Sisterzones
Gang five years ago

"Haha... Thank you," said Kevin when he saw Alia had unblocked the number.

Alia scratched her cheek, staring at the screen of her phone with a slight hesitation. Actually blocking suspicious new numbers was not his personal wish. It was a directive from Daniel who feared there could be a crime.

Alia also recalled that she had not been able to contact Daniel all day. They used to communicate once a week due to Daniel's activities. Alia never knew the details of the activity because Daniel rarely discussed it. The day they agreed was today, but not a single incoming call came. Daniel didn't pick up the phone either.

In fact, Alia did not quite agree with the idea. But he never expressed his objection. Daniel had forgotten to contact her many times. At first Alia understood, including letting the piercing feeling that made her moody every time she was at home alone. But after so many times, Alia could not understand him anymore. That feeling of sadness became a mounting frustration.

It's just, today was a little different. Although often forgotten, Daniel never passed by to contact him from one day. He is a smart young man and must be aware of the time difference between them. But until night, he didn't get that call. This removed Alia's irritation and replaced her with anxious feelings.

"Are you thinking about something, Al? Uh, can I call you by that name?" asked Kevin who broke Alia's daydream.

Alia looked over with a bit of surprise. He had been staring blankly at the screen for too long. "Ah, no. There's no."

Kevin looked again. "Is there something that bothers you? Since we're already friends, you can tell as you please. But I'm not forcing either."

"No. I was just thinking about - uh... There's a lot of cops around here." Alia suddenly turned her attention to the streets again. Some police officers were interrogating young people in a street-side manner.

"Oh, that. There's been a sweep tonight. You know, right? This area is prone to crime. At first I was worried because your house was around here. But as far as I'm concerned, the sweep was done two nights earlier for the part close to your house. So, it should be safe now." Kevin explained well.

Alia smiled a little. "That's great. Thank you for worrying about me too."

"Eh? I-yes, worry." Kevin threw his face to the side, acting as if he was watching the streets. He was struggling to hold a happy smile. His face and ears have been red since.

Alia herself did not notice that. He looked at the streets and thought of an idea.

"Big, Kevin! Can you put me down in front of that alley?" exciting Alia.

Kevin was a little surprised, but he kept his car close. Alia's house shouldn't have gone through this alley. "You really stopped here? Or am I the one who misremembered your alley?"

Alia smiled a little. "normally no. But this is the fastest way. Your car won't be able to get into a small alley in the area."

Kevin intends to open the door, but Alia is more nimble to move out. Kevin tried to catch up quickly.

"I'll take you to the front of the house. Miss Wilda told me to take care of you until you actually got home" Kevin said in a hurry.

"You can't just leave your car here carelessly." Alia flicked her hand. "You said this place was safe, right? Then I'll be safe."

Daniel shakes. "I don't think it's okay to leave the car for a minute. Although it has been done sweeping, not necessarily this place is immediately safe just like that. A lot can happen in one night. I hope you don't refuse."

Alia was about to argue when Kevin's phone rang.

"Sorry, Alia. Just a minute." Kevin picked up the phone after confirming the name of the caller. "Yes Ma -"

"Where have you been, bad boy? It's late and you're still outside?! What the hell are you doing? Hurry home! Are you gonna let your mom eat alone again tonight?"

Alia raised an eyebrow. He had no intention of eavesdropping, but the sound of nagging from across the phone Kevin was indeed very loud until Kevin had to keep his phone away from the ear.

"Wait a minute."

"Nothing! Mama said go home! In five minutes you should be home. Understood?"

Tuber

Kevin scratched his head and rubbed his face. He flipped his body and found Alia who was holding back a smile.

"Come on. It's not funny."

"It's not funny. But the timing is perfect. You don't want to get scolded by your mama any more and I don't need to be escorted either. We can agree," Alia bargained.

Alia shook her head while shrugging her shoulders. "nothing. And you're smart enough to make sure of the second statement. You must know that I never had a boyfriend. All my coworkers know that, so it's not classified information, there's no need to be sure."

Kevin laughed lightly. He can now breathe freely. Previously Kevin was alarmed by Alia's answer. His heart was still pounding, afraid of the opposite answer.

"Then you'll walk alone." Although happy with the answer, Kevin still felt uncomfortable. He walked first and waited for Alia to follow him until right in front of the alley.

"May I know why you've never been in a relationship with anyone until now?" ask Kevin as Alia approaches. It sounded idle, but he was really waiting for Alia's answer.

Alia replied lightly, "i'm not interested in playing around with feelings. Especially if it's just for the"

"I like you, Alia."

Alia was silent. He forgot to shut his mouth.

"You may think that our meeting was too short. But I feel like I've known you for a long time. I intend to be serious, so I won't sue." Kevin took a breath. His face flushed and his heart skipped a beat, more than it had ever been. "Therefore, I hope we remain friends, and you allow me to gradually try to take your heart. Please don't hate me for that statement."

Alia couldn't possibly be unaware of Kevin's interest in her. But he did not expect that the man would express his feelings this quickly, so he himself needed some time to master himself and change his surprised expression to more normal.

"That's a sweet greeting," Alia replied after a while. He laughed a little, revealing his neat white teeth. "I won't stand in the way of anything you're trying to do as long as it doesn't bother me. We'll stay friends until you can make me reciprocate your feelings. How's it?"

That answer relieved Kevin. He smiled widely. "Thank you. I'll try."

Alia nodded lightly. He laughed softly again as Kevin's phone rang again. The man ignored her and put his phone in his pocket.

"I'm on my way, then. Thank you, yes," Alia said just before stepping into the alley.

"Alia! Call me when you get home!" scream Kevin.

Alia turned her head slightly and gave her thumbs up, then stepped back.

It's been five years since he last passed through this alley. At that time he was almost involved in danger due to his recklessness through this place alone. Fortunately at a critical moment, Vaniel had saved him. There has been no significant change in the last five years. This place remains quiet and gloomy. His once dusty path now shows his sharp rocks in the middle of the moon's dim.

Alia slightly shuddered as a cold wind greeted her open neck. He sped up the pace as he passed through what was once the beginning of an unpleasant incident five years ago.

The sweep that Kevin had said earlier must have worked. Alia found no one in that place. Only his footsteps and the sound of night bugs could be heard.

That thought only lasted a few seconds. Alia felt her hair goosebumps instantly as she heard the conversation of some men at the intersection of the alley. He remembered that this intersection where he trapped the thugs who had chased him by hitting a block of wood and pelting them with stones. And Daniel saved him.

Alia stepped back slowly. Trying not to make any sound. He cannot continue the journey. The men should be on the road leading to his house.

"Hey."

Alia reflex smacked the bag onto someone who suddenly made a sound from behind her. His brain is spinning fast. In a few seconds he had hoped that it was Daniel who magically appeared from there or Kevin who turned out to follow him. But what he saw made his entire body cold instantly.

The three men who were twice as big as him were staring intently. There were also those who were smiling cynically.

"Just two days of sweeps by the authorities. Now there are only women who dare to pass through this place," said one of them.

Alia gulps. The road is blocked. He could only look around, looking for something in the dark to be used as a weapon or anything that could help him.

"Hey, fat. You were so long. Don't let you guys get caught by those fucking cops. We don't want any re-routing in this area. Eh? Did you bring a woman?"

Alia didn't have to look around to find out who was talking. It was none other than one of the men who had been conversing at the intersection. Now, there are more men who surround him in full.

"Safe, boss. Don't worry so much. Look, one woman thinks this place is safe. Especially those stupid cops. Tonight we can have a little fun."