"You seem not to value your life. Why?" Hina said coldly, her eyes locked on the man who stalked her every step.
"I just want to talk. It's nothing serious," he said, trailing behind her with an unsettling grin that made her stomach twist.
"Mister, we have nothing to talk about. Stop following me, you creep," she snapped. "I swear, I'm holding a lighter and I will set you on fire if you don't leave me alone." Her hand twitched slightly at her side, half-warning, half-reflex.
"Don't be shy," he repeated, stepping closer. Hina's pulse hammered against her ribs, every instinct screaming to run, but the street felt narrower, the darkness pressing in from every side.
Suddenly, headlights sliced through the shadows. Her cab rolled to a halt beside her, the sudden brightness momentarily blinding both her and her pursuer.
"I wish he hits you, honestly," she muttered under her breath, watching him flinch at the light.
"Miss!" the driver called out.
Hina didn't waste a second. She strode toward the car, her heels clacking sharply against the uneven pavement. She shot the man one final, icy glare before sliding into the cab.
The driver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, concern flickering briefly across his face.
"Silver Golden Estate," she said, calm but firm, assuming he was trying to figure out where she would stop.
"Was that man bothering you?" he asked, eyes searching hers. She shook her head.
"This area is dangerous. Be careful, young lady," he warned, scanning her for any sign of injury. Hina nodded silently, letting the words sink in.
The cab slowed, rolling over the familiar asphalt as the night air carried the faint scent of jasmine
The cab glided through the streets, tires whispering against the asphalt. When they pulled up outside Silver Golden Estate, Hina stepped out immediately, the scent of freshly cut grass and faint jasmine greeting her senses.
Lucas, the gateman, sat rigid at his post the final reassuring sight of safety for the night.
Lucas," she called, her voice steady, but he didn't hear her, busy munching on his food. "Lucas!"
"
"Lucas!" she yelled. He turned, smiling awkwardly.
Lucas looked up from his food as she approached. "Evening, Hina," he said, opening the gate quickly, eyes widening at her shaken expression.
She didn't explain. She just walked past him, clutching the spare key he handed over, grateful for the wall of safety closing behind her.