The Cause of Darkness in the Heart

Kosi sat on the balcony beside the window in her MPA hotel room, lost in thought. The soft, golden light of the setting sun highlighted her dark, beautiful features, and her hair, tied up in a bun, framed her face. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the hotel garden, and the distant hum of traffic filled the air. As a petite woman, she exuded a quiet strength that commanded attention.

Her mind wandered back to her past, born in a village in 2002. Her father had passed away in 2012, and after his burial, her mother Joyce introduced a new man as her stepfather. Kosi's thoughts were interrupted by her cellphone's ring, the sound echoing through the room like a sharp, insistent bell. She answered, her voice firm: "K." The caller reported, "Boss, I've gathered all available information about them. I'll wait for your orders." A smile spread across Kosi's face as she commanded, "Take my replicate to the Northern Hotel. You know what to do." With that, she hung up, the sound of the call ending with a soft click.

Kosi stepped inside from the balcony, the clock reading 8:00 PM. The room was warm, with a hint of lavender from the hotel's signature scented candles. She took a quick bath, the water cascading down her skin like a soothing melody. She dressed in a skinny black leather trouser and a black tight t-shirt, the fabric hugging her curves like a second skin. A few makeup strokes transformed her appearance, accentuating her features with precision. She concealed a small gun at her back and a knife on the other side, the metal feeling cool against her skin. Then she put on her leather jacket, the supple leather molding to her body. A final glance in the mirror confirmed she was ready, her reflection staring back with a sense of determination.

Heading straight to the bar opposite the hotel, Kosi commanded attention as she entered. The dimly lit bar was filled with the murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses. Her dark beauty and strong presence drew the spotlight, and the patrons couldn't help but notice her. With her head held high, she exuded an aura of leadership, her confidence and poise radiating like a palpable force. The air was thick with the smell of whiskey and beer, and the soft jazz music floated in the background.

As Kosi entered, she scanned the bar and moved straight to the counter, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. She greeted the bartender and ordered an orange juice, the citrus scent refreshing her senses. She then took a seat near the counter, choosing a corner spot that allowed her to see everything happening in the bar. The seat also helped her stay out of the camera's view, the lens reflecting the dim light like a cold, dead eye. She pretended to work on her cellphone, frequently glancing at the door, her eyes locked on the entrance like a predator waiting for its prey.

Her juice was delivered, and she placed it in front of her without drinking, the condensation on the glass creating a small puddle on the counter. Meanwhile, at the Northern Hotel, Kosi's replicate entered the hotel and booked a room, the sound of the air conditioning and murmured conversations filling the lobby. After completing the process, she wheeled her luggage to the room, changed clothes, and headed back down to the first floor. She then went to the restaurant inside the hotel, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation.

The replicate sat near the cameras, ordering Kosi's favorite fish and eating, the flavors dancing on her tongue. She looked beautiful, attracting some attention, and a tall guy approached her, smiling. 'Hi, I'm John. I believe we met before. I'm running to a business meeting right now, but I wish I could dine with you. Will you please share your number?' The replicate mimicked Kosi's voice, saying, 'Please give me yours; I'll call you when I'm free.' John smiled like he'd won the lottery, handing over his number. They exchanged a few words before he rushed to the elevator, the doors closing with a soft whoosh.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Kosi continued working on her cellphone as a group of men approached her. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as they loomed over her, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. She concluded what she was typing, put her phone to sleep, and slid it into her pocket. Her eyes locked onto the five men in front of her, her expression cool and collected. The tallest one licked his lips, his gaze lingering on her with an unsettling intensity. 'Hi, beautiful. Come drink with us if you want to be safe here,' he said, his voice slurred slightly.

Kosi locked eyes with him and said, "Get lost." The men exchanged uncertain glances at her bold command, their faces illuminated only by the faint glow of their phones and the bar's neon signs. The man nearest to her grabbed her arm, but Kosi swiftly swung her arm, catching his and twisting it. The sound of cracking bone was audible to everyone, followed by a sharp cry of pain. The bar's music seemed to falter for a moment, as if the patrons were holding their collective breath.

The men charged at Kosi with kicks, but she countered with swift and precise kicks to their chests, one after another. The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the bar, accompanied by grunts and gasps. The air was thick with tension, and the patrons watched in stunned silence, their faces pale and shocked. Within two minutes, the five men lay on the ground, screaming in pain. The bar's patrons slowly began to murmur, their voices rising like a gentle hum. They were stunned, their faces a mix of shock and awe, as they struggled to process the unexpected display.