Backgrounds Part 2

Authors Note:

I made a mistake.

(Quarterback --> Running Back)

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They wanted to talk more and focus on his identity because it was too overwhelming to ignore. 

However, his stare silenced them, a clear reminder that none of it mattered here.

"Now, I've already introduced myself, so it's your turn," he paused, letting his words sink in first. 

"There's no judgment here, so be open and honest. " 

He looked around at the group, waiting for the next person to speak up.

The first to raise her hand was the prostitute with the black and purple hair, Maria. Her name didn't fit the way she looked and the nature of her job. 

Zayn simply gave her a nod to acknowledge her, not commenting further. 

The next to speak was a girl in a blue high school uniform. He didn't notice her clearly before since she was hiding.

Her dark brown hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, and her nervous, wide eyes showed her anxiety.

She glanced around before finally speaking up

"I'm Maya," she began, her hands clasped tightly in front of her skirt. "I'm 18... still in high school."

Her gaze dropped briefly; her lips pressed together in an attempt to hold back emotion.

She took a slow breath before meeting his eyes again, though her gaze wavered slightly. 

"The reason I'm here... my dad," she swallowed, struggling to keep her composure. "He got mixed up with the syndicate." 

Zayn studied her for a moment, trying to read the honesty in her eyes. He scanned her closely for any signs of trouble—track marks, the twitch of withdrawal—but found nothing.

She was clean, at least physically.

As he looked closer, he realized not everyone here showed signs of drug use. His earlier assumptions were just clouded by too many variables and the dim lighting. 

At least four girls here seemed fine, showing no signs of drug abuse. His earlier perspective was clouded by too many variables, affecting his judgment.

Maya's introduction gave the other four girls the courage to speak.

"My name is Hannah. I used to work as a barista, and my brother was also in debt. They kidnapped us together," her voice trembled, and she started sobbing.

Her long blonde hair, which reached past her waist, became messier as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. A few strands clung to her tear-streaked face, falling out of place as she struggled to regain control. 

The next girl to speak stood out with her unusual appearance. Her silver-pinkish hair flowed in soft waves around her face, adding a gentle contrast to her pale complexion.

Her pink eyes, very unique, shimmered slightly in the dim light.

She let out a wide smile, the kind that stretched a little more than usual, almost as if it was too faked. 

"Hi, I'm Rose," she introduced herself, her voice soft and sweet. "I worked in a clinic. " She trailed off, her smile faltering slightly, but then it returned, even wider than before.

She wore a clean white t-shirt that clung to her body, paired with simple, well-fitted denim pants.

Her gaze never left him, not for a second, and it felt too intense—too direct, like she was studying every inch of him.

She didn't mention how she ended up here, so he didn't push her for an explanation.

The next woman stepped forward. She appeared to be in her early twenties, with bright orange hair parted to one side, flowing softly down her back. Her almond-shaped eyes fit her face.

She also wore a simple blouse and skirt, looking neat and practical.

"Hi, I'm Mika," she said softly, offering a small, friendly smile. "I'm a high school teacher." She paused for a moment, then continued, her voice showed frustration. "In my case, it was my deadbeat husband who got himself in debt."

Zayn simply nodded, not bothering to comment. He didn't care that she married someone so unreliable.

The remaining women introduced themselves, but he didn't make much of an effort to remember them. Most of them came from the streets, and it showed in how they carried themselves.

'So, for now, the most trustworthy are Hannah, Mika, and Maya,' he muttered to himself, his eyes briefly scanning the group.

As for Rose, well, he was still keeping an eye on her. 

"You said you worked in a clinic before, so are you a nurse?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Good. I expect you to help me when someone gets sick here."

She didn't flinch at his request, but her smile seemed to fade just a bit, like she was reconsidering something.

Zayn didn't care—so long as she was useful, that was all that mattered to him.

"Anyone else have something to add?" his gaze swept over the group again, lingering on each face.

Most of them stayed silent, but he could feel the weight of their eyes on him. Some were wary, others desperate, and a few seemed lost in thought.

Hannah wiped away the last of her tears, her fingers trembling, and Mika cleared her throat, glancing at him as though waiting for him to speak first.

Zayn leaned back, arms crossed, still sizing them up. He wasn't here to make friends, but he needed to earn these girls' trust—just enough to get by.

Little did he know that his plan to gain their trust would lead to something far deeper than mere camaraderie in the future.