Ben Clove continued speaking about the topic, it seemed like he had switched to his job mode, making Gary realise that arguing with the mayor on a certain topic wasn’t the best idea. This was more a situation for someone like Tom or his sister to deal with.

“As bad as gangs might be, at least there is a certain status quo between them which the others respect.” Xin’s father continued. “No matter how noble of an intention a new gang coming in might have, their appearance makes everything worse. The whole balance of power gets shifted. I can guarantee you that soon another gang will come in and try to get a piece of the pie.

“But fine, I’ll humour you in that these Howlers actually just want the best for the common man, but then why did they choose to go about it this way? They could have joined the police force or become a judge, or a politician like me, something that can benefit our society as a whole while still adhering to its rules.”

Gary didn’t like the way the mayor had seemingly simplified things. If it was so simple, wouldn’t people have done it by now? The high schooler was sure that many had tried and many had failed in changing things the legal way. Heck, wasn’t the lawyer he had met yesterday the best example of how easy it was to play the system?

And yet this conversation allowed Gary to see his own feelings towards this topic. When exactly had he come around to the idea of gangs? At least the Howlers’ way of doing things seemed to be just…

‘Maybe I’ve been hanging around Kai too much.’ Gary smiled at this thought, which didn't go unnoticed by Ben.

“Say, Gary, you seem to know a lot about gangs for someone your age. I doubt many would know that these guards of mine are part of the Rising Dragon gang. Don't tell me you're planning to join one in the future?”

“No, no, not at all.” Gary shook his hands to deny it vehemently. “It’s just… when I was with Jayden I heard that name mentioned. Based on the tattoos your guards have on their necks, I assumed they were gang members. As for what I plan to do in the future… I honestly don't know yet. As long, it allows me to look after my family, I’ll be happy with pretty much anything, I guess.”

When saying these words, the image that appeared in Gary's head wasn't just of his mother and Amy, but also of all his friends at the Wolf’s Pool Club, as well as Tom.

The intense conversation about gangs had come to an end, just in time for dessert to be brought out. Chocolate cake. Gary looked at it with mixed feelings. He could only imagine how great it would taste, judging by the quality of food he had enjoyed so far. Ultimately, he placed the fork down, though.

“What's wrong, don't you like chocolate cake?” Xin’s mother asked.

“No… it's not that… unfortunately, I’m allergic to chocolate.” Gary answered, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Damn!” Jayden commented. “If I was allergic to chocolate… I don't even know what I would do.”

Xin started to remember the time Gary got sick. It was a very distinctive memory, since that was what had started her troubles with Tiffany. There was that piece of chocolate bar as well as Tom’s bag out on the table, which had been seemingly filled with more chocolate at the time.

‘That explains why he was sick… but why would Tom give him any? Didn’t they know he was allergic until a few weeks ago? That doesn’t make any sense.’

Fortunately, it was not much of an issue. Instead of chocolate cake, Gary’s dessert became a bowl of vanilla ice cream and afterwards, he realised that it was already pretty late.

“I was thinking, does Xin really have to go to another school?” Gary finally asked. “I mean, aren’t you afraid that moving all the time will affect her studies? I understand that you're worried about the gangs, but I don't think anything like that will happen again.

“Security has been improved, and there’s people who can look out for her like me. Also, now that the gangs know that there is someone like Jayden behind her, I doubt they would try anything. On the other hand, if something like this happens with a gang in a Tier-2 city… I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I’ve heard someone say that those gangs have their own Altered.”

It was the only thing Gary could come up with to try to make them change their mind. When saying these words, he could see Xin's face, it looked as if she was in pain. It reassured him that she didn’t want to move either.

“Ah, that’s very sweet of you, Gary. I’m very happy that my dear Xin managed to make a friend that cares so much about her.” Natalia said with her hands together. “However, we have already been over this a few times. Whatever you might say, we have already thought of everything. If you really want to see Xin, she will be able to come back on weekends, so not all will be lost.”

“Actually, Mum, I decided I won't be coming back. I’ll stay at the academy, I mean.” Xin clarified. “Gary, I was going to tell you when we were on our own, but this will probably be the last time we see each other for a while.

“I’m not just moving to any boarding school, but I’ll be joining the Altered Fighting Academy. I also want to be serious about this, so I plan to stay in their boarding programme and continue their training even on weekends. That's why I invited you over and wanted to speak to you today.”

Hearing those words from Xin rather than from her father or mother, it struck Gary that it was something Xin had actually decided on her own. After the meal had finished up, the conversation seemed to lead elsewhere and Gary didn't really know what to do or what to say.

Given the late hour, he eventually bid his goodbyes to the adults, and it was time for him to say goodbye to Xin. They stood by the door, her parents already gone and just her brother by her side.

“I'm sorry Gary, I didn't realise it would upset you so much…and sorry for giving you such a crappy first date.” Xin apologised, as she held Gary’s hand. The next second she leaned in, and before the high schooler could react, she already had pressed her soft lips on his cheek.

“This is my thank-you present for saving me.” She leant back, her face red, before she suddenly ran off.

Leaving Gary to stroke the side of his face.

“That girl, always trying to do what she wants but never being able to.” Jayden sighed. “Come on, let’s head outside. You’re not completely off the hook yet, streaker boy. It's time for our conversation.”

*******

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