Episode 2: A New Connection, A New Threat
The next morning, Martins woke up with a smile on his face. The memory of his conversation with Sophia lingered like a pleasant dream. He grabbed his phone and hesitated for a second before texting her.
Martins: Morning, Sophia. Hope you got home safe. Would love to see you again sometime.
He hit send and stared at the screen, half-expecting no reply. But within moments, her response came through.
Sophia: Good morning! I did, thanks to you. I'd love that too.
A rush of excitement hit him. But before he could respond, a knock sounded at the front door.
It was his friend Tunde, out of breath and visibly shaken. "Bro, you need to come with me. Now."
Martins' smile faded. "What's wrong?"
"There's talk around the neighborhood… those guys from yesterday? They're part of a local gang. Word is, they're looking for you."
Martins clenched his jaw. He knew standing up for what was right could have consequences — but he didn't expect it to escalate so quickly.
"Let them come," he said. "I'm not hiding."
Tunde frowned. "You're brave, but you're not invincible, man. You need to be careful."
Later that day, Martins met up with Sophia at a small café. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.
"You didn't tell me you were some kind of street fighter," she teased, sipping her drink.
Martins laughed. "It's not exactly on my resume."
They sat together, talking like old friends. But even as he smiled, his mind kept drifting back to Tunde's warning.
As they parted ways, Sophia touched his arm. "Be careful, okay? I have a weird feeling."
Martins nodded, trying to shake off the chill that crept down his spine.
That night, as Martins walked home alone, the streetlights flickered above him. The roads were unusually quiet.
Too quiet.
He turned a corner — and stopped. Three figures stepped out from the shadows, blocking his path. One of them was the same guy he'd fought yesterday. This time, he wasn't alone.
"Well, well," the guy said with a smirk. "We've been looking for you, hero."
Martins exhaled, loosening his shoulders. "Found me."
The tension thickened. Then, without warning, the fight began.
To be continued.