Retaliate

Seventeen's face burned with anger. The man and woman had clearly bumped into him, yet he'd been met with a swift, brutal slap. The blow was so sudden, his ear still rang, and his cheek pulsed with pain.

"Seventeen, what happened?" Hao'er's voice was sharp and cold.

"Young Master," Seventeen began, suppressing his fury. He stepped back, shaking his head. "Let's just go back." He'd endured the slap. They were strangers here, vulnerable. As an adult, he knew he couldn't risk causing trouble for the children.

"Go back? Ha! Not without an apology!" The man sneered, emboldened by Seventeen's restraint. His eyes narrowed menacingly as he looked at the young boy before him.

"Answer me," Hao'er commanded, his tone unwavering.

Seventeen hesitated, then explained, "I'd paid the bill and was returning to you when they bumped into me. As I moved aside, he slapped me."