My Adorable Little Rascal

Julian steps out of the car first. He holds the door open, waiting patiently for the two girls to hop out before closing it gently behind them. Then he signals the driver with a nod.

The car pulls away.

He'll walk home later.

"Whoa… This place is so fancy!" Skylar's eyes sparkle like a child seeing something shiny and magical for the first time.

"It really is luxurious," Sunny says, trailing behind her.

"Let's go inside," Julian says, already heading toward the entrance.

The girls nod at once: "Mm-hmm!"

And just like that, they grab each other's hands and run toward the restaurant, laughing.

"Hey! Who said you could run ahead?! That's cheating!" Julian calls out, chasing after them.

"Hehe… We just wanna be the first ones in!" Skylar shouts over her shoulder, her eyes glinting mischievously.

She can laugh like this now.She can run like this now.

She finally gets to live as a normal high school girl—free to play, to study, to do everything she likes. No more chains. No more fear. No more fists or screams or silent nights.

She's… smiling again. That's good. - Julian thinks, slowing for a beat as he watches her skip ahead.

"Ah!"

A sharp cry from Skylar slices through the air.

She trips—and crashes into a tall man standing by the restaurant doors.

Sunny gasps and hurries to help her up: "I'm so sorry! She wasn't paying attention! Please forgive her!"

The man doesn't say a word.

His hands stay in his pockets. He doesn't even flinch.

Skylar brushes herself off and bows low. "I'm sorry, sir. Please forgive me."

Her eyes meet his for just a second—

And something inside her churns.A sudden coldness.

Unease.

Without thinking, her body slides into a defensive stance. The man's hands stay in his pockets, but it feels like he might pull something deadly out at any second.

As soon as he moves—reaching into his pocket—Skylar shoves Sunny behind her and lunges forward, her fist already clenched—

Pak!

Julian catches her wrist just in time.

"Skylar Trinh," he says. His voice is low. Cold. Steady.

"Calm down."

And just like that, she comes back to herself.

The man still hasn't moved. He doesn't look afraid—in fact, his eyes gleam with excitement. Like a predator discovering a new kind of prey.

His voice is deep and smooth, with a dangerous undertone."Jiang Jiang, care to tell your teacher who this young lady is?"

Julian turns to him.

There's a flicker of tension in Julian's eyes—barely visible. But what dominates is something else entirely.

Respect. Admiration.

He bows slightly: "Good afternoon, sir."

Skylar and Sunny both freeze in surprise.

Julian? Bowing to someone?

This man must be really special.

The stranger removes his cap and smiles: "Good day, young ladies. I'm Leodinas Jiang—Julian's uncle. Also his martial arts instructor."

Skylar relaxes slightly and bows again: "I'm sorry. You looked… suspicious. I reacted out of instinct."

Leodinas lets out a loud, hearty laugh: "That alertness. That stance. Those eyes—perfect! You're excellent!"

He leans closer.

Skylar immediately steps back. Her instincts scream again.

It's only the second time in her life she's ever felt pressure like this.The kind of fear that grabs your spine and twists it.

This aura… It's terrifying. Like someone who's stepped out of the underworld. - Skylar thinks.

"This is my teacher," Julian explains.

"Got it," Sunny mutters, folding her arms: "Let the man introduce himself next time."

Julian ignores her and turns back to Mr. Jiang: "This is Skylar. She's my assistant. And… kind of a bodyguard. I picked her up recently."

"A servant and a guard?" Mr. Jiang repeats with a raised brow.

Skylar nods: "Yes, sir."

"Your skills… impressive. Ever thought about becoming my student?" He extends a hand, smiling: "You're a raw gem. With training, you'll shine brighter than anyone in the martial arts world."

Skylar hesitates.

Would that help me fulfill my role better?Would I be more useful? Stronger?

Sunny tugs gently on her sleeve: "Think carefully, Little Angel… I don't wanna see you get hurt again…"

Skylar smiles softly and pats her head: "Don't worry. I don't think he's that bad."

Mr. Jiang beams. He clasps both of her hands in his: "So you agree?"

Skylar blinks, then gently pulls her hands away.

"Thank you for the offer," she says politely: "But I don't think I need that right now."

Mr. Jiang's face twists with visible disappointment: "I see…"

What a shame… I'll have to make my student convince her later. I won't let a gem like that go.

He turns and starts walking away: "Thanks for chatting, kids. I have to run—take care."

"Yes, sir!" all three say in unison.

They head toward the restaurant.

This time, Sunny darts ahead and bursts through the door first.

"I win!" she grins, spinning around dramatically.

"Cheater!" Julian groans, chasing after her like a sore loser—but his face now holds a boyish grin that suits his age.

Skylar follows last.

Hands in her pockets. Eyes on the sky. Her steps slow and easy.

And for the first time in what feels like forever… her heart feels light.

I hopes things stay this way... - she thinks.

Inside, the restaurant greets them with soft lighting, plush red seating, and the delicate scent of roasted herbs and fresh bread. Warm chandeliers cast golden shadows across polished floors. A string quartet plays lightly in the background.

"Whoa… even fancier on the inside," Sunny gasps, practically bouncing in place: "This is like, wedding venue level fancy!"

Julian raises a brow: "Try not to act too much like tourists."

Skylar glances around, letting her eyes soak in the glow. For a second, her expression softens into something almost childlike.

"I've never been in a place like this," she admits.

"Really?" Sunny whispers.

"Yeah." Skylar smiles: "It's nice."

Julian walks up to the hostess and gives their reservation. As they're led to their table, Skylar lingers behind for a beat, brushing her fingers along the smooth railing.

It feels unreal.

Like she's stepped into a dream that doesn't belong to her.

"Skylar?" Julian calls.

"Coming," she says, catching up with a grin.

Sunny links her arm with Skylar's: "You're spacing out."

"I'm just… happy," Skylar replies honestly.

Julian smirks: "She says that like she's never been happy before."

Skylar glances at him—and smiles wider.

"I haven't."

And in that moment… the air feels a little warmer.