You don't seem to value your life. Why?" I said coldly, slowing my steps as his shadow stretched beside mine.
"I just want to talk. It's nothing serious," he replied, his grin crawling under my skin as he kept pace.
"Mister, we have nothing to talk about." I glanced back at him. "Stop following me."
He didn't.
My fingers curled inside my pocket. Earlier, out of boredom, I'd taken a lighter from Henry's stall and forgotten to return it.
"Don't be shy," he said, stepping closer.
That was it.
I stopped walking.
"You think I'm joking," I said quietly, pulling out the lighter and flicking it on. The flame jumped to life between us. "Take one more step and we'll both find out how serious I am."
His smile faltered.
Before he could speak, headlights tore through the darkness.
A cab screeched to a stop beside us, light flooding the street.
"I honestly wish he hits you," I muttered as the man recoiled.
"Miss!" the driver called.
I didn't hesitate. My heels struck the pavement as I moved fast, past the man, into the cab. I met his eyes once more—long enough to make sure he knew I'd remember his face..
"Silver Golden Estate," I said calmly but firmly, already guessing he was trying to figure out where I was headed.
"Was that man bothering you?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"This area is dangerous. Be careful, young lady," he warned, scanning me for any sign of injury.
I nodded silently.
The cab slowed as we rolled onto familiar asphalt, the night air carrying a faint scent of jasmine.
When we pulled up outside Silver Golden Estate, I stepped out immediately. Freshly cut grass and jasmine greeted my senses like a quiet promise of safety.
Lucas, the gateman, sat rigid at his post—the final reassuring sight of the night.
"Lucas,"
I called, but he didn't hear me, too busy munching on his food.
"Lucas!" I yelled.
He turned, smiling awkwardly.
"Evening, Hina," he said, opening the gate quickly, his eyes widening slightly at my expression.
I didn't explain anything. I just walked past him, clutching the spare key he handed me, grateful as the wall of safety closed behind me.
I slipped quietly through the estate, heading for the back entrance. I didn't want anyone catching me sneaking in this late.
Near the laundry area, I spotted Zari washing curtains with another girl, both of them laughing. I ducked behind a wall immediately I didn't want the other girl seeing me. I quickly dialed Zari's number.
From my hiding spot, I watched her apologize before stepping away to answer.
"Where the fuck are you, girl?"
she hissed the moment she picked up. "I've been worried sick. You were supposed to be here by 2 p.m. It's 5:59—no sign of you!"
"Zari, breathe," I said. "By the way, come, let's go to Grace Lace."
"What? To do what there? It's late, Hina."
"Bitch, I know. Leave whatever you're doing. If we get punished, we get punished together. It's not the first time anyway. I'll be waiting for you at Lucas's office."
She groaned. "Hina… sigh. I don't want to see Henry. I'm pissed, and you know that."
"Yes, I know. Just come."
Lucas was eating peanut butter and bread when he looked up. "Are you going out, Hina?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Okay, but be back before 9 p.m., or you'll have to sleep outside," he warned, half-smiling.
"Okay…" I replied lightly.
"Safe journey… have a blissful night," he added.
"Are you waiting for someone?" he asked.
"Yes. Zarina."
"Oh… your partner in crime, huh?" He nodded knowingly.
I rolled my eyes.
He stood up and entered his office.
"Here you are, bitch! But seriously… where have you been?" Zari said as soon as she arrived.
"Lucas, come open the gate for us," I called.
He appeared immediately, shaking his head with a small smile.
"Two troublemakers… don't get yourselves into trouble, girls."
"Yes, grandpa," we chorused, laughing as we stepped outside.
**
Inside the cab to Grace Lace, Zari turned to me.
"But seriously, what took you so long?"
She continued, rolling her eyes. "Seleya won't stop ranting about how she's going to deal with you when she gets back. Honestly, I'm starting to think she's on weed or something each day she seems crazier over your sake."
"She can run mad for all I care," I replied coolly. "That's her business, not mine."
"She needs help… urgently," Zari insisted.
"Let's stop talking about her. She bores me." I leaned back. "But hey, you know Jacob the new guy I told you about? He came to my class last season. We became friends, and… he asked me to prom."
My cheeks flushed slightly.
"You see? I told you he likes you! But you always say, 'shut up, he doesn't!'" Zari teased.
"He brought so many goodies, and I couldn't carry them they were heavy. Plus, I didn't want that snake Seleya to see them. Calling her a snake is even an insult to snakes. Mtchew. Anyway, you know how her madness is."
"So you dropped them at Grace Lace… with your L.O.V.E.?" Zari teased, nudging me.
I laughed, and she lightly slapped me before resting her head on my shoulder.
When we arrived at Grace Lace and stepped into the small kiosk, I spotted the creepy weirdo again and rolled my eyes.
"Hey, girls!" Henry called, walking toward us with his arms open for a hug.
Zari stepped back immediately. "Leave me alone! I'm mad at you," she snapped, striding past him.
"Hina, please help me watch the kiosk so I can have a chat with your friend," Henry pleaded.
I smirked. "Of course," I said sweetly. "Have fun, lovebirds."