"What!?"
Do I have to go in cosplay too?!
"Actually, it's better this way..." Cyan said as she thought about the situation.
"Better?" Lin Ling asked, curious about what she meant.
"It's better to make sure you aren't discovered because you're with me. The orphanage is still a target for people wanting to know more about me. I haven't revealed who Luo really is so he won't be bothered by that kind of people, and I don't want you to be either." Cyan said seriously.
"That makes sense..." Lin Ling understood what she was getting at. "But I've never done cosplay before; I have no idea how to make a costume for myself." Lin Ling said, worried about the situation.
Wait… but there's someone who probably knows…
Lin Ling grabbed his phone and started calling someone.
"What a surprise—you calling me outside of work hours. What do you need?" Wang Ming said on the other end of the line.
"Earlier you said you'd already been to HeroCom, right?"
"Yes."
"Did you go in cosplay?"
"I went in cosplay every time with Yue. Why?"
"I decided to go to HeroCom with Cyan, but our tickets only allow entry if you're in cosplay."
"Oh, I see. Those tickets are special because they grant direct entry into the cosplay contest, plus they're great for agencies to give to their heroes' fans so more people show up dressed like them. Do you want me to help you with the costume?"
"Can you do it?"
"I can't… but there's someone else who can," Wang Ming said, sounding excited.
The next day.
It was after Cyan's shift; she and Lin Ling were standing in front of a house's door.
"This must be the place," Lin Ling said as he rang the doorbell.
"You're here! Come on in," Wang Ming's wife, Yue, greeted them at the door with a smile.
"Thank you," Lin Ling and Cyan said as they stepped inside.
"Wang Ming should be here soon; he left work early to pick up Yan from school," Yue said as they walked further into the house.
It was a simple house with a hallway leading to rooms like the kitchen and living room on the first floor; a staircase near the entrance led to the second floor, where the bedrooms were.
Jake, the family dog, was lying asleep on the living room couch.
"So, do you guys want to help with the cosplay?" Yue asked as she poured tea for them while they sat at the dining table next to the living room.
"Yeah… we decided to go to Herocom. After all, it should be fun, right?" Lin Ling wanted to avoid revealing anything unnecessary as much as possible.
"Yeah, Wang Ming and I always have fun there." Yue grabbed her phone and started showing them some photos. "Me and him at some of our appearances."
The first photo was of the two of them at the event entrance; Yue was dressed as Bowa, while Wang Ming was dressed as Smile.
"I almost didn't recognize Wang Ming," Lin Ling said, surprised by their cosplay.
In the second photo, Yue was dressed up as what appeared to be a witch, while Wang Ming was dressed as Firm Man.
"That looks cute on you," Cyan said with a smile, remembering how many people had gone to great lengths to look their best for Herocom.
In the third photo, Yue was dressed as Ghostblade and Wang Ming was dressed as DJ Shiding.
"You all look great."
"Thank you, I worked really hard on them," Yue said with a proud smile.
"You made all of them?" Lin Ling asked, a little surprised.
"Yes. It's always been one of my favorite hobbies."
That explains how she noticed my hair is dyed.
Cyan remembered how, on the trip, Yue had pointed out that she dyed her hair.
"So who do you want to cosplay as?" Yue asked, now looking excitedly at both of them.
"I'd like to cosplay as Lucky Cyan," Cyan said excitedly; she was eager to at least see Queen and The Johnnies again.
"I'm not surprised..." Yue formed a frame with her index fingers and thumbs while looking at Cyan. "You really are made for this."
Did Wang Ming really not tell her?
Lin Ling, who was sipping tea, felt a little nervous about the direction the conversation was taking.
"What about you?" Yue now looked at Lin Ling, still holding her fingers in the frame.
"I was thinking of something that would hide my face well, like E-soul."
Yue then fell silent, staring at Lin Ling.
"Actually, the E-soul armor is pretty cool, but it's hard to make it properly in such a short time before the event." Yue said, seeming to be deep in thought.
"It doesn't have to be anything fancy; just the helmet would be enough—"
"Nonsense. This has to be done as well as possible." Yue said firmly.
She's really dedicated to this…
Lin Ling thought, breaking out in a slight sweat at the intensity Yue conveyed when talking about cosplay.
Let's see…
Yue narrowed her eyes slightly, looking more closely at Lin Ling.
'There must be someone you'd look good as—'
She then widened her eyes upon noticing something specific.
"Bingo!" Yue then abruptly stood up from the table, taking Lin Ling and Cyan by surprise.
"Bingo?" Cyan asked curiously at her sudden action.
Yue then quickly ran off to another room in the house, returning a few seconds later holding something.
"Lin Ling, stand up."
Lin Ling simply obeyed without worrying about it; Yue then began wrapping what appeared to be a measuring tape around his body.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking your measurements."
Some time passed before she finished.
"He's the same height…," she muttered to herself. "He's a little too skinny, but with a little padding, it might work…," she continued to mutter to herself, causing Lin Ling and Cyan to break out in a comical sweat at her behavior.
"So, have you thought of someone for me to cosplay as?"
"Ah..." Yue snapped out of her daydream, coughing sheepishly for letting that side of herself slip out.
"Yeah..."
"Who?"
"Oh... that's going to be a surprise." Yue said with a soft chuckle at the end.
"Okay... "I'm sure I can trust you." Lin Ling agreed right away, though he was already figuring out the cosplay details.
"Of course you can! I'm the best at this." Yue puffed out her chest proudly, eliciting a chuckle from Cyan.
"We're here!"
Everyone's attention was drawn when they heard a new voice from the entrance.
Jake quickly got up from the couch and ran toward the entrance.
"Good to see you, Jake." It was Wang Ming and Yan; Yan was wearing her school uniform and carrying her backpack, and she looked in a bad mood.
"So what happened that Dad had to be called to pick you up early from school?" Yue approached, speaking seriously to her daughter.
"I just taught a bad guy a lesson." Yan said hesitantly, turning her face away so she wouldn't have to look at her own mother.
"Basically, she punched a boy in her own class." Wang Ming said awkwardly; he still found it hard to believe.
"YAN!?" Yue shouted in surprise; she hadn't expected this.
"I couldn't let him talk about Loli like that! He's a jerk for badmouthing a heroine like Loli!" Yan said, slightly afraid of her own mother.
So she was defending her favorite heroine?
Lin Ling thought curiously upon hearing Yan's words.
Yue sighed as she bent down to speak to her own daughter.
"We've already talked about this. Others won't appreciate things the same way you do, and if they speak badly of her for no reason, a punch won't solve anything."
"So I should have punched him again?" Yan tilted her head, asking genuinely.
"No. Just find another way to resolve it, without violence."
"I'm sorry..." Yan lowered her head in acknowledgment of her words.
"I'm not the one who needs to hear that; tomorrow, I hope you apologize to that boy."
"Okay..."
Yue stood up, satisfied with the conversation.
"Now go to your room. No TV for today."
"Okay..." Yan climbed the stairs dejectedly, Jake following close behind.
"I can't believe that of all the decisions she could have made in a situation like this, she chose that one." Yue said exasperatedly after her daughter left.
"On the one hand, she's a strong person, isn't she?" Wang Ming said, trying to find a silver lining in the situation.
Yue rolled her eyes at her husband's words.
"We just have to channel that strength in the right direction."
Yue then turned to face Lin Ling and Cyan, who were watching everything in silence.
"Sorry about the scene just now; I just couldn't let that slide."
"It's okay… you were right to do that," Lin Ling said calmly.
"Yes… I've seen firsthand just how chaotic kids can be," Cyan added right after.
"Thanks.... getting back to what we were talking about earlier." Yue perked up again. "I'm going to call a friend to get the costume materials." She walked cheerfully to the kitchen to make the call.
"I know Yue gets really intense about cosplay, but trust me, the costumes are going to look great," Wang Ming said, approaching Lin Ling and Cyan.
"I'm sure they will," Cyan said with a smile; her excitement was contagious.
"And I'm curious—are you sure you want to go to HeroCom? Isn't it risky?"
"I just want to see my friends again. I think HeroCom is a good way for me to show up as myself without anyone noticing."
"I see. It's just that security will be tighter at this event."
"What?" Lin Ling asked, surprised by the news.
"It just came out on the news a little while ago," Wang Ming said as he grabbed his phone and showed it to them both.
"HeroCom's main sponsor, Fomo, announced that due to the recent attacks caused by the fear and threats from the SpotLight organization, along with the expected largest crowd the event has ever had, security at the event will be increased. HAC also announced that it will provide security around the venue with the goal of ensuring fans can enjoy the event more comfortably."
"I guess that was to be expected..." Cyan said after the news report ended.
"But isn't it crazy to attack a place packed with heroes? Most of the Top 10 will be at the event." Lin Ling was trying to imagine who would even think of doing something like that.
"It does seem pretty unwise, but at the same time..." Wang Ming said the last part in a low voice, pondering how this world could be so full of surprises.
The three of them turned their attention to Yue, who had returned, but all her cheerfulness had vanished.
"Are you okay, honey? Didn't your friend have what you needed?" asked Wang Ming, already guessing what had happened.
"She does… but since HeroCom is coming up, demand is high, and she can only hold it for me until tomorrow… but tomorrow I'll be working all day at school!" said Yue, dejectedly.
"At school?" asked Cyan, unable to hide her curiosity.
"I'm a teacher…" Yue let a faint, tired smile appear on her face. "I've been cutting back on my classes lately, but there are still days when I can't get out of it…"
"I can go pick it up at the store tomorrow," said Lin Ling, knowing it was the best thing to do.
"Really? Thank you." Yue's spirits lifted quickly.
"Is the store where your friend works the same one I went to with you the last few times?" Wang Ming asked, already forming an idea.
"Hm? Yes."
"Great." Wang Ming said cheerfully as he wrapped his arm around Lin Ling's shoulder and pulled him aside for a more private conversation.
"Take this opportunity and bring Cyan with you." Wang Ming whispered to Lin Ling.
"What?"
"Have you decided on a gift for her yet?"
"…No."
"Then this is your chance to get to know her better. Besides, The store is near a great spot for a date."
"This isn't going to be a date!"
"So are you going to take her?"
Lin Ling mulled over the idea.
Her birthday is the day after HeroCom...
"Yeah... it's not a bad idea." The words slipped out of his mouth.
Wang Ming let go of Lin Ling, smiling at the result.
"It sure isn't."
The next day – convenience store
"How boring."
Cyan rested her head on the counter, feeling disheartened.
"I knew it wouldn't exactly be exciting; there haven't been any customers for hours…"
She then found herself staring out the store window as people walked distractedly down the street; she noticed that some of them were wearing headphones.
Lin Ling must be writing the song for Nice... I wish I could help him.
Cyan then let her gaze wander around the store until something caught her attention: a small notebook with a Big Johnny print on it.
She immediately picked up the notebook and placed the exact amount of money for it in the cash register.
I can still write my songs...
Cyan thought as she twirled a pen between her fingers.
A few minutes later
Cyan rested her head on the table once again.
Nothing... I'm out of ideas...
"It seems like today is boring."
Cyan lifted her head at that voice.
Khloe was standing next to her, smiling slightly.
"Sorry—"
"Don't worry, things are slow anyway, just don't fall asleep."
"Okay…" Cyan hadn't expected that; she'd actually expected someone more serious in moments like this.
"What are you doing?" Khloe looked curiously at the notebook Cyan was holding.
"Writing songs... or at least trying to." Cyan said the last part under her breath.
"A music fan, huh? I shouldn't be surprised—you look the part... let me guess, is it a romantic song?"
"What?" Cyan instantly regretted telling Khloe that.
"I bet those are the hardest to write. I'd love to hear someone sing a serenade to me..." Khloe began daydreaming about that scenario.
"It's no big deal..." Cyan said nervously, her voice trembling.
"Okay..." Khloe didn't seem to believe Cyan's words. "Just make sure you pour all your passion into those lyrics; I bet he'll fall head over heels for you." Khloe said, walking away and returning to her own work.
It's not romantic at all...
Cyan is starting to think that this job is intense solely because of that woman. Calming down after more teasing from Khloe, she let her gaze wander to the store clock.
Lin Ling said he wanted me to go with him to pick up the materials for the costumes so he could show me something...
Cyan rested her arm on the counter, then rested her head in her hand while twirling a pen with her other hand, unable to stop staring at the clock.
I wonder what it is....
Lin Ling's Apartment
Why is this so hard?
Lin Ling looked tired as he stared at his laptop.
If the request weren't so vague... I could write lyrics that match his ballet style...
Lin Ling remembered how ballet is one of the defining characteristics of Nice, something refined and appreciated for its perfect technique.
No... he's a hero; it has to convey more emotion about the hero he is... for example...
Lin Ling decided to listen to one of the songs about a recently released hero.
Scar - Dragonboy
PUT IT ON ME, BETTER NOT MISS
BULLET RAIN PAINTING MY SKIN
WHEN YOU GIVE PAIN TO A BEAST
ANY LAST WORDS, 'CAUSE YOU WON'T DIE IN PEACE
I'MA BLOW IN THIS SHOW
FATE GOT TWISTED INTO MY FLOW
ENEMY BETTER BE HUMBLE AND LOW
DON'T YOU CHEAT BECAUSE I WOULD KNOW
FAKE SURROUNDED MY LIFE, I AM SICK OF YOUR LIE
I CAN ONLY CLIMB HIGHER
STREET SHROUDED BY DARK
GREETING MY HERO WELCOME TO THE PARK
AYY, AYY, RESILIENCE IN MY HEART
WHEN LORD HAS NEVER GIVEN ME MERCY
WON'T LET ME FALL THOUGH I COVERED BY SCARS
VROOM, VROOM, WOULD YOU MIND ME SPEED IT UP
OR DID YOU WANNA FLEE WHEN YOU SEE WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM
HERO, DO YOU THINK YOU'RE BIG ENOUGH
ENCOUNTER THE BEAST WHEN YOUR KNELL GOES TIK-TOK COUNTING DOWN
DON'T NEED TO TEACH ME HOW DANGER WOULD SMELL
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT DIVING INTO HELL
WITH YOUR ACCOMPANY I'M FEELING WELL
IGNITE YOUR FEAR WITH MY FEVERISH SMILE
I CAN'T SEE NO HOPE WHEN I NEED A SAVIOR
SINK ME IN THE DARKNESS, THAT'S WHERE I BELONG
I CAN'T STAND NO MORE
IF I ACT LIKE A PLAYER, CAN I BE HEARTLESS?
I DON'T NEED NO HELP...
This song really captures his style; someone who's willing to fight to stay on top, no matter how much they attack him… but also someone who's tired of this world…?
Lin Ling quickly dismissed the thought before it could distract him from his goal.
The main thing is that the song represents the hero in a dignified way... I need to do something like that for Nice.
Lin Ling let himself slump back on the couch with a sigh.
It's still not easy for me... if only they'd asked me to write a song for Moon, it would be easier... I'm not a huge fan of Nice... wait!
"If I'm not a big enough fan to come up with ideas for Nice, his biggest fans must have some." Lin Ling said to himself as he searched through forums and communities focused on the Perfect Hero.
I can use the expectations and perceptions that fans have of Nice and use that as a basis for writing lyrics that truly represent the Perfect Hero.
Smiling perfection @nicevibe7x7
I love how Nice is such a clear example of virtue above all else!!!
#nice #perfect
Responding to @nicevibe7x7
Nice is the most perfect @xnice_nice
You're right! I personally love the colors he represents—dressed in white and gold, with meanings rooted in prosperity and purity, something ideal for a hero.
(With that in mind, Queen is my second favorite.)
#nice #perfect
Responding to @xnice_nice
Gentle yet strong @dance015_perfect
A word that fits Nice very well is "paragon"; a paragon signifies a model of virtue and excellence, and Nice is the highest standard for a hero.
#nice #perfect
Responding to @dance015_perfect
Nice is the most perfect @xnice_nice
I didn't know that, and I agree—Nice is a great example of a hero for the people. I hope he makes it to the top 10 soon so he can get closer to becoming X!
#nice #perfect
Responding to @dance015_perfect
A full and perfect life @thenicex_x
My "paragon" is that bright smile combined with his signature pose… it's just too perfect!
#nice #perfect #perfectsmile
"I should have expected some over-the-top stuff... but I shouldn't judge, after all, I've written things like that about Moon myself." Lin Ling recalled with embarrassment the comments he usually leaves about Moon.
'But I found some interesting things; this "paragon," for example, is something that stands out—I could use it as a title... some of their other preferences too, but I'm not sure about that smile of his...'
Lin Ling still couldn't see the charm in that smile of the perfect hero.
Even I can strike his pose...
Wanting to better understand the charm of this trait that Nice possessed, Lin Ling stood up and walked to the bathroom, stopping in front of the mirror.
He took a deep breath and...
Lin Ling raised both hands, pointing at the mirror, and smiled in Nice's style, recreating Nice's signature pose—at least as best as he could.
"Nice."
.
.
.
.
No... that doesn't look right...
"Nice."
Lin Ling repeated it, but still didn't find anything striking about the hero's style.
I've seen that pose hundreds of times a day... I can copy it.
"Nice."
Once again, and he still didn't think it was good.
"Nice."
Could it be that my hair doesn't match?
Lin Ling stepped closer, trying to improve his appearance.
I really haven't been paying much attention to my appearance—
Lin Ling froze when he saw something reflected in the mirror—or rather, a person. Cyan was standing there, looking at him curiously.
A few seconds passed before Lin Ling turned and faced Cyan, smiling as best he could, though a slight blush of embarrassment was visible on his face.
"Hi... how was work?"
Cyan couldn't help but let a slight, amused smile appear on her own face.
"You were... striking the 'Nice' pose?"
"Could you… forget what you saw?" Lin Ling asked, hoping that at least he could live without being tormented by it.
"Pffft—" Cyan put a hand to her mouth, stifling her laughter as best she could.
"Yeah, I figured you wouldn't…" Lin Ling thought dejectedly, knowing that Cyan wouldn't forget.
"Welcome to the X City Aquarium!" A shark mascot greeted Cyan and Lin Ling at the entrance, as several other people were entering the building.
Lin Ling was wearing his usual clothes, with the addition of his jacket.
Cyan was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and white athletic pants.
"The aquarium?" Cyan asked excitedly without realizing it.
"Yes, the store where we need to pick up the supplies is nearby, so we can take the opportunity to visit this place—and I don't think you've ever been here, have you?" Lin Ling seemed excited too, though less so than Cyan.
"Come on in! Come on in! The Sparkling Coral group's performance is about to start!" The mascot said enthusiastically while pointing to a poster at the entrance.
Four different mermaids were visible on the poster: one with blonde hair and a blue tail, one with red hair and a yellow tail, one with blue hair and a green tail, and the last one with purple hair and a white tail.
"I've seen them before."
"Really?" Lin Ling asked, curious about Cyan's words.
"It's more like I've seen them in some Fomo videos." Cyan said, recalling how Little Johnny was the one who knew all about these things on Fomo and showed them to her and the Queen.
"Trust me, seeing them live is more special." The mascot said with pride in his voice.
Convinced, Lin Ling and Cyan walked right into the place.
"Wow..." Cyan let out as they now stood in front of a giant tank.
Sharks like the whale shark, bull shark, and hammerhead shark swam around.
"Look at the size of that monster's mouth!"
Some children were screaming and jumping as they looked at these sea creatures.
Lin Ling couldn't help but notice how intently Cyan was watching everything.
Polar Bear Area.
A large polar bear was roaming around its habitat while several people stood near the glass, taking pictures.
"How scary!" Near Cyan and Lin Ling, a woman clung to her companion's arm. "Isn't that one dangerous?"
"Hm, don't worry, just trust me—I'll take care of that one." The man said with a confident smile.
Cyan let out a little laugh at the scene.
Lin Ling looked at her curiously.
"Sorry… don't you think he's cute?" Cyan said as she looked at the polar bear, who was now curling up for a nap.
"Well…"
For someone who must have gotten close to Big Johnny, a polar bear must really be cute.
"He has his charm..."
Penguin Habitat
"Aaaaahh..." This time, Cyan was right up against the glass, staring at the penguins with sparkling eyes. "They're so cute."
Many other visitors were looking at these birds in the same way; it was definitely one of the most crowded areas of the place.
An aquarium employee was inside the habitat feeding the penguins; for the visitors, it was quite a show.
I wonder if she'd like a penguin stuffed animal as a birthday present?
Lin Ling was deep in thought, wondering how much Cyan would like something like that.
Underwater Tunnel
The two of them were now walking along, looking around at the various fish swimming by. What caught their attention most were the manatees; there was even a diver playing with them.
"What do you think of these—" Lin Ling stopped mid-sentence when he realized Cyan was no longer by his side.
"What!?"
Lin Ling then began looking around the crowd of people, worried.
"Lin Ling."
He immediately felt relieved upon hearing the voice he'd been searching for.
"There you are—" Lin Ling froze once again when he saw that Cyan wasn't alone; she was holding hands with a child wearing a Smile the Hero outfit. The boy looked very depressed, on the verge of tears.
Now the three of them were sitting on a bench in the next area, which was another giant tank.
"So, what's your name?" Cyan asked, smiling gently at the boy.
The boy remained silent, not answering.
"I'm Cynthia, and this is Lin Ling. We just want to help. Did you get separated from your parents?"
"No... my mom is busy with work, and my dad... I don't know..." the boy replied, looking down.
"Oh... okay..." Cyan realized this was a more delicate situation than she'd expected."Were you with anyone?"
Once again, he didn't answer the question.
This isn't going to be easy...
Lin Ling thought, noticing how reserved the boy was when it came to talking.
He then looked around, and something caught his attention—the next area was a food court.
Maybe...
"Do you like ice cream?" Lin Ling asked the boy.
"...Yes."
Lin Ling smiled at that answer.
"Okay... then I'll get some ice cream for us." Lin Ling stood up and headed toward the counter.
Lin Ling was now standing in line, waiting for his turn.
I guess things have changed for now...
Lin Ling was a little frustrated by this turn of events.
I know the boy needs help, I wanted to help him... but still, I wanted to spend more time just me and Cyan.
Lin Ling then looked at the ice cream flavors they were selling.
I don't know what flavor she likes... I want to get to know her better...
Lin Ling let out a slight smile at these thoughts.
Not the Lucky Cyan everyone knows, the heroine every fan knows—I want to get to know her beyond that—
"Hey!"
Lin Ling jumped slightly in surprise when his thoughts were interrupted by a shout.
"What would you like?" The clerk looked at Lin Ling, slightly irritated; apparently, she had been calling out to Lin Ling for some time.
"S-sorry, I'd like..."
"Is this your first time here?" Cyan asked, hoping the boy would say more.
"No... I've never liked it here." The boy kept his head down.
"Really? I really liked the penguins...."
The boy then lifted his head, but Cyan noticed he was staring at something specific—a family of a father and mother playing with their own child.
"...I lost my parents when I was just a child," Cyan said softly.
The boy then looked at her with visible surprise on his face.
"You..."
"These days, it's hard even for me to remember their faces, but I'll never forget what they did for me..." Cyan then smiled slightly again.
"Rest assured that your mom is busy with work to do what's best for you; that's just how parents are—it's normal for them."
The boy then clenched his fists tightly on his lap.
"You're here... what does that mean?"
"It means that even if it's hard, you won't be alone. There will always be someone willing to help—it's something anyone can do, which is why I'm doing it."
The boy then relaxed at those words.
"I just wanted... to have more time with her," he admitted, speaking louder this time.
"Then tell her; she'll understand."
"I'm back." Lin Ling appeared, now carrying three small tubs of ice cream.
"Sorry... I left without asking what flavor you guys wanted...." Lin Ling smiled awkwardly as he handed the ice cream to both of them.
"Thanks." The boy smiled slightly as he accepted the vanilla ice cream.
Lin Ling could easily tell that the boy was feeling better.
"Is this it?" Cyan asked as she accepted the ice cream; it was the same flavor as the one Lin Ling had.
"Mint with chocolate chips... I thought it would suit you." Lin Ling scratched his cheek nervously.
Cyan then took a bite of the ice cream, and her eyes immediately lit up with happiness.
"I think I have a new favorite," she said excitedly, then continued to devour it.
Lin Ling smiled happily at her reaction.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the lights will go out shortly for the aquarium's next attraction..."
A voice announced over the venue's loudspeakers, and immediately afterward the lights went out, leaving only the emergency lights on.
"Come on, come on, it's the new attraction!"
The visitors ran toward the water tank, excited about what was to come.
"Want to see?" Cyan asked, smiling at him.
"I-I... would like to," the boy admitted at once; he couldn't hide it.
"Then let's go." Cyan stood up and held out her hand to the boy, who gladly took it. Lin Ling followed right behind them as they made their way toward the crowd.
Cyan then realized there was a problem: Ethan couldn't see the tank very well; they were at the back of the crowd.
"Is something wrong?" Lin Ling asked, noticing the unhappy expression on Cyan's face.
"I don't think he'll be able to see…" Cyan couldn't see very well either with the crowd, but she could see better than the boy.
"I'll take care of it," Lin Ling said as he handed his own ice cream to Cyan to hold.
"Can you trust me?" Lin Ling asked as he crouched down to be at the boy's eye level.
He looked at Lin Ling for a few seconds before nodding in agreement.
"Okay..." Lin Ling then smiled as he lifted the boy and placed him on his shoulders; now he could see very well.
"Being tall has its advantages," Cyan said as she handed Lin Ling's ice cream back to him.
"No jealousy—next time it's your turn." Lin Ling smiled confidently at Cyan.
"I'm not turning it down." Cyan returned the smile in the same way.
Then the show began; jellyfish of every color started appearing throughout the tank. As darkness fell, a light show took place, leaving all the visitors in awe.
The boy watched everything intently. Cyan, observing his reaction, smiled contentedly as he went back to eating his own ice cream.
"Look at those two—aren't they a cute couple?"
Cyan choked slightly upon hearing these comments.
Two ladies standing behind them were openly commenting on them.
"Don't they seem too young to have a child?"
"He might be adopted, but they're definitely good parents."
"It's so rare to see a cute family like that."
Without realizing it, Cyan bit down harder on the spoon with ice cream in her mouth, still processing what she'd heard.
A family...?
Cyan thought to herself as she watched Lin Ling and the boy enjoying the show; a faint blush crept onto her face without her realizing it.
"Ethan...? Ethan!"
The three of them turned around when they heard a new voice.
A woman with black hair in a ponytail and wearing glasses was catching her breath in front of them; she was dressed like an aquarium employee.
"Maria?" the boy said when he realized who it was.
"Finally... I found you... this place is so huge..." The woman looked like she'd just run a marathon.
"We found him, and he's fine..." Lin Ling took Ethan off his shoulders and set him down on the ground.
"They helped me and even gave me ice cream."
"Thank you…" Maria said, relieved.
"They asked me to watch him, but he always ends up running away."
"It's okay… the important thing is that he's fine." Lin Ling could clearly see how worried she was.
"Could you come with me? There's one more person I know who would like to thank you."
To Lin Ling and Cyan's surprise, they were taken to an unexpected place—more specifically, to the Sparkling Coral Group's dressing room.
"ETHAN! MOM WAS SO WORRIED!"
One of the members of the mermaid group hugged her son tightly; this was Sherry, the blonde-haired member.
"Ms. Sherry, I'm sorry for letting Ethan slip out of my sight." Maria bowed her head in apology. "These two ended up finding him." Maria said, referring to Lin Ling and Cyan, who were watching everything in silence.
"It was no big deal—" Lin Ling was interrupted when Sherry suddenly hugged him and Cyan tightly.
"THANK YOU SO MUCH!" Sherry said with a tearful tone in her voice.
Lin Ling and Cyan laughed awkwardly at the mother's actions.
"I'm sorry…" Ethan began to speak softly.
Sherry let go of Lin Ling and Cyan and turned her attention to her son.
"Ethan, I'm so happy you're okay… but you have to stop running away like this when you're here." Sherry spoke firmly, yet her voice remained gentle.
"I just want to spend more time with you… and I also want to see Dad…" Ethan's voice began to break.
"Mommy will make more time to be with you... and as for Daddy... when he comes back, he'll come see you..." Sherry picked up her son and walked into another room. "How about a nap? You must have walked a lot."
"So little Ethan has been found." A new voice appeared, catching the attention of the three who had remained in the main room.
"Ms. Giselle and Ms. Tracy," Maria said when she saw the other two members of the mermaid group.
Giselle, the red-haired member, and Tracy, the blue-haired member—Tracy was the only one in the group with short hair.
"It was hard to calm Sherry down… a little longer and we would've had to cancel the last performance," Tracy said as she ate from a bag of snacks.
"I'm sorry, I—"
"You don't need to apologize, Maria. The worst is over." Giselle said, unconcerned by the employee's behavior. "And thank you both. Sherry is the sentimental type—very different from Ethan..."
"At least things seem like they're going to get better." Cyan said, glad that Ethan was opening up more to his mother.
"The problem isn't just Ethan…" Giselle seemed a little irritated. "Sherry herself refuses to forget his father…"
"Hey, Gi, that's kind of unnecessary…" Tracy said, thinking Giselle was overreacting.
"You know very well it isn't. The boy has clearly already told them enough… his father left right after his own son was born… he's a coward, but Sherry still hopes he'll come back, which is why she's still so eager to work—because she thinks she'll find him here again, just like the first time."
Tracy sighed at Giselle's words.
"You said it yourself, Sherry is the sentimental type; she won't forget him."
"She should… she's stupid for clinging to those memories."
It really is quite delicate…
Cyan thought, beginning to understand better why the boy acted that way.
"You two. I'm only telling you this because you're good people, and I bet your date was interrupted, so it's only fair you get an answer about what you're involved in." Giselle said, looking firmly at them.
"T-thank you, but we weren't on a date." Lin Ling said, blushing.
"No…?" Tracy tilted her head, smiling amusedly.
"Do you think forgetting is the best way?" Cyan asked, looking at Giselle; apparently, she hadn't grasped the part about the date.
"I wish I could..." Giselle sighed wearily. "But it's not that simple; after all, love is impossible to forget." Giselle pointed to her own heart. "That's why it's painful."
"Of course you understand that..." another new voice chimed in, catching everyone's attention. "For someone who's already on her third divorce." It was the last member of the mermaid group, Stella, a tall woman with purple hair and a serene expression.
"You... know very well that this is different!" Giselle said irritably, a blush of embarrassment spreading across her face.
Stella chuckled softly at Giselle's reaction.
"And you, Tracy—don't eat so close to the performance."
"Okay..." Tracy finished off the rest of the snacks.
"And thank you both for your help; Ethan clearly looks better," Stella said, looking at Lin Ling and Cyan.
Stella then stepped closer, looking intently at Cyan.
"You... remind me of someone..."
Cyan's eyes widened slightly upon hearing this.
"One question: are you heroines too?" Lin Ling asked, aiming to change the subject.
"No, our confidence is pretty high, but that's not our goal. We help out when needed with our skills that make diving easier, and we can also breathe underwater, but nothing like that." Stella explained calmly; apparently, this wasn't the first time they'd been asked that question.
"What's going on here?" Sherry returned, looking at everyone curiously.
"Nothing much… and what do you have there?" Stella asked curiously, looking at what Sherry was holding in her hands.
"A gift for my heroes today, here." Sherry handed Cyan a large penguin stuffed animal; Cyan couldn't help but let her eyes sparkle at the gift.
"Really? Thank you!"
I guess that gift is out of the question now...
Lin Ling thought, realizing that one of his options was already taken.
"Alright... we better go; we don't have much time to get ready for the performance." Stella said, warning everyone.
"Okay." Tracy yawned as she walked out of the room to get ready, with Giselle following right behind her.
"Now that I think about it... what time is it?" Lin Ling remarked, realizing that quite some time must have passed.
"It's 6:07 p.m." Maria, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up.
"What!? The store closes at 6:30 p.m., we have to go." Lin Ling said, glancing at Cyan, who nodded in response.
"What? You're not staying for the presentation?" Sherry asked, disappointed by the news.
"Next time," Lin Ling said as he and Cyan hurried out of the room.
Stella chuckled softly at the sight; Sherry looked at her curiously.
"What's so funny?"
"They're a little weird… in a cute way."
Subway - 7:15 PM
"Thank goodness we made it in time."
Lin Ling sighed with relief as he sat down on the subway car seat with Cyan beside him.
Yue ordered a lot of white stuff... I know the costume is mostly white, but I wonder if mine will be too? Thinking about it, I'd like to do X—that would be really cool.
Lin Ling started imagining what he'd look like cosplaying as X.
Then he noticed that Cyan was surprisingly quiet, hugging her penguin stuffed animal.
She really seems down after that conversation...
"Is what she said still bothering you?" Lin Ling asked, getting Cyan's attention.
"...Yes, I just can't bring myself to forget things that were special to me, even if the process was painful." Cyan admitted weakly. "And what do you think about that?"
Lin Ling was silent for a few seconds.
"You're someone I'll never forget…" Lin Ling said, catching Cyan a little off guard. "You told me that before, but I never said it back, did I?" Maybe before there were things I'd rather forget than live with them tormenting me, but now I don't care how painful it might be, I don't want to forget—after all, everything was special because in the end I made it to you." Lin Ling finished, smiling sincerely at Cyan.
Cyan remained silent, processing Lin Ling's words until she smiled coyly at him.
"Was that some kind of confession?"
"W-what!?" Lin Ling's face turned red upon hearing that. "I-it's not that you're… the person I refuse to forget! I just—"
Lin Ling was interrupted when he heard Cyan laughing at him.
"I know..." Cyan began to calm down after that laugh. "You should be careful; you have a way with words that can make anyone fall in love." Cyan still had a smug smile on her face.
Lin Ling stifled a groan of frustration as he covered his face with his hands in embarrassment.
Couples these days are really lively.
A man returning from work thought to himself as he took in the scene unfolding before him.
One day before HeroCom.
Lin Ling was at Wang Ming's house, with him sitting next to him on the couch; Cyan was trying on the cosplay outfit with Yue at that moment.
"So, how's the song for Nice coming along?" Wang Ming asked curiously.
"It's going well. I'm using what the fans expect from Nice as a reference, so I'll be able to please them." Lin Ling had already laid out a foundation for the song.
"You're just using what his fans expect? What about you?"
"What do you mean by that? I'm not a big Nice fan myself."
"What I mean is, you're the one writing it. Isn't there anything you want to express when you think of the perfect hero?"
"You know most of my ideas get rejected, and even so, who's going to care about what I express in a Nice song?"
"...Maybe you need to see it with your own eyes; HeroCom will be a good opportunity for that." Wang Ming smiled slightly as he said this.
"Everyone!"
Yue appeared, coming down the stairs excitedly.
"Here she is, the luckiest idol of them all! The heroine Lucky Cyan."
Cyan came downstairs wearing an exact replica of her hero uniform: a sleeveless white turtleneck with a large four-leaf clover symbol on the chest, blue tights, and white boots. The feature that had returned to its original state was her hair, which had once again turned cyan.
"It really is like she's here herself," Wang Ming said, not at all surprised by the result.
Lin Ling remained silent as he looked at Cyan.
"So what do you think, Lin Ling?" Yue asked, snapping him out of his reverie.
"I-I… her hair looks better this way…" Lin Ling said, with a slight blush visible.
"Thank you." Cyan smiled happily at how the cosplay had turned out.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from Lucky Cyan," Yue said, jumping for joy.
"Wait… you know?" Lin Ling asked, realizing how she was speaking.
"Hm?" Yue tilted her head at his question. "Of course I knew," she replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Wang Ming scratched the back of his neck with a nervous laugh.
"I tried... but it's not working, and Yan doesn't know anything. She's staying at Auntie's house today, so don't worry."
Cyan also laughed nervously about it; she'd found out recently too.
Lin Ling sighed at the revelation; he'd expected this.
She definitely noticed.
"Enough about the unnecessary stuff, it's your turn."
Yue said as she pulled Lin Ling over for his turn to try on his cosplay.
A little while later.
Cyan was petting the family dog.
Yue once again came down the stairs excitedly; for someone her age, she was full of energy.
"This one turned out just perfect."
Cyan, who turned to look at Lin Ling in his cosplay, widened his eyes at the sight.
Lin Ling came down wearing a hero's costume consisting of a pristine, form-fitting white outfit with elaborate gold detailing running across his chest, arms, and legs. He wore a tight collar around his neck, as well as a cape and white boots, both featuring gold accents. In the center of his chest is a blue gem; Lin Ling was cosplaying as the perfect hero Nice, even his hair and eyes were the right color.
"Wait... is that really you, Lin Ling?" Wang Ming asked in disbelief, getting up from the couch to get a better look."It's identical."
"What? It can't be that similar." Lin Ling said, surprised by Wang Ming's reaction.
"You have no idea; it's like Nice himself is right here," Yue said, framing Lin Ling with her fingers.
"Unbelievable—the guy in charge of Nice's marketing looks exactly like the hero. What a small world," Wang Ming said with an amused laugh.
It's almost as if my life is intertwined with this perfect hero...
Lin Ling thought as he looked at himself in a nearby mirror in the room; even padding was being used to recreate Nice's athletic physique.
"Is this a good idea? Won't I draw attention to myself this way?"
"That's the idea. If you draw attention, people will hardly imagine you're there for anything else, and being seen with Lucky Cyan will surely make them think you're just two really good cosplayers. Besides, your face is basically just Nice, without Lin Ling." Wang Ming said, still surprised at how good this cosplay turned out.
"Yeah… I think this might work."
"So Cyan, what do you think?" Yue asked, realizing that Cyan hadn't said a word so far. "Isn't it like being the perfect hero himself?"
Cyan then approached Lin Ling with her head bowed; Lin Ling couldn't see what expression she had. She gently cupped his face with both hands and began to look directly into his eyes.
"Cyan!?" Lin Ling asked awkwardly, his face flushing at the situation.
A few seconds passed as Cyan continued to look directly at him.
Yue and Wang Ming couldn't say a word upon seeing this scene.
"It's not Nice," Cyan said, breaking the silence.
"No...?" Yue asked, confused.
Cyan then let a warm smile spread across her face.
"That's Lin Ling, no matter what costume he wears."
Lin Ling's eyes widened upon hearing that answer.
Yue then turned his face away to hide the dramatic expression he had.
How can this be so cute!?
"She's right..." Wang Ming smiled at the sight. "And besides, that means you're a total idiot for not taking care of your appearance."
"What kind of compliment is that!?" Lin Ling asked, slightly annoyed by his insinuations.
"I think a day like today deserves a celebration," Yue said, an idea forming in her mind.
Cyan and Lin Ling exchanged glances, wondering what was coming next.
"HA!" Yue clinked her beer mug with a sigh of satisfaction. "Barbecue and beer really are a treat at the end of the day."
The four of them were now at a bar that was actually pretty crowded.
"Don't overdo it," Wang Ming said, exasperated with his wife.
"Don't be a killjoy. A quiet day is also a reason to celebrate, isn't it, everyone?" Yue asked, smiling at Lin Ling and Cyan across the table.
"I guess I can't argue with that," Lin Ling said, laughing nervously.
Yue shot a triumphant glance at her husband, who just rolled his eyes and went back to drinking his own beer.
Lin Ling then noticed that Cyan was staring intently at the mug next to her; she was now wearing a cap to hide her hair.
"You've never had anything like this before, have you?"
Cyan turned to look at Lin Ling awkwardly when she realized how she was acting.
"N-no, I just…" Cyan paused for a few seconds, thinking of something specific. "It's just that there was a time when the Queen ended up getting really attached to this kind of thing. I couldn't help her much back then, and she was the one who helped me the most at the same time." Cyan said a little wistfully, recalling that troubled time.
"It doesn't have to be a big deal; we're just here to relax. Sometimes we overdo it because we handle things differently, but I think it all depends on the moment." Lin Ling said, turning his beer mug. "And I'm really not a big fan of the taste." Lin Ling finished with a slight grimace but smiling as best he could.
Cyan then began to look around and saw other people at their tables toasting and laughing as they drank together; Wang Ming and Yue were also laughing with each other right in front of her.
Cyan then downed her own beer mug, taking Lin Ling by surprise.
After finishing, Cyan slammed the mug down on the table, but Lin Ling could see a slight grimace on her face.
"It doesn't taste good, does it?" Lin Ling asked, smiling playfully.
"Yeah." Cyan returned the same smile.
And so time passed as the glasses filled and emptied and the snacks disappeared from the table.
"Remember... that time the boss showed up wearing a crazy wig?" Wang Ming had a visible blush on his face. "And then they hung up a picture of a frog wearing the same wig—" Wang Ming finished, struggling to hold back his laughter
"Do I remember?" Lin Ling had an annoyed grimace on his face, with the same kind of blush. "He took it out on me, making me start from scratch on that week's Nice commercial… always about Nice, I'm getting tired of it." Lin Ling said, finishing off another skewer.
"Nothing against the cosplay you did, Yue, but I'd at least like something different from that."
Yue, who had a silly smile and the same blush as the other two, just laughed amusedly in response.
"I couldn't pass up this opportunity; you look just enough like the perfect hero to be mistaken for him. Besides, Wang Ming told me you're a big fan of Moon—isn't it nice to know you have the kind of looks she'd like?" Yue said teasingly as she glanced sideways at Cyan, who was quiet with her head down, her mug still half-full.
"Hey." Wang Ming already knew what his wife was trying to do.
Lin Ling brought a hand to his face, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"I-it's not like that with Moon. Of course she's my favorite, but that doesn't mean—"
TOC!
Lin Ling was interrupted when a rather loud noise sounded beside him; Cyan's own mug was empty now.
She then turned and began looking directly at Lin Ling; she had the same kind of blush as the other three.
"You're a liar, Lin Ling." She said, smiling provocatively at him.
"Huh?" Lin Ling was speechless.
Yue had a victorious smile on her face, while Wang Ming finished his own mug, already accepting what was about to happen.
"What do you mean—"
"Me or Moon?"
"…What?"
"Answer."
"I-it doesn't work like that! I can very well have both of you as my favorites, can't I?"
"No, that's boring." Cyan was still giving Lin Ling the same smile; he was starting to feel like things were getting out of control.
"Yes, Lin Ling, just answer already." Yue was helping to add fuel to the fire.
"I... I..." Lin Ling looked around for help; Wang Ming had turned his face away, avoiding the question, while Yue just watched, smiling.
"I... THE BILL, PLEASE!" Lin Ling stood up, shouting.
Now the four of them were outside the bar.
"That was fun," Yue said as she stretched.
"I'm going to call a taxi. Are you coming too?" Wang Ming asked, looking at Lin Ling and Cyan.
"It's fine… this place isn't far from home; we can walk."
"Okay, see you later."
"See you."
The pairs said their goodbyes, each going their separate ways.
After a while, Lin Ling noticed that Cyan was very quiet and also seemed sleepy the way she was walking.
"Here…" Lin Ling crouched down in front of her.
"What?" Cyan asked, confused.
"Get on, I'll carry you home."
Cyan stood there in silence for a few seconds before accepting the ride and climbing onto his back.
"Alright." Lin Ling stood up and continued walking.
Both remained silent for a while.
Lin Ling noticed something as he turned the corner.
This place...
"Need help?"
The place where he met Cyan.
"You... didn't answer my question." Cyan said in a low voice, catching Lin Ling's attention.
Lin Ling fell deep in thought.
"I—"
"It's okay... I'm already happy with what I know..." Cyan then snuggled closer to his back. "I'm happy to have a fan like you," she said with a slight smile, as she let her eyes close.
Lin Ling wanted to say something else, but Cyan had already fallen asleep.
"That's when I found someone special... SOMEONE FOR WHOM I AM WILLING TO GIVE MY LIFE!"
Lin Ling recalled the words he had once spoken with such conviction.
Why is this so hard now... what am I afraid of?
In a luxury apartment, the big TV was showing the evening news; the apartment was a mess, with bottles of expensive drinks like wine scattered all over the floor.
"Tonight is a night of anticipation—HeroCom takes place tomorrow, and a large crowd of fans is already gathered at the entrance to the event venue. With this year's ranking tournament canceled, this edition is expected to draw the largest number of heroes and visitors yet, and high expectations are focused on three of the current top hero agencies.
Fomo, for example, will have two major appearances featuring the heroine Loli and the hero Ghostblade, who is partnering exclusively for HeroCom.
Treeman has high hopes for the hero Nice and the heroine Moon; the perfect couple is scheduled to be present at the event all day.
DOS has only announced the presence of the heroine Queen and the heroes from The Johnnies. As expected, the heroine Lucky Cyan is not scheduled to appear at HeroCom; only a museum exhibit for the heroine has been announced—a disappointment for her fans. after all, this edition of HeroCom takes place one day before her own birthday; there were high expectations for what was planned for that date, and we all know who is to blame for this painful situation Lucky Cyan is going through—"
CRASH!
A remote control struck the TV with such force that it completely shattered the screen.
"Brainless bastards…" A woman wearing an expensive-looking but now stained and dirty robe spoke with disgust; a glass of wine was visible in one of her hands.
"You don't understand..." She abruptly raised the glass to her lips; a slight blush was visible on her face. "That heroine is ungrateful; she turned her back on you. Right now, she must be laughing at you... taking advantage of your trust, and you're pointing the finger at me!"
CRASH!
She threw the wine glass hard onto the floor, shattering it into pieces; she gritted her teeth as she remembered everything that had been happening recently.
"I can't even leave the house without being threatened; I've lost all my contracts—all this just for doing my job?!"
Flashbacks of memories passed through her mind in a distorted way.
"You're useless!"
"That confidence isn't for heroes like her; all they are..."
"It's your fault!"
"Everything they have is because of the trust we placed in you..."
"I don't need you..."
"They dare to act like they're better; they're nothing but fakes... hiding who they really are."
"I am the true hero; I am what matters... you're nothing—"
"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A TRUE HERO!"
As the woman's scream died down, a strange noise could be heard coming from the back of the apartment.
She stood up and opened a small drawer near the sofa, revealing a revolver.
"Whoever's out there, I'm just warning you that I have no reason not to use this." She said nonchalantly, the revolver in her hands.
I'm already at rock bottom anyway...
Ring*Ring
The phone sitting on a desk on one side of the large living room began to ring.
She walked over and answered it with an irritated expression on her face.
"Listen here… if this is another one of those useless threats—"
"It's good to hear you're still full of energy, Mrs. Smith," the voice on the other end of the line said casually.
Mrs. Smith's eyes widened, and she clenched her teeth.
"Mickey..." she said, venom in her voice. "What do you want, you filthy rat!?"
Mickey chuckled softly in response.
"I'm curious to know how you've been; I'm sure the last few days have been turbulent..." Mickey sounded far too cheerful.
"You... know very well... I'm at rock bottom because of you! Because of your useless plan—"
"Don't get confused; you're in this mess because of your own fault. You failed, and this is the price you pay."
Mrs. Smith let out a dry laugh upon hearing those words.
"Do you think it's that simple? Oh, Mickey, my downfall also means your downfall. I'm not one of your little pet heroines; I'm not just going to let things end like this."
The line went silent for a few moments until Mrs. Smith heard a sigh of disappointment coming from Mickey.
"I really had a different opinion of you..."
The noise she had heard before started up again, but now it seemed to be growing louder throughout the apartment—it sounded like something was crawling.
"What!?"
"It's disappointing when you don't appreciate the fact that you were chosen…"
Mrs. Smith began looking around in distress; the noise was getting louder.
"This lack of discipline must be corrected."
Mrs. Smith looked down at her feet as she felt something grab her.
"What the hell is this!?"
A small spider-like robot was clinging to her leg; she stepped back in desperation, only to fall backward onto the floor, the phone still hanging on the line, and the gun slipping from his hand
"Consider yourself lucky; you'll have a chance to redeem yourself."
She looked around; several of these robots were approaching her.
"MICKEY!"
"You're part of this fun game too, so I can't throw away something that still has so much use left in it."
The robots began to grab her, preventing her from struggling. A larger robot started climbing up her body; it was carrying a kind of metal necklace with a purple gem.
"WAIT! I WON'T DO ANYTHING, I SWEAR!"
"Tomorrow will be a great day; I'm looking forward to what's to come."
Mrs. Smith had tears in her eyes as the robot brought the necklace closer to her neck.
"Oh... and remember, I'm the one who decides who is disposable."