Atticus's hands moved with precision and speed. He assembled the gun in 29 seconds and then...
The first bullet tore through the air with a sharp whizz, striking the dart dead center with a crack that echoed off the walls.
The second bullet followed, a rapid snap cutting through the tense silence, embedding perfectly in the second dart.
The third bullet screamed like a miniature thunderclap, pinging as it hit its target with surgical precision.
Each impact resonated in the quiet room, leaving a metallic zing that lingered in the ears, the rhythmic sequence like music to the skillful shooter.
He smirked as the bullet hit the last dart at the 4th second after he had assembled the gun, his eyes moving to Sophia who stood there dumbstruck.
She looked at her watch, it was 33 seconds he spent.
"What the hell," she mumbled as she looked up at him. Their eyes locked as Sophia felt the unseen dangerous aura that sprouted out of him.
"Wow, this guy is a god," she mumbled.
Thomas's loud clapping snapped them out of their locked gaze. Both Atticus and Sophia turned toward him.
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Thomas cheered as he continued clapping like he'd just witnessed a magic show.
Maya nodded and joined in, clapping professionally. "Truly impressive, sir. I've never seen speed like that in my entire life. It didn't even look real."
Atticus's confident smile twitched. "Thank you," he replied, then glanced at Sophia—who was still standing there, completely stunned, as if her soul had momentarily left her body.
"What do you think, did I pass," he asked.
Sophia scoffed. "Pass, you did more than pass and you got above the highest mark," she muttered.
Atticus smiled on hearing her comment.
"Does that mean I'm good," he asked.
Sophia immediately composed herself and nodded. "Yes but we still have to sign a contract," she replied.
"A contract," Atticus repeated. "Ok," he replied.
Sophia gestured for Maya to bring the documents. Maya nodded and handed over a file to Sophia and another to Atticus.
Atticus stared at the contract and sighed.
"How about you read it and tell me what you think about it," Sophia said.
Atticus nodded. "Ok," he replied.
Sophia smiled. "Alright then—"
"Are we done?" Atticus asked.
"Yes, we're." Sophia replied.
"What about the quiz on the books?" he asked.
"Oh... That there is no need, you assembled a gun that's all I needed and as for your fighting skills, I have seen them in action, I don't need another live performance," she answered.
Atticus nodded.
"Alright then, that's all for today," Sophia said and turned to the door.
"So the hospital?" Atticus asked.
Sophia turned to him. "No, home but you don't need to drive me, Maya will do that," she said as she looked out the window. "It's already dark anyways," she continued.
"Oh ok," Atticus replied. Sophia nodded and began to walk to the door.
"Wait!"
Atticus called out as he walked to her. Sophia turned.
"Yes," she replied.
Atticus stepped closer to her, each stride slow and deliberate. His eyes locked onto hers—sharp, focused, impossible to escape.
Sophia felt the air shift between them, charged and tense, like a spark waiting to ignite.
"Your number?" Atticus whispered.
"Why," Sophia replied.
"I might need to call you. How do I reach you?" Atticus replied.
Sophia sighed. "If you need to tell me anything, send the message to Maya. All my messages go to her," Sophia replied.
"Wait... All your messages?" Atticus asked in surprise.
"Yes, so take her contact information. Send her your message and she will pass it to me," Sophia replied.
"Why can't I take yours?" Atticus asked.
"I don't take just anyone's contact—"
BAM!
Thomas fell off his chair and Atticus's eyes snapped. He coughed.
"Sorry," he said, smiling brightly as he tried to hide his laughter.
Atticus's attention returned to Sophia. "Just anybody, you think I'm just anybody huh?" he asked with a frown.
"I'm sorry Atticus but I don't take anyone's contact. I do not accept calls from anyone nor do I give out calls to anyone except Maya," Sophia responded.
She took a quick glance at Atticus's furious face. "Goodnight, Atticus," she said and walked away, leaving Atticus who was burning with anger.
When Sophia finally walked out, the room went quiet… for exactly two seconds.
Then Thomas exploded into laughter.
Atticus slowly turned his head and glared.
Thomas froze mid-laugh, choked, and started coughing violently as his eyes watered.
Atticus ignored him completely.
He was still thinking about what Sophia said.
"What is wrong with that girl?" he muttered. "Who doesn't answer phone calls?"
"…Emm… you," Thomas said, raising one finger carefully like he was defusing a bomb.
Atticus blinked, confused.
"I'm different. I'm not human. But she is. So how does that make sense?"
He stared at the door Sophia had walked through, still trying to figure her out.
Thomas just sighed.
"Oh boy… here we go."