Jean's eyes nearly bugged out of his head as the floating UI flickered in front of him like a mischievous ghost with a grudge.
<+1 TO ALL STATS>
…Wait. Hold the phone.
"You... cheeky bastard," Jean muttered, barely audible. Rachel was still nearby, and after everything earlier—especially the moaning incident—she wasn't taking any more chances.
"Young master," Rachel said sharply, hands on her hips. "If you keep pushing like this, I'll spank you until your butt's glowing red. Don't test me."
Jean blinked. "Huh! Where did that come from?"
Rachel smirked. "I'm serious."
"Okay, okay! I get it," Jean said hurriedly, raising his hands like he was surrendering. "No need to get… physical."
"Shut up," Jean mentally groaned, wishing he could mute the system's incessant sarcasm.
Rachel exhaled, softening her tone just a bit. "Good. So, what now? Nap? Bath? Or do you want to turn this place into chaos?"
Jean hesitated, then grinned. "Bath first. Then—arcade."
Rachel blinked. "Arcade?"
"Yeah. Gotta blow off some steam before school starts. You know, normal stuff."
Rachel chuckled softly. "Alright. I'll have the car ready."
---
After a hot, soothing bath, Jean changed into his favorite casual outfit—white shirt, black jeans, sneakers, and hoodie—and stepped outside, feeling fresh as a daisy.
Spring in Los Angeles was bursting with life. The air smelled like fresh bread and filled with human activities, mostly from celebrities here and there, with fans and paparazzi taging behind like leeches. The sky was a perfect shade of blue that made you want to run forever, and the streets pulsed with energy.
This city—like Earth but somehow different —like someone had run a giant eraser over all the rough edges. Everything looked sharper, cleaner and more alive, unlike the earth he knew.
To most? Peaceful.
To Jean? A giant, neon-lit playground with a side of mystery.
But today? Isn't to explore those mysteries. Today is game day.
---
The neon glow of **Arcadia 360** beckoned like a siren. Laughter and electronic music spilled into the street, and the smell of fried snacks and adventure filled the air.
Jean pushed open the door, Rachel close behind, her sleek black jeans and fiery red bomber jacket giving her the aura of a stealth agent on a secret mission.
"First stop—air hockey?" Jean asked, eyes sparkling like he'd just hit the jackpot.
Rachel smirked. "You're going down. Prepare to be humiliated."
"Yeah? We'll see who's crying first," Jean shot back, grin wide enough to cut glass.
Before they even started, Jean's gaze snagged on a flash of crimson.
A girl—about his age—short, with a ponytail of fiery red hair, porcelain skin, and eyes that shimmered like foxfire.
She wore a cropped jacket and a denim skirt, and her mischievous grin made him think she knew all the secrets of the universe.
She looked… human.
But Jean's instincts buzzed like a thousand bees.
Just for a moment, he felt it—an aura hiding beneath her polished surface.
Thanks, system. I love how you always keep me on my toes.
Her eyes locked onto his, lingering just a second too long, like a cat eyeing a mouse.
She stepped forward confidently.
Rachel subtly shifted, ready to jump in if things got weird.
A guy followed her—broad-shouldered, sharp-suited, with a look that said he'd seen it all and wasn't impressed.
She wasn't alone.
The girl stopped a few paces away, arms crossed with a playful smirk.
"Hey. You look bored," she said with a voice that dripped like honey and razor blades at the same time.
Jean calmly took her hand. "And You look like trouble."
She grinned wider. "That's what everyone says. Name's Mira."
"And this fellow here is Matsui"
"I'm Jean," he said, flashing a relaxed smile.
"And this Rachel."
"So, Jean. Up for a game? Looks like you could use a challenge," Mira teased, eyes twinkling like she knew secret cheat codes.
Jean raised an eyebrow. "Confident, huh? I like that."
Rachel groaned behind them. "Please don't turn this into a tournament."
"It already is," Jean and Mira said in unison, then exchanged a look that said, *This is going to be fun.*
---
**First Round: Dance Dance Revolution**
The speakers blasted, lights flickered faster than his heartbeat, and the music hit like a punch to the gut.
Jean flailed at first—an awkward mess like a drunk flamingo—but his reflexes, thanks to his powers, kicked in just in time.
Mira, meanwhile, danced like a fox on the hunt—smooth, confident, impossible to catch.
"I didn't know squirrels could dance," she teased, spinning around with a grin.
"I didn't know foxes had rhythm," Jean shot back, smirking.
"Touché," she grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief.
---
**Second Round: Air Hockey**
Rachel and Matsui watched like they'd seen it all—unmoved, unimpressed.
CLACK. CLACK.
Jean scored first, then Mira scored twice in a flash, her reflexes faster than a lightning strike.
Jean narrowed his eyes, trying to focus.
"Will you shut up and let me concentrate?!" he hissed, cheeks flushing.
Mira chuckled. "What's with the inner monologue? You sound like a bad anime hero."
"Nothing! Just… thinking," he said hurriedly, trying to hide his blush.
"Suspicious," she said, smirking more.
---
**Final Showdown: King of Fighters '98**
They hunched over the arcade controls, every button smashing like the drums of war.
"Winner takes all," Mira challenged, eyes blazing with mischief.
"You're on," Jean agreed, heart pounding.
Pixels collided, combos exploded, and the crowd around them cheered silently.
And then—KO.
Jean stared, stunned.
Mira had beaten him—bad.
"Yes!" she cheered, throwing her arms up like she'd just won the lottery. "Bow before your queen, puny mortal!"
Jean pouted, arms crossed. "Yeah, yeah… lucky shot."
Mira nudged him playfully. "Not bad for a human."
Jean raised an eyebrow. "You too."
Their gazes locked—half suspicion, half respect.
Rachel stepped in, clearing her throat. "It's late. We should go."
Matsui nodded. "Agreed."
Mira winked at him as she headed out.
"See you around, Jean," she said over her shoulder.
"You will," Jean replied softly, watching her melt into the crowd.
But just before she disappeared literally.
Yeah it's kinda cool.