The apartment was alive with Marin's voice, bubbling with excitement as she spun her phone around to show Zak the numbers.
"Look, Zak! Twenty thousand views in just two days! And my subscribers are flying up…this one girl even asked me what foundation I use!" She bounced on her heels, grinning ear to ear, her energy practically glowing.
Zak smiled despite himself, leaning against the kitchen counter. "That's… amazing. Congratulations, Marin. You're killing it."
Her eyes softened at the praise, her grin melting into something warmer. "Thanks. But it's not just for me, you know? If this keeps going, maybe I can help ease your burdens too."
The words landed heavier than he expected. Zak's chest tightened, emotions stirring in ways he wasn't prepared for. She wanted to help him.
Before he could respond, Marin's phone buzzed with new emails. She skimmed them quickly and gasped. "Zak! I just got a callback for a beauty product line… and a dress brand too! Oh my god, oh my god—wait—" Her eyes narrowed as she scrolled further. "…aaaand a swimwear company. And… oh. Lingerie."
Zak's frown was immediate. His brows knit, and his mouth tightened in disapproval.
Marin glanced up at him, reading his face like a book. Her lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Relax. I'm not going to take those. I said modeling, not baring everything for creeps online." She stepped closer, lowering her voice deliberately. "Besides…" She leaned in, tilting her head coyly, "only special people get to see me in lin–ge–rie."
Zak's ears burned. His throat tightened. His first instinct was to look away, but something in him pushed back. He leaned closer, matching her boldness, voice low. "Is that so? …And how does someone become that kind of special?"
Marin didn't flinch. Her eyes locked on his, unwavering. "Wouldn't you like to know?" she whispered, her words a direct challenge.
They froze there, breaths mingling, the air electric. Zak tilted forward, lips hovering closer just inches away. Her gaze flicked to his mouth, then back up, her lashes fluttering as her body instinctively leaned into his.
And then…
RING RING!
Zak jerked back, red-faced, fumbling for his phone. "Shit, my boss." He cleared his throat, stepping away so fast it almost made Marin laugh. He answered quickly, muttering into the phone as his cheeks remained crimson.
Marin stood where he left her, stunned by how close he had gotten, her heartbeat hammering. For a moment, she could still feel the ghost of his warmth inches from her lips.
"Tch… idiot." She clicked her tongue, but her smile softened as she watched him.
⸻
Days passed in a strange rhythm. Zak worked his shifts, Marin focused on her growing online presence, and together they fell into an easy flow of shared meals, casual teasing, and late-night conversations. It wasn't perfect, but it was theirs.
One evening, over dinner, Marin's voice lit up again. "Zak, did you see the trailer for The Age of Adaline!? Omg it looks, like, sooo good—I totally wanna watch it~!"
Zak leaned back, thoughtful. "Tomorrow. I'll take a leave from work." He pulled out his phone, booking tickets without hesitation. "My treat."
Her eyes widened slightly. Her heart fluttered. "…Is this… a date?" she thought, biting her lip. Outwardly, she just smiled and nodded, excitement bubbling inside.
The next day, Marin stepped out of her room dressed in a simple but stunning outfit: a pastel skirt, fitted blouse, and a light jacket. Her hair framed her face in soft waves, lips glossed just enough to shine.
Zak nearly dropped his wallet. "You… you look…" His words caught, and he forced them out. "Really nice."
She smirked. "Careful, Zak. If you keep flattering me like that, I might start expecting it."
He rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks hot. "It's not flattery if it's true."
They stepped outside
Marin was about to tease him further when familiar voice called out.
"Zak! Is that you… and Marin?
They both turned to see Mrs. Donnelly, their elderly neighbor and one of Zak's grandmother's closest friends. She stood on her porch, grinning from ear to ear. "Finally taking her out, huh? …..Your grandmother would've been so proud, what a beautiful girlfriend you've found. You two make the cutest pair!"
Just then, the taxi they'd booked arrived, saving Zak from the awkwardness. He opened the door for Marin, and she slid in, rolling down the window to wave at the old woman. "Thank you!" she mouthed, while Zak got in from the other side.
The taxi pulled away.
Zak sighed. "Sorry if she made you uncomfortable. She's just… like that."
"Uncomfortable? Pfft, no wayyy… she's just pointin' out the obvious, we're a super cute pair," she said, smirking.
Zak choked again, turning his head toward the window. "Y-you…"
Marin just laughed, eyes sparkling.
⸻
The movie theater was buzzing with people, and Marin's excitement was palpable. She clung lightly to Zak's sleeve as they found their seats, whispering comments during the trailers, giggling at the overly dramatic previews.
When The Age of Adaline finally started, she was absorbed - wide-eyed, leaning forward, clutching her soda. Zak, however, found himself watching her more than the screen. The way her eyes widened, how her lips parted at emotional beats, it was addicting.
Afterward, they wandered into a nearby park. Marin was still animated, waving her hands as she dissected her favorite moments. Zak smiled silently, just… listening.
Then…trouble.
Three men slouched against the park's railing, their eyes locking onto Marin.
"Hey… isn't that the chick from that vlog?" one muttered, pointing.
Another squinted, then smirked. "Yeah… the hot girl, right? Damn, she's even better in person."
The third licked his lips. "Let's go say hi."
As they approached, Marin's breath hitched. A sudden memory tore through her — crowded lights, screaming fans, the metallic glint of danger. A fan from her past world, obsessed and unhinged, reaching out with deadly intent. Her chest tightened, and she instinctively shrank back, heart hammering.
Zak didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, placing himself between her and the group. His broad shoulders formed a solid wall, arms slightly outstretched. Marin's eyes widened, and a strange warmth settled in her chest — a mix of relief and awe. Just seeing him there, unflinching, made her feel… safe. Protected.
"Back off," he said flatly.
The thugs laughed. "What's this, pretty boy? Playing hero?"
They lunged.
Zak fought.
He wasn't strong, his punches lacked weight, his body took hit after hit. But he didn't falter. Each time they knocked him down, he staggered back up, shielding Marin with his body, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
Blood dripped from his lip, his chest heaved, but his resolve never broke.
"Stay… away… from her," he gasped, forcing himself to his feet once more.
Marin's eyes blurred with tears. Stop… please stop… she wanted to scream, but her voice failed.
The thugs sneered, raising fists for another strike….
And then, like a shadow slicing through the night — she appeared.
A woman clad in a skin-tight black suit, white fur lining her wrists and collar, a domino mask framing her sharp green eyes. She moved like lightning, a kick to one man's jaw sending him sprawling, claws slashing across another's arm to drop him screaming, a fluid twist bringing the last one crashing into the ground.
Felicia Hardy. The Black Cat.
She landed gracefully, disgust twisting her lips as she stared at the groaning men. "Lowlifes relying on numbers because you're too weak alone. You make me sick."
Then her eyes shifted landing on Zak.
He was still standing, battered and swaying, arms lifted protectively in front of Marin.
Her gaze lingered on Zak, a spark of admiration flickering in her eyes. "…Huh," she murmured. Marin noticed the subtle shift, her eyebrow twitching.
"Call the cops," Black Cat said shortly, before turning on her heel and vanishing into the night.
Marin rushed forward instantly, cradling Zak's arm. "Zak! You're hurt!"
"I'm fine," he muttered, though his body screamed otherwise.
Cops arrived, hauling the thugs away after brief statements. An ambulance took Zak and Marin to the nearest hospital, where his wounds were treated.
Later, back home, Marin refused to let go of his hand as they sat together on the couch. Her grip was tight, desperate, her eyes shimmering.
"…I was scared ," she whispered finally, voice breaking.
Zak turned, meeting her gaze, his free hand lifting to brush her cheek gently. "I'll never let anyone hurt you," he said firmly.
Marin's lips trembled. And then before words could fail her - she crushed her mouth against his.
Zak froze, stunned but only for a moment. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Her fingers tangled in his hair, yanking him deeper into the kiss. Their tongues collided, the kiss turning hungry, heated.
When they finally parted, breathless, Marin's eyes were darkened with need.
Zak's chest pounded. He wanted more, he needed more but his bruised body protested, a groan slipping out. Marin snapped out of her daze, concern flooding her expression.
"You need to rest," she whispered.
He hesitated… then nodded, pulling back. Together, they walked to their rooms. At his door, Zak paused, turning suddenly. His hand cupped her cheek, lips brushing hers in a softer, lingering kiss.
"Goodnight," he murmured, retreating into his room.
Marin stood frozen in the hallway, fingers touching her lips, heart racing. Slowly, she entered her room, the echo of his words and his touch burning through her.