Five Brutal Kings 6

Vivian swayed her hips lightly to the rhythm of the music as she arranged tumblers on the counter, humming along to the familiar tune. It was a slow evening at the bar, and she found herself scanning the crowd, hoping to spot the familiar faces. Disappointment flickered in her chest when she didn't. She let out a quiet sigh and slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to leave the counter behind for the night.

She had invited Anna to join her at work, and Anna had eagerly accepted, slipping into a yellow sleeveless gown before heading out. She hadn't bothered telling her mother—who was likely resting in her bedroom—knowing she'd get a call soon enough. Bored of scrolling through social media and rewatching the same old TV series, Anna had thought a night out with Vivian was exactly what she needed.

Now, seated at a small table, Anna scrolled through her phone absentmindedly, waiting as Vivian wrapped up her shift.

Across the room, a sharp voice broke through the hum of chatter.

"Hey, watch where you're going!"

Vivian's head snapped toward the source of the irritation. Clata stood there, eyes narrowed in clear annoyance. Their gazes locked for a moment before Clata rolled her eyes dramatically and brushed past her with a deliberate huff.

Vivian blinked, momentarily thrown off. You're the one blocking the way, she thought, biting the inside of her cheek. But she wasn't in the mood for drama. Not tonight.

Or so she thought.

A second later, Clata shoved past her again, this time hard enough that Vivian nearly lost her balance.

Vivian caught herself just in time, her patience wearing thin. She exhaled sharply and quickened her pace, stepping in front of Clata just as she was reaching for a tray of bottles.

"Who gave you the right to push me like that?" Vivian demanded, her voice low but edged with irritation.

Clata scoffed, deliberately ignoring her. She turned to grab some cups, but Vivian was faster—gripping the sleeve of her uniform before she could walk away.

"Malicious little snake—yes, I mean you!" Vivian snapped, her voice now sharp and unwavering.

Clata's head jerked back in surprise, clearly not expecting the confrontation.

"I was talking to you. How dare you put your hands on me?" Vivian continued, her tone like steel.

For a split second, Clata's expression wavered, but she quickly masked it with a smirk. She turned fully to face Vivian, her arms crossing over her chest.

"I would slap you so hard your face would sting for days," she sneered. "Trust me, I'd use you to wipe this floor."

Vivian stepped in closer, their faces now just inches apart.

"Try it," she dared.

The tension between them crackled like electricity. The room had gone quiet, with customers and co-workers subtly watching the confrontation unfold.

"Stop. Could you two please stop?"

Vera, another bartender, stepped between them, her tone laced with warning. At first, she'd ignored the argument, but now that it had drawn too much attention, she had no choice but to intervene.

Vivian exhaled, shifting her glare toward Vera instead. "Tell her to stay out of my way," she muttered, making it clear she wasn't about to back down first.

Clata scoffed, but the confidence in her eyes had dimmed.

"You've forgotten I'm older than you," she said, trying to reclaim authority.

Vivian let out a short, humorless laugh. "Oh, please. Shut up."

The words cut through the air like a blade.

For a moment, everyone froze. No one had expected that from Vivian—the girl who usually minded her business and kept her head down at work.

Clata's lips parted slightly in shock.

Vivian smirked, satisfied. Let her chew on that.

Without another word, she walked away from the counter and headed toward Anna, who was still scrolling through her phone.

Sliding into the seat opposite her, Vivian let out a breath before her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

Anna looked up immediately, eyebrows raised. "What's up? Why do you look like you just won the lottery?"

Vivian shrugged, but her grin widened.

Anna narrowed her eyes. "Okay, spill. What happened? I can feel the drama in the air."

Vivian leaned back, crossing her arms. "I put that red-haired demon in her place."

Anna's eyes widened in delight. "No way. You actually did it?"

"Called her malicious and told her to never cross me again," Vivian said with a dramatic flip of her hair.

Anna laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm so mad I missed that!"

Vivian's stomach growled, cutting into their laughter. She groaned, placing a hand on her stomach. "I haven't eaten since morning."

Anna smirked. "And if she tries you again?"

Vivian tilted her head. "Then we beat her up together."

The two girls burst into laughter.

*******

The two friends left the bar, chatting as they made their way toward the supermarket.

Vivian was too distracted to notice the girl walking in her path—until they collided.

"Oh my God!" Vivian exclaimed as their belongings scattered onto the damp pavement.

"I'm so sorry!" she said quickly, bending down to help pick up the fallen items.

Anna crouched beside her, murmuring apologies as well.

The girl, who looked a year or two younger than them, brushed her curly hair away from her face and offered a small smile. "It's fine, really."

Vivian handed her the last of the pencils. "Are you sure?"

The girl nodded as she tucked her things back into her plastic bag.

Vivian studied her for a second. Thick curls, warm brown skin, soft but striking features.

"Your hair is gorgeous," she blurted out. "You shouldn't wish for anything else."

The girl's smile grew. "Thank you! I get compliments on it a lot."

"And your eyes," Anna added, sipping from her drink. "They're stunning."

The girl tucked a loose curl behind her ear, looking genuinely pleased.

Vivian extended her hand. "I'm Vivian."

Anna, without missing a beat, grinned. "And I'm Anna."

"I'm Tasha," the girl introduced herself. "Nice to meet you both."

Vivian tilted her head. "Are you heading our way?"

Tasha shook her head. "No, I'm taking a cab up the next street."

Anna nodded in understanding.

"Care for a hug?" Tasha asked suddenly, her tone playful.

Vivian and Anna exchanged amused glances before stepping in for a quick hug.

"Oh, you're so warm!" Tasha giggled as Anna squeezed her.

As Tasha walked into the supermarket, Vivian whispered to Anna, "She's so pretty."

"And sweet," Anna agreed, grinning as they boarded the waiting bus.

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