The night draped its velvety cloak over the city as Alex and Kira walked their way back home. They stepped out of the high-rise area, entering the calm expanse of the residential neighbourhood.
"So, did you watch that movie I recommended you last night?" Alex asked, his tone light. He glanced at Kira and smiled. Today had been a new experience for him. Entering such a high-end restaurant and meeting with Lilly's mother who was just as beautiful as her daughter, both had been a first time for Alex. He hadn't met Lilly's mother before despite being friends with her for years.
Kira chuckled. "Yeah, it was ridiculous. But good for a laugh."
"That's how the film industry is now. "
Their banter created a pleasant rhythm against the backdrop of dimly lit streets. The warm glow of streetlights painted patterns on the pavement, guiding their way as they made their way back to Alex's house.
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Kyle moved with calculated precision, a girl by his side as he followed behind Alex and Kira. He had been waiting for this chance. A chance to get rich. Just the thought of 10 million credits was enough to excite him.
"You ready for this?" The girl named Maira said. She was a ghoul, the helper that Kyle had called for this mission. Kyle had worked with her before and knew he could trust her.
Kyle nodded, his gaze steady. "Yeah, let's make it count."
Their plan took shape.
"Remember, we shoot Alex first. Take him out clean," Kyle instructed, his voice low but determined. He would bear no slip-ups now.
Maira nodded, her pink hair shimmering faintly in the ambient light. "Got it. Then we nab Kira together." She gave Kyle a confident smile.
A charged silence hung, tension woven into the fabric of the night. The laser gun's trigger beckoned, poised to reshape the path ahead. And in a blaze of radiance, the laser beam shot forth, a beacon of illumination in the obscurity.
The beam's trajectory found its mark in Alex's form. In that heartbeat, time slowed and the night held its breath. The impact struck with an unforgiving force at Alex's head, launching him through the air, a puppet in a puppeteer's grasp.
As Alex's body soared, emotions surged – fear, disbelief, and the harsh reality of his vulnerability. The earth rushed to meet him, and he crashed down with a resounding thud, the echo of pain mingling with the shock of impact. Blood flowed like a fountain as Alex lay on the ground, unmoving.