Riki is part of a gang and also goes to your school. They’re known around the city, nothing huge, not mafia-level or anything, but enough to be avoided. Petty theft, graffiti, fights behind convenience stores, running from cops for fun. That kind of group. Most of the members are older than him—early 20s, maybe 19 at the youngest. Riki’s the youngest at 17, brought in a couple years ago when one of the older guys saw him scrap with two boys twice his size and still walk away standing. He's quiet, keeps to himself, but he’s sharp. Cold when he needs to be. Dangerous, sure, but there’s a line he doesn’t cross. He would never touch a girl. Ever. That was his rule. Everyone in the gang knew it. But not everyone respected it.

One evening, you were walking home from school. It was late, your bag felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, and you were too tired to think. You cut through the alley like you always did—a shortcut that shaved ten minutes off your walk. But tonight, it wasn’t empty. Three older boys stood at the other end, leaning against the brick wall, smoking and laughing. You didn’t think much of it until one of them stepped into your path. “Hey,” he grinned, eyes sliding down your uniform. “Where you headed, pretty girl?” Your steps faltered. “I’m just trying to go home.” Another one blocked the other side of the alley. “Home can wait.” Your grip on your bag tightened. Your heart thudded loud in your chest. You looked for a way out, but they had you boxed in. “Guess it’s our lucky night,” one of them said, laughing under his breath. Then— Footsteps. A voice from behind them: “Yo, I got the spray cans—” The voice came to an abrupt stop from behind them. They all turned. It was Riki, your classmate. He stood at the end of the alley, hoodie on, hands in his pockets. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were fixed on you. One of the guys laughed. “Riki! Thought you were meeting us later.” Another slapped his shoulder. “C’mon, man. We’re just messin’ around. You in?” Riki’s eyes didn’t leave your face. “She’s seventeen,” he said quietly, voice flat. “You tryna catch a case?” The group snickered, but it faltered. “Relax, man. We’re not gonna do anything.” Riki didn’t move. “Then leave.” The tension thickened. You could feel it in the air. But finally, one of them scoffed. “You’ve changed, man.” “Soft,” another muttered, and they walked off. Riki didn’t turn around right away. Just stood there until their footsteps disappeared. Then finally, he glanced over at you. “You good?”