𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍~ 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐑𝐎

♡Chapter-1♡

Year 2007.

The streets were quiet as I walked home, the cool evening air brushing against my face. My hands were tucked into my jacket pockets, and I kept my eyes ahead, ignoring the faint sound of footsteps behind me.

"Hey, missy!" A voice called out.

And I ignored it again, keeping my pace steady. I'd learned a long time ago not to react to every little thing.

"C'mon, don't be like that."  The voice spoke, louder this time. The footsteps quickened, and soon I felt their presence close behind me. "Don't ignore us." Another voice spoke with a mocking laugh.

I glanced over my shoulder. Five of them. Great.

I stopped walking when they surrounded me, blocking the path ahead and behind. Their smirks and leering eyes made their intentions crystal clear.

"Where you headed, pretty girl?" One of them said with a smirk, his eyes raking over me shamelessly.

"Home." I replied with a blank look, trying to step around him, but another moved to block me.

"Aw, don't be like that." One of them said, leaning closer. "Stay and hang out with us. We'll show you a good time."

The others laughed, and one muttered something vulgar under his breath, something about my legs.

I clenched my fists in my pockets, forcing myself to stay calm. This is one thing about men. Especially those who acted like delinquents, thinking the world was theirs to do whatever they pleased. "Move." I said sharply, my voice cold.

"She's feisty. Those are always the ones most pleasing to be with."

"Bet she'd sound real sweet begging us to be gentle." Another sneered, his words dripping with venom.

I froze, tightening my fist. But all the control i had in me vanished the minute one of them stepped closer and reached out to brush his fingers on my arm.

I moved instinctively, grabbing his wrist and twisting it sharply and his yelp of pain was instant. My knee slammed into his stomach, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

The others stared in shock before one snarled. "You bitch!" He lunged at me, but I ducked under his swing, driving my elbow into his ribs.

"What's wrong?" I taunted, my voice low and sharp. "Not as fun when your prey fights back, huh?" The other came immediately after but I didn't give him a chance. My foot connected with his chest in a powerful kick, sending him crashing into a pile of trash bags.

"Pathetic." I muttered.

Two left. My smiles curled up in a mockery when they hesitated, their confidence visibly cracking. "Anyone else?"

They exchanged a nervous glance before one of them charged at me, his hands reaching for my throat. I sidestepped easily, grabbing his arm and flipping him over my shoulder. He hit the pavement hard, groaning in pain.

The last one backed away, his hands raised in surrender. "L-look, we were just joking, okay?!"

I stepped forward, letting out an amused chuckle when he tripped over his own feet, falling to the ground. "Joking?" I repeated, glaring down at him. "Do I look like I'm laughing?"

He scrambled to his feet, turning around to run but I grabbed the back of his collar, and yanked him backward, slamming him into the pavement, making him let out groan.

I took a deep breath, brushing my hair out of my face. My fists ached from the impact, but I ignored it. Adjusting my jacket, I stepped over the groaning bodies and continued down the street.