Chapter 28

As we resumed our tasks, I couldn't help but feel a budding sense of belonging. Maybe I wasn't as alone as I thought. With people like Kristoff on my side, I felt like I could keep pushing forward.

But that fleeting happiness vanished when the thugs returned. This time, they roared in on their big bikes, making a ruckus as they occupied the front of the store.

"It's a shame I didn't let Midnight follow me. We would have had a great time annoying them," I thought to myself, watching the chaos unfold.

The thugs entered and rummaged through the store, and I couldn't help but glare at them. Kristoff, however, stood at the cash register, looking perfectly relaxed amidst the chaos.

As if sensing my anger, Kristoff took a few steps closer, standing upright. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "I heard from Yana that you were the one who started the fight with those guys?"

I blinked in surprise. 'Wait. How did Yana know?'