The man naturally reached out and grabbed the child at once.
Now that he had stopped the boy from running away, the man felt a little better.
He had felt like he was losing to the child the whole time. Even though he had only managed to stop him thanks to someone else, it still bothered him.
Now, at last, he felt like he'd won one back.
"Let go of me!"
The boy shouted.
He punched and kicked at the man.
Caught off guard, the man took a solid kick from the boy.
The man let out a muffled groan.
His face darkened.
What an obnoxious brat!
Especially when he looked down and saw the dusty shoe print on his pants, anger flared up inside him.
This brat...
The man gritted his teeth.
"Fine."
"If I can't handle you, then we'll call the police."
"Let them contact your parents."
"Then they can talk to me about this apple."
The man raised the apple in his hand.
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
The boy had gone quiet as soon as he heard the word "police."
Gradually, his expression remained stubborn.
But beneath it, he could no longer hide his panic.
Or his fear.
A child wearing an expression like that could easily make someone soften.
For a moment, the man regretted getting so worked up over a child.
But he quickly shook his head.
No.
This child needed to be taught a lesson.
If his behavior so far went unchecked, who knew what serious consequences might follow?
If not for the kind young woman, the boy might really have gotten away this time.
And after succeeding once, he would only grow bolder.
There could easily be a second or third incident just like