Morning Chaos
The alarm blared like a siren, shattering the silence of dawn. Johnson buried his head deeper into the pillow, refusing to let reality claim him. Rose, sprawled comfortably across his chest, stirred with a groan.
With an annoyed hiss, she stretched out an arm and smashed the clock with her palm. "Tch… stupid alarm. Always ruining my peaceful mornings." She nestled back against him, but her eyes flickered open when she noticed his sleeping face. A mischievous grin tugged at her lips.
"Too handsome for your own good, bro," she muttered, snapping a few quick pictures on her phone before tucking it away.
That was when she felt something press against her. Her cheeks flushed instantly. "Oh, hell no…"
Her green eyes glowed, hair shimmering with energy as power gathered in her hand.
In his half-asleep daze, Johnson stirred. "Mmm… what's going on?"
A voice echoed in his mind — the AI spirit bound to him.
Vow: Master, danger detected! Wake up immediately!
Johnson's skin shimmered faintly green.
System Alert: New Ability Unlocked – Danger Sense Lv. 1. User can sense threats within a 30-mile radius.
His eyes snapped open to see Rose, face red with fury, fist raised and glowing. "Uh… Rose???"
"PERVERT!" she roared, swinging at him.
Johnson rolled away just in time. The shockwave obliterated the bed, splinters flying across the room.
"What the hell?!" Johnson stumbled to his feet. "Are you trying to kill me?!"
"You're disgusting!" Rose fired a blast that shredded the roof. "Waking up with your—ugh—thing touching me! You beast!"
Johnson's face turned crimson. He grabbed a pillow to shield himself. "I-It's not my fault! I was asleep! Blame biology, not me!"
Rose's aura flared brighter. "Unbelievable! First time I sleep in your bed, and this happens?!"
"Wait, why were you even in my bed?!" Johnson shot back.
Rose crossed her arms, pouting. "I phased through the door. Don't question it."
Before Johnson could reply, a voice rang out from downstairs.
"Johnson! Rose! Stop breaking the house and come down for breakfast!"
It was Aunt Mary.
Both siblings froze, then sighed in unison.
"Yes, Aunt Mary!" they shouted back.
Morning Routine
As Johnson got dressed in the bathroom, his AI companion Jake stirred.
Jake: When master was in danger, I temporarily released 15% of your sealed abilities.
Johnson paused mid-shave. "My abilities are sealed? Since when?"
Jake: Your limit is currently 10%. Unlocking further requires proper conditions.
Johnson groaned. "Then unlock all of it now."
Jake: Error. User lacks sufficient imagination and reason.
He spat toothpaste into the sink. "Figures. Always an excuse."
Jake: Also, master, you haven't changed your mask yet.
Johnson peeled the smiling mask from his face, staring into the mirror. His real reflection looked back — dead eyes, lifeless and tired. He hated it.
"Jake," he muttered, "status report."
Jake: Calculating…
As Johnson showered, dressed, and tightened his tie, the report flowed in his mind:
Physical Strength: 34/60
Speed: Hypersonic (peak: near light-speed)
Mental Fortitude: Weak, but user has a clear goal
Emotional State: Attached to sister, aunt, and Lucian
Friends: Jerry and Angela
Johnson frowned. "Angela's my girlfriend. Why the hell did you list her as just a friend?"
Jake: Correction: User has no romantic capability. Angela is simply a girl who is your friend.
"…Cold." He sighed. "Fine. But next time, word it better."
Jake: Aura Manipulation Lv. 2. Development: ongoing.
Johnson tied his new mask on. "Better. No one needs to see the real me."
Breakfast
By the time he reached the table, Rose was already munching noisily.
Johnson smirked, swiping a turkey wing from her plate. "Impatient as always, sis."
"Hey!" Rose lunged across the table. "Give it back!"
He held it just out of reach, grinning. "Nope."
Her eyes flashed green. Suddenly the air vanished from his lungs. He choked, clawing at his throat.
"Fine, fine!" he gasped, shoving the wing back onto her plate.
"Much better." She sat back, smug.
Mary glanced at them with disapproval. "Johnson, stop teasing your sister. And Rose — don't ever use your powers against him at the table again."
Rose wilted. "Sorry, Aunt Mary."
Johnson raised his hands in surrender. "Sorry too. I'll behave."
Mary set down her fork and eyed them both seriously. "Now tell me. Why have you two been sneaking out every night for the past six months? Don't lie to me."
Johnson forced a laugh. "We just go to parties, Ma."
"Yeah," Rose nodded quickly. "He invited me."
Mary's expression didn't change. She slid photos across the table. "Then explain these."
Both siblings stiffened.
---
Rush to School
"Ah, time!" Mary exclaimed, glancing at her watch. "I'm late for work! Johnson! Rose!"
"I'm coming!" Rose called, already hovering off the ground.
"Rose," Mary warned, "don't use your powers in the house. And… did something happen between you and Johnson?"
Rose flushed. "It's… complicated."
Mary sighed. "I shouldn't have pushed you two to get closer."
Rose shook her head. "Don't worry about it." She floated toward the door, muttering, "But I'm still hungry…"
Johnson appeared behind Mary, straightening his tie. "Morning, Ma. How was your night?"
She pecked his cheek with a smile. "Peaceful, until you two started shaking the house. Now eat — I made wings and hamburgers."
"Perfect!" Johnson grinned, finishing his plate in record time.
Rose stuffed hers until she coughed. Mary handed her water. "Slow down. The food's not running anywhere."
"You can't blame me," Johnson said, patting his stomach. "I need the calories."
Rose glared. "And you're calling me fat again, aren't you?"
Johnson smirked. "Didn't say it… but you thought it."
"Asshole."
Mary interrupted, smoothing Johnson's hair. "Don't let your classmates get to you. You may not have money or flashy abilities, but you're stronger than you think."
Johnson looked down, quiet. "…Thanks, Ma."
Mary smiled warmly. "Now go on, before you're late."
Rose phased through the wall, grinning. "Race you to school, slowpoke!"
Johnson cracked his knuckles, lightning crawling across his arms. "You're on."
"Set…" Rose shot upward into the sky.
"…Go!" Johnson exploded forward, the ground shaking as he blurred into hyperspeed.
Mary watched them from the porch, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Take care, my children."