A few minutes later, I sat alone at a small table with another sandwich I had just bought. The pouch of coins resting on the table as I took a slow bite.
I think I'm starting to regret ever agreeing to join his faction…!
Just then, a small black shape fluttered overhead.
Before I could react—
A crow launched downward.
It slammed onto the table. Its claws missed the sandwich but caught the pouch strap in one perfect motion.
Coins clinked loudly inside the bag.
"Huh!?"
The crow shot back into the air and darted toward the alley, the pouch dangling from its claws.
"ah?..... My money—!"
I lurched to my feet so fast my chair crashed backward.
The crow tore down the alley in a zigzag blur, vaulting a broken crate in a single bound.
"WHAT THE—?!" I shouted, sprinting after it.
"STOP—! YOU STUPID BIRD!!"
The passage narrowed into a cramped corridor of exposed pipes and leaning piles of scrap metal.
The crow darted through it effortlessly.
Then—
A shadow dropped ahead at the next intersection.
My eyes snapped up.
A girl with green afro hair stepped out from another passage.
She had a massive green afro, headphones resting over her ears, and a small side bag on her hip. In one hand she carried half of a huge pair of Scissors.
Seeing her, I didn't even slow down.
As I rushed past, I grabbed the scissors straight out of her hand.
"—!?"
"Wait!"
Her voice wasn't loud.
I ignored her completely and kept chasing the crow, teeth clenched, lungs burning.
The alley suddenly opened into a warped wooden walkway made of scrap boards and rusted vents.
Ahead—
The crow.
Still clutching the pouch.
Still winning the race.
Without slowing, I hurled the scissors as hard as I could.
The blade spun through the air—
CLANG!
It struck the wall right in front of the crow just as it tried to turn toward the main road.
The bird panicked.
The pouch slipped from its claws as it flapped away in a frantic escape.
"Hah—hah—!"
I staggered forward, half laughing and half ready to collapse.
"You thought you could steal from me…!"
I grabbed the pouch from the ground.
"You little thief…"
Then I picked up the scissors too.
"Phew…"
I sat down heavily, exhausted.
But then—
Footsteps echoed behind me.
Slow.
A single boot stepped into view, heel striking the concrete.
"YOU—!!"
I looked up, still breathing hard.
"THAT'S MINE!!"
She came down the alley like she owned it.
She pulled off her headphones as she approached.
Now I could see her clearly. a red baggy leather jacket, oversized jean shorts, long boots, and colorful knee-high socks. One hand rested on her hip while the other sat casually in her pocket.
I instinctively tightened my grip on the pouch.
"you mean the pouch, right?" I said defensively. "It's mine—"
The girl stopped a few steps away.
Up close, her gaze was flat and unblinking.
The kind of stare that didn't need to raise its voice to make the air feel heavy.
Her earrings swayed slightly as she tilted her head.
"YOU LITTLE BITCH!!"
The words came out sharp.
Not emotional.
Just a verdict.
The sting still landed.
My jaw tightened.
"It's my—"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR FUCKING MONEY!!" she cut in immediately, voice cold and absolute.
"Give me my scissors."
"…Oh?"
I raised them slightly.
" you mean This?"
But before I could finish—
She suddenly moved.
In a blur of speed she lunged forward and yanked the scissors straight out of my hand.
...?
She's fast…?!
She clutched the scissor tightly to her chest.
"I'm sorry, my baby…" she murmured softly, kissing the metal.
"This thief must have treated you roughly…"
What the hell is her problem…?
And why is she yelling at me for no reason…?
Annoyed, I shoved the pouch into my pocket.
Then something caught my eye.
My breath hitched.
That symbol on the scissors…?
It was the same one printed on Darius's coat....
And The same one on this hoodie that Darius gave me....
"You…" she said quietly, slipping her headphones back over her ears.
Her voice dropped low with warning.
"You shouldn't assume you can just walk away after stealing my scissors."
Which means….!
She's part of the Raven faction too....
"It seems," she continued coldly, "that you need to be educated about taking other people's property without asking."
She stepped closer.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"I'll give you…"
"…a taste of the scissors he bought for me with love."
I froze where I sat.
My eyes widened.
Every nerve in my body braced for what she was about to do—