Chapter 10
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Chapter 10: A Night to Remember
Leah sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the remnants of her birthday celebration. The balloons, the cake crumbs, and the cheerful decorations felt like a mockery. Eighteen years old, she thought, and nothing feels different.
The house was quiet. Her parents were asleep, and her siblings were tucked in. She glanced at the clock. It was barely midnight.
I want more. I need to feel alive.
Without much thought, she rummaged through her closet and found a pair of sleek black trousers and a matching jacket. The outfit gave her an edgy, almost rebellious look. She tied her hair into a loose ponytail, slipped on her sneakers, and grabbed her phone. Quietly, she opened her window, climbed out, and landed softly on the grass below.
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The streets were eerily silent, the cool night air brushing against her face as she wandered aimlessly. She didn’t know where she was going, only that she needed to escape the monotony.
Her feet led her to a narrow alley. The dim lighting and the distant sound of dripping water gave it an unsettling vibe. Leah hesitated but pressed on.
Halfway through, a chill ran down her spine. She stopped abruptly, her instincts screaming that she was being followed. She turned sharply, but the alley was empty.
Maybe I’m just imagining things.
She quickened her pace, but as she turned a corner, three men emerged from the shadows. Their faces were smug, their intentions clear.
“Hey, girl,” one of them sneered. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing out here all alone?”
Leah’s heart raced. “Leave me alone,” she said, her voice trembling but firm.
They laughed, a sinister sound that echoed off the walls. “Oh, we’re just getting started,” another said, stepping closer.
Leah screamed for help, but one of them chuckled. “No one’s coming to save you, sweetheart.”
Just as panic began to consume her, a deep, husky voice cut through the tension.
“Let her go.”
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Leah turned toward the voice, her eyes landing on a tall figure cloaked in a dark hoodie. His face was obscured, but his presence was commanding.
The men laughed. “And who do you think you are?”
Without warning, the stranger moved. He was swift, precise, and unrelenting. Within moments, the three men were sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
Leah stood frozen, her back pressed against the wall. The stranger approached her and extended a hand.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded, her voice caught in her throat.
When she finally took his hand, she glanced up and saw his face. Her breath hitched. He was... breathtaking. His sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and perfectly tousled hair made him look like he had stepped out of a dream.
“W-what’s your name?” she managed to ask.
He smirked. “Not important. What are you doing out here alone?”
“It’s my birthday,” she said softly. “I just wanted to... feel alive.”
“Alone in an alley on your birthday? That’s one way to celebrate.” He raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing.
She frowned. “I didn’t exactly plan to run into trouble.”
“Clearly.” He looked her over, his gaze lingering on her outfit. “Let me guess—you thought dressing like a rebellious gangster would keep trouble away?”
Leah crossed her arms, heat rising to her cheeks. “It worked, didn’t it? Until now.”
He chuckled, a deep, rich sound. “Fair enough. But next time, maybe try a less... shady route.”
Leah narrowed her eyes. “Are you always this annoying to people you save?”
“Only the ones who look like they’re about to faint.”
“I’m not going to faint,” she snapped, though her legs were trembling.
He smirked. “Sure you’re not. Come on, I’ll show you how to celebrate properly.”
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Despite her hesitation, Leah followed him. He led her to a dimly lit building with music thumping from within. Inside, the air was electric. People danced, laughed, and lived with abandon.
For the first time, Leah let go. She danced, laughed, and even tried a drink. The stranger stayed close, watching her with a mix of amusement and admiration.
“You’re not half bad at this,” he said as she twirled.
She shot him a playful glare. “Only half?”
“Alright, maybe three-quarters.”
“Three-quarters?” She stepped closer, narrowing her eyes. “Do I need to prove you wrong?”
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. Full marks. Happy?”
“Very.” She grinned and spun away, her laughter ringing out.
After hours of fun, he took her hand again. “I have one more thing to show you.”
They climbed to the rooftop of a nearby building. The city stretched out before them, the lights twinkling like stars. The moon hung low, casting a silvery glow over everything.
“It’s beautiful,” Leah whispered.
“So are you,” he said, his voice low and sincere.
Leah blinked, heat rushing to her cheeks. “You’re... you’re ridiculous.”
“Am I?” He leaned against the railing, smirking. “You’re blushing.”
“I am not!” she protested, though her face betrayed her.
“Sure you’re not.”
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They talked for what felt like hours. Leah was surprised at how easy it was to open up to him. He listened intently, his responses thoughtful and kind.
When their conversation lulled, their eyes met. The moment hung heavy between them until, without thinking, Leah leaned in.
“Are you always this impulsive?” he murmured, his voice teasing.
“Only with strangers who save my life,” she shot back.
Their lips met in a kiss that was soft, warm, and utterly intoxicating.
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The alarm on Leah’s phone shattered the moment. She pulled back, her face flushed.
“I have to go,” she said hurriedly.
“I’ll take you home,” he offered.
She shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. Thank you... for everything.”
He watched her disappear into the night, a small smile playing on his lips.
Leah managed to sneak back into her room just as the first rays of dawn broke through the window. Her heart raced as she replayed the night’s events.
She touched her lips, a small smile tugging at the corners.
I can’t believe I lost my first kiss to a stranger.
But somehow, it didn’t feel wrong. It felt... perfect.
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