Chapter 10: Discoveries

'What the hell was that back there? You just left Daniel! With Jay Hong of all people!'

DG was sitting on a bench near a park with his phone clutched in his hand. He stared at his reflection on his blacked-out screen. He gripped his pink hair tightly with his free hand as he gave in to his self-pity.

'Why must he show up now? Just when things were going so well... No, it was bound to happen sooner or later; I just wish it was later.'

He sighed as his screen shone brightly in front of him, showing him the stream that followed Jay. He and Daniel were seated on the sidewalk talking. About what, DG had no clue.

He saw Jay get close to Daniel and lean in, his face a few inches away from him. DG could feel his blood boil, though he had no clue why. He had no right to be jealous after lying to this beautiful man. He let out a deep breath and felt himself relax.

Then, a challenge appeared. One that made DGs stomach drop.

DISTRACT DANIEL

In big, bold letters. DG watched as Jay seemed to hesitate before placing his lips to Daniel's. "What could they be planning?" DG muttered to himself as he stood from the bench and started jogging to the familiar location where Jay and Daniel were.

"Wait, no," Daniel said as he broke the small scatter of kisses Jay was adamant about leaving. Daniel placed his hands on Jay's shoulders and gently gripped his deltoids as he pushed the blonde away from him. "Why are you doing this?"

Jay looked at the raven-haired boy and stared at his lips for a while before shaking his head and standing up. He let out an empty breath and walked towards his bike.

Jay squatted down by the tires that had a bit of missing traction and let out a huff. It was still drivable.

He walked to the sidewalk and bent down for his phone before pulling his key out of his pocket and straddling his bike.

"What are you doing?" Daniel asked with a puzzled expression on his face. He stared at the blonde as he switched on the ignition. "Are you just going to leave me here?"

Daniel rose from his spot on the gray concrete and walked towards Jay. The blonde looked up at him and exhaled before nodding his head. Daniel could feel his eyes widen at Jay's confession.

"Why?" He muttered.

Jay's lips formed a tight line as he looked down. He didn't feel right leaving Daniel like this but, he had to. He looked back up at the beauty in front of him with a determined face.

"Sorry? You're sorry? Don't be sorry just... Don't leave me here." Daniel stood there with his head down. Why was he getting screwed over by everyone he met today? He sighed.

I miss DG.

Jay turned away from the boy and started down the road, leaving Daniel on the deserted street. He had to follow his instructions.

Daniel didn't move from his spot on the road until he could no longer hear the sweet sound of Jay's motorcycle. He wanted to go home.

He turned around and walked to the sidewalk where he retrieved his phone.

He dejectedly phoned Zoe and asked her to pick him up from where he was at. She went silent for a minute before she agreed.

A few minutes passed and the bubbly girl pulled up next to him. "Hey sweetie, what's up?" She gave him a sweet smile and Daniel knew she was watching his stream. He dropped his head and entered her car.

"Listen," she started after a few minutes passed. "I've been doing some digging about the guy you were streaming with tonight. He just.... didn't feel right to me."

Daniel looked over at the girl. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "At first I couldn't find anything on the guy and thought that I was just assuming the worse; until someone offered to give me what I wanted to know."

"What was the catch? It couldn't have been that they wanted to do it out of the kindness of their heart?" Daniel faced the front windshield as Zoe continued to drive.

"You're right, she didn't do it because she wanted to."

"She," Daniel emphasized.

"Yeah, she... Her name is Crystal. She said that she'd help me out if I failed a challenge. So, I did."

"But, why? You were doing so well. You had tons of followers and even more Watchers. You were in the box!"

"I know! But, I was worried about you more than myself... I needed to make sure you were safe. She downloaded a ton of information..." Zoe trailed off for a few minutes before taking a deep breath.

"Did you know he's played before?"

Daniel turned to look at Zoe, her eyes glued to the road. "No, I didn't. I mean, I knew he was a Player but not that he played before." Daniel's voice was quiet as he spoke against the small hum of the car.

"In Tokyo," Zoe answered with a small glance at Daniel. "Some guy died while playing and authorities named it an "accident". Then it was practically wiped from public knowledge."

Daniel stayed quiet as Zoe spoke. She did care enough about Daniel to ensure his safety and well-being.

"I'm not sure if the guy left Tokyo because of it or if it was caused by something else entirely. I'm just glad I trusted my intuition on this one," Zoe shook her head as she sighed. "As much as I don't want you anywhere near that guy, I feel like he'd tell you out of anyone."

Daniel remained quiet as Zoe continued driving seemingly nowhere.

"Stop at this next street," Daniel finally spoke. "I'm going to the police. If people have died before, people will die again. Thanks for telling me all of this Zoe; you're a good friend." Daniel smiled at her as she pulled to a stop.

"No problem Daniel. Please be careful."

Daniel nodded. "I'll call you if something comes up."

"You got it."