Tape of Shadows

Chapter 5: Shadows and Encounters

Setting off for my university, which wasn't too far from my place of residence, I arrived at the campus without much delay. As I entered, my attention was drawn to a peculiar woman sitting beside the road leading to the university. Adorned with an assortment of eccentric necklaces and rings, her gaze met mine with a mixture of shock and excitement, as if she had just encountered a ghost. Deciding to ignore her, I proceeded to my class.

The day passed swiftly, and as the afternoon sun began to wane, I found myself reflecting on the enjoyable experience of being a student. The teachers had a friendly and engaging approach to teaching, making the classes both educational and fun. After the last class, I decided to treat myself to a cold coffee at a nearby café.

With the coffee in hand, I started my journey back home. As the evening descended, casting a shroud of darkness, I noticed a group of junior boys surrounding a trembling and frightened boy. My instinct compelled me to intervene, and I approached the group, inquiring about their bullying behavior. They became visibly agitated and turned their attention towards me.

Addressing the tall figure who seemed to be a college student, I questioned his involvement in allowing his juniors to engage in such bullying. Annoyed, he retorted that it was none of my business and demanded that I leave. Undeterred, I insisted that they release the boy from their clutches. This seemed to further infuriate the tall individual, and he menacingly brandished a knife, while the others closed in on me, ready for a fight.

To diffuse the situation, I quickly devised a strategy. With a calm demeanor, I asserted, "Do you know who I am?" Drawing inspiration from fictional gangster characters I had recently encountered in my reading, I confidently rattled off a few names. Surprisingly, my feigned association with the underworld appeared to instill a sense of fear in them.

Realizing that they had misjudged me, the tall guy mumbled an apology, acknowledging our supposed affiliation. The group promptly dispersed, leaving me to catch my breath and express gratitude to whatever forces had saved me from harm. The boy who had been the target of their abuse had already fled the scene, seizing the opportunity for escape.

Carrying a sense of relief, I made my way back home, purchasing some fresh meat and rice along the way. Once home, I prepared a meal for myself, savoring the satisfaction of having thwarted a potentially dangerous encounter. Exhausted from the events of the day, I finally lay down on my bed, seeking solace in the promise of a restful sleep.