2 Days Later

During training, Symere was focused and serious, trying her best to improve her skills. But Artist kept distracting her by making remarks and inappropriate jokes. He did everything he could to get under her skin and it worked each time.

"Come on, Symere, lighten up. You're too uptight." Artist sneered, trying to get a reaction out of her.

But Symere ignored him, determined to prove to her father that she didn't need these rude and disrespectful people on her team. Symere couldn't help but feel like she was constantly walking on eggshells around them. She didn't trust them, and she didn't like how her father was putting them on her team, without her consultation.

As she lifted the heavy weights, Symere let out a primal scream. Her father, who had been watching her from the sidelines, approached her cautiously.

"Symere, what's going on?" He asked, concern etched on his face.

"These new guys, they're getting on my nerves." She huffed, taking a break from her workout. "I mean, what's the point of bringing them in? They're just going to slow us down."

Her father gave her a knowing look.

"Symere, you know better than anyone that we have to be prepared for anything. These new guys have skills that could be crucial on our mission. If it helps, I could talk to them."

Symere rolled her eyes. "Yeah,whatever. They're just going to get in the way."

Deep down, she couldn't deny that her father had a point. She knew she was just taking out her frustrations on the new guys because she didn't like them. Artist, with his smooth-talking ways, annoyed her. Mazani, with his flashy moves, made her feel inadequate . And Michael, well, she didn't trust him at all.

But her father was right. She had to put aside her personal feelings and focus on the mission. Part of that meant making sure she was in top physical shape. She picked up the weights again, determined to push herself harder.

As they continued to prepare for the mission, Symere pushed herself even harder, and the new guys proved to be valuable assets, just as her father had predicted.

"C'mon, Tizz, five more pushups!"

"Noodle arms." Symere muttered, swiping her foot against his arm, causing him to fall.

Mizzy and Tyga looked at each other before snickering. Artist put his head down, twisting his lips side to side.

Lord knows he would never put his hands on a woman, but Symere was going to be the first. He glanced at Chosen as Chosen shook his head.

"I swear you kids gone make me lose the little bit of hair I got." He got up, going into the house.

Artist evilly smiled as he stood up, forcing his way towards Symere. Her back was turned so she had no idea he was about to approach her.

"Look hea."

He pushed her against the wall, slightly choking her.

"Don't fuck wit me, I'll make yo life a living hell. You think you can play the tough girl act? Well, I can play that game too."

"Let go of me!"

"Not until you show me some respect. I didn't do nothing to your uptight ass."

"Fine. Just let go of me."

Artist finally releases her, Symere pushing him against his chest.

"You really think that's how you're going to win my respect? By being aggressive and forceful? Sorry, but that's not how it works."

"Maybe not for you, but it works for me." He shrugged, nonchalantly.

"Whatever. I'm going to go talk to my father and try to convince him not to bring you new guys in."

"You don't want us here? Why not? Lil girl it's a reason why yo daddy had us running shit in Nola. Niggas can't even do the shit we do including you."

"Y'all are just reckless and impulsive. None of y'all plan out how to move, that's right, I've heard all about you."

"Is dat right? Well if you were listening, you would know that's how I used to act. You don't know shit about none of us, should've did a little mo digging."

Symere stood there a little speechless. She finally met her match and she indeed did not like it. Most men respected her because of who her father was. She was in for a rude awakening if she thought Artist gave a damn about that.

"Asshole." She pushed pass him.

He watched her walk into the house with a smile on his face. He loved irritating her, it gave him some sort of satisfaction.

"Not you ate her ass up, had her storming off." Mizzy chuckled.

"Do you always have some girly ass response?"

"Blame TikTok, that shit will you have you saying anything."

"I'm convinced you gay."

"I hate your stinking guts."

The two stared at each other before bursting out laughing. Artist was mean but he could be goofy at times. He actually loved to laugh whether it was funny or you were a joke to him.

"What you about to do?"

"Go bother Symere."

"You feeling her, huh?"

"The fuck? I can't stand that damn girl, I just love making her mad."

"Yeah that's what they all say."

***

Symere laid on her bed face timing her best friend, India. India grew up in a tough neighborhood in a big city, but she always managed to stay out of trouble. She met her best friend, Symere , in elementary school and they formed a strong bond despite their contrasting personalities. While Symere got involved with a private gang, India chose a different path, focusing on her studies and dreaming of a better future.

India "Indi" Davis

India is loving, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to Symere . She has a gentle and kind demeanor, always help others to willing. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains optimistic and believes in the power of love and friendship.

People couldn't seem to understand how her and Symere clicked. India was sweet and barley spoke up for herself. Symere was mean and very outspoken and didn't care about your feelings.

"Well is he at least cute?"

Symere had caught her all up on the latest drama. She knew what Symere does and Symere promised to keep her far away from it.

"Kinda looks like August Alsina." She nonchalantly shrugged.

"Oh, bitch, then he fine! No wonder why you want his ass gone." She laughed.

"Bye Indi." She abruptly hung up.

Symere was relieved to finally have some time alone in her room. But her peaceful solitude was short lived when she heard a knock on her door. She opened it to find Artist standing there, smirking at her.

"What do you want?" Symere asked, crossing her arms.

"Just wanted to apologize for earlier. I don't put my hands on women and I won't start." Artist said, his tone surprisingly sincere.

Symere was taken aback. She didn't know how to respond, especially after all of the taunting and meanness he had shown her before.

"I-I accept your apology." Symere stuttered, still not sure if she could trust him.

Artist could tell that Symere wasn't use to apologies. He was shocked himself, when he apologized to her. Apologies were never his thing but he indeed did feel bad.

"Aight, see you in the morning." He walked away while she watched.

"Still don't like his bitch ass." She muttered.

***
I just love August bro I really do 🤧

He's been showing me so much love likeee my heart can't handle it 🥹🥹

I really don't have much to say but hope yall enjoyed 🫶🏽