Chapter 2 Intense night

I woke up with a jolt. The library was quiet-too quiet. I rubbed my eyes and looked around. The clock on the wall read 10:26 PM. Shit. I had dozed off without realizing it. The lights were dim, and my phone was dead. I couldn't even call Kira. And without battery, there was no way to order a cab either.

The street outside was as quiet as a graveyard. I knew how dangerous the area got at night. My heart started to race as I quickly packed up my things and locked the doors behind me. I looked up and down the street. Not a single car in sight. I had no choice. I had to walk home.

I started walking fast. Really fast. I didn't even know I could walk that fast. My legs moved on their own, pushed forward by fear and urgency. I wrapped my arms around myself, pulling my cardigan tighter as a cold breeze blew by. My shoes tapped softly against the pavement.

Just then, up ahead, I spotted them-four rugged guys, leaning on the wall, smoking and drinking, laughing loudly. My heart climbed into my throat. I had no idea what to do. But I couldn't turn back. I had to pass. I swallowed the fear and kept walking, hoping they would ignore me.

I walked past them, eyes on the ground. None of them said anything at first. I felt a little relief wash over me.

Just when I thought I was safe, one of them shouted, "Hey beauty, come here!"

"No sir, I'm kind of in a hurry," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"No, come here, come drink with me," he said again, and I heard the shuffle of movement.

I hastened my steps, panic rising.

Then I heard them all stand up. Their footsteps behind me. Their laughter.

"Beautiful, come here! Let's have some fun! Let me taste you!"

No. No. No. My breath hitched. I clutched my bag tightly and started running. My heart was beating so loud I could hear it in my ears. My legs burned, but I ran. I couldn't let them catch me. I couldn't.

I turned sharply into an unknown street, praying silently. I didn't look back, afraid that if I did, they'd catch me. I pushed forward, faster than I ever had in my life.

Just then, I spotted a car parked near the edge of the alley. A man stood beside it, tall and stiff, like a bodyguard. I didn't have time to think. I turned sharply and hid behind another car parked close to him, trying not to make a sound.

My breathing was heavy, my chest rising and falling fast, but I held my breath as best as I could, covering my mouth with my hand.

Then I heard one of the thugs speak.

"Have you seen a girl? Gold hair, black tights?" It was the same voice that had called me beauty.

"No. And you better take your goons out of here before you get into a bigger problem," the man replied.

His voice was calm but firm, cold even. It sent a chill down my spine.

The thug muttered something under his breath, but then I heard their footsteps start to fade.

Just when I thought I was safe... I saw something I should not have seen.