Eugene walked down the quiet street, a loaf of bread in one hand and chocolate in the other, savoring the peaceful afternoon. Suddenly, t.hree shadowy figures stepped into his path, blocking the way.
One of them sneered, a cruel twist to his lips. "Care to spare us a moment, nerd?"
"I-I don't want trouble," Eugene stammered, trying to sidestep them.
"Too late for that," another jeered, shoving him lightly. "We just want a little chat."
Eugene's heart pounded. He looked around desperately for an escape, but the alley behind them was narrow and dark. With no choice, he followed, every step heavier than the last.
At the end of the alley, a tall, broad shouldered man stood, eyes burning with fury.
"Y-you bastard! How dare you seduce my Rosalyn?" the man spat, voice trembling with rage.
"Seduce? I-I don't even know her!" Eugene blurted out, panic rising. "You've got the wrong person, I swear!"
"Wrong person?" the man barked, stepping closer, fists clenched. "Don't lie to me! Rosalyn told her friends about her feelings for you... and now everyone knows. And you-you-you had the audacity to take advantage of it?!"
Eugene's stomach churned. Feelings? Friends? I don't even know what he's talking about! "I... I didn't... I swear, I never- please, you've got it wrong!"
The man's voice was a harsh growl. "Wrong? You think that excuses you? You think I'll just let this slide?"
"I... I won't tell anyone! I'll leave! I won't see her again, I swear!" Eugene pleaded, shaking.
"Leave? The man's laughter was jagged and bitter. "Do you what it feels like to have someone invade your emotions without even knowing it? Today, I'll make sure you regret it. Today, you'll pay!"
Eugene's head spun, fear gripping him like icy hands. The alley stretched around him, shadows crawling along the walls, each second dragging endlessly. Every instinct screamed to run.
Then, as if time itself slowed, a surge of adrenaline ignited his leg. He bolted forward, faster than he ever thought possible, the man's shouts of fury echoing behind him. And in an instant, he was gone, swallowed by the shadows, leaving the alley and the storm of anger he'd narrowly escaped.
Eugene halted at the doorstep of his home, chest still heaving from the frantic run. His hands trembled slightly as he fumbled fumbled for the key, heart pounding like a drum in his ears. The shadows of the alley still clung to him, and every creak of the door sounding like a warning.
When he entered his home, he was greeted by his three-year-old sister, Emily. She ran toward him, eyes sparkling, little hands reaching out. "Big bro! You came! Did you bring my Choco?" she asked eagerly.
Eugene managed a shaky smile. "Y-yeah...of course," he stammered, handing her the treat.
Eugene stepped into the dining room, where Edan peeked at him from the kitchen.
"You look like you just ran a marathon," Edan said raising an eyebrow.
"Pretty much," Eugene muttered, collapsing into a chair.
"Drink some water," Edan advised, handing him a glass.
"By the way... Dad is Mom coming home late again?" Eugene asked between gulps.
Edan nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah... she said there's an emergency at the hospital. My poor Aria works so hard every day. Sometimes I thinks she forgets to rest. I'll make sure to pack her a hearty lunch tomorrow. She deserves it."
Edan waved a hand, breaking the conversation. "Anyway, enough with all this chit chat. Eugene, go take a bath first, dinner will be ready in a minute."
After a quick shower, Eugene came down to find his father and Emily already seated at the table. The warm smell of home cooked food filled the room.
He joined them, savouring a hearty meal with his family. For the first time since the alley, a sense of relief washed over him. In that moment of warmth and laughter, the three bullies, the furious man, and even Rosalyn seemed miles away - forgotten, if only for a little while.
After dinner, Eugene scooped Emily into his arms and carried her upstairs for her nap.
"Good night, Dad," he said softly, tucking her in.
"Good night, son... and good night to my little angel too," Edan replied, a warm smile lighting his face.
"Uuuuuggh..." Emily mumbled, already half-asleep, her tiny body relaxing against Eugene.
As Eugene and Emily disappeared upstairs, Edan's smile faded. In its place, a cold, serious expression settled over his features, his eyes narrowing as he stared after them.