LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 18
The sudden tap on Nero’s shoulder came like a .38 Special to the shoulder - quick, cold, and promising trouble. Nero's heart kicked into overdrive, drumming against his ribs like it was trying to escape. That old familiar feeling crept up his spine - the kind that whispers sweet nothings about your number being up.
The face that loomed over Nero was the kind you'd see in those fancy cologne ads - all angles and high cheekbones that could cut glass.
His smile was the real kicker though - genuine as a counterfeit three-dollar bill, but it worked. That mess of brown hair looked like it cost more to style than Nero's weekly rent, and those hazel eyes had probably talked their way out of more trouble than Nero had seen in my lifetime.
Built like he knew his way around both a gym and a fight, but there was something soft around the edges - a kind of warmth that made you want to lower your guard. Maybe that's what made him dangerous. The tan said California golden boy, but something in Nero's gut said there was more to this picture-perfect package than met the eye.
"Hey," the guy said, keeping his hand resting on Nero's shoulder, "you must be new here, huh? I’m Takashi."
Before Nero's brain could catch up with his racing pulse, the other mook next to Takashi threw his arm around like a sailor signaling ships at sea. Too eager, too friendly - the kind of gesture that made seasoned players reach for their piece, just in case the sunshine act was covering something darker.
This one was slightly shorter but still tall compared to Nero. He had spiky blonde hair and an easy-going grin that stretched across his face. His laugh was lighthearted, as if there wasn't a care in the world. "Hi, I’m Haru!" he said with a laugh that sounded more welcoming than mocking. "Glad to meet you, mate!"
Nero’s mind spun. These guys *looked* like the type of people who'd torment him, but everything about their behavior was throwing him off. Takashi’s smile didn’t waver as he continued, "You probably aren’t used to things here yet, right?"
Nero opened his mouth but no sound came out. All he managed was a nervous nod, his brain still scrambling to keep up with this unexpected friendliness. He felt the sweat begin to bead on his forehead, his shirt sticking slightly to his back.
Takashi chuckled softly and patted Nero’s shoulder again, not removing his hand. "Come with us to the convenience store. We’ll grab some snacks and show you around the school while we’re at it. Sound good?"
Nero swallowed hard. His thoughts screamed in confusion. *What?* His instincts screamed to refuse, to run, but his body betrayed him. "O-Okay," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
In his head, everything was in chaos. *What’s happening? Why are they being so nice? Is this a setup? Are they just playing with me before they strike?* But all he could do was nod weakly, his words lost in the whirlpool of panic and disbelief.
Takashi gave a friendly squeeze to Nero’s shoulder before finally letting go, while Haru clapped him on the back, still grinning like they were old friends. "Great!" Takashi said, "Let’s get going, man."
As they led Nero out of the classroom, his feet moved on autopilot. Inside, though, he was screaming.
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The store was filled with the smell of warm, packaged food, and the buzz of students chatting. As Haru and Takashi poked friendly jabs at each other, Nero stayed on the edges of the group, awkwardly holding his chocolate shake. His eyes wandered, taking in the lively scene before him. *This is the first time I've ever gone to a convenience store with someone...* He thought, his chest tightening with a strange mix of unfamiliar feelings.
He couldn’t help but think of Kai—how there had been a sliver of hope for friendship with him. But they never had a chance to do something like this. The reminder of his brief connection with Kai weighed heavily on him, but alongside that came a flicker of something unexpected—hope. *Maybe... maybe these guys could be my friends?*
Takashi’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Hey, Nero!” Takashi grinned, turning toward him with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “What do you think of Haru’s eyebrows, huh? Ever seen anything like them?” He chuckled, “I’m telling you, that’s why his girlfriend dumped him.”
Nero blinked, caught off guard by the question. His mind raced. *What the—why would he ask me that?* He nervously scratched the back of his head, sweat beading on his forehead as he forced a shaky laugh. “Uh, I-I think they’re... kind of charming in their own way?”
Haru groaned, rolling his eyes with a mock glare. “Takashi, worry about your own ugly face before coming for my eyebrows.”
Takashi laughed, “At least my face doesn’t scare the girls away.”
The two of them broke into laughter, and for the first time since he’d arrived, Nero felt something he hadn’t in a long time. A smile tugged at his lips—a strange, cautious comfort. *What is with this school?* He wondered, glancing around. The other students in the store looked carefree and happy, jostling each other playfully as they picked snacks from the shelves.
As he took a sip of his shake, the sweet taste lingering in his mouth, he thought, *Maybe I can also—*
Before he could finish the thought, a hard bump knocked him off balance. His hand jerked, and the cup slipped from his grip. The five-dollar thick, creamy chocolate shake found a new home on some tall, menacing-looking student's uniform. The kid was built like a brick warehouse with a jaw that could take a heavyweight's best shot. As the chocolate mess bloomed across his pristine white shirt like spilled blood on fresh snow, those eyes of his turned deadly as a snake's.
“Man, it got all over me!” he snarled, voice low and mean as a junkyard dog. The kind of tone that usually comes right before someone needs dental work.
Nero’s heart plummeted. His stomach twisted with dread as panic set in. “I’m—I’m so sorry!” His voice came out shaky, his words tumbling over themselves. “I’ll pay for it—I’ll give you money to get it cleaned! I... I’ll come to Class-1 later and—"
The tall student’s eyes went from bad to worse - the kind of look you see in dark alleys just before things get ugly. Like watching storm clouds roll in over the city, promising nothing but trouble.
Nero swallowed hard. *Oh no...*
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