Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 15

Colin and Jonathan exchanged a look.

From what they'd observed of Naomi at the dinner table, she seemed serious this time.

Especially since they all lived in the same community and appearances mattered. Zebulon's past behavior towards Naomi could be dismissed as minor squabbles.

After all, it's their choice. They're both consenting adults, so who are we to judge? Back then, Naomi loved trailing after Zebulon, happy to do whatever he asked, so it couldn't really be called bullying.

But that day in the private room at the club, Naomi had genuinely refused.

And the way Zebulon had treated her for Tiffany's sake was truly over the line.

They were all part of the same group, and his behavior had made everyone a bit uncomfortable.

It was completely reasonable for Naomi to be angry.

They were only siding with Zebulon because they were his friends.

Anyone else would probably have slapped him right then and there.

"Zebulon, are you sure about that? Naomi might seem like a pushover, but if you really cross her line, there's no telling if she'll snap. Even a cornered rabbit will bite, you know."

Jonathan, not wanting to see his friend make a fool of himself later, offered a word of caution.

Zebulon scoffed.

He stuck one hand in his pocket, speaking with arrogant confidence. "I know Naomi better than anyone. Come on, Herbert and the guys are probably waiting. Let's get going."

Colin carefully put the cards in his pocket. "Well, we've said our piece. You're on your own when it comes to dealing with Naomi."

[YOU WIN!]

"That was amazing!"

The giant monster on the screen collapsed, and the victory text lit up. Before Naomi could even catch her breath, she heard a chorus of praise from behind her.

She turned to see a group of children crouched behind her. When they saw her looking, their eyes sparkled like stars. "Wow, you're so good! How did you beat that monster?"

"Yeah, yeah, we tried so many times and couldn't do it! Can you teach us?"

Naomi had never been surrounded by so many kids before and felt a little overwhelmed, but their eager faces were irresistible. She nodded, picked up the controller, and explained patiently, "To beat this monster, first you have to lure it into this corner. It can heal itself, so you have to control the timing of your skills..."

The arcade was filled with pounding music and the dramatic sound effects of games, but in this corner, the girl's clear voice seemed to rise above it all. Like a gentle stream, it washed away the surrounding noise, leaving only a sense of calm and focus.