Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 127

Chapter 127: Streets, Strangers and Shadows

The chill of the morning air rolled on my skin as I walked down the busy streets, my jacket slipping lazily off my shoulders. I didn’t bother adjusting it; it added to the effortless look I was going for.

In my hand was a boba shake, the sweet tea and chewy tapioca pearls providing a satisfying distraction as I walked aimlessly.

My thoughts drifted to the tournament. I should have been worried—nervous even—but instead, I felt oddly calm. There was no question in my mind that I would win. The real challenge wasn’t victory, but what came in it. Will it be even fun? I wonder if I get to fight Queen or not.

As I strolled, my mind wandered to what Alpha had mentioned about the bandits. Something about it didn’t sit right. She hadn’t contacted me since that conversation, which was unlike her. A part of me was concerned, but another part knew she and other shadow mystics can handle it themselves.

I took another sip of my boba shake, the straw scraping the bottom of the cup. Lost in thought, I nearly walked past the arcade before walking back. The flashing neon lights and the faint sounds of electronic beeps and laughter pulled me in.

Inside, the arcade was alive with energy. Kids and adults crowded around the machines, the smell of popcorn and soda filling the air. I made my way to a fighting game I used to play as a child. It was an old favorite, and I couldn’t resist the urge to test my reflexes.

Sliding a coin into the slot, I gripped the joystick and let muscle memory take over. The screen lit up with explosions and pixelated characters. I smirked as I wiped the floor with the AI opponent.

“You’re pretty good at this,” a voice said behind me, breaking my focus.

I glanced back to see two boys, both around my age, leaning casually against the machine. They looked confident—too confident.

“Why’s a cute girl like you wasting her time playing video games?” the taller one asked, his tone dripping with fake charm.

I ignored him and started another round.

“Come on,” the shorter one added, stepping closer. “You don’t need to act so cold. We’re just trying to be friendly.”

Pausing the game, I turned to face them, my expression icy. “And I’m just trying to play. Go bother someone else.”

Their smiles faltered, and I turned back to the screen, unbothered. After a moment, they walked away, muttering something under their breath.

“Boys are tiresome,” I mumbled to myself, finishing my game.

As I left the arcade, the streets had grown busier, the city coming alive in the evening. I wandered into a public square where a street performer was juggling fire. The crowd cheered, but my attention was elsewhere.

The stares followed me everywhere. Men of all ages watched as I passed, some more obvious than others. I ignored them, used to the attention. Did make myself look way too sexy for everyone, I guess.

At one point, I felt a hand rubbing on my ass—a touch that wasn’t a mistake.

I spun around, my eyes narrowing at two men standing too close. Their smirks made my stomach churn.

“Watch it,” I said coldly, my voice low but firm.

They laughed and walked off, their laughter echoing in my ears. I could’ve send their heads flying across, but what it’ll be overkill.

“Boys doesn’t know how to approach or what,” I said.

Sighhh*

By the time the evening rolled around, I found myself in a club. The music was loud, the bass reverberating through the floor as people danced and laughed. I leaned against the bar, a drink in hand, letting the chaos of the room fade into the background.

“Mind if I join you?”

I turned to see a man standing next to me. He was handsome, with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to look right through me. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, and his confidence was magnetic.

“I’m Shaun,” he said, offering a hand.

I hesitated but took it. “Nice to meet you.”

“You don’t look like the kind of girl who comes to clubs often,” he said, his tone playful.

“And you don’t look like the kind of guy who struggles to find someone to dance with,” I shot back.

He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Fair enough. Would you like to dance?”

I hesitated again, but something about him intrigued me.

Finally, someone who knew how to appraoch and behave.

I set my drink down and placed my hand in his.

“Why not?” I said with a small smile.

The dance floor was crowded, but Shaun navigated it with ease, guiding me through the sea of people. The music was fast, and we moved together in sync, the rhythm driving our movements.

At one point, he spun me around, and I landed in his arms, his hand resting lightly on my waist. The crowd around us seemed to fade away, all eyes on us.

“You’re good at this,” I said, slightly breathless.

“So are you,” he replied, his face close to mine.

For a moment, it felt like he might lean in to kiss me, but I pulled back, shaking my head. “Sorry, I can’t.”

He smiled apologetically, stepping back. “My fault. I shouldn’t have been so forward.”

Before I could respond, a strange sensation prickled at the edge of my awareness. It was faint but unmistakable—a presence, like a shadow creeping along the edges of the room.

I glanced around, my eyes scanning the crowd. Nothing seemed out of place, but the feeling persisted.

“Everything okay?” Shaun asked, noticing my distraction.

“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile. “I just need some air.”

Outside, the cool night air was a relief. The club’s neon lights flickered against the pavement as I took a deep breath.

That’s when I saw him—a man in a hooded jacket walking away from the club.

The sensation I’d felt earlier hit me again, stronger this time. There was something off about him, something that made my instincts was asking me to follow.

Without a second thought, I started walking after him, my curiosity and unease driving me forward.