It was 12:30 in the afternoon. Eva and Jasmine sat in a chic, sunlit restaurant, plates piled high with golden, crispy chicken in front of them. They had just finished class, and now the reward for Eva going on Jasmine's blind date was finally here: a proper, indulgent meal.
Eva tore into a piece of chicken, savoring every bite. "This… is amazing," she said, her eyes lighting up. "I don't even want to think about the café afterward. I just want to eat."
Jasmine chuckled. "Girl, you earned it. Just enjoy it."
Eva reached for her glass of fruit juice, the cold liquid hitting her throat with a refreshing chill. "Mmm… this juice is perfect. So cold it almost feels like dessert."
Jasmine laughed, shaking her head. "See? You're enjoying every single bite and sip. You really know how to appreciate the little things, don't you?"
Eva grinned, taking another sip of her juice. "Of course! Life's too short not to enjoy the little things… especially when someone else owes you a reward."
Jasmine leaned back in her chair, smirking. "So, what's next? Should we go somewhere else after this?"
Eva shrugged, licking the last traces of sauce from her fingers. "Honestly… anywhere you take me is fine. I trust your choice."
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When they finished their meal, Jasmine waved the waiter over and paid the bill. The sun was high and bright as they stepped outside, the city buzzing around them. They slid into Jasmine's car, the leather seats warm and comfortable. Jasmine started the engine with a grin.
"Park?" she said. "I think we deserve some fresh air."
Eva nodded, settling in. "Sounds perfect."
As they drove off, romantic music filled the car. Jasmine cranked up the volume, singing along loudly, shouting at the high notes like she owned the world. Eva laughed, tossing her hair back, letting the stress of the day melt away with the melody. For a few carefree minutes, it felt like nothing could touch them.
Then, almost suddenly, a sleek black car slid in front of them, cutting off their path.
Eva's laughter died in her throat. Jasmine's eyes widened. "What the—?" she muttered. Before they could react further, the doors of the black car opened, and suited men stepped out with deliberate, menacing precision.
Panic surged. Jasmine slammed her hands on the wheel, attempting to reverse, but another car had blocked their path from behind.
"No, no, no!" Jasmine hissed through gritted teeth, her hands trembling as she fought to maneuver.
Before Eva could react, one of the men smashed the driver-side window. Glass exploded inward, spraying shards over the seats and dashboard. Eva screamed, ducking instinctively, her hands flying up to protect her face. The air was filled with the sharp scent of broken glass and fear.
The door was forced open, and Jasmine was yanked out with terrifying strength. "Let me go!" she screamed, struggling, kicking, and thrashing.
Eva's heart slammed. Without thinking, she leapt from the car, charging at one of the men holding Jasmine, teeth bared in blind desperation, ready to bite. She collided with him, but he shoved her aside as easily as tossing a ragged cloth. She stumbled and fell against the asphalt, pain shooting through her arms and legs.
"Call the police!" Jasmine's voice rang out, muffled, as another man pressed a hand over her mouth. Eva's hands shook violently as she tried to move toward them again, but her strength felt useless against the overwhelming force.
She watched in horror as they stuffed Jasmine into the black car. A cloth—something wet—was pressed against her mouth. She passed out, unconscious and restrained, and the doors slammed shut.
"Nooo!" Eva screamed, bolting after the car as it roared to life. She ran, stumbling, shouting, "Jasmine! JASMINE!" Her voice tore through the street, but the car was already speeding away.
She fumbled for her phone, desperate to call the police. Hands trembling, she pressed buttons frantically. A voice came through briefly, asking questions, but then there was nothing. Her screen went black. Dead.
The shattered remnants of the car's side window littered the street, glinting dangerously under the sunlight. Eva swallowed her panic. She didn't know how to drive, couldn't chase them herself, but she refused to freeze. She looked around desperately.
Then, spotting a taxi slowly cruising past, she sprinted toward it, waving her arms frantically. The driver slowed, eyes wide. "Please!" Eva gasped, her voice raw. "Take me to the nearest police station—NOW!"
The taxi jerked to a halt. Eva clambered in, her knees weak, pressing her face against the window as they sped off. Her mind raced, replaying the kidnapping over and over.
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The taxi skidded to a stop in front of Charing Cross Police Station, its imposing stone façade looming over the street, the cold gray walls stark against the afternoon sunlight.
She yanked open the door and ran, her legs pumping frantically across the pavement. "Help! Help!" she screamed, her voice cracking and hoarse, echoing off the building. Her hands flailed, trembling, as if trying to grasp onto someone who could actually make this nightmare end.
Officers inside the station froze, papers sliding from their hands, eyes snapping toward her as she barreled through the glass doors. "Stop! Wait!" someone shouted, but Eva was beyond listening, her focus narrowed on only one thing: finding help.
Her hair clung to her sweaty forehead, and her chest heaved with rapid, ragged breaths. She skidded across the tile floor, almost losing her balance, and stumbled into the center of the station lobby. "Please! My friend… she's been kidnapped! They… they took her! Black car! Suited men! I—I don't know where—please!"
A young officer jumped up from behind the front desk, reaching out to steady her. "Calm down, miss! Take a breath. Tell me exactly what happened!"
Eva's hands shook violently as she clutched the officer's arm. "They… they took her! Right there! I tried to stop them! Glass… they smashed the window… she was screaming… I—I couldn't—"
Another officer came over, taking out a notebook and pen. "Okay, slow down. We need your full attention. Step over here and tell us everything from the beginning."
Eva nodded frantically, the tears she had been holding back spilling over, streaking her cheeks. Every word came in a rush, punctuated by gasps for air. Around her, the officers moved quickly, radios crackling, phones being answered, and within moments, a sense of controlled urgency filled the station.