Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Natasha’s House

The cafeteria buzzed with energy as students chattered, laughed, and shared stories over their meals. The talks were more vivid and joyful as the cultural festival is right up the corner. I leaned back in my chair, looking at my newfound team sitting around me.

To my right, Claire was lounging like she owned the place. Her ripped denim shorts revealed more than they covered, and the cut-out “boob window” top she wore left little to the imagination. Her confident demeanor matched her outfit perfectly. She caught me glancing and smirked.

“Like what you see, Austin?” she teased, her voice dripping with playful mischief.

“Just wondering how you even passed the dress code check,” I shot back with a grin, refusing to give her the satisfaction of flustering me.

“Perks of being a charmer,” she replied, winking.

To my left, Natasha sat quietly, sipping her cold coffee through a straw. Her oversized glasses framed her soft features, and her busty figure couldn’t be ignored. The way she focused on her coffee, as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world, was oddly endearing.

Across from me, Maya sat with her usual straight-backed posture, giving a knight-like aura. She radiated seriousness and discipline, her dark turtleneck sweater and simple jeans giving her an air of sophistication. She was the type who didn’t waste words or time, and her presence was a sharp opposite to Claire’s energetic vibe.

Beside Maya, Zayn adjusted his glasses for what felt like the hundredth time, looking around nervously. His timid demeanor made him seem like the stereotypical good kid in class who followed every rule to the letter.

“So,” I began, breaking the silence, “since we’re officially a team now, let’s start with some introductions and strengths. You know, to figure out how we can split the work.”

“We just introduced ourselves earlier,” Claire said, resting her chin on her palm. “But fine, I’ll go first. Claire Summers, Mechanical Branch, year three. My strength? Hmm… I’m good at nothing but making things fun and I am the topper of my class.” She winked.

“That’s… not exactly what I meant,” I replied with a chuckle.

Maya sipped her coffee before speaking. “Maya, Medical Branch, year one. I don’t particularly care about winning or losing. The college asked me to participate, so I will. That’s all.” Her tone was as serious as ever, and she didn’t so much as glance up from her coffee cup.

“Straightforward as always,” I muttered.

Natasha looked up shyly. “I’m Natasha, Arts Branch, year one. I… I’ll try my best.” Her voice was soft, and the faint blush on her cheeks made her look even more adorable.

All eyes turned to Zayn, who fidgeted under the sudden attention. “I-I’m Zayn, Mechanical Branch, year two. I don’t think I’m capable of much,” he admitted, his gaze fixed on the table.

I sighed, leaning forward. “Zayn, we’re a team. You don’t have to do everything alone. We’ll work together and play to everyone’s strengths. Don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, Zayn,” Claire chimed in, giving him a playful nudge. “Lighten up! We’ve got this.”

He managed a small smile, though he still looked unsure.

The conversation shifted to the festival itself, and we spent the next hour discussing the various events, brainstorming ideas, and deciding which ones we’d participate in. Claire’s energy kept the mood light, while Maya’s practicality ensured we didn’t get too carried away. Natasha offered occasional suggestions, her artistic insight proving valuable, and even Zayn contributed a few good ideas once he relaxed a bit.

By the time we wrapped up, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the campus.

“Alright, everyone,” I said, standing and slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Good work today. Let’s meet at the festival.”

Maya was the first to leave, giving us a nod as she headed off. Zayn followed shortly after, mumbling a quick goodbye.

“Guess it’s just us now,” Claire said, glancing at Natasha and me. “But my house is in the opposite direction, so I’ll see you guys later. Bye!” She waved and skipped away, leaving Natasha and me alone.

The two of us walked together in comfortable silence for a while.

“You seem thoughtful,” I remarked, glancing at her.

Natasha blushed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just… thinking about the festival. And about what you said to Zayn. You’re good at lifting people’s spirits.”

I smiled. “It’s important to make everyone feel included. We’ll need that teamwork to win.”

After a pause, Natasha suddenly turned to me, her cheeks a deeper shade of pink. “Austin, would you… come to my house?”

I blinked, taken aback. “Why?”

She hesitated, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. “For the… nude modeling session. I was rushing earlier because I have to submit it tomorrow, and I don’t have time to find anyone else.”

“Today?” I asked, surprised.

She nodded. “Please? It would really help me out.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Alright, let’s go.”

Her face lit up with a smile. “Thank you so much!”

Natasha’s house turned out to be a massive mansion, complete with perfectly manicured lawns and towering gates.

“Wow,” I muttered as we stepped inside.

Her mother greeted us warmly, her sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on me. “Oh my, Natasha, you’ve brought home a handsome young man. Is he your boyfriend?”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “N-no, ma’am. Just a friend.”

Natasha blushed furiously. “Mom! He’s here to help me with my drawing, that’s all!”

Her mom chuckled, clearly enjoying our embarrassment. “Alright, alright. Welcome, Austin. Make yourself at home.”

As Natasha’s little brother peeked out from behind a door, I waved at him, earning a shy smile in return.

“Go on upstairs,” Natasha said, still flustered. “I’ll catch up in a bit.”

Her room was on the second floor, and as I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of paintings lining the walls. Each one was a masterpiece—landscapes, portraits, and even anime characters, all rendered with incredible skill and detail.

I set my bag down and walked over to a particularly striking painting of a sunset over a mountain range. The colors blended seamlessly, creating a scene so vivid it felt like I could step into it.

“She’s a pro,” I murmured to myself, genuinely impressed.