Lucas and his friends were walking late at night, heading toward the basketball court where they usually killed time shooting hoops. The quiet rhythm of their footsteps was broken when Lucas suddenly heard another set of steps—closer, hurried.

Before he could react, a woman slipped up beside him, clutching his arm tightly with a forced, worried smile. “Ah! Babe! Fancy seeing you here… and with your friends too!” she exclaimed.

Lucas froze, bewildered. He had never seen this woman in his life. But when he glanced past her, he spotted three older men trailing a few paces behind, their eyes fixed on her. His chest tightened.

Catching on fast, he pulled her closer and forced a crooked grin. “Uh—yeah, honey. Just out with the guys, heading to the shooting range. Late-night target practice, y’know… with our best guns.”

It was a blatant lie, but he delivered it loud enough for the men to hear. The woman gave a faint, relieved smile, playing along. “Mind if I tag along? I… don’t exactly feel safe walking home right now.”

Lucas gave her a firm nod, then shot a hard glare at the men behind her. They slowed, hesitated, and after a tense moment, turned away.

Once they were out of sight, Lucas looked down at the woman still clinging to his arm. His voice softened. “…You okay?”