Katelyn and Zach walked home from school, the quietness of the late afternoon surrounding them. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows on the pavement. They were lost in conversation when suddenly, out of the alley beside them, a group of thugs stepped into their path, blocking their way.

Katelyn’s heart leapt in her chest. “Who are you guys?” she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Zach quickly pushed Katelyn behind him, his posture tense and protective. “What do you want from us?”

The leader of the group, a tall, menacing figure, smirked. “We came to collect on a debt.”

Katelyn’s brow furrowed, confusion mixing with her fear. “What debt? I don’t owe anyone anything.”

“Neither do I,” Zach added, his voice steady but wary.

The thug sneered, ignoring Zach’s words. “We were paid to take care of this little miss,” he said, pointing at Katelyn. “So scram, kid.”

Zach’s jaw tightened, his stance firm. “I won’t let you hurt her.”

The thug laughed, a dark, cruel sound. “What can a scrawny kid like you do to us?”

Katelyn’s pulse quickened as she leaned toward Zach, whispering urgently. “Zach, be careful. Maybe we should try to run.”

Zach glanced back at her, his voice calm despite the tension. “Don’t worry. Did you forget I’m a trained fighter?”

Katelyn blinked, suddenly remembering all the times Zach had mentioned his martial arts classes. “Oh, I forgot,” she whispered back, her nerves calming ever so slightly.

Zach squared his shoulders, facing the group of thugs head-on. “Bring it on,” he said, his voice cold and resolute. “I’ll show you what I can do.”

The four men circled Zach and Katelyn, their smirks growing as they prepared to attack. The first thug lunged at Zach, swinging wildly. But Zach was ready—he dodged the blow and in one swift motion, spun and delivered a powerful kick to the thug’s face, sending him crashing to the ground.

The next thug charged at Zach, but he was no match either. One by one, they attacked, and one by one, Zach took them down with precision and skill, each strike more powerful than the last.

The leader of the group staggered to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth. “Boss, we better get out of here,” one of the thugs muttered, clutching his side. “He knows how to fight.”

Zach stood tall, his fists clenched, his eyes blazing with determination. “You guys want some more?” he taunted, his voice low and dangerous.

Without another word, the thugs scrambled to their feet and ran, disappearing into the shadows from which they came. Silence fell over the alley, leaving Zach and Katelyn standing there, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins.

Katelyn was trembling, her whole body shaking from the shock of what had just happened. Her voice came out in a nervous stutter. “A-Are you okay, Zach?”

Zach, breathing heavily, but unhurt, nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Noticing her trembling, Zach softened. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Katelyn melted into his embrace, feeling the warmth and safety of his arms around her.

“Shh… everything’s fine now,” Zach murmured, holding her close. “Let’s get you home before Lucas starts worrying about you.”

Katelyn nodded, grateful for his protection, but still shaken from the encounter.

Unbeknownst to them, hidden in a dark corner nearby, a camera flashed, capturing the moment of their embrace.

A shadowy figure watched from the distance, a twisted grin spreading across their face. “That’s right,” the figure whispered to themselves. “Hug each other tight. That’s just what I wanted.”