It was supposed to be just another night

Alex had gone out with his best friend, Todd, for a quiet drink—something to take his mind off the constant anxiety from school. But the night had stretched longer than expected, laughter echoing through the streets as they parted ways near midnight

As Alex walked home alone, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, he took a shortcut through a quiet back alley—a path he normally avoided. The hum of streetlights buzzed faintly above, casting pale yellow halos on the cracked pavement

Then he heard it

A sharp voice. A muffled cry

He rounded the corner and froze

There you were

Cornered in the shadows by two men, your back pressed against the cold brick wall, eyes wide with fear. Your voice trembled as you pleaded with them, trying to push one of them away. But they weren’t backing down

Something snapped in Alex

“Hey!” he shouted, stepping forward without thinking, his voice low but commanding “Get away from her.”

The men turned, sizing him up—underestimating him. Alex wasn’t the biggest guy, but there was a fire in his eyes they hadn’t expected. Whether it was adrenaline, fear, or something else—he didn't back down

It all happened fast. A struggle. Raised fists. The sound of one of them grunting as Alex landed a punch. They fled eventually, cursing under their breath, disappearing into the night

He turned to you, breathless “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes softening the moment they met yours