Becoming Kofi's Sunflower

Prologue

"You create wounds within me yet you won't be around to heal them nor witness the consequences they bring."
-KiinGhostWriter

The filling of Kofi's lungs, the pattering of his feet, and the loud drumming of his heart against his chest weren't going to stop him from running away from the unforgivable, diabolical woman that sought to end his life. Kofi's mind runs ragged while he weaves his way through the few people on the sidewalk. Kofi's running, both physically and mentally, comes to a sudden halt when he collides into another person. He picks himself up and watches them do the same with annoyance plastered on their face.

The softness that replaces their disgust made Kofi try to hide any indication of distress that may have stained his face. In his current state, his fragility is exposed. The stranger's expression falls neutral when Kofi's hands desperately attempt to conceal his bruised body. If it was anybody else then Kofi would scoff at the pity that momentarily seeps into the stranger's eyes.

A wince comes from Kofi suddenly and reminds him of the threat on his trail. Kofi stutters as he briefly looks over his shoulder, "I have to g-go. I'm s-so s-s-sorry!" Kofi tries taking off but the stranger quickly grabs his wrist. Feeling his heart colliding against his chest, his eyes rest on the tight but loose grip they had on him.

The stranger was searching Kofi's body for its own clues which made him feel completely naked under their scope... again. Kofi's head shakes violently before he prepares to make his escape . It's like the stranger predicts his plan as they slightly tighten their hold on him.

"Are you going to be okay? You don't have to go back! The hospital, a shelter, or even the police if you need me to then I'll take you," they offer which causes Kofi's eyes to widen and the stranger to reassure him, "only if you want me to. Just please don't ever go back there, they don't change!"

The stranger didn't know that involving the police would be pointless since the Chief is his abuser's father; Kofi is sure that his hounds were currently at her disposal already! The brown glow of the stranger's eyes were tinted with something other than pity— it tread along a thin line of empathy. Kofi wants to believe in the savior complex of this stranger but he knew where his fate lies.

"You don't know me so f-fuck off," Kofi's voice was shaky as he snatches himself from their grip.

Letting their hands drop back to their side in fists, "I'm sorry for not respecting your boundaries, but know if it's an escape you're looking for then let me provide it," the stranger pauses, "I know I can save you!"

"Kofi," her cold voice projects intimidation and warning as her heels seize their expensive clicks.

The stranger watches in confusion as Kofi's body tenses and his expression reflects mortification. Kofi reflexively turns at her call and freezes like someone persevered his living body. Kofi could feel that, tonight, this vile creature is going to be his death. His body shivers at the thought of being back within her grasp then the stranger words replay in his head.

"If it's an escape you're looking for then let me provide it." It felt like God sending him an angel; who is he to refuse what he's risking his life for!

"You've already made a scene at home, resulting in neighbors calling police, so there is no need to make one here. You've gone and done it with this stunt you pulled tonight. We're leaving, now," her venomous voice subtly injects fear into Kofi's veins and depletes his new found hope.

Sending glares between the woman and Kofi, the stranger surprises them both by standing in front of him as if they're his personal shield. It brings Kofi temporary ease that ceases by a maniacal giggle; Kofi couldn't comprehend how someone's laugh could have that much power.

"I know you want to play hero but I would really love if you go mind your fucking business. Witnesses are better off dead in ditches anyway," her smile was faker than a replica.

Kofi's eyes immediately soften when that threat shoots off her tongue; he didn't want this innocent bystander anywhere near her. Feeling his feet move automatically, Kofi accepts defeat. He didn't get far before the stranger hands wraps his. Her warmth fills his body and Kofi sees her resolve to save him when their eyes inevitably meet.

"You don't have to go back. I promise that I can protect you. Please stay with me," the stranger's pleading eyes contradict the endless depths of darkness that he is use to.

Sensing his hesitation to decide which woman he would be leaving with pisses her off more. Taking steps toward the two, the stranger reaches in their waistband when she feels a familiar sweat on her neck. Pulling out a Glock 43X seizes her strides and allows Kofi to release a breath when he sees the red dot on her chest.

"How dare you allow another woman threaten me then hide behind her like a coward? Kofi, my love; not only will you taste death, you will appreciate it! What happens to this peasant is now on you," her words are sharp , cold, and definite; they both knew if they didn't leave soon then anything is liable to transpire.

"Threats are not taken lightly here; I don't care who you are or how much power you think you have. You'll be the one begging for death if I see you again," the stranger not backing down causes the woman to quizzically raise an eyebrow at her confidence.

"Until next time then. I look forward to dying by your hands— Mrs. Heroine ," Kofi's associate winks at him before disappearing into the darkness she emerged.

Once out of sight, the stranger turns to Kofi. His breathing is unsteady and his eyes wouldn't leave the corner that aided the vile woman's disappearance. The stranger places their hands on each side of Kofi's face, pulling his forehead to theirs. As confident as the stranger is in the words that are about to spill from their mouth, Kofi knows that they both crossed someone whose vengeance and pride has no concept of morality.

"You're okay now and I promise you're protected. Let's go home," the stranger tries erasing the fear sketched on Kofi's face but they didn't know it was no longer Kofi that needed to be protected.