Mandume instinctively slid in front of Star, shielding her just as one of the men raised a knife. Star froze, stunned by the sudden threat.
Without hesitation, Mandume punched the attacker hard in the stomach. The man crumpled to the ground, groaning, the knife slipping from his grip. But before relief could settle, the second goon snatched it up and pointed it directly at Mandume's chest.
"Phones and money. Now," he barked. "Don't waste my time."
Mandume's jaw clenched. "Oh, I see… phones and money is all you're after?" His voice trembled with fury. He swung to slap the boy, but the goon blocked it with ease.
"You think you're tough?" the goon snapped. "Give us the stuff or I stab you right here!" He spun Mandume around, yanked his arms behind him, and cuffed his wrists. Cold steel kissed Mandume's neck as the blade rested against his skin.
Star's heart nearly stopped.
"Hey, sister," the other goon croaked, slowly recovering on the floor, "Save your boyfriend. Give us your things. If you want that pretty little love story to go on."
Star trembled. Mandume saw it—her fear—and remembered: her mutism. Stress could silence her again.
"Star… go. Run home. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," Mandume pleaded, writhing against the cuffs, trying to break free.
"No, Mendu. I can't leave you like this," Star said, voice quivering.
"Star, please—"
"Just give us the damn things and he walks free!" the goon barked.
Mandume shook his head violently, eyes screaming no, motioning for Star to run.
The first attacker groaned, rising slowly. Star noticed his foot stepping dangerously close to a metal rod on the ground—a rod she had planned to use. Her stomach sank.
"Oh God… of all the places, why did he step there?" she thought. But she wouldn't give up. Not now. She locked eyes with Mandume, signing him to stay calm. But his eyes were wild with fear—fear for her.
"Star… please…" he whispered.
She took a deep breath, summoning the strength her mother always spoke of: Stars don't dim. She'd shine—even in danger.
"I'll give you the money," she said slowly, eyes on the knife, "It's all we have…"
Mandume blinked in confusion.
"But—on one condition," she added.
"We don't take conditions," the second goon snapped.
The first goon shifted, groaning again. His boot crushed the rod beneath him. Star's plan faltered—but she refused to fold.
"No… I can still make it work."
"Come on! Give us the money!" the knife-wielder snapped.
Star stepped closer to Mandume's captor. Her voice lowered to a whisper meant only for him. "Don't panic. Stay focused… I have a plan," she said softly, her lips barely moving. "You're stronger than him, Mendu. Don't be scared."
Mandume looked confused, trying to decipher her muted message.
"I'll distract him—make him drop his guard. When I say the word, you push off him. Fight back," she mouthed carefully.
Mandume's brows furrowed. "What is she saying?" he whispered.
"Enough talking!" the goon growled. "You think I won't slit his throat?"
"No! Please—please don't!" Star cried. "We don't even have phones! I'll give you our money… it's all we've got."
Tears filled her eyes. "This was supposed to be for dinner… but now, I'm spending it to save him."
Mandume's breath caught.
"You told me to leave," Star whispered. "But you don't know… how much I love you. My love is reckless, Mendu—it confuses situations… explodes just to be seen."
"Enough!" the first goon snapped, now behind her, raising the rod to strike.
"I know you don't get it yet," Star continued, "but my love is like a bottle filled with gas. Too much pressure, and it bursts—just to feel free."
Mandume blinked. A bottle… pressure… blasts…
"Wait—what is she trying to say?" he whispered to himself.
"Mendu…" Star said again. Her eyes locked on his. A storm of emotion and intent passed between them.