The train hummed steadily along the tracks, but the tension in one compartment was rising.
Zack sat calmly, though his jaw was clenched. Across from him, Joy, Zoe, Mary, and Jay chatted quietly, trying to enjoy the ride. But standing at the edge of the aisle were the same two creeps from earlier now emboldened by boredom and arrogance.
"Hey," one of them said, stepping forward. "Why don't you pretty girls ditch the tough act and hang out with us? We'll make it fun."
Joy rolled her eyes. "No thanks."
Zoe turned away, but the guy smirked, stepping closer. "Come on. Don't be like that."
Zack stood slowly, expression blank. "Leave."
The second guy chuckled and held up a can of Coke. "What's a gym rat like you gonna do, huh?"
Then, without warning, he popped it open and poured it over Zack's head.
The girls gasped. Zack's eyes closed for a moment. Coke dripped from his hair, running down his temple.
He stepped forward, fists clenched.
But before he could swing, a hand touched his arm.
Daniel.
"Not here," Daniel said quietly. "Not in front of them."
Zack's glare softened slightly. His fists dropped.
Then the sliding door behind them creaked open.
Vasco walked in, one headphone still in his ear, holding his notebook and looking half-distracted. He blinked at the scene: Zack soaked in Coke, the creeps grinning, the girls tense.
He didn't hesitate.
"Oi," Vasco said, voice low. "Get the hell away from them."
The creeps blinked. "Who the hell"
Vasco stepped forward and slammed his notebook shut.
"I said, fuck off."
His presence was calm, but something in his tone made the air feel heavy. The creeps looked at each other, uncertain now.
The two thugs finally backed up, muttering curses under their breath as they left the car.
Vasco walked up to Zack, reached into his bag, and handed him a towel.
Zack took it, chuckling lightly. "You really know how to show up at the right time."
Vasco grinned. "Of course. That's what heroes do."
The girls breathed out in relief, and Daniel leaned back in his seat.
Crisis averted for now. But the trip was only beginning.