Time Stop to Make a Killing <Chapter 23> The End of the Date... You Know What It Is, Right? (2)
Since it was the weekend, there were way more people out and about than on a weekday. Not just a lot—really a ton. The crowds were so thick it was like a concert venue.
"It's okay," I said. "There are so many people. You okay, Yoonah?"
Thanks to the throng, we naturally ended up holding hands as we walked, which was pretty nice. But I couldn't help worrying that someone might recognize her.
"It's fine. When I go overseas or do concerts, the crowds are several times bigger than this anyway."
Her calm tone had me nodding unconsciously. Yeah, when you think about it, that makes sense. She's a world star, after all—this level of crowd was nothing to her.
"They say that cafe over there has great coffee. How about we head that way?"
Just then, the cafe I'd scoped out earlier came into view. I brought it up casually, thinking we could sit down for a relaxed cup and chat, but Yoonah's expression soured.
"Hmm, that place probably won't work."
"Huh? What's wrong with it?"
"Too many people."
It was weird hearing that from someone who'd just brushed off the massive street crowd. I tilted my head in confusion for a second before it clicked.
"Oh, right."
Inside, she'd want to take off her mask and sunglasses, relax and chat freely. But in a packed spot like that, no way.
"I know a place. Let's go there."
I followed without protest. Being with her was the goal anyway—not hitting that specific cafe.
We turned back the way we'd come, heading for the spot she knew, when...
"Hey, nice vibe here~?"
Some sketchy guys started picking a fight.
She looked at me innocently and asked, "Do you know them?"
Which was a problem, since they were asking me the same thing.
"Dunno. Don't think I know anyone built like that."
Broad shoulders—muscle or fat, who cares. Built like a tank either way. Chewing gum with a smug grin, arms covered in tattoos. They screamed full-on gangster.
I shrugged.
"Mind stepping aside? We're kinda busy."
"Whoa, check out this chick's tough guy~?"
As I tried to lead Yoonah past, one grabbed her shoulder, laughing crudely.
"Huh? But this bitch has her face all covered up. Ain't she some celeb?"
"Nice body, though."
"Damn, bro, didn't know you had game."
Them messing with me? Fine. But touching Yoonah? Hell no.
"Let go of her hand."
"What? Let go? Who the fuck you talking to like that, punk?"
"Who started mouthing off first, you dumbass?"
Their cocky smirks froze, faces hardening at my tone.
"J-Jisoo...!"
Yoonah freaked out at my fearless vibe, trying to hold me back—still pinned in their grip, of course.
"This fucker's lost his mind."
"Nah, that line's too damn clichéd."
Honestly, the old me from not long ago would've been shaking, maybe even pissing myself. Guys advertising "yakuza" vibes like that—who wouldn't be scared? But nah, to me now? These clowns were a joke.
"Tried being nice with words, but fuck it. Grab the bats."
No clue where they hid them, but they whipped out wooden clubs without a care for the crowd. People screamed and scattered.
"Jisoo, run...!"
Tears welling, Yoonah pleaded while trapped.
"Yoonah, just hang on a sec."
I flashed a serene smile. Her face lit up as something dawned on her.
"Oh, right—these fucking assholes. They left us alone to drink among themselves?"
Time Manipulation.
"What the—?"
Time Manipulation has been activated.
The thug glaring at me froze mid-motion. The fleeing crowds, Yoonah—everything stopped.
No thrill beats this moment.
"Target Designation's handy and all, but..."
Watching agony hit them all at once? Pure bliss.
First, I pried the hand off Yoonah and stashed her safely inside an open building door, then re-grabbed it.
"Hmm, this hand touched something precious. What should I do with it?"
No mercy here. I snatched one of their bats.
"Flat on the ground better?"
They say pros know best. Never done this, so no feel for the force needed. For now...
I positioned the guy, slammed his hand down.
"Let's stomp it good first."
Stepped on, grinding like a dog-leg dance. Grandma once watched me as a kid and said I'd be a dancer. Nostalgic memory hit as I channeled it.