Chapter Nineteen
The sunlight flickered off the sleek glass doors of the mall as the crew stepped out into the vibrant city street. Zed, Lotus, Khalil, Lena, Cris, and Jay moved together in a slow-motion display of confidence, luxury, and the kind of unity that made heads turn. Their outfits screamed wealth, their shopping bags filled with the finest brands, and their sunglasses perched on their noses completed the look of effortless cool. They were a striking sight—like a living embodiment of luxury.
Zed, leading the group, was the epitome of swag. His designer jacket and tailored pants fit perfectly, the expensive watch on his wrist catching attentions. He glanced over at Lotus, who wore a simple but stylish black leather jacket that spoke volumes without saying much. Khalil, never one to be outdone, was clad in a white button-up shirt that hugged his frame just right, his dark jeans adding to his polished look. Behind them, Lena, Cris, and Jay were dressed in more glamorous clothing than they had ever worn before. Lena's dress shimmered in the sunlight, Cris looked dashing in his new jacket, and Jay rocked a fresh pair of sneakers and a sleek hoodie but all were in perfect harmony with the high-end outfits that now enveloped them.
Their movements were smooth, as if they had rehearsed this walk, each of them silently aware of the effect they were having on everyone around them. The bystanders paused mid-step, their eyes following the group. A few teenagers whispered to each other, their jaws practically on the floor. A couple of older women stopped in their tracks to admire Lena's outfit, murmuring to one another about the sudden appearance of such wealth in their midst. Some even fumbled with their phones trying to sneak pictures probably wondering who these people were.
Zed's lips curled into a confident smirk as he caught a glimpse of the onlookers. He knew the effect he had and he liked it. The crew moved as one unit—an unspoken bond forming between them as they soaked in the attention. They looked like a band of misfits who somehow managed to look perfect together.
"Damn, Zed, we look like we own this place" Khalil remarked, his voice full of amusement as he adjusted his sunglasses.
"Like we own everything" Zed replied smoothly, his tone dripping with his usual arrogance. But there was something softer in his gaze when he looked at Lena, Cris, and Jay. It was as if he was proud to have them there with him.
As they walked past a group of young women at a nearby cafe, one of them, a girl in a tight red dress, turned to her friend with wide eyes. "Who are they?" she asked, almost breathless.
"No idea but... they definitely don't look ordinary" her friend replied, raising an eyebrow. "Must be some influencer squad or something"
A couple of men who had been sitting at a bench nearby did a double-take as Zed's group passed, their eyes lingering on the polished shoes, the expensive accessories, and the way they carried themselves. One of the men, a local businessman with a graying beard, whispered to his companion, "That's what money looks like... pure confidence. They don't need to announce it, it just radiates"
Lena, now feeling the weight of the luxury clothes on her, couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with disbelief. She glanced at Jay, who had a grin on his face, clearly enjoying the attention. Cris, on the other hand, seemed a bit more reserved but even he couldn't deny the way the world around them had changed. The people who had once overlooked them—no, probably even judged them—were now watching them like they were celebrities.
As they neared the corner of the street, Zed glanced back at his friends. "Enjoying guys?"
Jay laughed. "Yeah, I can't believe how people are looking at us. Feels like we're in a movie"
Lena giggled, her face flushed with a mix of excitement and embarrassment. "This is surreal..."
"You guys deserve this" Zed said with a shrug, his tone light but full of conviction. "You're part of my crew now. We stick together, all the way"
The group continued to stride down the street, a blend of casual elegance and hard-earned confidence. The passing pedestrians continued to look at them with curiosity and admiration. Some whispered, others just stared. A few bystanders even gave them approving nods, as if acknowledging the power and prestige these young individuals exuded.
"I still can't believe it" Cris said as he adjusted his jacket. "You actually bought us all this stuff"
"Well, you're my friends now" Zed replied, his voice playful yet sincere. "And friends don't let friends go hungry or wear ugly clothes"
Khalil smirked. "Don't even get me started on your old wardrobe, Cris"
Cris rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. Just sayin', this feels unreal"
By the time they reached the end of the block, a small crowd had gathered, whispering and taking photos of the unexpected spectacle. Zed stopped, turned around and smiled at his crew.
"Let's go grab some snacks" he said, his tone both playful and commanding.
They continued on their way, the group now even more aware of how different their lives were from the people around them. It was a strange kind of power—an undeniable presence, backed by the kind of wealth and influence they had only begun to understand. But it wasn't just about the clothes or the attention. It was about the bond they shared, the crew they had become.
And they weren't finished yet. The best part of the day was just beginning.
This is the Crew. Zed's Crew. The fusion of two circles the— elite privileged trio and the less fortunate friends. This is just the beginning. Remember, Zed Ashgrey isn't stingy.
Not A Goodbye, Just... See You Later~