Ezra’s POV.

I WAS making my bed when I was halted by the abrupt vibration of my phone. Kiana’s calling me again. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and answered her call.

“Hello, Kiana?”

“Ezra…” Her voice trembled, which alarmed me. “We have a problem.”

A shiver rose up in my chest all of a sudden. I had a hunch of ​​what she was going to say, but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Hence, I listened to her for more information and confirmation.

“W-What do you mean?” I asked, stuttering in twitter.

“Your mother is beginning to search for you, just as we predicted. I’m certain she won’t stop until she finds you. She’ll prolly do everything to get you back home.”

I could feel her distress. I’m hoping she didn’t say anything.

“Kiana, did you perhaps tell Mom?”

Oh, gosh! Please, say no!

“Of course not! What would be the point of telling them? We’ll be screwed!”

I breathed a sigh of relief because of her answer. Thank goodness she kept her mouth shut because otherwise we’re doomed. Mommy is a difficult opponent. She won’t go easy to anyone who betrays her.

“I’m sorry. I only asked to be assured.”

“Anyway, where are you? Have you found a hotel or a place to stay in?” She changed the subject. I swallowed hard because of her unanticipated question.

I bit my lower lip. “Yes, I did find a place to stay…”

“Really? I’m glad to hear you’re safe! So, how’s your new place?”

“Kiana, I know you wouldn’t believe me, but…”

“What?”

“Uh… Oh my God! How will I explain this?” I ended up panicking.

I don’t know how to tell her the truth, but I don’t want to keep it from her either.

“Oh, come on, Ezra! You're making me die in curiosity! Spill the beans!”

“I’m living with seven men…”

For several minutes, the other line was silent. I can only imagine how she reacted when she learned the news.

“Wait, what?! What nonsense are you spewing? You are what?!”

“I’m living with seven men under the same roof.”

“Bitch, are you serious?! What on earth are you thinking?! You mean you’re surrounded by seven men in a house where you're the the only woman?!” Kiana exclaimed hysterically.

“You’re right.” I nodded, as if she could see me in person.

“I won’t ask how that happened, but did they do anything to you?! Did they threaten you?! Tell me right away so that I can sue them!”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Stop overreacting, Kiana. I know you're worried about me, but loosen up. They did not harm me in any way. In fact, they were nice.”

“Or pretending to be nice…”

“No, I swear, they were kind to me. They let me into their home and fed me. They even agreed to let me stay as long as I wanted.”

“Aren’t you letting your guard down, Ezra? Why did they allow you to stay? Come to think of it, you’re a complete stranger to them. I don’t think I’d let a stranger of the opposite gender stay in my house unless I planned to do something bad to him, right? You never know if their true intention was to help or harm you.”

“I told them I had gotten out of the arranged marriage,” I explained. “They asked if my parents would locate me, and I said yes. Knowing Mom, she will do anything for the company, even if it means torturing her own daughter to death. So they insisted on allowing me to stay for an extended period of time.”

“Fine, you won. I will believe you because you said so. But the question is…”

I laughed to myself. I have a feeling I know what she will ask next.

“Are they good-looking?”

Shoot! I knew she would ask. Kiana loves handsome men; in fact, she’s obsessed with them. It’s her type. It doesn’t matter if he has bad fashion sense, bad habits, or a red flag, as long as he has good looks.

“The truth is… they are! They looked like works of art. They have a perfect build of body, an amicable lifestyle, snow-white skin, a bad boy aura, and an unrealistic appearance!” I described how the seven boys are.

When Kiana squealed with romantic delight, I moved my phone away from my ears. I could go deaf as a result of her in no time.

“Don’t make me envious, Ezra! Don’t take everything. Keep one for me. Oh, I wish I could pay you a visit!”

“Don’t!” I reprimanded her. “If they put a tail on you, Mom will find out where I’m hiding. She has eyes everywhere. I don’t want to endanger your life or the lives of the seven men who showed me kindness.”

“I understand the situation. Introduce them to me when you come back and everything is settled. I’ll end the call now. Mom has arrived to pick me up. I’ll try to call you later if I get the chance to sneak out. I miss you!” she said her goodbyes before hanging up the phone.

I exited the guest room after cleaning up. I spotted seven of them playing XBox in the living room. They paused for a moment when they noticed me.

“Do you need anything, Ezra?” Iñigo asked me.

I shook my head and smiled. “Please don’t mind me. Continue playing your game. I’d like to watch.”

They continued to play, as I have said. I just sat there watching and observing them one by one. I was blown away by Hyde’s performance. He was excellent with guns and super fast!

Unbeknownst to me, I was staring at him like a fool. When I heard him speak, I immediately sat up straight and turned away.

“Stop staring at me.”

Did he catch me? How humiliating!

From then on, I didn’t look at him again. I only watched the others six play.

They finished playing when the clock struck noon. To my surprise, none of them moved to prepare the meal or cook the rice.

“Uh… What’s for lunch?” I asked, brazen because my stomach aches from hunger. “It’s past noon, aren’t you hungry yet?”

“Let’s just order, or open the cans and noodles over there, Ezra.” Jeremy pointed his finger to the kitchen cabinet. My brow furrowed in astonishment.

“You don’t know how to cook?”

They exchanged glances before shaking their heads in response. I was dumbfounded. What do they eat on a daily basis? Don’t tell me they stick to canned food and noodles? Or do they only consume fast food? That’s harmful to their health.

“I’ll cook.”

They agreed with me by nodding. I turned away from them and went straight to the kitchen counter. I opened the refrigerator and began to plan a meal. The refrigerator was full of stock. It’s a shame they don’t cook.

I gathered the ingredients and started preparing the adobo. When it was done, I set it on the dining table. They just stood there watching me as I served the food and plates.

“Let’s eat!”

They sat down in the dining room one by one. We looked like a family eating together at one long table.

“It smells great!” Clarence praised, sniffing the aroma of the dish. I released a smile. His cheerfulness is contagious.

We began to eat. I was about to ask them what it tasted like, but I didn’t have to because I knew the answer as soon as I laid my eyes on them. The seven were hungry, and I couldn’t keep track of how much rice they had spooned.

They asked a few things about me while we were eating, and so did I to them. I discovered that they were the same age, with the exception of Joaquin, who was a year older and Clarence, who was the youngest in terms of birth month. They are two years older than me.

“I’m full,” Jeremy said, rubbing his tummy.

When we finished eating, the seven of them stood up and returned to the living room to play. I was perplexed. I was the one who cooked our meal, but will I also clean and wash the dishes? I see.

I blew some air. I don’t wash a single plate in the house, but I’d be more tolerant of this than being a doll there and marrying the man I don’t love.

Raiko Tan, the son of Mom and Dad’s business partner, with whom I was arranged to marry. He was good-looking, wealthy, and popular. I’ve met him a few times and could say that he was pleasant, but I didn’t like or love him. I considered him as a brother because I’m an only child.

Then, one day, he confessed his feelings for me, but I turned him down and explained that I only see him as a brother, not a man. He became enraged and insane. I saw him get angry once, and I’ll never forget it! He was strange. He was terrifying! He shouted at me and physically abused me. He kept forcing me to marry him.

So, that’s how my impression of him changed. He apologized, and I accepted his apology, but I refused to marry him ever since. I didn’t want to, and I never will.

“How long are you going to stay in the kitchen? You have finished washing the dishes, and the water is overflowing.” I awoke from trancing when I heard Hyde's voice from behind me.

I shifted my gaze to the sink. My eyes widened when I saw the plates and spoons were clean and shining. I immediately turned off the faucet.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t notice,” I apologized, embarrassed by my obscurity.

Why is he so icy? Doesn’t he realize that being a snob reduces his attractiveness?

I followed him into the living room after he turned his back on me. I saw those six playing XBox once more. Seriously, they don’t even take a break!

“Join us, Ezra!” Clarence called to me.

I scratched my nape. “I don’t know how to play XBox.”

“I’ll teach you…”

Ezra’s POV.

“I’ll teach you…”

Their attention was drawn to Hyde when he interrupted, while I averted my gaze. Why is he offering to teach me when I never asked for his help?

“What?!” he hissed at his friends.

The six laughed out loud, shaking their heads before returning to their game.

“Come over here.”

My eyes were fixated on Hyde. His face was expressionless, and I couldn’t tell what was on his mind. He’s been confusing me lately with his mixed signals. I’m not sure if he’s being mean to me or if that’s just how he is.

I pointed a finger to myself. “Are you talking to me?”

“Who else do you think I’m talking to?” He sounded irritated.

I hate to think his tone was implying that I was stupid. I rolled my eyes and scowled. Because I had no choice but to obey him, I didn’t ask any more questions, fearing that he would start blowing fire at me later.

What a grumpy man!

He taught me how to play the game that the boys play. It was simple, so I picked it up fast. At first, I only killed a few monsters in the game. But, eventually, I caught up to them and even outscored them. I have more kills and points than them, who, as far as I know, are skilled players.

“How come you’re excellent, Ezra?” Clarence appraised.

“Wow, Ezra! I didn’t know you’re a fast learner!” Axle exclaimed in awe. “Then, can you learn to love me?”

I laughed at his silliness while Hyde glared at him.

“Come on! I’m just kidding. I’ll back out, Ezra. The boss is mad. I don’t want to die yet,” Axle mused.

“Game is over. We’ve been defeated by a lady, dude!” Iñigo grunted, disappointed.

“Hey, losing to me is not a big deal.” I tried to lift their spirits.

I approached the six. They looked like heaven and earth fell down on them because of their expressions. Their shoulders are flat, their heads are facing the floor, and their voices are weak. I don’t think they have ever lost to anyone, especially a woman like me, so they are upset. I thought of a way to erase their losses.

“Guys!” I grabbed their attention and clapped twice.

They turned to look at me but their reactions didn’t change. It was the same, except for Hyde who has his own world.

“I’ll make a snack. Let’s have a movie marathon.”

Their mood suddenly brightened because of my suggestion so my smile widened.

“Deal!” They simultaneously agreed.

Hyde looked at me like he wanted to talk to me, but I ignored his existence and walked past him. Then, I cooked in the kitchen.

“What are we going to watch?” Clarence asked.

“The usual, dude,” Jeremy and Axle joked.

“Find a decent show. We’re watching with a lady,” Joaquin reminded them.

I heard them talking as they were looking for something to watch later. When I finished cooking, I headed back to the living room immediately. I found out that the CD has been on.

“What genre did you choose?” I asked them then placed the snack in front of us.

“Romance is the genre of the movie we picked,” Clarence answered.

“Would it be fine with you, guys? You might get bored if that’s what we are going to watch.”

Because it would be unfair to them if I was content with what I'd be watching while they were bored. I’m a fan of romance when it comes to movies, but I’m fine with action films as well. Besides, I like guns and bullets. Holding a real one will make me feel like I’m cool.

Jeremy shook his head. “No, it’s okay, Ezra. Don’t worry.”

“Are you sure?” I asked more.

“Yes, we promise, we won’t be bored,” Iñigo assured me.

I could do nothing but sit on the floor and start watching. When we were in the courtship part, the surroundings became quiet. I would have been exhilarated by the movie I was watching but I didn’t expect I would be more stunned by the sight when I glanced at them one by one.

Is this real? I can’t believe what my eyes are seeing. I must be dreaming. There’s no way they are thrilled watching a romantic movie.

Oh, please!

Clarence and Jeremy threw a pillow to each other, while Iñigo and Axle smiled a little, trying hard not to show their enthrall. On the other hand, Joaquin, Xavier, and Hyde remained silent and serious. As usual. I didn’t even see Hyde flash a smile. I only get bored with the thought. As if he knows how to smile.

I continued to watch. Each time the scene was romantic, I tightened my grip to the pillow that I was hugging. I don’t want to scream my lungs out. I have to save my face at least. I’ve had enough embarrassing myself.

When we finished watching, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. A while ago they were screeching and being hyper in thrill, now they are acting serious again. I patted their shoulders to tease them.

After wrapping up, we went back to our own respective quarter. Their house is bulky so there are a lot of vacant rooms. They let me use the most commodious guest room.

Even before I could enter my room, I was startled when someone grabbed my arm. Out of shock, I hit the one who held me with my fist. I covered my mouth when I found out it was Hyde.

“Oh, God, Hyde! You startled me! Why did you show up out of nowhere? Oh, no! I’m sorry!” I apologized while checking to see if he had a bruise on his face.

“I just want to know if you—” He covered his face and massaged the bridge of his nose, unable to continue speaking.

Is he embarrassed?

My eyebrows met while waiting for what he would say next. I’m confused by what he’s up to. I can’t seem to understand him.

“I mean, you had fun tonight, right?” he asked, and then averted his eyes.

I nodded in surprise. “Uh… yes. Thanks to you and to the others.”

“Well, then… You can take a rest now. Good night.”

He spoke as fast as the flash that I could barely repeat. He didn’t look me in the eye either.

I stared at him, dumbfounded, until he could enter his room. I entered my room next and closed the door after. I leaned there for a moment and reminisced about the scene he put us in earlier.

Seriously? What’s wrong with him?

I thought he was going to say something important. I didn’t notice myself smiling when I remembered how frustrated he was while asking me if I enjoyed bonding with them.

He’s weird, but I’m starting to think he’s cute.

Ezra’s POV.

THE SCORCHING sun was dotted with fluffy blue clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze. I was awakened by the barks of the stray dogs fighting outside.

“What time is it?” I asked myself, opening my left eye while rubbing the other.

I glanced at the alarm clock above the side table next to me. As soon as I figured out the time, I immediately jumped off the bed and headed straight to the bathroom.

I hurried to take a shower and get dressed before going downstairs. It’s late in the morning. I wondered if they had eaten yet. I’m embarrassed to show up because I’m afraid they think I’m acting like a VIP in their own house.

Why didn’t I wake up early?!

When I came downstairs, I was dazzled that I didn’t find any of them at home. They weren’t in the kitchen, not in the living room either, not in the garden and in their bedrooms. I roamed around every corner, but I didn’t get a glimpse of their shadow.

Where did they go?

I turned to look at my phone in my hand, in case they texted me. But then, I remembered I don’t have their numbers saved on my contact list. I concluded that maybe they hadn’t eaten anything yet, so I decided to cook lunch. I’m going to wait for them until they are home, so we can eat together.

I’VE BEEN watching television for almost an hour now, but they aren’t still coming back. I was even more puzzled but I just kept watching to draw away the questions that started to form inside my head.

Then, I had the bright idea of looking for gas in the garage. I’ll fill up my car because it could be completely broken and I won’t be able to use it when I need it.

When the fuel gauge was full, I headed back inside the house to get the car key, but I stopped walking when I noticed there was a letter stuck in the vase on the table near the entrance door. I picked it up and read the letter.

Good morning, Ezra. We’re sorry for leaving you alone. Don’t worry, we’ll be back home later.

I raised an eyebrow after reading the letter. They didn’t include in the message where they were going. It was kind of suspicious and I couldn’t help but get curious. I want to know where they are.

Why didn’t I notice this paper earlier?

Before getting in the car, I grabbed my phone and keys. I opened Google Maps to find their exact location. As luck would have it, we are mutual friends on social media platforms.

It was only a matter of time before I finished tracking the location, but my brow furrowed in puzzlement when I realized where it was.

Why are they there?

***

I drove to the location where they were. I also had to drive for an hour to get there. I got out of my car and parked it a long way away. I covered my nose after a few steps because I inhaled a pungent smell.

What kind of place is this?

I roamed around. The area was surrounded by frail wood, galvanized rusting, an unpleasant odor, and strewn garbage. I walked slowly inside, unable to ignore the noise. Someone must be in there.

“You are indeed fearless…”

A man’s sarcastic voice could be heard. I moved closer to them in order to hear what they were talking about.

“Enough of your chatter. Let’s start, so we can end this fast,” said another.

That voice sounds familiar to me. Where did I hear it again?

I took a step forward. My intention was no longer to hear their voices more clearly, but to discover who they were. My eyes widened as I noticed Hyde and the six men behind him, as well as the other men I didn’t recognize. The seven looked different today than they did in the house.

What are they doing in this place? By the tone of their voices, are they fighting?

My chest trembled as one of their opponents raised a sharp steel. I suppose he is the leader of their group because when he sent a signal to his allies, they grabbed thick woods as their war munition.

“Even back then, you didn’t change at all, Hyde. You’re still impatient,” the fat man with a snake tattoo on his arm teased.

He motioned with his finger to his forty backups, and they started fighting. My mouth hung open in astonishment and concern. I was astounded by how fast the seven moved against their opponents. On the other hand, I was concerned because their opponents were armed, and with just one blow to the head, the seven could be in a coma.

No! Erase! What foolishness am I thinking? It won’t happen! I won’t allow it!

Their opponents seemed to be targeting Hyde rather than the six. They were coming after him to knock him down, but they knew they couldn’t do it alone, so they joined forces. Fortunately, Hyde was able to deflect their punches with his right forearm and seize their weapons. He jabbed his fingers into their eyes and threw them to the ground.

After half an hour, there was nothing left of the seven’s opponents, and the fat man with tattoos exploited the situation.

“Are you tired? When did the seven of you become weaker?” he continued to tease.

“By now, all of your men are unconscious and lying on the ground. Is that what you called weak?” Hyde boasted, a playful smirk on his face.

How can he be so brazen when he’s in the middle of danger?

The man was enraged. He was about to hit Hyde with the ridgy steel he was holding when I couldn’t help but meddle.

“Stop!” I closed my eyes and screamed.

Uh-oh.

I guess I made the wrong decision by showing up. I had their attention in an instant. The seven were perplexed as they looked at me. Perhaps it’s because they didn’t expect me to find them and come over.

“Ezra…” Clarence muttered.

“Who is this pretty lady?” The fat man asked the seven, and he was about to take a step towards me when the seven snapped back to their senses.

“Don’t you dare involve her…” Hyde warned his enemy.

“I’m not your servant, Hyde. You can’t order me around.” The man gave him a wicked grin before turning to face me.

“W-What are you going to do?” I asked nervously.

As I got further and further away from him, he got closer and closer. I was stiffened when he smiled sweetly at me and even stroked my cheeks.

Yuck!

I was annoyed. He kept touching me, so I twisted his arm and kicked him straight in the genitals. He knelt in pain and growled.

“You, brat!”

The fat, ugly man cursed me to death while dealing with the pain I’d caused by kicking his balls. He deserved it anyway. No man has the right to touch a woman without her consent.

He rounded his fists, ready to attack me in vengeance. However, before he could, a hand was swift to block him.

Hyde…

“Try to touch her once more and I will break your bones…” Hyde threatened the man.

I raised my gaze to him. He was serious, but his fiery eyes were filled with rage. His enemy refused to budge. Instead, he provoked Hyde by attacking me while I was dazed from the speed of events.

“H-How…”

My jaw dropped open, unable to speak after witnessing a mind-blowing scene. How is this possible? I feel like passing out.

“Too bad. I warned you, but you didn’t listen. It was your fault,” Hyde said lifelessly to the man who had just been knocked out.

I scanned the entire site. The seven defeated their enemies. I haven’t yet absorbed everything that happened in my mind when Hyde grabbed me and presented me to his flushed face.

“Are you out of your mind!?” he yelled at me.

I shut my eyes. I couldn’t keep up with his stare because I was afraid I’d melt in the fire he was emitting.

“Why did you come here?! How did you locate us?”

He asked me a series of questions, but I couldn’t bring myself to open my mouth and respond. I was at a loss for words as I stared at him scolding me.

“Say something!”

The volume of his yell almost made me jump. It sounded like it was echoing in my ears. I guess I’ll have to speak up or he’ll explode like a dragon spitting fire.

“I-I came here to find you, guys. I used an app, and detected Axle’s location was open, so I located where you are,” I stammered upon speaking.

Hyde was enraged even more by my response. He pulled his hair like a lunatic who had lost his mind. He then turned to face Axle.

“Bullshit!”

Axle shrugged his shoulders innocently. “I had no idea. I must have forgotten to turn it off.”

“What if something bad were to happen to you? What if Rox harmed you!?” Hyde blurted out.

“Why are you so angry!?”

When I yelled back at him, he was taken aback. I just don’t get it. I understand why he’s upset with me for following them here even though I knew it was dangerous, but he’s going too far. I’m not assuming anything, but he acted as if he was concerned. He’s behaving strangely, as if he’s always worried about me.

“I-I’m just… Damn it!” He defended himself angrily before walking away without explaining his actions.

Did he lose it? Has he gone insane?

When Hyde was gone, I turned to face the six jackasses who were watching us. They averted their gaze as soon as I arched an eyebrow.

“Why are you here?” I was perplexed by what was going on.

They swallowed hard and sagged their shoulders. I have no idea what was going on, but the violence I witnessed today was not your average fight between strangers. I’m curious as to why they did it. I’d like to hear it so I can understand it. For certain, there must be a reason.

“I’ll ask you all again, why are you here in this secluded spot? Why do you have enemies?” I repeated. “Who are you? What are you rather?”

I’m not sure why they’re fighting in this place. All I know is that those who riot in the underground or in vacant lots are gangsters or mafia organizations. Now that I think about it, I don’t fully know the seven. I don’t know them well enough based on what I know of them. I had no idea what their true identities were.

“We are bad boys, if you will call it…” Xavier confessed. “You have no idea of ​​who we are, Ezra.”

“We have many gangs, and Rox is one of the gang leaders with whom we fight, so we've come to account for a battle. Perhaps you believe we are not the person you expect us to be, but you are mistaken,” Joaquin added.

“Playing games isn’t everything we’re good at, we’re also skilled with using knives and guns. We can do such things to our opponent. We can hit them, beat them, and even kill them…” Iñigo stated solemnly.

I was unable to adapt to what I was hearing.I stepped back and shook my head, refusing to accept the truth. I couldn’t seem to put it in mind. My brain had stopped working, and my world had crashed.

“Now, answer me, Ezra…”

Hyde stuck steady in front of me. I didn’t even notice his presence appeared out of nowhere because I was spacing out. He fixed his gaze on me, as if he could see into my soul. It gave me chills all over my body.

“After everything you know and have heard about us, do you want to leave us now?”

A large, painful lump began to form inside my throat, making it difficult for me to gasp for air. Tears welled up in the corner of my eyes. I blinked it back, trying not to allow it to fall, but doing it won’t do because it still fell on its own, and there’s nothing else I could do but to just let it flow freely like a river.

I asked myself a question I never wished to have an answer, weighing the decisions I should and shouldn’t make.

Do I want to leave these bad boys?