Common Sense Hijack System-Chapter 118 -Pervy Hero

As Maria started her explanation about the food distribution plan, Karl forced himself to listen intently. The plan was simple: residents who contributed food or other supplies would receive a fair share based on the size of their household. Those who couldn’t contribute would still get something, but less, to ensure fairness and encourage participation.

"This isn’t just about survival," Maria said, her voice steady and clear. "It’s about building a community. If we work together and trust each other, we’ll get through this."

The room was mostly silent, though a few murmurs of agreement echoed through the lobby. Karl noticed Evelyn’s sharp gaze flicker around the room, her lips pressing into a thin line. It was clear she had something to say, but for now, she held her tongue.

As Maria wrapped up, Julia stepped forward with her usual reassuring smile. "If anyone has concerns or suggestions, feel free to bring them to me or Maria. We’re here to listen."

The crowd began to disperse, residents returning to their apartments or gathering in small groups to discuss the plan. Karl stayed back, helping Julia and Maria tidy up the area. As they worked, Julia glanced at him and smiled warmly. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

"You’ve been a huge help, Karl. I mean it," she said, placing a hand lightly on his arm. "It’s people like you who make this place feel like a real community."

Karl felt a pang of guilt. If only she knew about the secrets he carried, the truths he couldn’t share. But he managed a small smile in return. "Just doing my part."

Before Julia could respond, Evelyn’s voice cut through the air. "Maria, we need to talk."

Maria looked up, startled by Evelyn’s sudden approach. "Of course. What’s on your mind?"

Evelyn’s sharp eyes darted toward Karl for a brief moment before focusing back on Maria. "I want to propose a system for accountability. It’s too easy for someone to hoard supplies while pretending to contribute. If we don’t implement some form of checks and balances, this whole plan will collapse."

Julia frowned, stepping forward. "Evelyn, we’ve already discussed this. Trust is the foundation of our community. If we start policing each other, it’ll breed resentment and paranoia."

Evelyn crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "And what happens when someone takes advantage of that trust? Are we just supposed to sit back and let it happen?"

The tension in the room was palpable. Karl watched the exchange silently, unsure whether to intervene. On one hand, Evelyn had a point—there were risks in trusting too blindly. But Julia’s approach, though idealistic, felt more in line with the sense of hope Maria was trying to cultivate.

Maria raised a hand, her voice calm but firm. "Evelyn, I understand your concerns. But this isn’t the time to implement drastic measures. Let’s give this plan a chance to work before we consider anything more rigid."

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t push further. Instead, she turned on her heel and strode toward the exit. As she passed Karl, she paused just long enough to deliver a parting shot.

"Be careful who you trust," she said quietly, her gaze piercing. "Not everyone here is as honest as they seem."

Karl stiffened but said nothing, watching as she walked away. Julia placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don’t let her get to you," she said softly. "Evelyn’s always been... intense. But deep down, she cares about this place as much as anyone."

Karl nodded, though Evelyn’s words lingered in his mind. She might be blunt and abrasive, but she wasn’t entirely wrong. In a situation like this, trust was both a necessity and a risk.

As the day wore on, Karl continued helping around the lobby, trying to shake off the unease that Evelyn had stirred. By the time he returned to his apartment, Layla was awake, sitting cross-legged on the couch with a book in her lap. Jane glanced up from her spot by the window, where she had been quietly sketching.

"How’d it go?" Jane asked, her tone neutral.

Karl set down his bag and sighed. "The meeting went as expected. Some people are on board with the plan, others... not so much."

As the three of them settled in for the evening, Karl couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease. Evelyn’s parting words echoed in his mind, a reminder that their fragile community was only one misstep away from unraveling.

For now, he pushed the thought aside. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, and Karl needed to be ready. Survival wasn’t just about food or supplies—it was about navigating the delicate web of trust and tension that held their small world together.

Jane sighed deeply, tugging at the hem of her shirt, which was dirty and visibly worn out. "I need to change. This is getting way too uncomfortable," she muttered.

Layla, lounging casually on the couch, immediately offered, "I have some spare clothes in my room. They’re not the best, but they’re better than what you’re wearing now."

Before Jane could respond, Karl suddenly stepped forward with an air of confidence. "No need for that. I’ve got it covered," he declared, opening his Uncommon Storage with a dramatic gesture.

Jane and Layla both stared curiously as Karl rummaged through his inventory. After a moment, he triumphantly pulled out... a neatly folded set of women’s undergarments.

The room went silent.

Jane blinked, slowly turning her head to Karl with a look that could only be described as the bombastic side eye. Her expression screamed, Why in the world do you have women’s underwear in there?

Layla, on the other hand, burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she doubled over. "Karl! What—what even—why do you have that?!"

Karl’s face turned bright red, and he stammered, waving the underwear in the air as if it explained everything. "It’s not what it looks like! I—I just thought... you know, emergencies and all...!"

Jane crossed her arms, one eyebrow raised. "Emergencies? What kind of emergency requires you to keep that in your storage?"

"I—uh—" Karl hesitated, searching for an explanation that didn’t sound insane. "Look, the system sometimes throws in random items, okay? I didn’t put it there on purpose!"

Layla was practically in tears at this point, rolling on the couch as she howled with laughter. "Oh, sure, Karl. Random. What’s next, a wedding dress for ’emergencies’?"

Jane snatched the underwear from his hand, holding it up as if inspecting a crime scene. "This doesn’t even look like Layla’s size. Whose are these, Karl?"

"I DON’T KNOW!" Karl shouted, his face somehow getting redder. "The system doesn’t come with labels, alright?"

Jane shook her head, tossing the garments back at him with a disgusted look. "Keep your weird collection to yourself next time."

Layla wiped away tears of laughter, grinning at Karl. "You’ve outdone yourself, Karl. Truly. This is the funniest thing that’s happened all week."

Karl groaned, closing his storage in defeat. "I was just trying to help..."

Jane smirked, grabbing Layla’s spare clothes as she walked to the bathroom. "Next time, don’t," she called over her shoulder.

As the door closed, Layla leaned toward Karl, still grinning mischievously. "So... do you have other surprises in that storage, or is this a one-time embarrassment?"

Karl buried his face in his hands. "I’m never living this down, am I?"

Layla laughed again, patting his shoulder. "Nope. Not a chance."

Jane stepped out of the bathroom, refreshed and now dressed in Layla’s spare clothes. She stretched her arms casually before her eyes landed on Karl, who was still sulking on the couch. A sly smirk formed on her face.

"Thanks for the spare clothes, store clerk extraordinaire," she said, her tone dripping with mock gratitude. "Though I didn’t realize you were also a... let’s say... pervy collector. Should I be concerned about what else you’ve stashed in that magic storage of yours?"

Karl groaned, rubbing his temples. "I’ve told you, it’s not like that. The system—"

Jane cut him off, raising a hand dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, the system’s ’random.’ Sure, Karl. Whatever helps you sleep at night." She plopped down into a chair, leaning back and folding her arms. "By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask—since you’re a store clerk, do you ever swipe candy bars or tiny stuff for fun?"

Karl looked up sharply, narrowing his eyes at her. "What? No! That’s not me. If there’s a loss, it’s usually Zoey."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Zoey, huh? Convenient scapegoat."

"It’s the truth," Karl insisted. "She’s the one messing up the numbers, not me."

Jane leaned forward, squinting at him skeptically. "Mmm-hmm. Sure, Karl. Just like it’s the ’system’ putting women’s underwear in your storage, right? And let me guess, Zoey is also why there’s always a missing soda can?"

Karl sighed heavily, waving her off. "Believe what you want. I don’t have time to steal candy bars or whatever nonsense you’re imagining. I’ve got more important things to deal with."

Jane stared at him for a long moment before letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, fine. I’ll take your word for it. Besides..." She leaned back, smirking again. "You’re my perverted savior, after all. Can’t bite the hand that saved me, even if that hand is suspiciously good at pulling out certain items."

Layla, who had been silently listening while pretending to read her book, snorted with laughter. Karl shot her an annoyed look. "You’re not helping, Layla."

"Not trying to," Layla said, grinning. "Jane’s got a point. You’ve been oddly resourceful in, uh, questionable ways."

Karl buried his face in his hands again. "I don’t deserve this."

Jane chuckled, her tone lightening. "Oh, come on, Karl. Don’t sulk. You’re still a hero to me. A weird, slightly pervy hero, but a hero nonetheless."

Karl peeked out from between his fingers, his voice flat. "That’s so comforting."

Jane laughed harder, patting him on the shoulder. "Cheer up, store clerk. We wouldn’t survive without your... unique talents."

Karl shook his head but couldn’t suppress a small smile. No matter how much they teased him, at least they were safe, and for now, that was enough.