A few days later, Kendrick was on his way home when he spotted a familiar car idling near his apartment building. His heart dropped as he recognized Trenton in the driver's seat, staring at him with a cold, unreadable expression.
Kendrick tried to walk past, but Trenton rolled down the window, motioning for him to come closer. Reluctantly, Kendrick approached, keeping his guard up.
"We need to talk," Trenton said, his voice low.
Kendrick glanced around, wary of any onlookers. "About what?"
Trenton leaned out the window, his gaze hard. "About loyalty. About how you think you can just walk away and leave everything behind. You think the streets don't notice?"
Kendrick clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "Trent, I've told you. I'm not trying to disrespect anyone. I just want a shot at something different."
Trenton's jaw tightened. "And I'm telling you, K-Dawg, you don't get that choice. You either stick with us, or you're nothing. You turn your back on the streets, the streets turn their back on you. And that… that isn't safe."
Kendrick's heart pounded as he met Trenton's stare. He knew this was an ultimatum—a warning that his old life wasn't going to let him go quietly.
"I'm not afraid, Trent," Kendrick said, his voice steady. "I've made my choice. I'm moving forward."
Trenton's eyes narrowed, and he shook his head slowly. "Then I hope you're ready for what's coming, K-Dawg. Because once you make this choice, there's no going back."
Kendrick stepped away from the car, watching as Trenton drove off into the night. He knew the stakes were higher than ever, but he also knew that he couldn't let fear hold him back. His future was at risk, but he was determined to fight for it, no matter the cost.