Systemism

Hyeonwoo (1)

The busy shopping street pulsed with life. Neon signs flickered above, casting a colourful glow onto the throngs of people below. Vendors shouted out their wares—fresh street food, cheap accessories, knock-off electronics. The air was thick with the smell of grilled meat, fried dumplings, and the faint hint of exhaust from the steady stream of cars passing by. Tourists snapped photos while locals moved quickly through the crowd, each lost in their worlds. A cacophony of voices and city sounds blended into the background—a living, breathing symphony of urban chaos.

Amid this bustling scene, a black-haired teenager pushed her way through the crowd, her breath quick and her heart pounding. She weaved in and out of groups of pedestrians, her movements fluid, and practiced. Behind her, several teenagers from a rival gang gave chase, their shouts cutting through the noise.

Fodder: "Get her!"

Fodder 2 (frustrated): "Don't let her slip away this time!"

The girl glanced over her shoulder, her eyes sharp with focus. The open street offered little protection, but up ahead, she spotted her escape—a narrow alleyway, barely wide enough for one person at a time. Without hesitation, she darted into it, her body moving with practised agility.

The alley was a stark contrast to the vibrant, noisy street. It was dark, and quiet, and smelled of damp concrete and old garbage. The hum of the city outside faded into a distant murmur. She pressed her back against the wall, listening for the sounds of her pursuers.

The first one came crashing into the alley, his overconfidence evident in the way he charged forward, arms wide to grab her. She sidestepped him effortlessly, driving her elbow into his side before sweeping his legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.

Fodder: "What the hell?!" 

He hesitated at the entrance of the alley, the claustrophobic space suddenly feeling much more dangerous.

Fodder: "Come on, man! She's just one girl!"

The second boy lunged at her, but she was ready. She ducked under his punch and delivered a quick jab to his gut, then twisted his arm behind his back and slammed him into the wall. He let out a sharp yelp as he slid down, defeated.

Fodder (fearful): "She's too fast!"

Another teen rushed her from behind, hoping to catch her off guard. But she spun around, her black hair whipping through the air, and landed a precise kick to his chest. He stumbled back, gasping for breath as he clutched his ribs.

???: "Is that all you got?" 

The girl taunted, her voice calm and steady as if this fight was nothing more than routine.

The last two boys exchanged nervous glances, the bravado they had on the main street quickly fading in the tight, suffocating alleyway. The bright lights and bustling energy of the city seemed miles away now. In this shadowy place, it was just her—and them.

Fodder: "Let's get out of here..." 

One of them mumbled, but before he could turn, the girl was already on him. She grabbed his collar, yanking him forward before delivering a swift knee to his stomach. He doubled over in pain, dropping to his knees.

The last boy backed up slowly, hands raised in surrender. 

Fodder: "Okay, okay! We're done!"