I leaned back on the sofa, arms folded, while Kyle sat across from me. Her eyes lingered on me like she was trying to peel away a layer of skin. The silence was thick, but I didn't break it. I had nothing to explain—at least not yet.
After a while, she finally spoke, her tone calm but firm.
> "You should go to New York. You've been stuck here too long. At least there you'll meet new people. Staying hidden might feel safe, but locking yourself indoors forever isn't living. And honestly? You're starting to act like one of those otaku—you sit around shouting at nothing, like you're in your own little world. At least in New York, you'll have better excuses. In the end, it's your choice."
I almost laughed. Damn. She was starting to sound like my old man.
It's not that I hate going out—it's just that I've got some… otaku habits. I'm not a complete shut-in, but the thought of spending every day surrounded by crowds? No thanks.
If I really cared about being a hero, wouldn't my first thought after gaining power have been to go out and "save the world"? But no. Forget that messy hero lifestyle. I'd rather keep my peace and binge anime in silence.
And yeah—since coming to this world, I haven't even tried to get a girlfriend. Living like a loser, admiring 2D girls… disgusting? Maybe. But it's who I am.
That said… Kyle was dangerous in her own way. Her figure alone could make any guy lose focus—even me. I'd be lying if I said they weren't influencing my decisions right now.
Kyle wasn't just attractive—she looked like she'd been pulled straight out of a comic book panel. Tall, long legs that seemed endless, a narrow waist, and curves that could stop traffic. Her chest and hips were the kind of proportions you'd only expect an artist to exaggerate on purpose—but somehow, she made it look natural. Add in sharp eyes, full lips, and that confident posture, and she gave off the aura of a woman who could walk into any room and instantly own it.
Still, New York wasn't a bad idea.
Captain America merchandise plastered on every street, fake shields in museums, propaganda at every corner. Skyscrapers casting shadows over old brick apartments. Beneath all that? Hydra agents, S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives, A.I.M. scientists, maybe even some robots pretending to be civilians.
As long as you don't get caught in a random explosion or mutant attack, it's a great city.
Of course, the real reason I wanted to see New York was because that's where the future plot would unfold. The Avengers, Tony Stark, Spider-Man—though Spider-Man should still be a student at this point. Not that I planned to go looking for him.
Besides, what are the chances I'd just be walking down the street when—bam—a gangster shootout starts? Or a giant lizard, a sand monster, or a guy throwing lightning bolts pops up?
…Yeah. Best not to jinx it.
Anyway, New York sounded like the right move. And definitely not because I was weak against… certain temptations." Nope. I was a man of culture. I made my own choices.
…Though, if I'm being honest, some valleys were suspiciously deep.
I shifted my gaze back to Kyle, this time without holding back. She must have felt it, because she stiffened for a second—but then leaned forward slightly, like she was inviting me to look. A tempting seductress through and through.
Kyle's POV
This man… does he ever take anything seriously? If my boss hadn't specifically told me to keep an eye on him, I might have walked away already. He frustrates me constantly—yet, against my better judgment, I stay.
Since his "awakening," I've started expecting more from him. But what worries me most is his carelessness. If I had bad intentions and sold his secret to the government, what would he do? He doesn't even realize how exposed he is. (Not that I actually know the full extent of his powers.)
Suggesting New York wasn't random. Mutants are common there, and if people assumed he was one of them, he'd have cover. And… truthfully, I want to see what he's capable of. I've never been this close to someone who feels like they could be a superhero.
I put on a cold front, but I'm not immune. There's something about him—about his presence—that draws people in. I've seen it happen to strangers too. Maybe it's charisma, maybe it's part of his ability, I don't know. But it's dangerous.
If he ever decided to charm women intentionally, it would cause problems. I hate to admit it, but even when I'm annoyed, I can't stay angry for long. That unsettles me.
I don't know what the future holds for him—or for me, if I keep following him. But one thing's certain: he won't be ordinary for long. And I need to decide whether I'll keep standing at his side… or step away before it's too late.
She exhaled softly, shaking her head, as if trying to clear away thoughts she had no business entertaining.
Kyle snapped back to the present.
> "So, are you going or not? Should I cancel your flight?"
I wiped the corner of my mouth (definitely not drool) and waved a hand casually.
""Yeah, why not? New York's a good city. Worst case, I get caught in some random disaster—but hey, that's just part of the package deal."
She ignored my sarcasm.
> "Fine. I'll pack your luggage. Remember, your flight is at 9 A.M."
She stood, her twin peaks bouncing dangerously as her hips swayed toward the bedroom. I forced myself to look away before my brain short-circuited.
Instead, I walked toward the kitchen. I didn't need food, but Kyle was still human. My hands were itching to cook again.
Without turning back, I called out, "Set the table for two. Then come help me in the kitchen. I'm making chicken soup with rice and pork belly. And beer."
Cooking was the least I could do. Besides, it kept me human