Up in Smoke
The street was shrouded in darkness as Hanni made her way home from school, her footsteps echoing against the pavement in the still night air. She had always been cautious when walking alone at night, but tonight she felt a sense of determination, her mind filled with thoughts of the day's lectures and assignments.
As she rounded the corner, she spotted a figure standing in the shadows—a woman dressed in a black blouse, slacks, and a blazer hanging off her shoulder. The woman held a cigarette between her fingers, a cloud of smoke swirling around her as she took a drag.
Hanni's lips tightened into a disapproving frown as she approached the woman, her eyes flashing with righteous indignation. She had always been vehemently against smoking, believing it to be a dangerous and unhealthy habit that had no place in modern society.
"You really shouldn't be smoking," Hanni said, her voice firm and authoritative. "It's bad for your health."
The woman raised an eyebrow at Hanni's words, her gaze lingering on her for a moment before she took another drag of her cigarette. "You wanna know what else is bad for your health?" she rasped, her voice low and gravelly.
Hanni's heart skipped a beat at the woman's ominous tone, a chill running down her spine. She hadn't expected such a response, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of uncertainty creep into her mind.
But she quickly brushed it aside, straightening her posture and meeting the woman's gaze head-on. "I don't care what else you think is bad for my health," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest. "Smoking is a proven carcinogen, and it's my duty to inform you of the risks."
The woman chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Hanni's spine. "You've got guts, kid," she said, her eyes gleaming with something that Hanni couldn't quite place. "But you should know better than to pick a fight with someone you don't know."
Hanni's resolve wavered for a moment, her bravado faltering in the face of the woman's warning. But she quickly gathered her courage, lifting her chin defiantly as she met the woman's gaze. "I'm not afraid of you," she said, her voice ringing with determination.
The woman's lips curled into a smirk, her eyes glinting with something akin to amusement. "Maybe you should be," she said cryptically, before turning and disappearing into the darkness.
Hanni watched her go, her heart still racing with adrenaline. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had just encountered someone powerful, someone dangerous. But despite the uncertainty swirling in her mind, she couldn't deny the sense of satisfaction that came from standing up for what she believed in.
As she continued on her way home, the memory of the encounter lingering in her mind, Hanni couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the night might hold.
YOU ARE READING
One Shots (Every Centric)
Fanfiction📜 What to Expect: • Unique, tailor-made chapters crafted based on your requests. (It can be literally anything) • Genres that span the spectrum, from whimsical fantasy to heart-pounding suspense. • Characters that reflect your imagination, with...
