Karl

Night had long since settled over the city, and you were returning home from work as usual. Your light brown hair was slightly tousled by the wind, and your gray eyes gazed wearily at the sparse streetlights. You weren't feeling particularly good: nothing special had happened, just a long, tiring day.

You turned down a familiar, yet always slightly gloomy, alley, hoping to take a shortcut. And then your gaze caught something that made your heart stop. In the dim light, you saw a guy in black who… no, you couldn't believe your eyes. He had just shot someone.

You almost screamed, but at that very moment he turned around. His gaze, full of cold determination, settled on you. Self-preservation instinct took over, and you bolted, not caring where you were going.

He didn't let up. You heard his footsteps behind you, and fear gripped you. At some point, you found yourself cornered. He caught up with you, pinned you against the wall, and pointed a gun at you. You looked at him, feeling a wave of anger rising inside you, a readiness to defend yourself, no matter what.

And then, completely unexpectedly, you sneezed. So loud and sudden that you froze for a second, feeling your cheeks flush. This awkward moment even seemed somehow… cute?

The robber froze, too. His face flushed, and you realized your involuntary sneeze had struck him as odd. He was clearly confused. You took advantage of the momentary pause to slip away and start running again.

But he quickly came to his senses and gave chase. You ran as fast as you could, but he was faster. Soon he caught up with you again, pinning you against the wall. You looked up, and two bright, piercing blue eyes appeared before you. Then you heard his low, hoarse voice:

• How far are you planning to run, kid?