The bells of West Corp Academy faded into the distance as Hana led Maya through the winding streets of downtown Sherwood. The city felt different out here—less like a training ground and more like a home.
"Trust me," Hana said, skipping over a puddle. "The school food is designed for 'optimal performance,' which is code for 'tastes like cardboard.' You need real soul food."
They stopped in front of a cozy, slightly weathered storefront. A neon sign in the window flickered with a warm, welcoming hum: The Corner Plate. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of sizzling onions, toasted bread, and sweet cinnamon.
"Hana! You're back! And you brought a friend!"
A boy emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a white apron. He was tall, with broad shoulders that looked like they could carry the weight of the world, but his face held a gentle, easy-going warmth. This was John Lewis.
"Hey John," Hana grinned, sliding into a red vinyl booth. "This is Maya. She had a morning from hell. Give her the 'Bad Day Special' and don't skimp on the whipped cream."
John’s gaze moved to Maya. She immediately felt her face heat up, her hair falling forward like a protective shield. She expected the look—the wide-eyed realization, the "Are you really Cybergirl's daughter?" question.
Instead, John just smiled. It wasn't the sharp, shark-like grin of the students at the Academy; it was grounded.
"Nice to meet you, Maya," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Rough first day at West Corp? I’ve heard the orientation there is basically a gladiator pit with better lighting."
Maya blinked, surprised. "You... you don't go there?"
John shook his head, pulling a notepad from his pocket. "Nah. I go to Atlas Vocational. It's one of the other five UMA schools. We’re more about the 'Regular Work' side of things. I’m in the Construction and Heavy Lifting track. My dad says it’s better to use your strength to build a house than to punch a hole in a villain."
He winked, and Maya felt a strange flutter in her chest—not the panicked vibration of her stabilizer, but something soft.
"I'll be right back," John said.
While he was in the kitchen, Hana leaned over the table. "He’s the best, right? He’s a 'Strong-Type' UMA, but he’s the most caring guy I know. He doesn't care about rankings or hero points."
A few minutes later, John returned, but he didn't just bring fries. He set down a massive chocolate fudge sundae with two spoons and a small, perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich.
"On the house," John said, leaning against the table. "My UMA tingle told me you weren't just hungry, you were stressed. Chocolate is the best cure for an overloaded power-circuit."
Maya took a tentative bite of the sandwich. It was perfect. "Thank you. I... I really needed this. Everyone at school today was so..."
"Intense?" John offered. "Yeah. That’s the West Corp way. They want everyone to be a legend. But hey, legends don't get to enjoy a Tuesday afternoon in a quiet booth, do they?"
For the first time all day, Maya laughed. It was a small, shy sound, but it was real. They spent the next hour talking—not about energy blasts or legacies, but about movies, music, and how Hana once accidentally turned into a hamster during a math test.
Maya watched John as he moved around the restaurant, effortlessly lifting heavy crates of supplies and laughing with the regular customers. He was strong, but he used that strength to make people feel safe.
I wish I could be like that, Maya thought, her eyes lingering a second too long on John as he waved goodbye to a departing family. Just... normal. Just helpful.
As she finished the last of the chocolate, she realized her collar device hadn't vibrated once since they sat down. In this small, greasy-spoon restaurant, the weight of the purple-and-green suit felt a little lighter. She looked at John, and for the first time, she felt a different kind of spark—one that had nothing to do with her DNA, and everything to do with the boy behind the counter.14Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06ESB1Cpmn
and then Add to home screen.