I spent my entire day at the shop in deathly silence. My lips didn't utter a single word, but inside my head, my thoughts were a raging storm.
I spent every hour observing Mika's every move, a predator watching its prey. I waited patiently until she wandered far from her station, leaving her phone unattended for just a few seconds. It was all I needed. I synchronized her device with mine, a silent tether to track her every step, before grabbing my bag and walking out of that prison.
"Mika, you've forced me to reveal my darkest side. Now, you must bear the consequences."
Back at home, I opened my wardrobe and pulled out the Red Silk Qipao. Its fabric was embroidered with intricate golden threads that shimmered like liquid fire. I slipped it on, the silk cold against my skin. I applied a bold crimson lipstick, let my hair fall in waves over my shoulders, and looked in the mirror. Sparks of fury danced in my eyes.
I threw on a long trench coat to hide the dress, checked Mika's location on my phone, and stepped out into the night. My heart was pounding, not with fear, but with the thrill of the hunt.
Tap. Tap. Two sharp knocks on her apartment door.
"Who is it?" Mika's voice drifted from inside, unsuspecting.
"It's your new neighbor," I replied, my voice a calm, practiced mask. "I just moved in next door and wanted to ask you something. May I come in?"
"Wait a second, I'm coming," she chirped.
In one swift motion, I shrugged off the trench coat and tossed it into a dark corner of the stairwell. I unfastened the side slits of the Qipao just enough to ensure my legs could move without restraint.
The moment the lock clicked, I didn't wait. The door yielded to my kick with a thunderous crash. Mika let out a choked scream and tried to scramble backward, but I was faster. I lunged, twisting her arm until her phone clattered to the floor, pinning her against the wall. My hand tightened around her throat, cutting off her breath.
"What? Are you surprised?" I whispered, a dark laugh escaping my lips. "You didn't expect this, did you? Ha... haha!"
I leaned in closer, my eyes boring into hers. "You're pathetic, Mika. Did you really think you or Akane were a match for me? Is my appearance really that deceiving?"
I tightened my grip just a fraction more. "If you don't stay out of my way, you'll be dead before you can even blink. Do you understand me, you bitch?"
Mika's face turned pale, her eyes welling with tears as she let out a muffled sob. "Please... spare me... I won't... I won't ever cross you again."
I released her throat with a look of pure disgust. Before she could even take a breath, I delivered a sharp, bone-cracking punch that sent her crashing to the floor. Without another word, I turned and walked out.
This was her first warning. I would give her one chance to change. But if she dared to tell Akane or continued her games... I would kill them both.
I walked into a dark alleyway nearby. From the pocket of my coat, I pulled out a Flare Gun. I aimed it directly at the black sky and pulled the trigger. A streak of light tore through the darkness—a signal.
As I walked home, a sense of cold satisfaction washed over me.
You have to be as monstrous as the world demands. It feels good to be strong. Because in a world full of cats, you cannot live as a mouse.
Tomorrow, it's Akane's turn. He won't escape his lesson either.
When I finally reached my room, I took a steaming hot shower and collapsed onto my bed. I grabbed my phone.
S: "Hello, Ming. How are you? Where are you today?"
His reply came five minutes later.
Ming: "Good evening, my love. I thought you were still at work, so I didn't want to disturb you."
S: "I just got home. You're so considerate, Ming. Thank you."
Ming: "How was your day at work?"
S: "It was bad. The manager and that girl, Mika, keep bothering me."
Ming: "Should I step in? If you need my help, don't hesitate."
S: "No, thank you. It's not a big deal. I'll just ignore them. I think Mika is just jealous because you talked to me instead of her. As for Akane... I don't know what his problem is, haha."
Ming: "I'm sorry if I caused this trouble for you."
S: "No, don't apologize. I don't care about Mika. My goal is to work and make money, so ignoring her is easy."
Ming: "You're such a kind girl, S. I wish more people were like you."
S: "I have you, Mr. Ming. That's all that matters to me."
Ming: "You must be tired now. I'll let you sleep. Let's talk tomorrow. Sweet dreams."
I tossed the phone onto the bed and closed my eyes, waiting for the real message.
Ping.
[Incoming Message: Tian Long Triad] "We received your signal. Welcome back."