Episode 5

Watching the two enraged men before him, Vino felt fear grip his heart.

A dim shadow emerged between them, their forms obscured by the image of a person who often extorted and berated him – the thug from his neighborhood.

Though terror mounted within him, Vino's exterior showed him standing firm, his gaze fixed on the pair.

On the pedestrian-only sidewalk near the mall, passersby who caught sight of the two men bothering Vino paused to watch the unfolding drama.

Some chose to leave, preferring to avoid the impending incident. They didn't want to witness anything disturbing.

Such spectacles were common in public spaces, often attracting men seeking diversion from the stresses of work.

"What's with that look? You don't like being called a loser by me?!" The dark-skinned man bristled at Vino's stare, scolding with visible annoyance, "You want to fight us? Think you have the guts to take on both of us, Gigolo?!"

For reasons unknown, Vino – despite his fear – began to grow irritated by the man's words.

Then, Callie stepped in front of Vino, declaring, "Stop insulting my boyfriend! It's best if you leave us alone!"

"Ha, what a wimp, his girl's braver than he is, while he just cowers behind her," the light-skinned man sneered with derision.

Thump!

Vino's fury erupted at the white man's taunt, and he longed to strike both men, but his fear held him back. He was afraid of what might ensue if he fought back.

In Vino's eyes now...

The dark-skinned man advanced and stood before Callie, his hand caressing her chin as he suggested, "Instead of that loser, why not hang with us? I bet he's quite inadequate too."

Callie's body shook with anger at the dark man's behavior.

Quickly, she swatted his hand away and aimed a kick between his legs.

Alas, her attempt was thwarted as he caught her leg.

The dark man smirked and whispered, "Got no patience, huh? Tonight, I'll surely beat you."

"Stop it, Nig—!"

In an instant, all eyes turned to Vino, standing with a face flushed with rage.

The bystanders were shocked by his exclamation, some shaking their heads in disapproval murmuring, "That handsome guy's not going to last long."

"People of his color are strong; it's in their genes. There's no hope for him."

"I pity the pretty boy, but I can't interfere to help."

...

The men were taken aback by Vino's unexpected display of courage in uttering such a taboo word.

The white man moved forward, intending to confront Vino.

"Just wait, you need to be taught—"

Bang!

A punch connected with incredible force to the white man's face, sending him stumbling backwards.

For a moment, the world stood silent, as if time itself had paused.

"This..." Vino gaped at his fist incredulously.

He'd only tried to mimic a move he'd seen in a movie, not expecting such power nor ease.

"You..." The dark man was dumbstruck by Vino's sudden assault, releasing Callie's leg unwittingly.

He turned to see his crumpled companion on the ground, blood gushing from his nose.

Enraged by his friend's state, the dark man charged towards Vino, fist flying.

With a livid face, he threw his punch, "Take this, Loser!"

Bang!

The sound of flesh on flesh echoed.

Those witnessing the scene dared not look to see what happened next.

However, a casual voice pierced the silence, piquing their curiosity.

"What was that you said?"

"Ouch! Let go of my hand! Please, let it go!!"

The onlookers' jaws dropped in astonishment.

Before them, Vino was twisting the dark man’s fist in a painful grip.

The dark man's pained face reflected his shock at Vino's unexpected strength – his attempts to free his hands from Vino's vice-like hold were futile.

'Damn, how can this Loser be so strong?! I can't fight back!' the dark man thought.

Before he could react, Vino's kick swept his knees, and he crumpled at Vino's feet.

A loud crack suggested a break.

"Argh!!!"

The man screamed, almost in tears from the agony.

Vino then executed a move from his favorite movie, his knee smashing into the man's face.

Brak!

After releasing the man's fists, he watched the dark man slowly topple over, consciousness fading before regret could set in.

"Cuhh!" Vino spat disdainfully at the downed man. "I thought they were clowning around, but they've just shown how pathetic they really are."

Silence reigned for a moment, nobody spoke following Vino's declaration.

Feeling the quiet around him, Vino glanced at the crowd, their astonished gazes meeting his.

Rendered speechless, they stood frozen, their routines on pause.

Realizing the gravity of his actions, Vino scooped up Callie, who looked at him incredulously, and dashed through the crowd.

Minutes later, they halted in a deserted alley in Manhattan, admiration shining in Callie's eyes.

"You're so brave!"

"Shh!" Vino hushed the loudly praising Callie.

"What's up, Honey?" she asked in confusion.

Instead of replying, Vino gestured towards the alley entrance where police sirens neared. "Looks like the local authorities are on my trail."

"What do we do now?" asked a panicked Callie, aware of the serious injuries caused by Vino.

"I've got a plan, listen closely."

Next, a stylish woman emerged from the alley with one shopping bag, her face half-hidden by a black mask, strolling as any regular pedestrian would.

This was Callie, asked to leave the scene and head home first, not waiting for him.

She walked and caught a taxi to her recently acquired apartment.

Upon arrival, Callie found the man she recognized and loved.

"How did you get here?!"

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