Saving the Villain

After eating to their heart's content, Luke, Maxen, Cosette, and Remo had to review for obvious reasons. The problem was, Remo wasn't used to studying. If it was about a fistfight, Remo would definitely ace it. He didn't even need to study and he would graduate with flying colors.

This was also one of the major reasons the three of them were studying almost every day. They had to tutor Remo whilst studying as well. They wanted Remo's grandfather proud; Cosette and Luke promised the old man that Remo's grades would be nothing like before. Although Luke's patience was definitely being tested.

During their study time, they decided not to think of other things aside from the subject. Hence, they didn't talk about anything until Cosette and Maxen left Luke's apartment.

Inside the backseat of the car on their way home, Cosette glanced at Maxen.

"Something wrong, Max?" she asked out of nowhere, making Maxen raise his brows. His expression might be the same, but his aura felt different. Thus, she asked, but that seemed to surprise him.

"No, nothing." He shook his head.

Cosette sighed. "Really? You will lie to me?"

"I'm not…" he trailed off when she arched her brow higher. "Fine. I'm a little… I don't know how to put it."

"Nervous?"

"Maybe." Maxen rocked his head, leaning back to relax his stiff muscles. "I don't know what to expect."

"I already told you you don't have to worry."

His eyes fell on her again. "Will you feel less nervous if the situation is the opposite?"

"Well."

"Cozie." Maxen crawled his hand and held her mildly. "Don't mind me. I think this is a normal reaction."

"It is." Cosette chuckled, and then a mischievous idea suddenly crossed her head. "You know, I think that's what they call wedding jitters."

Maxen's expression hardened while she giggled, poking his side playfully.

"Oh gosh… I wonder if we'll get engaged tonight." Cosette kept poking his side lightly while giggling until Maxen grabbed her finger. Her brows rose, blinking innocently.

"Stop, Cozie." Maxen frowned, speaking under his breath. His face, however, had turned red and the shell of his ear redder. "It's not funny. Don't joke about things like that."

​ 'Omo! So cute!' was what she shrieked internally, but Cosette bit her tongue.

"Gosh… I want to tease you more," she mumbled, retrieving her hand from his loose grip. "Hehe. You're worrying about nothing, Max."

Cosette then cleared her throat as she straightened her back, facing him squarely. "Let me tell you what to expect once we reach home."

Maxen didn't say anything, but he waited with bated breaths. Cosette wanted to explain immediately, but got distracted by the look on his face.

"So cute…" she mumbled, covering her lips with her palm as she looked away, weeping with invisible tears. At this point, she could not question this world for being so cruel to Maxen. He was blessed with divine physical appearance, and whatever he does or expression he wear, he looked good on each of them.

Maxen wasn't even trying. It would be totally unfair if he lived a perfect life. It may sound a little selfish and silly, but a small part of her was glad Maxen wasn't born into a wealthy family. He wouldn't need her if that happened!

"Cosette." Maxen tugged her hand mildly for her to look back at him. "Stop teasing me, please."

"Ah — my heart!" Silly as she was, Cosette clasped her heart at his another attack. "Max, I should be the one asking you to stop teasing me! Stop seducing me! I can't concentrate!"

Deep lines appeared in between his brows at her remarks. How was he seducing her? Maxen was already nervous and was waiting for additional information. But she was making it sound like he wasn't being serious.

"I'm not —" Maxen stopped when she gasped for the third time, eyes twinkling. "Coz —"

"I should hide him somewhere," she murmured, biting the tip of her thumb. "What if someone tries to take him from me?"

As Maxen and Cosette were having a conversation that was entirely different, driver George couldn't stop his face from twitching. He had always listened to their conversation, but he would often pretend to be deaf. But now he couldn't.

'Young Miss…' Driver George let out a deep sigh, sneakily putting up the partition. 'You shouldn't trap Sir Max like that.'

It was no secret that Cosette was very fond of Maxen. Actually, everyone in the Blac Mansion felt guilty toward Conrad, because they all knew that Cosette and Maxen were 'developing feelings' for each other. After all, Cosette would sometimes hold Maxen's hand as if they were lovers.

So, at this point in the story, driver George had grown used to their relationship. It was not like Cosette and Maxen were crossing the line. They would mostly talk about school stuff or anything menial. There were days they were quiet too after a long day in school. So, today was an exception.

Before the partition completely closed, driver George heard Cosette yell, "if you keep this up, I'll have a heart attack at such a young age! Mercy!"

Meanwhile, Cosette finally got a hold of herself when she realized Maxen was about to cry. Not literally on the verge of tears, but he was already stressed.

"Ahem." Cosette put up her fist in front of her lips while clearing her throat. "Alright. I'll be serious from now on."

"Please." Maxen leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose. His girl was just too silly even at times like this. Although he knew Conrad and Cosette would protect her if necessary, he couldn't help it. The people he was expecting to meet were Conrad's parents.

Maxen was expecting two older versions of Conrad, but the more strict and traditional.

"Max." Cosette reached for his hand and squeezed it mildly, waiting for him to look her in the eye. "You're worrying for nothing."

"Cozie…"

"I'm saying this to calm you down, but it is more realistic to imagine the night will pass peacefully." She cut him off solemnly, nodding reassuringly. "I don't think my dad will appreciate this sudden visit and with guests at that. Right now, all I wish is that my dad and grandpa will not tear each other with their bare hands."

Maxen just looked at Cosette in silence. In his mind, he didn't know if she was exaggerating. After all, it shouldn't be that bad, right?