It was a perfect Friday night for a date.
The park across from the theater, where they had just enjoyed a captivating performance, carried a nostalgic, earthy scent from the recent mid-day rain shower.
The refreshing air, with a hint of moisture, made the night feel crisp and alive.
As they crossed the street, a gentle, cool breeze guided him.
He placed his arm around Eva, the beautiful woman beside him, pulling her closer.
Eva had been in his life for the past two wonderful years, evolving from a co-worker to a friend, and finally to his beloved girlfriend.
Laughing while recalling the many funny moments from the movie they had just finished watching, they entered the lush green area of the park to relax, as they did every time they finished a good flick.
"So, do you want the usual ice cream on this nice cold night? Or should we head for a coffee shop nearby?" he asked while staring at her side profile.
She had a small but lovely pointed nose, and large light green eyes that stood out even more with the light makeup she had on, but in a good way, and finally, her small red luscious lips that went well with the shoulder-length dark red hair that was tucked behind the ear facing him.
"It depends… are you going to keep your arm around me until I finish it?" she asked, lifting one brow with a devious but very sexy grin that always plucked the strings of his heart.
They continued with their usual pink, bubbly atmosphere until they reached their usual seats around a fountain, hidden just enough for someone to have a private conversation comfortably.
Leaving her seated, he went to get the promised sweets at a nearby stand they always frequented.
Usually, it would be crowded at this hour.
However, upon reaching his destination, he was pleasantly surprised to find only four others in line, probably due to the rain.
Thankfully, he wouldn't have to wait long.
Looking through the menu while still standing behind three other people, he noticed today's sweets written on a whiteboard.
To their luck, not only did they have ice cream, but also some heated items for sale that evening.
Thinking about what he would order, the line moved fairly quickly until it was finally his turn.
"Two strawberry ice cream crepes, a latte, and milk tea, please," he requested.
It only took a few seconds for his order to be made, and with all the new items he was carrying, he had to walk back carefully.
The fountain was at least forty steps from the busy stands, but the silence there was worth the extra distance, so he didn't mind it much.
Nearing the corner where the hedge ended, two shots were heard in succession.
His immediate thoughts discarded fireworks as their source, since there shouldn't be any important events today.
This made him anxious, causing him not to care much if the cups spilled just a little.
But the closer he got to the fountain, the more his negative thoughts ran through his head.
"No… it can't be… please…" he muttered in disbelief.
As he passed the corner, he saw Eva on the ground, while another individual was nearby, rummaging through her purse.
He dropped the food immediately and ran towards her, not caring about the assailant, especially when he saw the liquid dyeing the floor around her red.
Hearing his loud footsteps, the suspicious figure got up and ran towards the bathroom area, yet he ignored them and focused on Eva, who was gasping for air.
"No..no, no, no…no, Eva, look at me. Please don't close your eyes, look at me!" he pleaded, crouching down and using his hand to cover the spot where blood was gushing out as she breathed hard, trying to mumble words.
"I… don't want to di..e.. please help…" she gasped.
He reached for his phone, which was still turned off from the date at the theaters, and it was taking its time to boot up, making him desperate.
With each passing second, Eva grew colder as blood continued to rapidly ooze from her chest.
"Somebody help! Help me, please!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, hoping for a miracle.
No one was around, and her consciousness was fading by the second.
"I'll do anything, so please help her…" he yelled out, feeling utterly powerless.
Suddenly, a voice called out.
[Anything…?]
A cold chill ran down his spine as the voice that called out to him came from the front, where nobody was standing.
But he couldn't let this chance pass him by. He hardened his heart and responded.
"Yes! Anything, but please hurry!"
Time stopped as soon as his words were spoken. No noise was heard, only an ear-splitting silence that caused him dizziness.
Then a crack appeared, distorting the space around it, which caused him to flinch, almost crushing Eva, who he was still hugging.
A humanoid figure appeared after. It looked like a cloaked man with a hidden face, hovering before him while looking down with an oppressive aura, almost like a Reaper.
"Well then, let's get down to business. I shall revive the lass, but because her soul won't handle the wounds on her body, it won't be in that same one." It didn't seem to care how scared he was as it spoke out its intentions.
"Yes, that, anything but let her live, please," he cried out, not fully understanding the figure's words, with huge tears pouring from each eye.
"Silence, just listen for now! Nothing can be understood in that condition, and what I need is for you to accept knowingly. Now then, you will be placed in a trial to see if you can be of use to me. As for the girl, she will be fully revived, but not in this world—she will be in another. Are you up to it?" the figure demanded.
He was wary. Could this be a devil who is said to give splendidly, only to take back with trickery? But this was the only way.
"Fine, whatever, I'll do it, hurry please…" he declared, clearing his face with his sleeve, a feeling of resolution setting in.
Although he was far from thinking straight, this had to be an answer to his pleas.
As for the man, he disappeared, and then time began to run normally again.
Eva, who was in his arms, was now pale and cold as he hugged her, sobbing.
At that moment, another shot sounded, causing him to be instantly pushed forward.
A cool yet burning sensation came from the back of his head as his mind began to shut down.