Chapter 7: Velvet & Vice

Eden hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"No… I need time to think."

Butler didn't give him the chance. "Leave it to me," he said with a smirk.

Before Eden could react, Butler casually reached out and clamped his hand over Eden's mouth.

"You don't get a choice," Butler added, pulling Eden along. "We need to get your measurements for the costume. Now, let's go."

Joshua watched this unfold with amusement. "You two sure get along well," he remarked.

Alex chuckled. "That's one way to put it."

With that, the group headed towards the marketplace.

---

The streets of the city were alive with movement. Neon lights flickered, illuminating the sidewalks as crowds of people went about their evening. Street vendors called out to passersby, trying to sell everything from steaming plates of food to cheap electronics. The sound of distant honking mixed with the chatter of pedestrians, creating a chaotic yet familiar city melody.

Eden took in his surroundings. "So, where exactly are we going?"

Butler glanced at him. "A shop that specializes in custom outfits. They'll get your measurements and have it ready in a few days."

Eden sighed. "Do I even need this?"

Butler smirked. "You will."

After walking through the bustling streets, they arrived at a small, yet classy tailor shop tucked between two towering buildings. The warm glow from the shop's windows revealed mannequins dressed in elegant, custom-made outfits.

As they stepped inside, the bell above the door chimed. A well-dressed man behind the counter glanced up, adjusting his glasses.

"Ah, Butler. Right on time."

Butler nodded. "You know what to do."

The tailor turned to Eden, eyeing him carefully before taking out a measuring tape.

"Stand straight, arms out. This won't take long."

Eden sighed but complied as the tailor swiftly took his measurements.

While this was happening, Alex casually wandered around the shop, his hands in his pockets. "So, about that guy we were supposed to meet," he said, glancing at Butler.

"Joshua?" Butler asked.

Alex nodded. "Yeah. He seemed excited to meet Eden. He even said—'You know, Joshua will be happy to see you. He told me about you.'"

Eden, still standing as the tailor worked, narrowed his eyes. "He told you about me?"

Alex shrugged. "Seems like he knew you were coming before you even arrived."

Eden frowned. Why does it feel like everyone knows something about me that I don't?

Before he could dwell on it further, the tailor stepped back. "Done. Your outfit will be ready soon."

Butler nodded in approval. "Good. Now we wait."

---

Meanwhile, across the city…

The scene shifted to a luxurious, dimly lit lounge, where a long table was surrounded by influential figures.

At the head of the table sat Vincent, a man who controlled half of the city's underground dealings. His sharp gaze swept across the powerful individuals seated before him.

"We need full control of this city," he stated firmly. "Half isn't enough."

A low murmur spread through the room as the men exchanged looks.

A heavily-built man with a cigar in his mouth leaned forward, his expensive suit struggling against his broad frame. This was Charles Domínguez, a wealthy businessman known for his illegal connections.

"Authority isn't the problem," Charles said, exhaling a puff of smoke. "The issue is the territory we don't control. That area belongs to a dangerous gang. We can't make any moves there."

Tension rose in the room until another figure finally spoke.

A calm, composed man in his forties, dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair neatly styled. His name was Yamato.

With a slight smirk, he leaned forward. "I have a suggestion."

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Yamato took his time, savoring the anticipation in the room. Then, in a smooth, calculating voice, he said—

"What if the key to our problem lies within Premium High School?"

Silence.

Vincent tapped his fingers against the table. "Explain."

Yamato's smirk widened. "You'll understand soon enough."

He leaned back in his chair, enjoying the moment. The idea had been planted, and soon, the city's power struggle would take a new turn.

---

Back to Eden and the Group…

After leaving the tailor shop, the group continued walking through the market. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the sounds of people bargaining and shopkeepers calling out their deals.

Alex suddenly stopped in front of a clothing store, pointing at a jacket displayed on a mannequin.

"So, would you rather wear this now, or wait until the tailor finishes your custom outfit?"

Eden looked at the jacket for a moment, then shook his head.

"It's not that important right now," he replied.

Alex smirked. "Fair enough."

As they continued walking, a sense of unease settled in the air. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched.

The marketplace buzzed with life—vendors shouting, people bargaining, and the scent of fresh food lingering in the air. Eden and Alex walked through the streets, stopping at a tailor's shop.

Alex held up a well-crafted uniform, inspecting it. "So, do you still prefer this style, or would you rather have it tailored?"

Eden barely glanced at it, arms crossed. "Honestly, this isn't that important to me right now."

Alex sighed. "Figures. You don't care about anything, do you?"

Before Eden could reply, someone suddenly lunged at Alex from behind, wrapping their arms around him.

"PRIIIINCEEE! I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!"

Alex froze.

"What the—?!" His voice cracked as he turned his head in horror.

Eden blinked, watching as a blonde-haired girl clung to Alex like a starfish.

"L-Layla?!" Alex stammered, frantically trying to pry her off. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

Layla giggled, tightening her grip even more. "I was looking for you, of course! I knew fate would bring us together again!"

Eden smirked. "Oh? Is this your girlfriend?"

Alex shot him a deadly glare. "SHUT UP, EDEN!"

Layla gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Oh my, Alex, you didn't tell him about us?! How cruel! After everything we've been through!"**

Alex let out a frustrated groan, struggling to break free. "WE'VE BEEN THROUGH NOTHING!"

Eden chuckled. "She's... quite persistent. Are you sure you didn't secretly promise her anything?"

"I SWEAR I DIDN'T!" Alex snapped, still fighting Layla's hold.

Layla pouted, tilting her head. "Alex, you're so mean! But I love that about you."

Alex sighed, his patience wearing dangerously thin. "Layla, LET. GO."

Layla finally released him but twirled around dramatically. "You're so cute when you're angry!"

Alex ran a hand through his hair, visibly exhausted. "Why do you always show up at the worst possible moments?"

Layla grinned. "Because I know you'd be lost without me!"

Eden, thoroughly entertained, leaned against a nearby stall. "Well, this is the best thing I've seen all day."

....

End of chapter : 7