The next day, I thoroughly explained to my mom why I was late and why I had joined the martial arts academy. Surprisingly, she didn't take the matter too seriously and even gave me some leniency.
I planned to go to the academy later to observe the combat hall and gain some insight into real martial arts. I was also curious about how Adren would act after losing so miserably to me the previous day.
Just as I was getting ready, my phone rang.
It was Dorothy.
I picked up the call."Hey, Dorothy. What's up?"
"Hey, Danial. Are you free right now?"
"Not entirely, but… yeah."
"Okay, then, meet me at my house. Right now."
I frowned. "Why? What happened?"
"Are you coming or not?" she said hastily.
"Okay, okay. I'm coming."
"Thank you. See you at my house."
I stared at my phone with a strange expression."What a crazy girl…"
Since my mom had given me some freedom over time, I decided to visit the academy later.
I went straight to Dorothy's house and rang the doorbell. She opened the door with a wide smile and immediately grabbed my arm, dragging me inside.
"Dorothy, what are you doing?" I asked hurriedly. "Why the hell did you call me?"
"You'll find out soon," she replied.
She dragged me all the way to the main room. I noticed her shy smile, and suddenly a thought struck me.
I forcefully pulled my arm free and said quickly,"I know I helped you, and you want to repay me, but this is too much. I never asked for anything. You can't repay kindness like this. Listen, Dorothy, the world is cruel, and there are guys who take advantage of kind people like—"
Before I could finish, a hand came down and smacked the back of my head.
"What are you talking about?" Dorothy snapped. "Why would you even think I'd do something like that?"
I froze and looked around. We were clearly in the living room.
"Then… what were you talking about?" I asked awkwardly.
"My parents wanted to meet you," she said.
"Ohhhhh…"
That explained everything.
I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. The embarrassment was unbearable. I sat on the couch with my face lowered as Dorothy glared at me sternly.
"I didn't think you'd see me that way, Danial," she said. "Maybe I should tell my parents."
I jumped up immediately, waving my hands."Wait! Hold on! This is a huge misunderstanding! Nothing like that happened—nothing!"
At that moment, her parents walked into the room and looked at us.
I was still half-bent forward, desperately trying to explain myself.
Dorothy quickly broke the awkwardness."Mom, Dad, this is Danial Crawford. My VERY good friend."
I straightened myself at once."Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunty. My name is Danial Crawford. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Her father smiled warmly."No need to be so formal. We're all family here. Let's sit and talk."
Her father's name was Warren, and her mother's name was Elaine.
Warren spoke seriously."The reason I called you here through Dorothy is to thank you. If it weren't for you, I would have been in jail for years."
I immediately understood and replied quickly,"Sir, there's really no need for that. I helped Dorothy because she's my friend. We've been through ups and downs together—it was only natural for me to help."
"No," Warren said firmly. "Regardless of the reason, I must thank you."
"Sir, you're my elder. Helping you in need is my responsibility. There's no need for gifts or formal thanks."
Warren shook his head."I insist. You didn't just help me—you helped my entire family."
I looked at Dorothy. She nodded, signaling me to accept.
I sighed."Alright, sir. I'll accept."
Warren smiled broadly."That's my boy. What I've prepared for you might be tiring, but it will benefit you in the future."
I looked at him in confusion."What do you mean?"
He patted my shoulder and said,"I got you a job at Sterling Technology."