I M P A C T || N.DRAGNEEL

0.3

The rainy, cloudy weather cast a subdued ambiance over the apartment, enveloping it in a muted gray vibe. The pitter-patter of raindrops against the windows created a soothing soundtrack, punctuating the silence within. The air was infused with the comforting scent of brewing coffee, adding a warm and cozy element to the otherwise hushed atmosphere, as if the weather outside had seeped into the very essence of the living space.

squeak

Seated, I shifted uncomfortably, irritated by the persistent creaks emanating from the chair with each movement. The annoying sound prompted a note to replace it soon, as the incessant creaking only heightened my frustration.

squeak

The coffee on my desk had long turned cold, neglected for an hour as my intense gaze remained fixed on the computer screen. The relentless scrolling of my wrist, in agony since 6 in the morning, continued unabated as the clock now displayed 5 pm.

squeak

A sigh escaped me as I glanced at the time, my frustration evident when I realized I should be wrapping up my assignments instead of fixating on an underground boxer who must've forgotten about me.

squeak

I decided not to waste time worrying about Salamander. Resolved, I slammed my hands down on the desk, jerked myself upright, and shoved my chair halfway across the room. After entering my room, I took a few things, and I went to the shower.

Swiftly, I cleansed both my body and hair, following it with my regular hair and skin routine before dressing up in flare jeans paired with a form-fitting, long-sleeved black baby tee, I completed the look with a red leather jacket and boots.

 After turning off the lights, I hastily left my complex. The confinement of being in the same room with nothing but thoughts of Salamander was driving me insane. His green olive eyes and the circular soaring red dragon tattoo occupied my mind everywhere I turned – every corner, every store. My obsession had escalated to a point where I could hardly contain it.

The wet ground glistened under the remnants of earlier rain as buses and cars navigated through the city streets. Trench-coated pedestrians, armed with umbrellas and clutching coffees, strolled along the sidewalks, creating a picturesque scene of urban life in motion. The air was filled with a refreshing scent, and the city seemed to come alive with the rhythmic sounds of raindrops echoing in the background.

I understood how important it was for me to keep a low profile and draw no unneeded attention. However, pondering my true nature, I questioned whether I could resist the urge to act out and stir up trouble. With the fight just around the corner, I was looking for something bold, a move that would draw Salamander's attention once more. The idea of talking to him directly lingered in my brain; if I could talk to him once, maybe I could figure out his behavior pattern and outsmart him, soon being named Magnolia's savior. 

Inhaling the refreshing scent of the rain, I grinned beneath the overcast sky. 

this really is the best kind of weather 

With that, I continued walking to the square that was conveniently located near where I lived. I considered ordering an Uber but ultimately decided against it. I've been sitting all day; it wouldn't hurt to go for a stroll.

Upon entering the plaza, I swiftly headed to a nearby coffee shop and placed an order for a warm beverage to thaw my trembling body.

I thanked the barista, picked up my drink, and headed out to find something to wear that would definitely grab Salamander's attention. I could only smirk to myself as I rolled the play through my head. Failing to cover my giggles before rushing into the first store I saw.

I've lost track of the time spent searching for clothes, endlessly critiquing every minor detail instead of making a decision. I circled the store for what felt like an eternity before finally sighing and walking away. My mind was in disarray, torn between options. A dress felt too extravagant, jeans were worn last time, a tank top seemed inadequate, and a turtleneck threatened to induce a heat stroke.

As I was about to leave, something in the corner of my eye captured my attention. I blinked and hurried over, examining the fabric and design of the outfit. Satisfied, I nodded in approval and swiftly grabbed my size before dashing to the dressing room to see how it looked on me.

As always, I ignored my hairy legs as I examined how the outfit hugged my body perfectly. 

oh, I ate that up. 

___

Concluding with a final sigh, I closed my computer and swiveled in the newly acquired desk chair that Sting kindly provided as a replacement ( he was tired of the squeak). 

I faced him as he sprawled his entire body on my couch, snacking from a bag of chips resting on his chest while engrossed in a random show, which I later identified as "YOU." I sighed in exasperation, saying, "You have your own home and TV; go watch it there."

Sting complained, whimpering loudly, pleading for me to stay a bit longer, insisting he needed to see what would happen next. Standing over him with my arms crossed, I leaned in, glaring, "Come on, Sting. Get out. I have school tomorrow." He blinked, asking, "What does that have to do with me?" Without hesitation, I grabbed the remote from the table and turned off the TV. He grumbled, muttering insults he wouldn't dare say out loud, and reluctantly disposed of his trash, "You'll distract me. Now, go home."

I let out a sigh once he had finally departed. After waiting a few minutes, I turned off the lights and peeked through the curtains, noticing that he glanced at my window before departing. A smirk played on my lips before I hurried back into the bathroom once again.

Salamander's gonna wanna eat it from the back once he sees me 

__

Again, I expressed thanks to the security guard, who nodded and closed the door behind me with a loud bang due to the heavy lock that made me hold my breath. The venue was as crowded as before, if not more so. My body seemed accustomed to the expected hustle. Stealthily, I maneuvered through the various onlookers, searching for a familiar blue-haired girl.

The recognizable vibrations from the speakers reverberated through my body, causing my heart to race uncontrollably. The familiar scents of weed, booze, and cigarettes enveloped my senses as I pulled out my phone to send a text to Wendy.

'  you here? ' 

' your back looks just as good as your front ' 

I playfully rolled my eyes in response to the text, then turned around to face Wendy, who enveloped me in a tight hug—a gesture I had come to anticipate.

" I bet Salamander is gonna jump out of the ring and onto you" she winked, giggling. 

On this occasion, she sported ripped jeans paired with a cropped tank, and her hair flowed freely.

" I think you're exaggerating" I rolled my eyes, straightening out my outfit. 

I wore a black mini skirt featuring slits on both sides held together by a string, revealing more of my thighs. The back of my outfit was completely exposed, secured with the same string, complemented by a skin-tight sleeveless red crop top. Steve Madden's boots rounded off the look. I was relieved I hadn't added extra layers; otherwise, the heat would have been unbearable. 

" Would you believe me if I told you he asked to meet with you before the fight?" I blinked, " what?"