ACRID

The stars glinted as the moon hung low across the night, its light shadowing over the cities across the pavements. Wind blew over the streets, howling throughout the night.

As silence whistled across the streets, a shadow elongated across the sidewalk.

Around the corner, a woman in a light floral skirt ran across the streets, holding a band of papers close to her chest. As she rushed down the lighted area, her figure shrank and merged with the shadows.

She trembled, pausing at first as she panted out a few inaudible words.

Her face was frozen because of the chilly weather as her lips struggled to make out the words that she was about to say. "I–I will have the money... I'll save you...I'll save you...trust me."

Without another word, the woman stumbled across the large crowds. There were people pushing against each other, with their leather and designer bags out in display. It was the perfect scene.

Her eyes glinted with anticipation as she edged deeper into the forest of people. Without another word, she snatched the bag from a woman before racing deeper into the crowds.

She latched on the handle and ran. Soon, a cry erupted from the crowd as the woman she'd stolen from placed a hand on her mouth.

The woman was pale from fear as she reached out to grasp the handsome man beside her. "Please," she begged. "Help me catch the thief!"

Like the gentleman he was, he dropped all his plans to race after the thief. Melissa Ji ran as fast as she could. However, she was no match for the man. Soon, he finally caught up to her, purposely tripping her. She fell, letting out a surprised squeak.

"Shameless!"

Aaron Mu scowled, dropping to his feet as he grabbed the bag from the thief. Without another thought, he left her alone on the pavements.

The pain was unbearable as it spread across her body. It could render anyone down in seconds, but the list in her pocket became heavier at the thought of her losing this night's catch. She gasped for air, hands enclosing on the piece of paper.

Staggering upwards, she stumbled over to Aaron Mu, grabbing him by the sleeve. "Stop! That wallet! Give it back to me!"

Melissa Ji was willing to throw anything away–her life, her dignity, herself, as long as she could save her brother. She needed the money.

The vein on his forehead bulged as Aaron Mu glared at her. "Let me go." He snarled out like a bull ready to charge his opponent.

A strange coldness swept over Melissa Ji's body. It was not until then that she got a chance to size him up.

He had a handsome face with a very sophisticated jawline. The symmetry of his facial structure was magnificent, but his eyes seeped nothing but hatred. The look on his face would make everyone retreat.

"Please..."

Before she could say anything else, Melissa Ji was shoved back to the pavements.

He sneered, "Don't touch me, you thief!"

His words were like sharp blades cutting the insides of her heart. She wanted to say something to explain herself and her actions, but before she could, the woman entered the scene.

Her blood red lips pouted, leaning over Aaron Mu's shoulder.