“Forcing me to do things like this….” Jerson couldn’t finish what he wanted to say before he sighed and looked at Vishnu, whose temper was wearing thin. “Did you even ask about the Prosecutor's opinion about this?”
Jerson thought that the Prosecutor wouldn’t accept it given that they were awkward together. Their encounter earlier sprouted the awkwardness growing between them, but Vishnu’s reply shocked him.
“I’m okay with it.” Vishnu’s tone was so sharp that even Jerson, who didn't care until now, could tell that the Prosecutor wasn’t happy about Degree’s sudden declaration. As to why he didn’t refuse his brother’s suggestion, Jerson couldn’t tell.
Jerson frowned at the man who gave him a headache to no end. Degree always does whatever he wants without any restraints. Jerson even thinks that Degree is a free man but has no clue why he chose this job.
“So it has been decided then?” Degree asked, ignoring the killing intent that Jerson was giving off. Who would care about others when a person is on the verge of euphoria? Degree was the same. He was also used to Jerson’s altering moods. Even though the guy said he wouldn’t do it, he’ll never disappoint Degree.
Meanwhile, Vishnu wanted to seal his mouth or even cut his tongue. He didn’t know why he just let Degree do whatever he wanted. He was so caught up in the moment that he said something ridiculous, and now he felt embarrassed. He tried to take his words back, but he was afraid that’d make things more awkward between him and Jerson. Jerson might even think ill about him, and that’s the last thing he wanted.
“I don’t even have a say in this setup?” Jerson blurted out with a bitter-sweet voice.
“You can decline if you want,” Vishnu said in a monotone.
Jerson was so shocked when Vishnu talked to him. He could understand if the Prosecutor would be tough on him, considering how he approached him earlier, but the Prosecutor’s voice was even… somehow… soft? Is he imagining things?

“I’m aware that I don’t have any other choice deeming Noah’s attitude. He probably won’t let me go without appeasing what he yearns for and will even disturb me even when I'm on my deathbed,” Jerson said as a matter of fact. Vishnu was aware of this, and that made his inner self laugh. Noah, indeed, has that kind of character. This occasionally made him irritated, but his temperance for his good brother was beyond what anyone could ever imagine.
“You’re pampering him too much, don’t you think?” Vishnu casually asks.
“I guess I did.”
Degree should be happy that the two were now talking casually without exchanging daggers through their stare, but he wasn’t. He snorted, hearing the two talk ill about him. How could they talk about him this way? Degree felt cheated.
Is this what they called: front stabbing? Degree tilted his head. That doesn’t sound so right.
•••
Jerson ended up following Vishnu as what Degree instructed. He was told to protect the Prosecutor from this day onward. Although he didn’t know why and to whom, he just nodded as a good employee does. Jerson knew that Degree wouldn’t tell him, so he didn’t bother discussing it. As long as he’ll protect his boss’ good brother, the contract won’t be void. In fact, Degree promised him something that’ll lead him to his parents.
This will be the last time that Jerson would follow Degree, as they’ve discussed before going home. When the contract expires, he’ll follow what his heart yearns for, and that is to find his parents.
However, Jerson knew that the contract would be protracted. As a prosecutor, Jerson knows that Vishnu offended many fugitives that wouldn’t give a second thought about killing their offender. It’s a continuous cycle of retaliation, from the suspect to the victim, the prosecutor to the suspect, and the suspect to the prosecutor. If the prosecutor ends up dead, the family of the prosecutor continues the cycle. If this assumption was true, he could only imagine a bunch of pain in the asses kind of people.
However, deeming that Degree requested this personally, he knows that this is something big. It shouldn't be ignored, or it would be risky when finally decided to take precautions. And this isn’t about revenge. Jerson could only guess that Vishnu does something he shouldn’t have and now, those people behind the scene were hunting him for the drawback he caused. If Vishnu weren’t careful enough, anytime will be the day of his demise.
“That decent Prosecutor offended someone. Protect him at all costs. If something bad happens to him, I’ll get back at you.”
Remembering the tone Degree used earlier, Jerson felt more confused. He tilted his head before resting his back on the sofa. He looked up at the ceiling as if it would answer his inquiry. He never saw Degree that serious before, and it bothers him so much. Just how bad this situation is?
Before Jerson could even fall deep into his thoughts, his phone rang. He stared first at his vibrating phone before he could clearly see who it was. It is Vishnu. Gladly, it didn’t take too much time for his brain to sink into what was going on. He answered it hastily, worried that the Prosecutor he was told to protect might be in danger.
“Did you pack already? I’m outside your house. Come quickly,” Vishnu said. His voice was so subtle. He must have been tired.
Jerson sighed before getting up.
“One minute,” he replied before the caller hung up. He sighed again. Jerson couldn’t count how many times he sighed this day and couldn’t guess how many times he’ll sigh in the future. Many things had happened today that he wished this day would end sooner.
Jerson hastily ran down from his apartment and approached Vishnu. Those drowsy looks made Jerson feel guilty. It was as if the Prosecutor was depleted. He didn’t need to pick up Jerson if he’s this drained. Jerson can handle himself just fine.
“Hop in. We’re leaving. I have someone to meet,” Vishnu said before opening the door in the driver’s seat. Jerson gladly obliged and opened the door of the passenger seat beside the driver’s area.
“I can drive fine. It feels weird seeing my employer do what I am supposed to be doing,” Jerson declared while buckling up.
“Nah. I don’t want anyone driving my car,” Vishnu answered as he maneuvers the car smoothly.
Dead silence. It was a deathly stillness that even the outcry of the insects could be heard. Jerson didn’t know what to say, so he just turned his head and observed the city lights as if he was admiring its intoxication on mother nature.
The city is so busy, and he felt somehow suffocated seeing how people interacted with different people just fine. If Jerson were in that position, he would have revoked everybody to leave him fucking alone because of the vibes and expression he’ll give off to everyone. Sometimes, being ruthless gave him benefits. He doesn’t have lots of friends, but he got one pal who could turn the world upside-down for him. He’s well. Although his boss was a bit timid, he isn’t the vituperative type of boss.
“We’re here. Don’t stay too close. You can sit at the other table and have your meal,” Vishnu said before he got out of the car. Jerson just stared at him. He only moved when Vishnu entered the restaurant and took his seat with a girl.
Jerson gets what Vishnu meant, so he stays put for a moment before entering the restaurant and takes the table meters away from the Prosecutor.