about the before Amie." Luke shrugged. "She's a bad girl now."

"Amie isn't a bad person."

"I didn't say she's a bad person. What I'm saying is, she changed and is playing the bad girl role. I don't know about you or Amie, but shouldn't you go to her parents and tell them instead of stalking her?"

"Did you think we haven't tried?"

"Huh?"

Cosette sighed for the umpteenth time, lowering her eyes mildly. "We already went to her house when her absence grew constant."

"And?"

"And…" she slowly raised her eyes, recalling how that memory played out. "Her parents were also concerned. Amie is an only child, but she was always a filial daughter. Until recently, she started talking back and even complaining to her parents. They were also in a dilemma, since they didn't know how to talk to her anymore. It's as if their daughter was possessed."

"Maybe, she was?"

"Luke."

"I'm just saying." Luke shrugged, leaning over to grab a glass of juice on the table. "It all started when Fay end their friendship. I'm not blaming you or her since Amie's actions and decision were hers to bear responsibility for, but if she doesn't want to listen after this, let her go."

"Easy for you to say that."

"Of course." Luke took a sip, licking his lips while putting the glass back. "It's easy for me to say because between you and Amie, I'd choose you. And from what I'm seeing, you're doing what is more than necessary for a classmate and a friend. If only she listens and changes for the good and not the worse, you four wouldn't have to go through such a dilemma. We won't be here in the first place."

"My point here was, Amie has turned into a bad apple. You have to let them go at one point," he added in a knowing tone. Luke didn't even falter while talking as if his decision wouldn't bend anymore.

For a moment, Cosette could only stare at him with a frown. It wasn't like everything he said was wrong. Cosette had always wanted to surround herself with good people with great energy; this was her way to change her life and environment.

So far, Cosette had already succeeded in changing the villain's life, and then Luke's as well. Although Luke supposedly appeared at a later time, this change wasn't so terrible. At least, Luke had changed from an arrogant, spoiled brat who was deprived of love and attention from his family to a more humble fellow who now found pleasure in his little milestones as an independent youth.

She thought everything would be smooth-sailing, but she didn't want Amie to go astray. Not when she was around and they were friends. Cosette wanted to do everything she could before giving up on their friendship. Amie was a precious friend, after all.

"I know what you mean," came out a sigh, pushing herself from her seat. "And I don't blame you for it. However, I want to do everything I can with the best I could. In that case, I wouldn't regret letting her go."

Cosette sported a solemn look, advancing to the door. Before she opened it, she looked back and flashed him a short smile.

"Thank you, though. I know you have many other important things to do other than stalk someone with me, but you still accompanied me. If this fails and Amie wouldn't listen, then I'd have to reconsider our relationship." She pressed her lips, nodding at him, preparing herself to make up a decision.

With that being said, Cosette carefully opened the door to peek outside. Meanwhile, Luke kept his gaze on her. Cosette, despite her current appearance, still gave the air of someone kind to the point one would think she was foolish and naive.

'Well, she's always like that.' Luke shook his head mildly. 'And I must admit that's one of her charms.'

Luke slowly pushed himself up after drinking half of the juice, and then marched in her direction. At this point in time, Luke already knew what sort of personality she had. Maxen also noticed how Cosette was usually concerned about other people.

It wasn't a terrible personality, but there were times when Cosette worry about others, and she forgets about herself. Thus, even if Luke and Maxen and even Remo hadn't really discussed it, they all silently agreed to protect her and have her back. After all, she always had their back. If she couldn't worry about herself or give herself a little bit more concern, then they would do it for her.

Luke stood behind her while she was peeking through the small gap in the door. As soon as he leaned closer, his head over hers, his brows furrowed.

"What's going on?" he blurted out, seeing that there was a small group of men outside the hall.

"I don't know…" Cosette trailed off as they saw someone bang on the room next to theirs.