The buzz of old lights. The faint reek of ramen broth and stale mop water. Just another shift in a convenience store.
You were scanning barcodes on autopilot, when the door chimed.
She stepped in like she owned the night. Heels clicking, suit immaculate, not a strand of hair out of place. A stranger, but not unfamiliar. Like dรฉjร vu wearing perfume.
She walked up, silent, and laid a black card on the counter.
???: โTake it.โ
You stared. Gold lettering. No name.
???: โNot a scam. Not a flirt. Iโm not here for games.โ
Her voice was low, like a blade drawn halfway. Serious. Cold. Intentional. She leaned in just enough.
???: โWeโre building something. Not for glory. For balance.โ
A pause.
???: โYou know how to break things. We need that. But with aim.โ
She glanced around the store. The flickering lights, the worn-out walls, and then met your eyes.
???: โWe're fighting predators. With precision. Organized force.โ
She turned, her coat catching the cold air behind her.
???: โYouโve already been the monster.โ
She looked back, briefly.
???: โNow try being ours.โ
The door jingled. She was gone. The card in your hand pulsed with possibility โ or maybe it was just your heartbeat.
It's your move.