꧁༺ 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓼𝔂 ༻꧂

CHAPTER 1: Convenient store?

 Panting heavily, Nori's heart races as she ducks into the nearest alley. She glances over her shoulder, eyes wide with fear as the echoes of cruel laughter bounce off the graffiti-covered walls. Her school bag bangs against her back rhythmically as she runs, the stitching on the worn fabric straining under the weight of books and the burden of her fear. The alley opens up to a small, dimly-lit convenience store. Without a second thought, she darts inside, her eyes scanning the aisles for a place to hide.*

 Asadi's eyes narrow as he watches the commotion from his vantage point, the warm glow of the cigar in his hand casting shadows across his face. He's been watching over Nori from afar for months now, ever since her mother, a former associate of his, had passed away. He can't help but feel protective of the girl. His thoughts are interrupted by the jingle of the convenience store's bell as Nori bursts through the door. He taps the cigar's ashes into a nearby tray before casually strolling in.* "Everything okay, little one?"

 Startled, Nori turns around, her eyes welling with tears. She nods quickly, trying to compose herself.* "Y-yeah, I'm fine." *Her voice wavers as she clutches the bag tightly to her chest.* "J-just running late for something..." *she mumbles, her gaze darting to the side, avoiding his piercing stare.*

 Asadi's eyes soften as he approaches Nori, his heavy boots clicking against the linoleum floor. He places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to lie to me, Nori. I've seen enough in my line of work to recognize fear when I see it." His grip tightens slightly, not in a threatening way, but in a comforting manner that seems to say 'I'm here'. He takes a drag from his cigar, the sweet aroma of tobacco mingling with the scent of the store's stale air. "If you're being chased, you're safe in here. Tell me who's bothering you, and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Her eyes widen further as she feels the weight of his hand on her shoulder, but she relaxes slightly, recognizing the concern in his voice.* "It's just... the kids from school." *she whispers, her cheeks flushing.* "They... they do it all the time."

Her voice cracks and she swipes at a stray tear. The bell jingles again, and she jumps, expecting her pursuers to barge in. As the panic sets in, she leans into the comfort of Asadi's firm but gentle touch.* "They said... they said they'd follow me home today."

 The kindness in his eyes is replaced by a steely resolve. He pulls out his phone and dials a number. His voice is low and firm.* "Send a car around the block, now." He hangs up and turns back to Nori, his hand moving to cradle her cheek. "You're not going anywhere until I make sure you're safe."

The jingle of the bell signals the arrival of a black sedan, sleek and gleaming even under the dull street lights. The driver nods curtly as Asadi opens the back door. He turns to Nori, his gaze firm but reassuring. "Get in, Nori. I'll take you home. You don't have to deal with this anymore." His words hang in the air, a silent promise of protection and a hint of something more. Nori's trembling subsides as she nods, stepping into the car, the plush leather enveloping her like a shield. As the sedan pulls away from the curb, Asadi's eyes reflect in the rearview mirror, the glow of the cigar illuminating the determination etched into his features.

 Nori nods, still shaking, and slides into the backseat of the car. She buckles her seatbelt with trembling fingers and watches the street shrink into the distance, the shadows swallowing the alley where her fear had almost consumed her. The plush leather feels cold against her skin, but the car's warmth is a stark contrast to the chill of the evening. As they drive through the dimly lit streets, the soft jazz playing on the radio seems to muffle the sound of her racing heart. She can't help but stare at Asadi's reflection, the way his eyes seem to pierce through the glass, and how the light from his cigar flickers with every inhale and exhale. His promise of protection 

The car glides through the streets, the engine purring like a well-fed cat. Asadi sits in the front, his eyes never leaving the mirror, watching Nori. He's seen the hardness of the world, the way it can chew up innocents like Nori and spit them out. It's a world he's both feared and ruled. His thoughts drift to the cruel games of power that had cost her mother's life. He vowed to keep Nori from the same fate, and now, with the scent of her fear lingering in the air, he feels that promise weigh heavier than ever. His hand clenches around his phone, the screen displaying the name of the person he's about to call. It's time to teach those kids a lesson they'll never forget.

 The sedan pulls up to the curb outside Nori's house, the headlights casting two pools of light on the cracked pavement. Asadi's eyes sweep the area, searching for any sign of her tormentors. Finding none, he turns to Nori. "You're home safe," he says, his voice a gentle rumble. He opens the car door for her, his hand lingering on the leather as she steps out. He watches as she fumbles with her keys, her hands still trembling from the chase. "Let me walk you in," he suggests, his tone firm but not unkind. Nori nods gratefully, and they walk up the short path to her door. As he watches her slip inside, he can't shake the feeling that he's not just leaving behind a frightened girl; he's leaving behind a piece of unfinished business.*

 Nori steps into the quiet sanctuary of her home, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The walls are lined with pictures of happier times, her mother's smile a stark contrast to the sadness etched on her own features. She turns back to Asadi, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers. She closes the door gently, the click echoing through the empty house. She leans against it for a moment, listening as the car pulls away. The silence is a stark contrast to the chaos of the alley, and she feels the weight of her fear slowly lifting.*

 Nori takes a deep, shaky breath, her heart rate finally starting to slow as the comforting rumble of the sedan fades into the distance. She flips the lock and slumps against the door, her trembling legs giving way beneath her. She slides down to the floor, her school bag falling beside her. The silence in the house is deafening, a stark contrast to the cacophony of the alley. The warm glow from the hallway lamp spills into the foyer, illuminating the dust motes that dance in the air. She can almost feel the weight of her mother's gaze from the framed photos lining the wall, their eyes a silent reminder of the promise she's made to keep going. She swipes at her cheeks, the tears now dry, and pushes herself up. Asadi's words echo in her mind, offering a semblance of protection in a world that's been anything but kind. She whispers to the empty space, "I'll be okay, Mom. I promise."

 As days turn into weeks, Nori finds a strange comfort in the sight of Asadi's black sedan parked outside her school, always there, unassuming but reassuring. She's no longer the easy target she once was. The bullies have learned to keep their distance, the whispers of fear that follow her a stark reminder of the power he wields. In the classroom, she sits up straighter, her gaze meeting the challenges thrown her way with a newfound confidence. Yet, she can't shake the curiosity that nags at her. What kind of man is he, really? What price does she pay for his protection? Her thoughts are often interrupted by the vibration of her phone. It's always a simple message from him: "Be safe, little one."

 Asadi's eyes never miss a beat, watching Nori from his car. He's become a silent sentinel in her life, a shadow that brings a semblance of peace. The whispers of fear that now surround her name are a testament to his influence. Yet, he can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. He's a mafia boss, not a knight in shining armor. But he's all she has, and he'll be damned if he lets anyone harm her. His phone vibrates, a message from Nori's number. He reads it, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. It's just a 'Thank you'. He texts back, "You're welcome. Don't stay out too late."

 Nori's phone buzzes in her pocket as she walks home from school, the same message from Asadi she receives every day. It's become a comforting ritual, a reminder that she's not alone. She glances at the time, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. She knows the streets aren't safe after dark, not just because of the bullies, but because of the whispers she's heard about the kind of man Asadi truly is. But she's late again, lost in thought about the math test she aced and the art project that's due tomorrow. The comfort of his words spurs her into a quicker pace. She'll be home soon, ensconced in the safety of her little fortress, with the knowledge that he's not far. She sends a quick reply, "I won't. Promise."