Common Sense Hijack System-Chapter 107 - Still Thug To Cuck

The neon light on the ceiling buzzed quietly as Karl adjusted his name tag and leaned against the cash register. Across the store, Chloe was busy organizing the instant noodle shelves, while Amber checked the drink stock in the cooler. Their presence felt like a breath of fresh air, bringing a lighter rhythm to the quiet night.

Karl glanced at Chloe from behind the register. Her short hair was a bit messy, but her movements were steady and focused as she arranged items on the shelf. On the flip side, Amber looked more cheerful, occasionally humming a little tune while making sure everything was neatly stocked.

"I never really had a chance to talk to them like this before," Karl thought with a sigh. "Now they’re here, and everything feels... different. They’re not the ones who wanted to kill me anymore."

Before he knew it, Karl’s night shift was over, and he said his goodbyes as he headed out. He didn’t feel worried about leaving Chloe and Amber behind, knowing they were both Homo Obscura who had nearly killed him in the past.

As Karl walked out of the convenience store, the chilly night air greeted him immediately. A light drizzle started, creating a soft sound as the raindrops hit the pavement.

"Finally done. Tonight went better than I expected," Karl thought as he took a deep breath.

But as he made his way towards the alley that served as a shortcut to his apartment, he felt something off. His instincts screamed at him, like there were eyes watching him from the darkness.

His steps halted when a tall figure emerged at the alley’s end. The dim light from the streetlamp barely illuminated part of the man’s face—Adam, Zoey’s boyfriend.

Adam stood with both hands shoved into his leather jacket pockets. His sharp eyes were fixed straight on Karl, filled with something hard to pin down—anger, suspicion, or maybe... disgust.

"Karl," Adam’s voice broke the silence of the night, deep and flat. "Finally, we can talk. No interruptions."

Karl felt his heart start to race, but he tried to stay calm. "... what are you doing here? It’s late."

Adam strolled closer with a relaxed but intimidating demeanor. "I’m just curious. I’ve seen how you look at Zoey in the store. You think I’m oblivious, huh?"

Karl swallowed hard. He knew this wasn’t a casual chat—Adam had a purpose.

"You’ve got it all wrong, Bro. Zoey and I aren’t involved. We’re just coworkers."

Adam smirked a small, unfriendly smile. "Oh, coworkers, huh? What kind of coworker kisses her while I’m on the phone with her?"

Karl balled his hands into fists at his sides, struggling to contain the anger bubbling up inside him. ’Great, even when I’m not creeping on her, Zoey still manages to stir up trouble,’ he thought.

Adam was standing way too close now. The smell of his cigarette and alcohol breath hit Karl’s face. "Listen, kid. Zoey is mine. You might feel better than me for being ’close’ to her at the store, but I won’t let that slide."

Adam’s eyes radiated repressed rage, and Karl could feel the tension crackling between them.

"He’s still going through his thug-to-cuck phase, even though I’m not doing anything to Zoey," Karl thought.

"Did you hear me, Karl? Stay away from Zoey. Or you’ll regret it."

Adam pushed against Karl’s chest with one hand, forcing him back a few steps. Karl could feel his anger surface, but he knew getting into a physical fight in this dark alley would only make things worse.

"Bro, I don’t want any trouble. You don’t have to worry about me and Zoey. I hardly talk to her outside of work."

Adam tilted his head, as if trying to judge whether Karl was being genuine. Then, in a swift movement, Adam grabbed Karl by the collar and pulled him closer.

"I’m serious, Karl. Don’t ever—and I mean ever—try to get close to Zoey again."

Karl gripped Adam’s hand on his collar, his voice low but firm. "I’ve told you, Bro. There’s nothing going on between us. If you’re really worried about her cheating, you should keep an eye on Zoey yourself, instead of threatening other people in the middle of the night."

Adam paused for a moment. His eyes locked onto Karl’s, and for a split second, Karl caught a glimpse of something fragile behind that glare—insecurities, a fear of losing Zoey.

Adam released his grip and took a step back. He sighed heavily before turning to leave.

"Watch your words, Karl. This is your last warning."

Without waiting for a reply, Adam walked away, his silhouette slowly fading under the dim streetlight.

Karl stood frozen, his heart still racing. The chilly night air felt even sharper against his skin now.

"He still transforms from thug to cuck."

Karl touched his chest, trying to calm his ragged breath. Tonight served as a harsh reminder—his actions in the past were not something he could just brush off.

Step by step, Karl walked back to his apartment. Every little noise in the alley felt louder than usual. Guilt and fear swirled together inside him.

"Damn it, those raunchy memories are haunting me again. I need to get a grip; I can’t let myself mess with Layla later."

Karl opened the door to his apartment with a heavy step. The warm air welcomed him, a stark contrast to the cold and drizzle outside. The living room light was dim, with just one small bulb illuminating a corner of the room.

"Karl?"

The soft voice made Karl lift his head. On the small, worn-out sofa sat Layla, hugging a pillow. Her hair was down, partially covering her tired but naturally beautiful face. She wore a big t-shirt and shorts.

"You still awake?" Karl asked, his voice raspy from a long night at the shop.

Layla shook her head lightly, a small smile gracing her lips. "I was waiting for you. I couldn’t sleep earlier... and I thought maybe you’d want some company after work."

Karl set his bag down on the little table by the door and took off his jacket. "You should rest, Layla. It’s pretty late."

Layla looked deeply into his eyes, her gaze sparkling under the dim light. "You say that, but who’s going to make sure you’re okay after working all night?"

Karl paused for a moment, then walked to the small kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. He gulped it down in one go, trying to clear his mind.

Layla stood up and walked over to him slowly. "Karl... is something bothering you? I can see it in your eyes."

Karl turned away, not wanting Layla to read too much into it. "I’m fine, Layla. Just tired, that’s all."

But Layla wasn’t backing down. She stood right in front of Karl, just a few inches apart. The faint scent of the soap she used tickled Karl’s senses.

"You always say that... but I know there’s more to it than just ’tired.’"

Karl looked at Layla. Her face seemed innocent, but there was something in her eyes—a glimmer that was hard to explain. Something more than just concern from a sister or friend. He realized the vibe between them was slowly shifting, like a thin thread being pulled tighter.

"You know, Karl..." Layla continued, her voice almost a whisper. "I often think... you’re too hard on yourself. Always carrying all the burdens without letting anyone help."

Karl swallowed hard, his heart racing. "Layla, we shouldn’t... I mean, you don’t need to think about that. I can take care of myself."

Layla gave a tiny smile, but there was a hint of something deeper behind it. She reached out and gently touched Karl’s arm. That simple touch made the air between them feel thicker.

"I just want to make sure you’re okay, Karl," she whispered.

Karl closed his eyes briefly, trying to steady his breathing. He felt like he was on the edge of a dangerous cliff. The weariness, past mistakes, and pressure he felt all merged into one.

"Layla... it’s late. You need to get some sleep."

Karl sighed heavily, trying to sort out his jumbled thoughts. He walked over to the sofa and sat down, while Layla stood not too far from him, watching him closely.

"Layla, come with me to the convenience store tomorrow," Karl said in a low but firm voice.

Layla furrowed her brow. "To the store? Why, Karl?"

Karl rubbed his face, trying to find the right words. "There’s a job opening there. Day shift. I thought... it’d be a great opportunity for you. You can start working and earn your own income."

Layla paused, her eyes wide as if processing Karl’s words. "Really? I can work there? But... will the owner accept me just like that?"

Karl nodded with a faint smile. "I’ve already talked to the manager. They need someone for the day shift since a few old employees left. I’m sure you’ll be great at it."

Layla bit her lower lip, her eyes shining with excitement despite a hint of hesitation. "Thanks, Karl. I... I’ll do my best if they take me."

But before the mood lightened further, Karl added more seriously, "But there’s one thing you need to know, Layla. There... there’s someone who might make you feel a bit uncomfortable."

Layla stared at Karl, confused. "Who do you mean?"

"Zoey," Karl replied simply.