Now that the chaos was over, the bar was empty, but you could still hear it.Sanaya sat at the table alone and quiet.She gripped the edge of the table with shaking hands.Ethan leaned against a nearby chair.His face was soft and calm, which was very different from how he had been acting just moments before.It was still fresh in her mind how the mob boss dragged his embarrassed subordinate out the door.Ethan gave her a quick look, and his voice broke the quiet."You should go home."Sanaya blinked, but her mind was still broken. It scared her that his voice was soft, almost tender.She gave a slow nod. "All right."The only sound in the car was the hum of the engine.Many things were going through Sanaya's mind as she sneaked looks at Ethan.His eyes were on the road and his hands were steady on the wheel.She wanted to ask so many things but couldn't find the right words.She finally spoke. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"Ethan's mouth moved into a small smile. "Tell them what?""Al
The morning light came in through the window as Sanaya moved and her eyes flew open.She looked down and saw that she was curled up in Ethan's arms, her head on his chest.As she quickly pulled away, her face turned bright red.Ethan moaned and rubbed his eyes."Morning…" Even though he was sleepy, he sat up and scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably when he saw her worried look. "Uh… good sleep?"A quick nod from Sanaya, her words just above a whisper."Yeah… I think so."She became aware of something all of a sudden, and she gasped."No way!" I'm not on time for class!"Ethan blinked and then looked at his phone to see what time it was."Oh, no. Yes, me too." He stopped and creased his brows."Wait, you go to Riverwood University?""Yes, why?" she asked as she rushed to get her things together.Ethan was shocked and said, "I do too.I’m a year ahead, though."Sanaya stood still for a second and then smiled a little."Small world, I guess."Right away, they got ready and went to
The courtyard was full of life and stress as Ethan tried to get his balance after being pushed.He stood tall, and his cool attitude stood out against the chaos going on around him.When Sanaya tried to step in, Ethan raised his hand slightly to tell her to stay away.The group of students squished closer together, and their whispers got louder as they watched.Someone asked in a whisper, "Is this guy crazy?""Are you challenging Moise Nelson? That's like using a toothpick to poke a bear," someone else said. "More like poking a cobra," A third voice added,which made everyone laugh nervously.A proud grin spread across Moise Nelson's face as he stepped forward.He was the son of the famous Cobra.His huge size and the crowd of lackeys behind him made him look like he couldn't be hurt.Moise made fun of Ethan and said, "You've got guts.""But you're either very brave or very, very stupid.""Do you know who I am?"Ethan didn't move when he looked at him."Oh, I know exactly who you are.
His smile got bigger as he talked on the phone, and Moise didn't pay attention to him."Hey, Dad, it's me. There is someone who is creating problem for me..."After looking at the scene with a mix of amazement and worry, Ethan turned his attention to Sanaya.He gave her a comforting nod, and she let out a sigh of relief.Her shoulders relaxed a little."Yes I want you here."Moise hung up the phone and went back to Ethan.He laughed and said, "You're in trouble now.""When my father gets here, you’ll wish you’d never been born."Ethan just shrugged, keeping his cool."I guess we’ll see."The crowd was tense and excited as they waited for the next part of this play to start.The beaten lackeys were moaning at Ethan's feet as he stood strong and looked down at Moise.His confidence did not weaken.Ethan didn't show the least bit of fear when Cobra came near.And that was what really amazed everyone.As the sound of screeching tires tore through the courtyard, the crowd's chatter got lou
"Hey, idiot! Get out of there!"The shout echoed through the empty basketball court, followed by the unmistakable sound of a ball hurtling toward Ethan’s head. He barely had time to flinch before the basketball collided with his skull, sending him stumbling backward onto the cold concrete. His vision blurred, and his head throbbed in pain.Laughter erupted from the group standing near the court’s edge—Mike and his friends, their mocking grins wide as they watched Ethan, sprawled out on the ground like a fool."Look at him!" one of Mike's friends called out, his voice laced with cruel amusement. "Can’t even dodge a ball!""Stupid, pathetic loser," another chimed in, their laughter making Ethan’s ears ring.The floor beneath Ethan’s hands was gritty and dirty, and he wiped his forehead with his sleeve, feeling the sting of embarrassment heat his cheeks. He had been cleaning the court, doing his job as part of his work-study program. But clearly, Mike and his crew had other plans.Gr
“Oh, shit! What is this idiot trying to do here?”The shout cut through the air, sharp and mocking. Ethan’s heart hammered in his chest as he ran toward them—Mike and his cronies standing near the edge of the basketball court, their attention already drawn to him. A pit of dread formed in Ethan’s stomach, but he pushed through, his mind filled with nothing but the need to confront Melissa. She was there, among them, and something didn’t sit right. He had to know what was going on.Before Ethan could take another step, one of Mike’s friends, a stocky guy with a cruel smile, stepped forward. His arm swung in a wide arc, slapping Ethan hard across the face. The sound of skin meeting skin rang out, and Ethan staggered to the side, his cheek stinging from the impact."You really want to ruin this for Mike?" the guy spat, stepping closer, his breath hot and sour. "I told you how important this confession was, you idiot! What the hell are you even doing here? You’re just a cleaner! You
“You’re fucking bastard!!” Mike’s voice rang through the air like a thunderclap, his fury palpable. His face was red, and his eyes burned with rage. He pointed directly at Ethan, who was already reeling from the blows he had taken moments before.Mike’s cronies were circling Ethan like sharks, their fists flying mercilessly. Ethan stumbled, his vision blurry as pain radiated from his side. A cruel punch slammed into his stomach, forcing him to his knees. The thud of their fists hitting flesh, mixed with the mocking laughter of the gang, filled the basketball court."Get up, loser!" Mike spat, his words dripping with venom. "I told you not to mess with me!"Ethan groaned, blood dripping from his mouth, but he pushed himself up, his eyes glaring defiantly through the haze of pain.“I’m not going to back down, Mike,” Ethan muttered, though his voice wavered with exhaustion.Mike’s anger only increased. He turned to his friends, gesturing violently for them to continue. "Beat him dow
Ethan came out of the police station in confusion, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. As the cool evening air hit his bruised face, he blinked in surprise, noticing a middle-aged man standing near the entrance. The man was staring directly at him, his posture calm yet purposeful. It took Ethan a moment to recognize him."Uncle Steve?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. Steve Jackson, his neighbor's uncle. Ethan's brow furrowed in confusion. “Ethan. Glad to see you’re alright.” Steven smiled warmly."Uncle Steve, what are you doing here?" asked Ethan. “Did you… did you pay my bail?"Steven chuckled softly, shaking his head as he offered a slight bow."No, Ethan. It wasn’t me. But I’m here to take you to someone who did."Ethan’s confusion deepened.“Wait, what do you mean? Who—”“Come with me,” Steve interrupted, gesturing toward a sleek black car parked nearby.The car gleamed under the streetlights, its luxury unmistakable. Ethan's heart skipped a beat. Th