𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

sɪx

Suddenly, Cheng's group erupted into cheers and huddled around a gleaming bicycle parked by the roadside. A group of older boys had joined them, their laughter and banter filling the air. Intrigued by their camaraderie, I discreetly crept closer, seeking to understand what had captured their attention.

Positioning myself behind a sturdy pillar, I noticed a peculiar sight. A bicycle, adorned with colorful accessories and tinkling bells, glided past me at a leisurely pace. Curiosity piqued, I decided to follow the mysterious rider. Picking up my pace, I began running alongside the row of parked cars, determined to keep the bicycle within my sight.

The vibrant cityscape blurred past me as I focused on maintaining a steady pace. The wind tousled my hair, and my heart raced with anticipation. The rhythmic sound of my footsteps merged with the background noise of the city, creating a symphony of movement.

As I continued my pursuit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. Every corner turned, every storefront passed, brought me closer to uncovering the secret that lay at the heart of Cheng's group's excitement. I was on the cusp of an adventure, my curiosity propelling me forward.

Moments later, my eyes caught sight of a man approaching Cheng and his friends, his purposeful stride indicating authority. With a stern expression, he motioned for them to move away from the commotion they had caused. Cheng and his friends reluctantly obeyed, casting a final glance of mischief in the direction of the bicycle. With a disappointed sigh, they walked away, their laughter fading into the distance.

As I sat on the side of the road, observing Cheng and his friends engaged in their impromptu display of kung fu, I decided it was best to distance myself from the situation. I moved toward the other side of the street, seeking a quieter and less troublesome path.

Just as I began to cross, a sudden splash of water caught my attention, causing me to turn around. To my surprise, Cheng's friend stood there, drenched from head to toe, the victim of an unexpected attack. My eyes widened in shock as I looked up to see a man nonchalantly throwing a dirty water bucket out of his window.

Confusion washed over me when I heard my last name being called out, accompanied by Cheng's intense glare. The accusing stares directed toward me sent a shiver down my spine. Questions raced through my mind. Were they accusing me of being involved in the dousing incident? Why would they think I had anything to do with it?

Fear and uncertainty gripped me, prompting an instinctual response. Without pausing to rationalize, I began to run. Panic welled up inside me, clouding my thoughts and leaving me with no clear direction to follow. But in the midst of the chaos, a flicker of hope ignited within me—I knew there was a safe haven waiting for me at home.

Driven by a desperate need to escape the accusing gazes and find solace, I continued running aimlessly through the unfamiliar streets. Each turn I took only deepened my disorientation, but the thought of the sanctuary within the walls of my house propelled me forward.

As my breath grew ragged and my legs protested against the exertion, I pushed myself to go further. The surroundings blurred as my focus narrowed solely on putting distance between myself and Cheng's group. With each step, my resolve strengthened, fueling my determination to reach the safety I so desperately sought.

As I continued running as fast as my legs could carry me, I stole a quick glance over my shoulder, only to confirm that Cheng and his friends were still in relentless pursuit. The weight of their false accusations pressed heavily upon me, and frustration mingled with fear.

"F***, it wasn't me!" I screamed to myself, my voice drowned out by the sound of my pounding footsteps. The unfairness of the situation fueled my determination to escape their clutches. I darted into a narrow alley, hoping to lose them within its labyrinthine twists and turns.