'One of Us is Lying' was phenomenal. And I'm not even overstating. It was purely phenomenal.

During the weekend, I started on all my homework except Mr. Bennett's assignment because the mere thought of reading repulsed me immediately.

After throwing a lot of tantrums and procrastinating multiple times, I did get to it eventually because I simply had no choice. Picking up the book that I borrowed from the library—the book that Hunter Knight recommended to me—I got on my bed and stared at it.

I was still unable to process that Hunter talked to me. The supposedly scary, drug dealing, illegal fighting, Hunter. The one who everyone in school stays clear of. Except for his group of friends, of course.

But the thing that bothered me was how unscary he was when he talked to me. For a person who had that kind of reputation, he seemed surprisingly really nice.

There's also the fact that he actually reads. He definitely didn't seem like that type though. Who would've thought that the boy who is rumored to be dangerous and wears leather jackets—which he pulls off really well—would keep reading as a hobby? But then again, that's just very stereotypical of me.

If Nina were to hear about this, she would be like, 'Is there a law that says bad boys in leather jackets aren't allowed to read or do anything they like? No, obviously. So, take your prejudice and throw it in the damn trash'. I would have obeyed without any hesitation.

Sighing, I finally opened the book and started reading the words from the first chapter. As I was reading it, I found myself slowly getting captivated by the events and the characters of the book. I hadn't actually read the synopsis of the book so I didn't know what I was getting into. I slowly realized that it was a murder mystery and it's safe to say that I couldn't keep the book down.

Which means I read the entire book in one sitting.

With the book being absolutely phenomenal, I started on my analysis right away as a sudden adrenaline rush ran through my veins. I was so focused on my assignment that even my mom was worried about me. I was proud of myself for completing the assignment without Newt's help and definitely gave myself a pat on my shoulders.

My eyes have been watching the hands of the clock on the wall the entire time Mr. Bennett has been conducting his class. Because all I want right now is for the bell to ring so I could submit my assignment to Mr. Bennett.

As if on cue, the bell rang indicating that the class was finally over. I hastily packed my bag in under ten seconds and almost ran towards Mr. Bennett's desk.

"Woah. What is the rush?" Mr. Bennett asked slightly surprised at my unusual enthusiasm.

"Hi, Mr. Bennett. Before I give you this, I just want to say, great assignment! Before this assignment, I hated reading with a passion. Like I hated the number of words and pages because I thought it was—pardon me for my language—a pain in my ass. But oh my God, how I was severely wrong! I wouldn't ever have touched a book if it weren't for you, Mr. Bennett. You seriously changed my life and I like to thank you for that. So, thank you, Mr. Bennett." I said with a huge grin.

"Oh-kay, uh, no problem, I guess." Mr. Bennett replied a little confused. "You completed the assignment already?"

I nodded eagerly.

"You do know that when I said 'by next week' I meant Thursday, right? Today is Monday."

I didn't know that, actually.

"Oh. But I like to submit it now. I'm confident in my work, Mr. Bennett." I grinned.

"Well, okay then. Since you're confident, I'll take it. But do know that if this isn't up to standard, there will be no second chances. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

Mr. Bennett laughed. "I'm looking forward to grading this assignment, Hera. Who knows, maybe you'll become my best student."

"That would be an honor, Mr. Bennett," I said in a serious tone as I intertwined my hands and placed them on my chest.

Mr. Bennett chuckled at my stupid self. "Okay kiddo, off you go now. I'll see you on Thursday."

"Yes, sir. See you, sir" I saluted and walked out of class.

I heard Mr. Bennett sigh and say 'Kids these days' faintly. Whatever does he mean by that? I will never know.

Now that I have completed my first mission and since school is over, it was time for me to move on to my second mission. It's called 'Operation Hunt the Hunt'. Yes, I know, I am a genius. Suck it, Newt, your competitor is on the rise.

I have got to find Hunter Knight and give him a big hug for recommending me this gem of a book. Okay, maybe not a hug because I'm still sort of terrified of him but a big thanks will do.

But Operation Hunt the Hunt would be challenging because I have never seen Hunter in the hallways before. He is like the hardest person to spot. Or it could also be the fact that I never deliberately searched for him before. The only people I would actively search for are Nina and Newt. No one else. I just hope he didn't go home as soon as school was over.

Beginning my search, I walked through the hallways and turned many corners as I scanned for that one particular person. Realizing that he isn't in the hallways, I decided to check the classrooms just in case he was in one. Just as I thought, he was in none of them. Where could he be? Where would a typical teenage boy be after school? Right then, I had my light bulb moment.

I picked up my pace as I walked towards the school field. Lacrosse is one of the many sports that teenage boys are obsessed with. But I didn't know if Hunter was on the team or not. It was worth a shot. To my luck, today was practice day. So, if he was on the team, he would definitely be there.

Reaching the field, I spotted some boys playing Lacrosse as their coach was shouting in their faces. Why do they tolerate that? From here, I couldn't see the boys clearly. So, I climbed up the stairs on the bleachers and squinted my eyes at the players.

"Hera?" I heard a voice call me from below.

I looked down and saw Newt standing there with a confused expression, looking all sweaty.

"What are you doing here?" He asked as I climbed down the stairs to go over to him.

Oh, shit. What do I tell him? I didn't exactly tell him and Nina about my encounter with Hunter last week. Newt has always been vocal about his dislike towards Hunter and his whole squad. He thinks they're a bad influence and bad people.

"Uh, you know, just checking out the game," I said awkwardly.

"You? You're checking out the game?" He asked with a pointed look.

"Yeah," I said trying to sound confident.

Telling Newt about Hunter would be a bad idea. But it's hard to lie for me to him when we've been friends for like forever.

"You really think I will buy that? Come on, Hera. We both know that you think Lacrosse is a stupid sport. You whine and throw a fit every time you come to my game."

"I don't throw a fit! I only whine." I said shamelessly.

"Whatever. Now tell me why you're really here. Is everything okay?" He asked with concern as he came closer.

I smiled. "Yeah, everything's fine." I sighed knowing I can't lie to him. "I was just looking for someone."

"Who?"

Suddenly feeling a little nervous, I gulped audibly as I avoided his eyes.

"Who is it, Hera?" He reiterated.

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt. "Hunter."

He frowned. "Hunter? As in Hunter Knight?"

"Yeah."

Newt placed his two fingers on my chin and forced me to look into his eyes. "Why are you looking for him?" He asked with a slightly enraged tone.

I blinked anxiously. "Mr. Bennett," I said removing his hand from my chin. "Mr. Bennett asked me to search for him. He wanted to see Hunter for some assignment, I guess."

I can't believe I just lied to Newt Preston so freaking smoothly. Damn, my skills just keep improving. I gave myself a pat on my shoulders in my mind.

"Oh. Well, he's not here." He said as he placed his hands in his shorts pockets.

"Oh, I didn't know if he was on the team or not so, I thought I should check just in case."

"Hera, if Hunter was on the team, I would be complaining to you and Nina 24/7." He deadpanned.

"That is true. Well, thanks. I'll go now. You should get back to your practice. Your coach keeps glaring at us." I said honestly.

"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I'm going to be so dead!" He said in panic mode.

"Just go! I'll see you tomorrow. Bye!" I said and started to walk away.

"Hera!" Newt called making me stop in my step as I turned to face him.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"You be careful, alright? Hunter is dangerous. And I'm not exaggerating in any way." He said sternly.

I nodded with a grateful look as my heart swelled at my best friend's concern for me.

He suddenly put on a grin. "Text me when you get home?"

I beamed right back at him. "Of course," I said and waved at him before I went back inside the school.

Operation Hunt the Hunt is becoming impossible. Where could he be? Once again, I had my light bulb moment. Could it be possible?

I wasted no time and ran over to the place where we first met. Walking inside the library, I spotted the librarian at her desk.

"Hi-" I paused as I looked at her nameplate. "Ms. Barris, hi! It's me again. I have a question for you." I said as soon as I walked over to her.

"Yes, dear. How can I help you today?" She asked with a sweet smile.

"I don't know if you know anyone by the name of Hunter-"

"Knight?" She finished for me.

I blinked and nodded.

"Of course I know that kid. He is a regular here. He basically lives here." She laughed. "What about him though?"

"Is he here by any chance?"

"Yes. I believe he is in the Young Adult section, like always." She smiled.

"Great! Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

I immediately ran up the spiral staircase and speed-walked to the Young Adult section. Just as Ms. Barris believed, Hunter was there, seated on the floor, leaning on one of the shelves, while he read a book with unwavering concentration. I couldn't help but smile at the scene I was seeing. Maybe, he's not a bad boy after all.

Hunter must have sensed my presence because all of a sudden he looked up, catching me staring at him blatantly. He raised his eyebrow at me, probably waiting for me to explain why I was creepily staring at him reading.

"Hi! Sorry to interrupt your reading but I have been searching for you literally everywhere. You're really hard to find" I laughed awkwardly.

"Did you ever stop to think that I would be here? You know, since I obviously love to read." He said, amusement flashing in his eyes.

At that moment, I felt like the stupidest person on the whole planet. Of course, he would be here. I should've known better by now. My face must have expressed obvious signs of my internal realization because Hunter decided to laugh at me.

I scratched my temple feeling the humiliation spread all over my skin. I'm pretty sure my cheeks have turned crimson.

"So, why were you searching for me?" He asked with a still amused look.

"Oh! Right! So, first of all, thank you so, so much for your recommendation because this book was phenomenal. Honestly, saying the book was phenomenal would be an understatement. It blew my mind. Words cannot describe how much I loved it. Bronwyn and Nate, oh my God! They are just the cutest! They're like the cutest couple on the fictional Earth, I swear. And Addy! I have mad respect for her. She is such a badass that I can't help but love her. And Cooper! I love that he conquered his fears and accepted his true self! Gosh, I just love all of them so much. And the story! Damn, did it keep me on my edge. I finished reading it in one sitting. I couldn't help it!"

I finally breathed and looked at Hunter who was eyeing me in complete amusement. It also looked like he was trying to suppress a smile. But I decided to ignore that and continued.

"So, the reason why I'm here is that because of you, I got to read such an amazing story and I like to thank you for it. I was also kind of hoping that you would recommend more books to me. I don't think I can trust anyone else or even myself to pick a book for me to read."

He stared at me thoughtfully before he got up to stand in front of me.

"You want me to suggest books for you to read?" He clarified.

"Yes."

"You're okay to associate with me?"

I blinked, slightly surprised at his question. "Well, yeah. If it's okay with you."

"You trust me?" He asked suddenly stepping closer.

"Uh, yeah," I said feeling a little nervous.

He took a step closer and placed his hand on the bookshelf beside my head, trapping me between him and the shelf. "You need me?"

I found myself being unable to reply as his unexpected proximity made the words get stuck in my throat. That was kind of a weird question, to be honest, but with him being so close, I couldn't really think straight. So, I decided to just give him a nod.

He lessened the gap between us and stared straight into my eyes with his mesmerizing ones. "What's your name?"

"Hera." My voice came out squeaky to my pure embarrassment. So, I cleared my throat and tried again. "Hera Hawkins."

He put on a charming smile letting his adorable dimples form on his face. "Well, I guess it's your lucky day, Hera Hawkins. Because it's Hunter Knight, at your service."