Chapter 3

Completely taken by surprise, I cried out, only to fall silent when I realized what was happening.

The man leaned against me while pinching my waist hard.

Unlike the last time, the man was acting like this was the first time he was putting his hands on me. His movements were subtle and more timid.

I could even feel him trembling, especially the arm that was wrapped around my waist.

His nails scraped against my skin. I trembled. I was certain that this wasn't the same man from last night.

This man's hands were softer like he'd never been exposed to manual labor before. He even had long nails.

From the photo, I knew that the man from yesterday had very short nails.

Just as I thought of that, the man behind me leaned forward and licked the back of my neck, leaving a warm and wet trail. His tongue lingered on my neck as his breathing got heavier.

The passengers around me were whispering. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could easily imagine their disgusted expressions.

I pushed down my terror. What was left of my rational mind told me that something wasn't right.

I was being harassed a second time on two consecutive days, at the same place. What were the chances?

I didn't even like going outside, yet it happened to me anyway. It was too much of a coincidence.

Could it be…

With some doubts, I took out my phone and sent a message to the second mysterious account.

"Can we get off the bus?"

As soon as I sent the message, I heard the sound of a message notification behind me.

The man stopped what he was doing and drew back. He must be checking his phone.

Steeling myself, I sent him another text. "There's not much space in the bus. I know a small alley near the next stop."

The man was clearly hesitating.

Would he follow me off the bus?

…

As the bus slowed down, my heart fluttered with anxiety.

Would the man get off the bus with me?

Would he suspect foul play, or something other issue…

Taking a deep breath, I waited for the man's reply.

However, I did not get a reply even as the bus stopped at the next station.

My heart plummeted.

Straightening my skirt, I waited for the door to open slowly and got off the bus.

He wasn't coming.

Just as I had that thought, I heard footsteps following behind me.

Not daring to look back, I walked toward the little alleyway that I knew.

My fists were clenched, and my palms were sweating. My heart was pretty much in my throat and pounding wildly.

There were not a lot of people on the street, so I could hear the footsteps clearly.

He was following me at a steady pace.

I didn't dare to hesitate. I didn't want him to suspect that I was trying to run away.

I entered the alleyway. It was dark. The shops in the alleyway were all closed down a long time ago.

The entire alleyway was deserted.

I walked into the alley, but the man stopped just outside the entrance.

I ignored him. Steeling myself, I walked toward the small grove at the end of the alley.

The grove was overgrown with plants and hidden from public view, perfect for couples looking for privacy.

Seeing this, the man stopped doubting me and followed me to the forest.

Licking my lips, I started to get excited.

Shadows flitted around the walls of the alleyway. Some of the shadows were mine.

I turned my head slightly, not to look at the man directly, but just to make sure that the man was following me.

As we neared the grove, his footsteps quickened, like he was impatient.

The dim lighting elongated my shadow.

A hot breeze swept across the alley. I stopped. Despite the breeze, I still felt a chill coming from behind me.

There were shadows flitting around in the grove. I couldn't see what it was, but all the same, I walked into the clump of trees.

Overgrown weeds prickled my ankles, leaving me with burning pain, but I kept my expression nonchalant. I just kept walking further into the grove.

Rustling sounded behind me.

The man had followed me.

I clenched my fists. Before I could turn around, the man hugged me from behind.

Startled, I tried to free myself.

The man spoke beside my ear. "I wasn't going to do anything to you at first. You were the one who seduced me."

I was definitely certain now that this wasn't the same man as yesterday.

He pushed me against the trunk of a tree. The bark was rough and scraped against my skin, leaving patches of blood.