"What happened to you man?" Josh Carson, a good friend of mine, playfully tapped my shoulder. "Your face is so red."

I mentally groaned, remembering what happened hours ago. "Can you put your phone down for just a second?"

I was shocked beyond belief, I would have never expected Hope Valentino out of anyone in this world to be someone who knew how to throw a punch.

I figured if someone asks her to participate in a brawl, she would come back with a trophy in hand. No doubt.

She attacked me without any hesitation.

She was always so silent and does not talk to a single soul. Of course, there was a secret behind it. Well, I did find her in an abandoned area.

My father made sure I had no distractions when I train since he wanted me to win this fighting competition he signed without my consent.

I was warned that there would be many strong competitors since many posters have been placed and everyone who has seen it could take part.

Little did I know, I would come across Hope Valentino.

"Hey, you listening to me?!" Josh threw the pillow from my couch, which landed square on my face. I groaned, sitting upright. I went back home awhile after she left and have not left my phone since.

"Do you know Hope Valentino? The girl who's in my class for Biology and Mathematics?" I asked and he shakes his head.

"We don't go to the same class for both subjects." He shrugged, eyeing me with a small smirk. "Dating?"

"You've seen her! She doesn't talk to anyone and usually sits alone." I frowned, ignoring his impossible assumption.

"Oh!" He finally says, then added, "I don't know her."

I let out a sigh. There was no point in telling him about her when he was unaware of her existence

I let the situation slide, drawing my eyes back to my phone.

"What happened to her?" he asked, probably thinking something unfortunate happened. After all, the only reason I called him over to my place was because I felt troubled. "After listening to you rant about your father and the things he wants you to do, I don't think there's time for love. Just give her up."

I did not bother to explain the state I was in. He supposed it was just another woman who I share a current infatuation with, but I begged to differ.

I felt oddly worried that she would turn me down, I needed severe help if I wanted to win the fight and bring home a fortune.

What could she gain from helping me? She has every right to turn me down.

I let out an inward sigh, finally looking away from my mobile.

I was just a second away before keeping it when it rings.

In all possible haste, I looked at the sender of the text and instantly, a smile touched the corners of my lips.

"That's her? How does she have your number, didn't you say she couldn't talk?" Josh started firing questions, but I was too caught up with answering Hope.

She texted: "What do you need my help with?"

I thought of a response: "Can we meet up? I'd like to talk about it." Following that text was, "I promise, helping me would not cause you any harm."

Josh was just behind my shoulders, looking at everything I was telling her. I could see his raised eyebrow from the corner of my eye.

We looked as three dots jumped before my phone vibrates once again: "Right after school. If I am reluctant to help, I won't do it."

I held back a smile, replying with a quick 'thanks' before placed my phone on a table in front of the couch.

Bending towards the cupboard on my side, I grabbed two controllers for a game and handed one to Josh.

"I'm guessing you're not telling me about what's going down in your life right now?" he asks.

"Right."

**

I was shaken back to reality by the constant ringing of my alarm. I groaned, batting my eyes as I remembered the reason I decided to wake up so unreasonably early.

I reluctantly threw myself out of bed and got ready for the morning.

I lived alone in an overly-spacious house bought by my parents before they moved into a bigger property not too far away.

My family was fairly wealthy but to my father, it was never enough. He had a stable job which pays well, an expensive car and a luxurious house. Still, he always wanted more.

He has the highest expectations and I can never meet them.

My mother was an average, caring and doting parent. She was the only person to call when my father was blinded with rage and fury, and the only one which could calm him down before he kicks me out of his house.

My sister, who already graduated and was in a different town, was working hard to pursue her dream and be an Oncologist.

I headed to school, an hour earlier than other days. I could not risk being held back by the teacher since I doubt Hope would wait for me after the last class of the day.

It should be the other way around instead.

I did not expect myself to get ready for the morning this quick, but there was not any harm in going to school earlier since the guys would most likely already be there.

I hopped onto the seat of my car, which I have recently gotten from a relative on my father's side of the family and drove off.

Curious stares pierced through me as I climbed out of my car and into the school's hallway. Most of the students looked at me with an expression of shock, knowing full well I never come to school on time.

Running my hand through my hair, I looked around to spot the two lads I hang out with daily. One of them was leaning against the lockers as they speak. They had a habit of coming to school early just to have a chat.

A few steps before I could reach them, someone sped my way and placed a hand on my face.

"What happened, Tyler?" Ashley asked.

Concern was evident in her eyes as she inspected the bruise on my face.

"I simply fell down a set of stairs, no big deal," I lied fluently and convince her with a smile.

"Is there a reason you're early today?" she fired another question.

I simply shrug, not wanting to reveal the truth.

Ashley had a small smile on her lips as she brushed her fingers across the injury on my face.

"I'll follow you back to your place right after school." Her hands flew to my arm as she eyed me with a raised eyebrow, waiting for me to respond.

However, I was not heading home after the last class of the day, I needed to have a word with Hope.

"I've got things to do after school," I said hesitantly, giving her an apologetic smile.

Her grip on my arm tightened as she drew closer to me.

"Just for today?" she pouted.

I sighed, "I'm sorry, I'll make up to you." I gazed at her. "I promise."

I received a small nod and watched as she left to join her friend.

"What has gotten into you?" Another one of my best friends, Grayson Owen asked. He was another who would come to mind when I needed a company. "Turning down that chick and coming to school thirty minutes earlier than usual with a punched face?"

"Josh told me you're hiding something," he eyed me curiously. "Discovered a secret and don't want to tell anyone about it?"

I let out a low chuckle.

"Think as you want."

Grayson chortled, probably thinking it was a joke and changed the topic, knowing I would not just simply let out something I was hiding.

My eyes flickered. "A disguised fighter," I mumbled quietly to no one.

I joined my friend's conversation for a few more minutes before the bell rang and we dispersed to our classes, where I willingly sat next to Hope, who was quietly writing in an interesting designed notebook.

"Why don't you sit next to me, Tyler?"

"Why is he sitting with her?"

"She doesn't talk to anyone, I doubt he's interested in her"

"There's so much empty seats, why did he choose that very seat?"

"Can everyone stop making a fuss about seats?" Ashley spoke up, walking into the class and cutting off everyone's murmuring for just a second before everyone resumed with their conversations.

I take a glance at Hope, who looked at a page in her notebook with pure fury reflecting in her eyes. It reminded me of the day before. The look in her eyes just a second before she made me fall effortlessly.

At that moment, the teacher strolls into the class, causing everyone to lower their volumes.

His eyes landed on me, it widened before he recollected his calm expression.

Perhaps he thought I was involved in a fight. I ignored him, turning away from his direction and diverted my attention to Hope, who placed her pen into her pocket and the notebook into her bag with a small piece of paper under her it.

She then looked up to meet my gaze.

I flashed her a grin and to my utter shock, she returned with the most breathtaking smile I have ever seen.

**

HOPE'S POV

I stared blankly into Tyler's eyes.

School had ended just a few minutes ago and I have been led in front of a quiet building, I felt uncomfortable - as if someone was watching me.

"Can you help-" He broke the silence, pausing for a slight moment. "-teach me how to fight?"

I felt every muscle in my body freeze, my expression had immediately changed to incredulity. Why exactly did he choose me to teach him how to fight?

I knew he was wealthy, that was a common topic the girls would talk about. He could just hire a personal teacher.

"My father signed me up for this fighting competition, which would take place next week. Though I can barely punch," he explained sheepishly. "I just need the cash."

"Besides, you can improve your skills if you are willing to teach me too. It's just for a week," he tried convincing me. "You don't have to speak either, just use actions."

"I won't bother you after," he seemed exceedingly persistent and determined.

It was just a week. And he was right, I will improve if I teach him and have a greater advantage over my stepfather. Still, every situation has its cons.

I would most definitely get closer to him and might end up trusting him.

Just seven days.

"I can help you with something too." The look on his face showed despair.

I slid out a piece of paper and a black pen from my pocket and hesitated when I remove the cap of the pen and begin to scribble down a few words.

"In thirty minutes, I would expect you to be where we met the day before."

I handed it over, turned and left. I hope I will not regret this decision.

I returned home to have an outfit change then immediately leave with two bottles on my hand.

I headed to the close destination where I planned to meet Tyler. I was not a fan of late arrival, although I have mastered to not care about what others thought of me, first impression still counts.

After my workout, I proceeded to the punching bag.

Shifting my body weight to my right foot, I came close to the punching bag and swung my fist horizontally, I then delivered some basic jabs as the bag started swinging.

I moved back while the bag closed the distance and ended with a sidekick when I see a figure enter the room.

My eyebrow quirked disbelievingly. He was the last person who I expected to come ten minutes early with a book and a pen in his hands.

"I brought my car along, I can give you a lift after," he said, scanning me from my head to toe.

I scowled, snapping my fingers and gesturing for him to keep his eyes on my face.