Villain Ch 157. Her White Knights [Part 4]
Due to their arrival, the intensity escalated further, causing a ripple of unease to spread throughout the surrounding area. Conversations at nearby tables dwindled to hushed whispers, as the guests and staff alike couldn't help but be drawn into the unfolding drama. Though Elio, Sophia, Allen, and the group had not been speaking at an overly loud volume, their gestures and expressions spoke more than that. It was clear that the situation had the potential to erupt into something far more disruptive.
The once vibrant and lively atmosphere of the restaurant began to dim as both patrons' and servers' attentions gravitated toward Allen's table. The clattering of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation gradually faded into a background hum, drowned out by the mounting tension in the air. Eyes discreetly flicked in their direction, curious gazes filled with a mixture of intrigue and concern. Servers, their steps more cautious and attentive, hovered nearby, ready to intervene if necessary.
Despite the growing tension and the intimidating presence of the guild members surrounding him, Allen maintained an air of composure. He knew he had to tread carefully, to avoid exacerbating the situation further.
"Seriously, guys, do you really want to cause a scene in this place?" Allen calmly reminded them, his tone laced with a touch of caution. He recognized that his own panic would only embolden their resolve, while an arrogant demeanor would undoubtedly make matters worse.
Besides, Allen's sharp eyes had caught sight of the CCTV discreetly positioned throughout the restaurant. He knew all too well that any physical aggression could easily be captured on video, potentially leading to legal repercussions. If he were to retaliate, he would not be perceived as entirely in the wrong by the eyes of the law.
Elio, catching on to Allen's unspoken message, swiftly shifted his gaze toward the ceiling, pinpointing the position of the CCTV cameras. His eyes darted back to the others, a sense of urgency coloring his voice as he interjected, "Guys, let's not create trouble here." He extended his arm, pointing at the overhead surveillance devices, silently urging them to exercise restraint.
The guild members, their emotions temporarily reined in, quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. They recognized the potential consequences of their actions being captured on camera and immortalized as evidence. A collective understanding spread among them, prompting a collective exhale as they stepped back, allowing the tension in the air to dissipate slightly.
"I think it's best if we end this conversation here," Allen declared firmly, ready to make his exit. However, just as he was about to break through their blockade, he noticed a flicker of determination in Sophia's eyes. At that moment, she made a split-second decision, seizing the opportunity to appeal to Allen once more in a desperate attempt to make him reconsider.
"Am I wrong if I ask for your forgiveness?" Sophia's voice trembled with vulnerability, her words punctuated by intermittent sobs. "It all happened two years ago. Can't you let it go?" she pleaded, her tear-streaked face a portrait of anguish.
The boys, witnessing Sophia's plea and sensing the shift in the dynamics, immediately rallied around her, acting as a buffer between Allen and Sophia. Their unwavering support emboldened Sophia, knowing that their presence would hold Allen from simply walking away without acknowledging her heartfelt plea. They recognized that granting her this opportunity to have her questions answered was the least they could do to support their friend in her time of need.
Allen turned to face her, his gaze piercing and his voice laced with frustration. "Look, the authority to forgive or not, lies solely on me. It's my decision to make and you already know my answer," he replied, his words carrying an air of finality.
The weight of Allen's words hung heavily in the air, making it abundantly clear that forgiveness was not something he was willing to offer Sophia at this moment. Recognizing the futility of pushing her luck any further, Sophia reluctantly decided to cease her pleas, a mixture of resignation and disappointment evident in her expression.
However, as the silence settled over the table, Elio couldn't bear to let the tension linger unresolved. He felt compelled to interject, his voice gentle but firm, "Even if you can't forgive Sophia just yet, you should at least have some manners. Harsh words won't solve anything."
Elio's attempt at offering sage advice, hoping to bridge the divide between Allen and Sophia, earned him a quizzical frown from Allen. Allen's response, tinged with a mixture of annoyance and defensiveness, cut through the stillness like a knife.
"After you guys cornered me and decided to meddle in my personal affairs, now you have the audacity to lecture me about manners?" Allen retorted, his gaze locked onto Elio's. "Perhaps you should ask yourself first if you have one."
"You've got quite the mouth on you, don't you?" the red-haired guy chimed in, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and disappointment. "I always thought that sharp tongue of yours was just part of your in-game character, but I guess I was wrong." His hands involuntarily clenched into fists, his gaze never leaving Allen's figure. Though he wasn't known for his brawling skills or nice muscles like Allen, he possessed a similarly lean and athletic build. Normally, he steered clear of confrontations like this, but the mounting frustration he felt towards Allen was pushing him to his limits. It was as if an overwhelming urge to punch him surged through his veins.
But the underlying reason behind his growing frustration went beyond a mere clash of personalities. It stemmed from the fact that he had fallen head over heels for Sophia the moment he laid eyes on her during their earlier encounter. Witnessing her tears now tugged at his heartstrings, intensifying the swirling emotions within him.
Sensing the brewing storm and the escalating tension, Allen's sharp eyes caught the subtle tightening of the red-haired guy's fists. He knew that things were about to take a turn for the worse, and he prepared himself for what lay ahead. He braced himself mentally and physically, readying himself for a potential confrontation.
Of course, he had to make sure the red-haired guy attacked first, not him. So, if the police arrived, he could say it wasn't his fault.
Just as the tension between Allen and the red-haired guy reached its boiling point, a strong and assertive female voice cut through the charged atmosphere, momentarily halting the impending clash.
"Excuse me, boys. You're blocking our date. Mind moving aside?" The voice resonated with a blend of challenge and determination, commanding attention and demanding respect.
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