Episode 5

The woman focused on her drink and didn't talk to me for the time she spent in the bar. Only eyeing my every move.

The clock on the wall indicated that it was almost time to close the bar. A few drunk men stayed, babbling about random things under their breath. In the meantime, I cleaned the empty tables, washed a couple of dishes, and waited for the rest of the men to leave, which was the most difficult part to manage. No one wants to listen to you when you're a woman.

Thankfully, they left willingly as I put a fake smile on my face with a sweet voice, asking them to leave politely.

I put on my favorite band to listen to while I cleaned up what was left in the sink.

Suddenly, the door opened, and a man tall, about six feet, walked inside. He was dressed casually-just some black sweatpants-and a hoodie covered his face. I immediately thought of that terrifying man at the cemetery.

My body started to shiver, and I quickly remembered that I had a knife under the counter just in case.

I bent down, grabbing it before he could notice. I never held a knife in this upright position. I only cut food with it. How can I stab a person?

Don't panic, Vivienne. Or else you'll die.

The man was only a meter away from me, his head tilted down. He banged his fist against the wooden counter. I flinched, holding the left side of my chest.

He slowly released the grip, and a three-dollar bill fell.

"One beer." A low, masculine voice spoke.

I hid the knife back under the counter and tapped the beer fully into a glass.

His gaze remained on the floor for an unknown reason until I placed the beer in front of him.

He lifted his head and slid his hood off. I was left speechless. The man wasn't anything terrifying-looking. He was utterly gorgeous. A long, straight-as-an-arrow raven hair reaching his chest caught my attention first. My gaze shifted up, and I noticed his glaring. Deep brown, upturned eyes met my curious eyes. Beautiful set of full lashes. Eyebrows were thick and slightly arched. His left brow was decorated by a silver double hoop piercing. His jawline was as sharp as the blade I held not long ago. A stubble perfectly shaved defined his facial features significantly.

"Thank you." He said and captured the ear of the glass, taking a long swallow.

"No problem." I managed to say back. I grabbed the money he landed me from the counter, examining them to see if they were real.

Probably real.

The bar's closing time was near, and a knot formed in my throat. How should I tell this muscular, tall man that he has to take his leave? It's like asking the headsman to let me pray a little longer before executing me.

I slid a hair tie down as my shoulder-length hair was tied in a low ponytail. I brushed my hair with my fingertips, putting my micro bangs in place. I stared at the beautiful man in front of me, and even though I knew he needed to leave, I wanted to fixate on this image of him in my mind for a bit longer.

"I know when it's time to leave." He chuckled, taking the last swallow of what was left in the glass. "Thanks, kitty." He thanked me and took his leave, leaving me speechless at the choice of nickname I was given.

"To compare me to a cat was ridiculous." I huffed, snatching my bag from under the counter.

I locked the bar quickly and walked the opposite way to my house. It was eleven o'clock, and no living soul was on the street. I pressed my hands against my chest in the cold wind. As I walked, the darkness of the night seemed to grow thicker around me. I felt a shiver of unease run down my spine, and even so, I kept walking.

All of a sudden, a weird rustle came from the forest where I was walking. I stopped in my steps, peering into the dark, but saw nothing. I continued walking, staring straight ahead of me. A pair of heels started knocking lightly against the asphalt. A relief spread through me. I sighed out loud.

"Hey, pretty girl." I turned my head to the side and saw the woman who couldn't keep her eyes away from me being by my side. Her hand snuck around my waist, and that startled me. A cold, but soft hand.

"Do you realize how dangerous it is to walk home at such a time? Be more cautious of your surroundings." She said with a serious tone.

"Should I be more cautious of you?" I asked with laughter. I focused on her reaction; however, that was the total opposite of what I expected. Her hand captured my back, swinging me in front of her and thrusting me into her.

I almost screamed at the surprise. A heat formed on my cheeks.

"You should." She said, brushing her thumb against my cheek.

And with that, she let go of me, walking straight ahead. I almost fell, as nothing was securing my body. I balanced my stance, staring at my silhouette far away in the distance.

I couldn't deny the heat that spread within me when the woman's thumb brushed against my cheek. I shook off the weird thoughts and continued walking home.

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