Between: love and crime | english version

chapter two

Elaya's POV:

In the following days, I couldn't shake the mysterious savior from my thoughts. That evening is firmly etched in my mind, now almost a week past. Every time I recall it, a chilling shiver runs down my entire body. His words and icy gaze have left a profound mark on my soul. Who was he, and why did he save me? These questions tormented me.

After my lectures, I strolled through the streets, heading slowly to my part-time job. Arriving at the small café, my best friend greeted me and beckoned me over. I returned only a smile, passing by her to reach the changing room. There, I swapped my everyday clothes for my work uniform.

Soon, the café was bustling with customers. Many students gathered here to study. I sighed heavily, closing my eyes before delivering the next order to their table. I found it challenging to focus on my tasks, nearly tripping and stumbling.

"Finally off! Always having to cover shifts or work extra hours before weekend," she expressed her frustration, a valid concern given our need to finance our studies. I shrugged, "Well, it'll be alright. Don't stress, and besides, I'm still here." I could only offer a reassuring pat on her shoulder. She smiled at me gratefully.

At the red light, she turned to me, "Our paths diverge from here." I embraced her, and she playfully complained, her melodious tone not hiding her jest. I just looked at her amused.

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The late evening was silent and dark as I strolled along dimly lit streets. I had been walking for a while, enjoying the cool night breeze, with occasional cars passing by-probably those heading home after work. Unfortunately, I hadn't obtained my driver's license yet.

My thoughts, once again, drifted back to the encounter with HIM-the mysterious man who had saved me. His words and enigmatic gaze still occupied my mind. The streets grew emptier, and I felt fatigue seeping into my bones.

Fortunately, tomorrow was Saturday, allowing me a chance to sleep in again. A gentle smile crept onto my lips as I thought about how restful the night would be. I just wanted to get home quickly.

My path led me through a narrow alley flanked by tall, shadowy buildings. The surroundings were quiet, with only the faint whisper of the wind accompanying me. Suddenly, I froze. An inexplicable chill washed over me, and I sensed I wasn't alone.

A soft sound, a rustle in the darkness, prompted me to halt. A cold shiver ran through me. I turned slowly, but darkness swallowed any shapes. An oppressive sense of threat draped over my shoulders.

Then, footsteps. Soft but unmistakable. Fear tightened my muscles, and I tried to breathe calmly. It might be my imagination, yet I couldn't calm down. My hand slipped into my purse where my phone was, ready to call for help if needed.

I took a few steps towards the exit of the alley, but the footsteps grew nearer. Louder and faster. The darkness seemed to intensify, and I could barely make out a faint shadow moving towards me. Panic seized me as the ominous presence approached. My mind was ready to flee, but my body remained rooted to the spot. Not a muscle moved.

In that moment, I heard a gruff voice. "There you are, little brat," he sneered. I prayed internally that it wasn't real, but the voice was all too familiar. My heart raced, and my mind screamed for escape. This wasn't imagination; this was real. He found me again.

The threatening figure emerged from the shadows, and I recognized the face of one of the men who had attacked me before. They had found me again. Panic constricted my throat, and I couldn't gather clear thoughts.

"You thought you could escape us, huh?" he laughed with a sinister grin, the darkness lending his face a demonic aura.

Suddenly, another voice, not emerging from the darkness but from above. "Leave her alone, Tony." The words sounded calm and self-assured, carrying an undeniable threat. His voice sent shivers down my spine. I shook.

I dared to glance upwards and saw HIM, appearing seemingly out of nowhere on a balcony above us. He had come back. His presence felt like salvation in the dark night.

Tony and his cronies seemed initially surprised, but their expressions changed when they saw who stood above them. "What the hell do you want?" Tony spat in a ludicrous tone.

HE took a step closer. "Someone who won't let you harm her. Keep her out of your pathetic games; she's not alone anymore." His gaze shifted to me, and I felt his words like a protective shield around me. My cheeks blushed slightly.

The men hesitated, and an ominous silence filled the alley. Suddenly, Tony broke the silence. "Let's get out of here, guys. We have nothing more to do here."

They retreated into the darkness. My savior watched them until they were out of sight. Only then did he release the breath he had seemingly held.

He descended from the balcony and approached me. His expression was serious as he looked at me. "Are you okay?" he asked, a concerned look crossing his face.

I nodded, still trembling with fear but also relieved that he had arrived in time. "Yes, thank you. You saved me. Again."

He smiled slightly, and in that moment, his smile seemed to be a light in the darkness. His expression darkened, and suddenly, he radiated such dominance towards me. "It's dangerous to wander alone here, little one. You should be more careful."

I looked down and spoke softly, "I can't just run away. You came back, and I'm grateful for that. But I want to understand why you did it."

He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. He seemed stressed. "You're so persistent, little one. You don't know the world I navigate."

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And cut... Well, how did you find the chapter so far? I'm always open to new suggestions. 💕

I'll revise the next chapter so that you can read it as early as possible. 📚😽

Yours,
Kiki 💞