Scene opens at a bus stop.
People stand scattered—some scrolling on their phones, some reading the news, some staring at a billboard, and a few half-asleep on the benches.
A woman in her 40s waits for the bus, glancing up at the billboard.
Suddenly, a masked man steps beside her.
His eyes lock onto her purse.
He scans the area—quickly, carefully—then looks at the woman again.
In one swift move, he snatches the bag and runs.
The woman freezes for a second, then shouts.
Woman: "Thief! He stole my purse! Help!"
People stand up, shocked, as the man keeps running.
Suddenly, a girl—around 20, with thick open hair, hazel eyes, and a slim, agile build—steps directly into his path.
The thief tries to change direction, but she grabs the purse.
A brief tug-of-war follows.
The thief looks at her, confused.
As people start rushing toward them, the thief panics, lets go of the bag, and escapes.
Moments later, the woman reaches them.
Ember: "Here… is this yours?"
(Her smile is gentle and trustworthy.)
Woman: "Oh yes! Thank you so much. It had many important things."
She checks the purse—everything is there. Nothing stolen. She looks relieved.
Ember: "It was my duty."
Woman: "Please, take this as a thank-you."
She offers a small amount of money. Ember looks at it, confused.
Ember: "Oh no, there's no need."
(She refuses politely.)
Woman: "Come on, take it. It's not a big amount."
Ember: "Really, you don't have to."
The woman slowly pulls her hand back, no longer insisting.
Suddenly, Ember's eyes widen.
She quickly grabs the woman's hand.
Ember: "Well… if you're so determined, I'll take it."
She smiles brighter.
The woman looks confused—but smiles and gives her the money.
Scene cuts to Ember walking down the street, counting the cash.
Ember: "Four… five… ugh. Just 5? Seriously?!"
She enters a narrow alley.
Joule sits on a cardboard box.
Joule: "So… how much did we get?"
Ember: "Only 500. She was greedy. She could've at least given 1,000.
She even had a credit card. Tsk."
She sighs.
Joule: "So… 250 yours and 250 mine, right?"
Ember: "I told you to pickpocket the right person."
Joule: "She looked rich."
(Innocent tone.)
Ember: "If she were rich, would she be riding a bus like that?"
Joule: "It's fine. It's enough for food today, right?"
Ember: "I don't think so."
Suddenly, a black figure appears, followed by a few more.
Jackson: Look who's here ? Did you miss me ?
Ember: Jackson.
(rough tone, rolling her eyes)
Jackson: Seems like you had a great hand today.
Ember: Not much, though.
Jackson: Well, you know it's my area, little spark.
Ember: I do know, "son"
.
Jackson chuckles.
Jackson: So… my pay?
Joule: What pay?
Jackson: You both are in my area right now, so I need some tax from you.
Ember: But I'm clearly not in your area.
(She looks down—her foot is just an inch away from a line drawn with paint.)
Jackson: Not this time, Spark. Your partner was clearly inside.
Ember: Well, he's far above your area.
(She looks up, smiling wickedly. Joule is perched on the side of a shop, his chin resting on his hand as he looks down and gives a small wave.)
Jackson: You're cunning, Ember. But what about you?
(He suddenly grabs her collar and pins her to the wall. Joule startles, ready to jump—but stops when he sees Ember laughing.)
Ember: That's all you can do?
(Still smiling.)
Jackson: You can't always run away from me, got it? You're a nobody—someone without a name. Naming yourself "Ember" doesn't make you a flame.( His eyes locked at her in anger )