The mid-break hallway pulsed alive. Voices swell louder, bouncing off lockers like echoing with no place to land. Groups spilled across the corridor, sharing snacks, gossip, and hurried notes. Coffee cups steamed, laughter erupted, and time stretched thin between bells — alive, messy, and utterly human.

Mina Vance looked at Sia Anderson who came out of the class, now going to the cafeteria with her Best Friend, Samantha Brooks, while discussing something & laughing. Her fist clenched tightly. She hated that girl with the core of her heart. The reason? Mina Vance used to be the popular girl of the batch they studied in. But after Sia joined, she lost her fame.

Sia Anderson was sharp and intelligent along with her bubbly nature. She was good in every field. She was friendly and helpful towards everyone. And in less than two months, she became more popular than Mina. Everyone loved her and that's the reason she's always jealous of Sia.

That's when Mina’s eyes diverted to Rey Carter, the popular bad boy of the campus. Rude, cold, arrogant and what not? Everyone was aware of his grumpy nature and so about his hatred for girls.

Once, he kicked a girl out of the campus just because she confessed to him. He has restricted each & every girl in the campus to come near him. He doesn't even like to see them. Only if he could. But not interacting with any woman wasn't something possible to avoid. So he had to bear seeing them.

A wide smirk formed on Mina’s face when she thought about the results of her plan. Rey Carter is the only heir of Carters. His grandmother loves him so much and she always supports him in everything. And that's the reason no one stops him or tries to mess up with him.

Even now, he wasn't in the class but bunking with his friends and had just returned from the field, now going towards the classroom.

It was the perfect timing to execute her plan.

As they came close, she immediately walked near, bringing her feet in Sia’s way, causing her to trip and directly bump into him. Because of the sudden force, he lost balance and fell down on the ground with Sia, on top of him and…

She accidentally KISSED Rey’s cheek.

Both of their bodies froze with eyes almost popping out. While Samantha stood there, not being able to process anything.

Sia quickly backed off, away from him and looked at him in fear. She was completely aware of him and his nature because he's always a spicy topic among students. Her friend, Samantha had already told her everything about him and that she needed to stay away from him, no matter what.

Everyone present in the hallway was in pure shock, except Mina. People who knew Sia were concerned for her. Some of them sympathized with her, while some of them felt jealous because she kissed their crush whereas they couldn’t even cross their ways with him.

Mina was so excited, waiting for ‘Him’ to shout at Sia, madly and kick her out.

Sia Anderson gulped and panicked, not knowing what to do.

Sia : I... I'm really sorry... I didn't mean to do it. I didn't know how this happened.

Mina : Oh! So you mean to say that bumping into him and you kissing him is nothing but just an accident? Do we look so dumb to you?

She panicked and quickly shook her head at Mina’s response, and looked at him with pleading eyes—

But he just stared at her with his sharp gaze. And at this moment, Sia knew that she was badly fucked up. She knew what was coming next but she was not ready for it at all. She tried to make it clear that it was just an accident to him so that he let her go…

And suddenly, Rey's eyes widened slightly as something struck his mind.

—

Flashback

Two Months ago

Winter Night, not too cold — just that light cold where you need a jacket but your hands don't freeze. Sia Anderson still shivered as the cold breeze hit her skin. Her breath made small clouds that disappeared quickly.

The city was awake yet tired.

Quiet but beautiful.

She had stepped into the city for the first time. Alone. By the last bus of the day. The bus stand was empty now. On one side, the road was dark and damp from the earlier snow, but clean enough. The bus time table board was still lit — it's yellow light blinking Next Bus at 6:00 AM.

She huffed. She will have to take a taxi now.

In front, there was a glass bus shelter. Inside it, a row of empty plastic seats, all wet with little droplets. The shelter's roof had a thin layer of leftover snow, and the fairy light someone had wrapped around its pole for winter was still on — yellow, warm, blinking slowly in the empty area. The street light above fell in a soft golden circle right on the shelter.

On the other side was the sidewalk.

Only a few shops open. Two or three people. The air smelled like cold diesel, night air, and faint coffee from the café.

She stood there with her trolley bag, right under the bus shelter. Enjoying the unexpectedly quiet and calm night view of the city a little before starting the new chapter of her life.

It was that kind of winter night — quiet enough that she could hear the soft buzzing of the street light above her, and the sound of her own trolley wheels when she moved it a little.

After an hour or so, when she was done enjoying the view, she searched for her new address/location in her mobile phone so that she could book a cab. The location was away from the bus stand.

But before she could, someone suddenly snatched the phone from her hand making her gasp.

The thief.

She immediately ran behind him, like her life depended on it. It actually did. She had all the important documents, contacts and most importantly the location and the money.

Sia : Yahhh!!! Stop right there, you bastard or else I'll k!ll you…!!!

She shouted while chasing him as if he was actually going to listen to her.

He was fast enough to leave Sia behind. She breathed heavily trying to calm herself.

If something called blunder existed, it would be her life. She had the best examples of 'Fate doesn't want to let you live peacefully' or we can simply call it 'The Life of Jethalal'.

The moment she feels like everything is going smoothly, something would come up, for sure and leave her completely messed up.

She groaned out of frustration, but having no other option, she went to the place where her belongings were.

But her eyes widened even more when she found nothing.

Sia : Where are my belongings?!

Panic rushed throughout her body, not knowing exactly what to do next. The bag was full of clothes and necessary items, like laptop, bag, cards, books and other things along with some cash.

"Nothing is a sign of robbery, Lady." A man said in his deep voice.

Sia turned her head and looked at him, who was wearing a white shirt and beige pants. A stylish watch wrapped around his wrist. His hair was naturally brown. He was probably in his 30s or that's what she guessed.

She turned her head back, ignoring the stranger. She felt like crying. Where would she go now? All her money was in her account, but her phone got stolen too and the card was in the bag. She doesn't even remember the exact address, she was supposed to go. Her head felt completely messed up.

Man : Hey! I can help you, if you want. Tell me the address, I can drop you there.

Sia : It's of no use. I don't remember the address.

The man sighed.

Man : Oh! But standing here, on this winter night would be no help as well. And you look tired as well. Let's have a coffee until we find some ways.

Sia : No. I don't have money. And you shouldn't waste your time-

She said in a little rude tone so that he'll stop bothering her. He was a stranger after all. She didn't know what kind of a person he was. It was better to stay away.

Man: I'll pay... Don't worry…

Sia : No thanks-

Man: I insist. Please?

She sighed and nodded because she just couldn't say no anymore. She had a warm heart and didn't want someone to feel hurt because of her. So she finally agreed to have a coffee with him.

Both of them crossed the road and went to an outdoor café on the other side.

There were only a customer or two.

Man: Sit here... I'll bring the coffee...

He smiled and went away while she looked around. She felt kinda off but shrugged it away later. Maybe she was overthinking? Whatever. She didn't have many options either. She herself had agreed to this.

The man was back after a few minutes.

He placed two coffees on the table.

"Have it."

He seemed nice though.

She smiled and took a coffee mug.

Sia : Thanks!

What she didn't notice was his gentle smile turning into a creepy one.

Suddenly she remembered her apartment name. "7B 169, Delusional Apt near Imagination Park, Fiction Street, Brooklyn" She repeated in her head, in order to not forget again.

Man: What happened?

Sia : Oh! I remembered my addres-

Before she could complete her sentence, she felt a sharp ache in her head out of the blue. She immediately held her head to calm herself, but it wasn't helping at all. She then looked at the man who was smirking widely and at this moment, she knew, it was because of him.

She wanted to question him, shout at him or even hit him, but she was in no condition to do any of it. She was feeling drowsy but still she got up and tried to run away only to stumble in her way.

He quickly caught her.

Sia : Leave me, you freak! Who the hell are you??

Man: Your master...

He whispered in her ear so that no one would hear him.

“You know what I am going to do next?” He continued while laughing, “I'm going to sell you off, babygirl…!”

Her eyes widened in horror. This man was involved in hum_an tr_@ff_!ck_!ng. Her head spun, yet she didn't give up. She bit in his hand and freed herself from his grip and started to run, only to get caught again and now he was dragging her. She was terrified as hell. She begged him to let her go. But he didn't listen.

Suddenly a man came in front of him and stopped him by holding his chest by his palm. He was wearing a mask and cap which completely covered his face. His sharp eyes fell on her messy state before looking back at that psychotic man.

"Leave her!" His voice came out, sharp, in a firm tone.

Man: Mind your own business, you son of a b!tch…

He tried to push the unknown man only to receive a hard punch onto his face, and then one after another, the unknown guy started showing punches on his pretty face, beating the sh!t out of him. His eyes were burning as he started to shower harsh kicks as well.

Sia quickly went to that mysterious man with her stumbling feet and clutched onto his jacket tightly. He noticed that. He grabbed the man’s collar, bringing him closer to his face so that he could hear him well.

“Better get lost before I kill you…!” He muttered with his teeth gritted very tightly as if they could get crushed any moment.

That filthy man immediately dragged his body away, while groaning in pain, trying to leave the place as soon as possible.

While Sia was on the verge of losing consciousness. She felt her eyes closing and in order to get support, she rested her head on his arms.

His jaws clenched and he immediately jerked her away. She was drowsy yet she tried to open her eyes but barely could.

She lost balance and was about to fall.

He scoffed and quickly held her, preventing her from falling.

“Damn!!” He cursed and made her sit on the chair of the café, before splashing water on her face, trying to bring her consciousness back. But it was of no use, that man had mixed some d®_ugs in her coffee and its dose was strong enough to keep her senseless.

He snorted and took out a phone from his pocket and showed it to her.

“Is this yours?” he asked.

She somehow extended her hand to hold her phone, she immediately recognised.

He had seen her running behind that thief, before. So he chased him too, after she gave up and caught him. Of course, he was a racer. The thief somehow ran away before he could hand him over to the police, but he got her phone. And when he came back to return the lady her phone, he saw that man, forcing her.

Sia: Gosh! My phone…!

Her voice almost came as a whisper. But the energy in her body was slowly draining, so the phone fell off her hand. Thanks to him, he caught it as well.

She smiled and suddenly threw herself on him and hugged him.

He looked completely pissed by her behaviour. He would've shouted at her but he knew, she was not in her senses, so he'd have to bear her. It was only a matter of a few hours anyways. So he sighed, trying to calm himself.

Sia : Thank you so much. My ‘Mr. Saviour’... I don't know what I would have done, if you hadn't helped me...

“Your address?” He asked, not wanting to hear those stupid stuff and that too coming from a lady.

“You pervert!” Sia hit on his back. Not so harshly. Just a playful act. “What kind of behaviour is this? You helped me, doesn't mean, I'm all yours!” She blabbered without pulling away. He closed his eyes, trying to ease his frustrations. He finally held her shoulders and pushed her away a little, breaking the hug.

“Listen! Stop pissing me! Be grateful that I'm dropping you at your address because I can't let you stay here just to get k!dn@pped by another man. You better tell me the address so that I can drop you at your place—”

He stopped as he realised that she had already passed out. He hissed in anger.

But then his eyes fell on the phone in his hand. He opened it with the help of her fingerprint and tried to find her address in the vehicle booking app, but it was of no use. She hadn't entered the information yet. He thought. Maybe the gallery would be a help. He was about to open the gallery until she mumbled in his ears, in her soft, baby voice.

"7B 169, Delusional Apt near Imagination Park, Fiction Street…”

He took a deep breath.

One of his friends also lived there, so he knew where it was. He lifted her in his arms and walked to his car. He then softly kept her in the passenger’s seat and drove away.

—

He finally stood in front of the flat with Sia in his arms, sleeping peacefully. He rang the bell.

After some time, a very cute and beautiful girl opened the door.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Samantha Brooks, the Brooklyn Baby.” She flipped her hair, but then looked at him with suspicious eyes, “Why? Who are you?” she asked.

Her eyes diverted from him to Sia. Her eyes widened in shock.

Samantha: Sia Anderson?! Oh my—! What happened to her??

She had met her before when she came with her father to see the place to live, after getting admission in the University.

“Who's she to you?” He asked.

Samantha: She's my new roommate. But who are you? And what happened—

She got interrupted by him.

“She got robbed and a guy tried to f0rce her... Now can you please let me come inside the room so that I can keep her somewhere??

Samantha nodded and gave him space before taking him to Sia’s room.

He gently laid her onto the bed. Her hands were still clutched to his jacket.

Samantha Brooks tried to control her smile, watching him staring at Sia’s hands, then at her sleeping figure.

But he quickly removed her hands off him as he realised his actions, and walked out, without answering any of the questions of her roommate.

*****

The next day Sia opened her eyes. Her roommate told her everything she witnessed. She was thankful to God or say to her ‘Mr. Saviour’, for getting her phone back. She could at least buy necessary things and clothes from that money. And about other things, she could earn by herself.

She works as a content writer on the internet by which she earns enough money for herself and fulfills the basic necessities…

Flashback End.

---

Present…

The entire scene from that day flashed in his head.

Sia’s friend quickly pulled her away from him and was about to drag her, but Mina Vance came in between. "Where are you going?? Did he tell you to leave?" She yelled, making Sia’s blood boil. She felt like punching her face but it wasn't the right time. Escaping the situation was important right now.

Rey silently stood up and walked to her.

She looked down, not knowing how to come out of this trouble—Actually No. Rey Carter was a tornado who could shatter her, by just one action of his.

She always wondered why everyone feared him so much, but now that he stood in front of her, she came to know how frightening he looked even with that handsome face of his. Gosh his facial features… He had that fictional kind of handsomeness — too sharp to be real. But oh! He actually was. His jawline — as sharp as a blade. Eyes were like cold coffee, hair messed up because of the incident from earlier. Rey Carter didn't look like a man you meet. He looked like a man you read about. But being handsome didn't make him any less scary. And she had no wish to get kicked out of the campus so soon.

And at this moment, she, right now, wanted only one person to come there and save her from this storm. Her Fire Brigade. Her Mr. Saviour.

Yes, she considered him as her Fire Brigade since that day. She fell for him even without knowing his identity. It didn't even matter because she knew how pure hearted he was.

She chanted his name in her head as if it would bring him there, somehow. Carter’s fist clenched. He opened his mouth to throw an insult at her.

Sia: Please save me, Mr. Saviour…

She closed her eyes and blurted unconsciously.

Poor her.

She had no idea that the person she wanted to be saved by was the very man she needed to be saved from.

____________________________________________________________________________