"How was your little trip to Dogtown? I heard from some of the 6th Street guys that the Barghest crew there nearly lost their minds—almost broke out of Dogtown just to start a fight with the locals in Night City."
"All things considered... worth the trip."
Karl was casually replying to Oliver, who was lying on the couch at home. He glanced around. "Where are Jack and V? What are they up to?"
"Boxing tournament. I heard each district has some sort of underground champion. Jack and V are both trying to settle that unfinished business for Vik, so they're out looking for opponents. I think they're challenging the Animals right about now."
"You didn't go with them?"
"I mean, I am kinda into boxing, but the kind of boxing Jack and V do..." Oliver gave Karl a look that needed no explanation.
Karl nodded knowingly. "No one can beat them, huh?"
"Isn't the point of watching boxing the thrill of competition? I've seen the fight tapes T-Bug got us—those so-called champions are nothing special. If they can last more than three minutes against Jack or V, I'd be impressed."
"One round, you mean."
Boxing in Night City tended to be quick—mostly decided by knockouts. Three minutes per round was enough, and for fighters like Jack and V, even one round was more than generous.
"Since Jack and V aren't around, why don't we hit up T-Bug? See if she wants to grab a bite with us."
Karl glanced out the window. "I just got back from Dogtown after a full night without sleep—I'm starving."
"Go take a shower first, man. You reek of dust. I'll go call T-Bug. We can pick a restaurant later, or cook at home if you'd prefer."
"No thanks. I'd rather grab food outside and crash right after."
With that, Karl headed into the bathroom, stripping down for a shower. As the cool water splashed against his body, he received a message from Blanca.
"Tough mission this time. I didn't expect there'd be so many traitors inside the Intelligence Bureau... You must be exhausted. I know a great hotel—quiet, relaxing, good food. Want me to book a room and pick you up?"
Pick me up for dinner, huh?
Karl scooped water into his palms and splashed his face, washing the dust and grime from his forehead and hair.
Feeling a bit refreshed, he replied:
"Maybe next time. I'm about to grab a bite with Oliver and T-Bug. I'm really tired today—just want to eat and sleep. I don't rest well outside my own bed."
A few moments after he sent the message, Blanca called him—video call.
A video call?
Karl casually pulled down the waterproof screen in the shower and transferred the call to it.
It was originally installed by the gang-affiliated previous tenant for high-priority comms even while bathing. Karl had kept the feature, and grown used to using it.
The call connected, and Blanca appeared on the screen. She was at home, working—papers stacked beside her desk, printed for security reasons. Her eyes looked a little tired, but she still seemed alert, not as if she'd been up too long.
She looked up from the documents and began,
"I finally manage to invite you out and you—"
Then paused, noticing Karl's surroundings.
She stared for a second.
"You're in the shower... answering a call while naked?"
She hesitated for a moment before adding, "You're way too relaxed."
"Huh? It's not a big deal."
Karl was aware that he was naked, but he'd positioned the camera to only show his upper body. As a guy, being shirtless wasn't exactly scandalous.
"Sigh. If I let my imagination go just a little further, I might not be able to concentrate on work anymore."
Blanca smirked, teasing,
"Why don't you lower the camera a little more? Since you've already gone half-way, I wouldn't mind a full view."
"Hey now, that's borderline harassment."
"Don't you think you answering naked is already a form of harassment for me?"
Karl rubbed his wet hair and paused to think.
"Good point... But honestly, I wouldn't do this with any other woman. You're the exception, so it's fine, right?"
"So I should feel flattered to be in a unique position... or concerned you're way too relaxed around me?"
She laughed, clearly pleased by his words.
"I was thinking, since you're so tired, maybe I'd get a chance to eat you up instead—but since you've been sweet today, I'll let you off."
"Let me off? I should be grateful, huh?"
"Exactly. Go enjoy your meal with Oliver and T-Bug. Oh, by the way—"
Her eyes sharpened suddenly, serious.
"You said no other women get this kind of treatment... so not even that Arasaka heiress, right?"
"Of course not." Karl answered without hesitation.
He waited for Hanako to call him, and with Chiyoko always nearby—well, if Chiyoko ever caught sight of anything indecent, she'd definitely scold him. She was uptight about etiquette. And if Ken'ichiro were present too... yeah, better not.
Blanca seemed satisfied with his answer. Her lips curved into a small, triumphant smile.
She gave him one last lingering look and ended the call.
"Are you done in there or what, Karl?" Oliver's voice called out from behind the bathroom door.
"You taking a royal princess bath or something? T-Bug's ready, we're all waiting on you."
"Stop rushing me—I'm coming!"
Karl dried off and grabbed a loose outfit from the in-shower drying cabinet.
As he stepped out of the bathroom, something clicked in his mind.
He had just rinsed off quickly—he'd forgotten to use cleanser or body wash to scrub off the grease and sweat.
"Next time I shower, no more video calls."
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🔥🦾 CYBERPUNK: THE RELENTLESS 🦾🔥
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Night City doesn't slow down for anyone.
Here, every alley hides a threat, every deal can turn into a bloodbath, and every second could be your last.
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🛑 ALSO AVAILABLE ON PATREON:
🌃 Cyberpunk: Dogtown Legend
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🤖 My Girlfriend's a Cyberpsycho—Who Knew?
🛡️ Star Wars: The Rise of Mandalore
🌌 Star Wars: Relics of the Past
🏰 Game of Thrones: Secrets Beneath the Dreadfort
⚡ The Rebirth of Harry Potter
🌹 R18: Reincarnated in Her World
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