lookism: Apostle

Michael sat with Warren, Sally, and Eli Jang at the hostel, sharing a hearty dinner. The warmth of the evening was a sharp contrast to the danger that constantly loomed over them. As the laughter filled the room, Michael shared the harrowing details of the attack at his house. He insisted that Eli stay with them for the time being.

"We'll keep him safe," Warren reassured, his tone firm but caring. "I've already arranged for someone to watch over him whenever I'm away." Michael said.

Just as the group began to relax, a sharp knock interrupted their conversation. A letter was delivered, its seal unfamiliar yet ominous. Big Eli's expression darkened when he read it—it was allegedly from Olly. The room tensed, but Michael immediately suspected a trap, as Olly was long dead.

"It's an invitation," Michael said, his brow furrowed. "We'll check it out after dinner."

The meal ended quietly, the usual cheer replaced by unease. Michael left the hostel shortly after, hoping a walk through the city might help him clear his mind.

---

At night

As Michael strolled along the brightly lit streets, his eyes landed on a couple walking hand in hand. The woman laughed softly, leaning her head on the man's shoulder. A pang of envy twisted in Michael's chest. He sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets.

*Why hasn't she called? It's been two days... Maybe I'll go see her tomorrow,* he thought.

Lost in his musings, Michael turned into a dimly lit alleyway. He stopped abruptly, his senses heightened. "Alright," he said aloud, his voice cutting through the stillness. "Come out. I know you're there."

From the shadows, twenty men in black emerged, their faces obscured but their intent unmistakable. Michael exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed. "Let me guess," he said, his tone dry. "Workers?"

Three men rushed at him simultaneously, knives gleaming in the faint light. Michael dodged with ease, his movements fluid and calculated. With a swift kick, he sent the first man crashing into the wall. Grabbing the other two by their necks, he twisted until a sickening crack echoed through the alley.

The remaining men hesitated but quickly regrouped, charging at him from all sides. Michael picked up two knives from the ground, twirling them effortlessly in his hands. "Let's end this quickly," he muttered, lunging forward.

The fight was brutal yet one-sided. Michael's movements were a deadly blend of precision and raw power. By the time he was done, the alley was littered with bodies, the ground slick with blood. Michael, his clothes stained red, stood amidst the carnage.

"Is this going to be a daily thing now?" he muttered, dialing a number. "Clean this up," he ordered curtly before disappearing into the night.

---

The next day, Michael arrived at OTEL, where the meeting between Big Deal and the Workers was underway. He entered the room to find chaos—Samuel was fighting Eli, and Jake and Jerry were embroiled in their own battles. Michael's mere presence brought everything to a standstill.

"Michael," Eugene said, his voice calm but laced with tension. "I was expecting you. Let's cut to the chase—will you join the Workers?"

Michael shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Not interested," he replied, walking over to Sally and casually sitting down. "I'm with the hostel."

The revelation sent a wave of shock through the room. Samuel and Jake visibly paled. Even Eugene seemed unsettled, though he quickly masked it.

"You're a problem, Michael," Eugene admitted. "You even took down Goo in a sword fight. You're a threat we can't ignore."

Michael smirked, pulling out a bag of popcorn. "Please, continue."

As the tension mounted, Zack, Daniel, and Vasco arrived, plunging the room into chaos once more. Fists flew, and the air was thick with the sounds of combat. Michael, however, remained seated, calmly eating his popcorn beside Sally.

The battle culminated in a standoff between Daniel and a mysterious man in a hat. Though the fight was fierce, Daniel emerged victorious. Michael, visibly unimpressed, muttered, "That's it?"

Eugene issued a veiled threat, mentioning their "precious people." But Michael, his red eyes glowing faintly, leaned forward. "Trust me," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You don't want to go down that road."

---

Same day

That evening, Michael found himself standing in front of Crystal's house. He knocked on the door, his heart pounding slightly. When Crystal appeared, her smile lit up the dim porch.

"Michael," she greeted warmly. "What brings you here?"

He didn't waste time. "Why didn't you come that day? And why haven't you called?" His tone was firm but tinged with vulnerability.

Crystal looked away, her expression sheepish. "I'm sorry," she said. "I got caught up in something and... I forgot."

Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Are you free tonight? Let's grab dinner."

Crystal hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Give me ten minutes."

----

Dressed elegantly, Crystal joined Michael, and together they went to an upscale restaurant. The conversation was light, their laughter filling the space as they shared stories and memories. After dinner, Michael suggested a walk, leading her to a quiet park by the lake.

The moonlight danced on the water, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. They walked in silence, the tension between them palpable. Finally, Michael stopped, pulling something from behind his back—a small bouquet of flowers.

He held them out to her, his hands trembling slightly. "Crystal... I like you. I've liked you for a long time."

Crystal's eyes widened in surprise, her hands flying to her mouth. She took the flowers, her face softening into a radiant smile. "Michael," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've wanted to say this too—I like you."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Michael pulled her into a tight embrace. The world seemed to fade away as they stood there, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over them.

----

That night, Michael walked Crystal back to her house, her hand in his. As they reached her door, she turned to him, her eyes shining. "Goodnight, Michael."

He smiled, his usual stoicism replaced by a rare softness. "Goodnight, Crystal."

As he walked away, a sense of peace washed over him. For the first time in a long while, Michael felt something he hadn't in years—hope.

---

Sorry for the short chapter. But in future i cooking something very special. I know you feel bored because it is going according to main story line and there no orginal arc by me. Well you have to wait for upcoming chapters.