Just as Zack stood to make his move, eyes cold and ready, a new voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
Everyone turned.
A tall, broad-shouldered guy stepped into the compartment. Matt Kang, the gang's leader. His thugs fell silent immediately.
Matt bowed slightly to the girls. "Sorry about my guys. They're idiots. We won't cause trouble."
Without another word, he shot his underlings a glare and gestured for them to follow him.
The thugs, embarrassed and annoyed, shuffled away toward the back heading toward the washrooms.
Zack, still tense, clenched and unclenched his fists. But instead of relaxing, he turned to Daniel. "I'm going after them. Just to say sorry. I'll be back."
Daniel nodded. "Just don't punch anyone."
Zack smirked and walked off.
But not long after… back in the girls' compartment, the atmosphere shifted again.
A different group of lowlifes entered ones who hadn't been there earlier.
These ones didn't speak. They just looked.
At Mira.
At Joy.
At Zoe.
Predatory stares.
Joy shifted uncomfortably. Mary frowned.
Zoe whispered, "Something's off…"
Meanwhile, Zack pushed open the door to the washroom car, scanning the stalls. "Hey," he called out. "Where are you guys? I just wanna..."
He stopped.
On the wall behind the sinks was a taped-up photo.
Mira. Sitting on the train. Smiling. Taken just minutes ago.
Zack's eyes narrowed. Then he heard snickering from one of the stalls.
He kicked it open.
Three of the earlier thugs turned, surprised and one of them dropped his phone, which showed more pictures of Mira… candid, and not meant to be flattering.
And then he exploded.
Fists flew, bones cracked, and in seconds the small washroom was filled with chaos. Mirrors shattered. A body slammed against the sink. Zack's punches were vicious, and the thugs didn't stand a chance.
Back at the girls' compartment…
Daniel had quietly slipped away, his instincts tingling.
He made his way toward the luggage area next to the bathrooms where they'd stashed their bags.
But just as he got there...
THUMP!
Zack