"Man, tonight really wore me out," Zeming called over his shoulder from the front of the motorcycle, the fierce wind whipping against him as he shielded the others with his body.
"When did you even buy this bike?" Eira asked from behind, wrapped in his jacket with Vivio sandwiched safely between them.
"Had it for ages. Just never brought it out."
Eira was drunk—properly drunk. No choice but to rely on him, a cyborg whose body purified any liquid besides water the moment it hit his throat. Alcohol? Toxins? All neutralized before they could take effect.
"You don’t like riding?"
"It’s fine. Just... my first time."
"My first motorcycle ride had me nervous too. Two wheels’ll never feel as steady as four."
"Yeah... this is a bit intense."
Eira’s calves were actually going numb now—the skimpy outfit plus the mountain road’s icy rush.
"My pants aren’t an option. You really want your husband cruising around bare-legged in his boxers with the whole family?"
"Of course not! Vivian’s right here—watch what you say!!" Eira punched his stomach. Hard.
"Ow... sorry."
"...Daddy’s really silly..." Vivian mumbled sleepily.
"Vivian! Don’t gang up on me!" Zeming yelped mid-turn. Was he really the lowest-ranked at home?
"Shh. She’s asleep," Eira whispered.
"Asleep? Seriously?" He hadn’t felt her move in minutes—just the soft weight against his back.
"She’s just a kid. Tonight wore her out." Eira gazed at Vivio nestled between them, her smile softening into something tender.
"Vivian’s... remarkable. Knows so much for her age."
"Yeah. Without her tonight? Way more awkward."
"Mm. Next time, I’m skipping it."
"Oh? And you think I’d invite you again?"
"...Wouldn’t you, my dear~ wifey~?" He braced for another punch.
But instead, Eira just tightened her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his back. Warm. Soft. A quiet comfort he hadn’t dared hope for.
"Don’t get the wrong idea. Vivian might catch a chill."
"I know. Don’t you catch one either. You’ve got the world to save tomorrow."
"...I’m ordinary."
"If you’re ordinary, what does that make me?"
"You... you’re not ordinary to me."
The words nearly sent the bike skidding off the road.
"Why say that?"
"Speaking of—where’d this bike come from? You didn’t drive here, and my trunk’s too small."
"Uh... a friend dropped it off. I borrowed it awhile back. Convenient timing."
*Should I tell her I can summon motorcycles?*
【He’s onto us, buddy.】
Zeming slapped a hand over the bike’s speaker.
"What was that?"
"My phone. Ignore it." *Damn thing. Next upgrade: ripping out this chatty AI. Why’d those idiot engineers add voice control anyway? At least lose the slang...*
"Anyway—you don’t feel ordinary at all."
"No?"
"No. What are you hiding? Just tell me."
*Secrets stay hidden for a reason.* Avoiding trouble was part of it. Avoiding admirers, governments, the ghosts of every enemy he’d ever made. His past life could get his family killed. Parents were one thing—but now? A daughter. A wife who smiled like sunlight. This quiet life was perfect.
"Seriously, I’ve got nothing to hide. Trust me."
Silence.
...Because both of them were asleep now.
*Yeah. Some secrets are better kept.*
"Sleep tight. Gotta carry you two upstairs soon. Guess I get double the cuddles tonight."
"Whatever."
---
"I saw her."
In the darkness, a man bowed before a shadowed figure.
"Oh? Impressions?"
"Perfect. We can move soon."
"Then act. Our plan won’t wait. Or..."
"Understood. Though... the people around him might complicate things." The man hesitated.
"Who?"
"Unknown. But troublesome."
"Find out. Then report."
"Yes, sir!"
