Chapter 5: Punches, Police, and Payback

The two of them worked in tandem, and I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh, breath fogging in the cold:

“Why don’t you just rob people outright?”

The guy sneered, sizing me up: “Bro, judging by your outfit, you’re a white-collar buying for your girl, right? Can’t even spare a little cash?”

He turned to the crowd, voice booming: “Cheap dude! What woman would be unlucky enough to be with you? Bet she’ll dump you for a rich guy!”

A few others nearby—probably their crew—joined in, jeering and tossing insults.

I shook out my numb arms, stomping my feet to keep warm, frustration boiling over.

Next thing I knew, I threw a left hook, fist connecting with his smug face.

He spun from the punch, spit flying—crowd gasping.

Right after, the woman shrieked, and a few thug-looking guys closed in, fists up…

One-on-one, I’d be fine; but with their numbers and the woman clawing at me, I got roughed up—shirt ripped, face scratched, pride shredded.

Onlookers whipped out their phones, calling the cops and filming the chaos. I ended up riding to the station with the others, groaning all the way.

Inside the station, the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, paperwork stacked on the desk. It was warm, almost cozy compared to the street.

The officer said since I started the fight, maybe I could settle with them.

He told me those thugs were regular troublemakers—plenty of complaints and criminal records. No need to worry about them.

Just then, the officer’s radio crackled—someone was here to pick me up.

When I went outside, I ran straight into Autumn.

Those punks whistled: “Yo, this loser’s girlfriend is a smoke show! She gotta be nuts to be with him. Look at those white legs in the cold—damn! Hey girl, find a rich guy and ditch this bum!”

I clenched my fists, ready to snap back, but Autumn strode up and slapped him hard, the sound echoing off the brick wall.

She yanked a USB drive from her bag and pointed at him: “I’ve got all the mall entrance footage. Try me—I’ll have you charged with illegal business, assault, and extortion. If I don’t get you locked up, I’ll take your last name!”

The cop stifled a grin, clearly entertained. I straightened up, pride swelling despite the bruises. Autumn’s eyes flashed with fury and satisfaction, and for a split second, she looked like the queen of the city. I was just the fool who’d gotten in her way.