Chapter 18: The Shadow Threat

Jessy and Mia walked side by side through the mall, their pace calm, flowing with the crowd. Mia was glowing. A gentle light sparkled in her eyes, and her smile never left her lips.

— "You seem very happy," Jessy said, glancing at her. "What's going on, Mia?"

She clung tighter to his arm, resting her head on his shoulder.

— "Nothing… I just love spending time with you. I wish it could last forever."

Jessy gently tapped the top of her head, a subtle smile on his lips.

— "As long as you belong to me, moments like this will be endless."

Mia lifted her head, cheeks flushed.

— "I… I belong to you?"

He frowned slightly.

— "Is that not true?"

She replied, eyes sparkling:

— "No, it is… I'm all yours."

Their connection felt timeless. They stopped at a stand to buy churros, then, drawn by a catchy poster, decided to watch a movie: Zombie Apocalypse.

The story threw humanity into chaos, struck by a devastating epidemic that turned people into zombies. Two teenagers, Trevor and Stacy, had to survive in the ruined world. In the dark theater, the bloody scenes and oppressive atmosphere sent chills down the audience's spines.

At one point, a zombie lunged from the shadows, grabbing Stacy's ankle. She screamed. Trevor shouted: "I'm coming, Stacy!"

Mia jumped, suddenly grabbing Jessy's arm. He gently squeezed her hand in return, which calmed her.

As they exited the cinema, conversations buzzed around them.

— "That movie was insane!" exclaimed an excited viewer.

— "The actor playing Trevor was amazing," another responded.

Mia and Jessy walked outside, the street lit by neon signs.

— "That movie felt almost too real," she said.

— "Indeed. The CGI was really well done," Jessy replied, thoughtful.

But deep inside, he felt something off. A presence, fleeting but constant.

He took out his phone. A message from Grimm flashed on the screen:"Boss, you're being followed. Do we engage?"

Jessy typed quickly:"No. Not now. Stay back."

Grimm replied instantly:"Understood."

— "Who are you texting?" Mia asked, curious.

— "Hmm? Oh… my aunt. She was just checking if I'm okay."

Jessy put his phone away and pulled out some cash.

 "See that churro stand over there? Go get us more, please."

 "Where are you going?"

 "Nature's call. I'll be quick, promise."

He kissed her cheek. She smiled, glowing.

 "Alright, I'll wait here."

He walked off, heading into a discreet alley. It led to a narrow, silent dead end. He waited, back against the wall.

Seconds later, a group of fifteen boys surrounded him.

 "Hmm… Excuse me, do we know each other?" Jessy asked sarcastically.

One of them stepped forward from the shadows.

Jason.

His eyes were burning with rage, his jaw clenched.

Ever since he saw Mia with Jessy earlier, a storm had been brewing inside him.

He had followed her from her house, hoping to talk.

But seeing her run toward another guy, laughing with him Jason's heart had been consumed by jealousy.

How dare he?I'll make him regret ever touching my Mia.She's mine. Mine alone.

He had quickly gathered his friends.

 "You think you can steal Mia from me and get away with it?" he growled.

Kaiden, one of his friends, added:

 "You're gonna regret messing with him."

The group moved closer, step by step.

Jason could already see the pleading expression on Jessy's face.

It only strengthened his resolve.

But Jessy raised his hand and calmly said:

— "Who told you I was alone?"

Their brows furrowed in confusion.

Behind them, another group emerged from the shadows.

Dressed in black, discreet and coordinated.

Grimm leading them.

— "So this was your plan, boss?" he asked with a grin.

— "Exactly," Jessy replied. "I knew this idiot would try something."

Grimm nodded, ready.

 "Hey, boys! Let's get them!"

 "Jessy!" Jason shouted, enraged.

 "Come on, guys!" Kaiden yelled to his crew.

The clash exploded like a storm. Punches flew. Screams echoed. Blood splattered on the walls and pavement. For five long minutes, the fight was brutal. Absolute chaos.

Jessy remained back, watching the scene coldly.

Grimm grabbed Jason and landed an uppercut.

The boy fell to the ground, dazed, nose bleeding.

 "Nice work," Jessy said, approaching.

He leaned over Jason, his gaze icy.

— "You're weak. You could've at least brought a handgun."

He tossed a blade near his face.

— "Here. Scum."

Around them, Jason's friends groaned, defeated and sprawled out.

— "We're leaving," Jessy declared. "Grimm, clean this up. I need to get back to Mia."

— "Got it, boss. We'll handle the rest."

Jessy left the alley, returning to the terrace where Mia was waiting. She sat there, eyes anxious, scanning the crowd. When she saw him, she stood up and ran into his arms.

 "You're back…" she whispered, resting her head against his chest.

He hugged her tightly.

 "Mia, tell your family you're sleeping over at a friend's tonight."

She looked up.

— "Where are we going?"

 "To a hotel."

For a moment, she stood still.

Her eyes closed as she seemed to reflect her heart pounded.

Then, in a soft, almost timid breath:

 "… Okay."