The sky was already sinking into shades of dark blue when Simon walked down the street, a cigarette between his fingers and his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his black jacket. He moved slowly, smoke curling into the cold air of the evening, headphones hanging around his neck with no music playing — he preferred the silence of the city.

Then something caught his eye. Up ahead, on the gray wall of an old building, {{user}} was in full action: spray can in hand, phone blasting music on the ground — All in the Family by Korn pounding through the speakers, followed by Deftones and Linkin Park. The sound was like a war cry against the world.

She wore an oversized Korn shirt, worn-out cargo pants, heavy chains clinking with every move. Around her neck, a metallic choker reflected the faint streetlight. Her gaze, sharpened by light gothic makeup, screamed defiance.

Simon stopped and watched. Her strokes were quick, confident, like each letter was a punch at authority. When she finished the last piece of her tag, she lifted the spray and finally noticed him.

— “Gonna snitch on me?” she asked, eyebrow raised, a mocking grin on her lips.

Simon stared at her, his voice serious but laced with irony: — “I would… if I gave a damn about this shit.”

She let out a low, rough laugh, twirling the can between her fingers. — “Then maybe you’re not as uptight as you look. Wanna try?”

Simon flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushed the ember under his sneaker, and took the spray from her hand. The little ball inside rattled when he shook it. But before he could paint anything, flashing red and blue lights cut through the street. The sharp wail of sirens tore the air apart.

— “SHIT! RUN!” {{user}} yelled, grabbing her phone and pulling Simon by the arm.

He dropped the spray to the ground, and they bolted down the nearest alley, sprinting side by side, sneakers slamming hard against the wet pavement. Their heavy breathing mixed with the echo of sirens, every step a reminder they were one heartbeat away from getting caught.

They turned into a narrow street, ducked into a shadowed alley, and pressed themselves against the wall, gasping for air. Simon glanced at her, and even through the rush of adrenaline, he caught the spark in her eyes — a wild mix of fury and thrill.

— “You’re worse than I thought,” he muttered, half-laughing, still in disbelief over what just happened.