Targets

Maya sat alone in her low-lit hotel room as the screen of her phone cast a faint glow across her face.

She stared at the last message Scott had sent her — a single middle finger emoji.

Her fingers shook slightly as she scrolled back, re-reading the messages she'd sent him, trying to piece together what had gone so wrong. She hadn't expected things to go perfectly, but… this?

Her shoulders slumped and her expression grew heavier.

There was no reply she could think of, nothing that could take back whatever had pushed him this far.

Why was he so angry? She had tried to apologize, tried to explain.

A tear began to form at the corner of her eye.

She quickly wiped it away just as Vincent stormed into the room with a frustrated face.

"Hey, Vincent…"

Maya muttered, stuffing her phone under the pillow and forcing a weak smile.

Vincent didn't seem to notice her sadness.

His fists clenched as he shut the door behind him.

"Can you believe it?"

The man fumed with a low growl in his voice.

"That tights-wearing, two-bit wannabe Nightwatch is actually back."

Maya blinked as her brow furrowed. "Wait, who?"

Vincent pulled out his phone, his hands shaking slightly with irritation as he tapped the screen.

"THIS!"

He said, holding it out so she could see the clip — a grainy, low-light video of Nightwatch's latest stream, where he swung between buildings, the blue lights of his new suit streaking through Meteor City's murky skyline.

The screen was filled with emojis, hearts, and "Welcome back!" comments from fans.

"And he's all over the place!"

Vincent added, barely pausing for breath.

"Chirper, Instaflick, Chatterbox — everyone's talking about him. Even some of the top WeTube podcasts."

He scrolled through his notifications with a sigh.

"The Heroic Hour did a whole segment about him this morning. They even mentioned you, wondering if there was gonna be a crossover. And don't get me started on The Supes Show — they're practically drooling over the guy."

Maya shrugged, folding her arms. "Okay… but is it really that big a deal? So he came back — good for him."

Vincent's expression turned incredulous.

"Is it a big deal?"

He repeated her words, albeit with heavy frustration.

"Of course, it's a big deal! I built Pulsar's entire brand around streaming hero work, but somehow, this guy's got it locked down. I was hoping he'd disappear for good, but no — he's back with new gear, and he's blown up overnight!"

A smug gleam flashed in his eyes as he flipped through his phone.

"Guess what's currently trending at number six on Chirper? #NightwatchIsBack."

He threw his hands up in frustration.

"Six! Do you know how hard it is to hit top ten without a scandal or a big name?"

Maya managed a half-smile. "Honestly, that's kinda impressive. I mean, good for him, right?"

"No, Maya!"

Vincent nearly shouted.

"It's not impressive! He's hijacking the whole idea, and if he takes too much of the spotlight, our work will suffer."

He adjusted his blazer and did his best to soften his tone so as to change gears.

"Look, let's just focus on keeping you in the spotlight. Your stream's scheduled in an hour, so make sure you're ready. We need this one to be big. Huge, actually. I'll be handling some behind-the-scenes stuff in the meantime. Speaking of which…"

He paused to smoothen out his suit.

"I've got an exciting little surprise lined up."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "What kind of surprise?"

Vincent flashed a sly grin. "How do you feel about a little livestream date with The Peak?"

Her facial expression shifted to surprise. "Wait — The Peak? That's the guy who's been investigated, what, three times now? For harassment, drug use, tax evasion…?"

Vincent waved a hand dismissively. "Investigated, sure, but never convicted. And the fans love him. This could be big for you, Maya. The Peak's trending high right now. A joint stream with him would be gold for your numbers."

Maya crossed her arms and looked away.

"I'm not doing fan service to stay relevant. I save people. That's how I want to be known, not by hanging out with some scandal magnet for views."

Her eyes narrowed right after.

『I know it might sound silly, but I have to admit—I need Scott around to remind me that saving people is what really matters. The fame and money are incredible, sure, but they don't give the same kind of satisfaction that comes with truly being a hero.』

Just thinking about his smile made her feel bittersweet.

It was the first time in a whole week she could picture his face clearly, without imagining the disappointment and disgust she was sure he felt toward her right now.

More than anything, she wanted to be with him again.

Vincent sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Maya… we're in showbiz now. There's a certain… game to be played, and sometimes that means using crowd favorites to keep you on top. We don't need it to be a real date — just a few laughs on camera, a bit of chemistry."

Maya clenched her jaw and turned away more.

"I'm not interested, Vincent. I'm not doing some fake relationship stream, and I'm definitely not getting involved with a guy like The Peak."

Even saying his name made her feel like an idiot.

Vincent muttered something under his breath then paced a few steps before finally sighing.

"Alright, alright, we'll talk more about this later. I'm gonna go get a gin and tonic."

She watched him leave without saying another word.

Her eyes fell back to her phone, where Scott's last message stayed on the screen, stuck in her mind.

Even with all the craziness, the noise, and the pressures of being famous, she couldn't get past that one, hurtful emoji — and the sinking feeling that she was losing something far more important than just fame.

━ ━ ━ ━

Scott strolled into the Rusted Hook Club and slipped his hands into his pockets as he took in the louder, livelier crowd.

The steady beat of the music and the packed crowd surprised him, especially this late at night—he hadn't expected things to be so lively. He looked around to scan the bar and the dance floor, but there was still no sign of Elena.

Checking his [new] watch, he saw it was 3:14 a.m.

『Ahh, jeez…』

A sinking thought crossed his mind—maybe she'd ditched him.

Perhaps he'd read too much into their brief flirtation, or she'd found someone else to keep her entertained.

Scott sighed and moved through the crowd, slipping past the dance floor, and heading into a quieter room off to the side. Away from the noise, he settled in, leaned back, and let out a long breath.

『I'll just wait… I'm sure she's just late…』

After all, he was also late… but for a good reason.

As he checked his watch again, strippers and servers passed by, offering the sexiest lap dances and best drinks, but he turned them all down.

『Sigh~ it's been half an hour… where is she…?』

The minutes dragged, and he figured he'd wait five more before calling it quits.

But then, just as he was about to check the time again, he heard a familiar, teasing voice.

"How long have you been waiting?"

Scott looked up, startled, and there she was… Elena.

She stood in the doorway, one hand on her hip, her cherry lips curled into that confident, sexy smile. The way she held herself, the enticing curve of her hips, the sexual thirst in her charming green eyes, her cool, knowing expression—it all left him momentarily stunned.

"I… uh, I've been waiting for a while."

He finally managed to respond.

His gaze lingered on her in the dim light.

Here, away from the dance floor and pounding music, he could really see her.

She was more than just beautiful… there was something incredibly sexy and undeniably attractive about her, something intense.

He took his time looking, and when she noticed, her mild smile became even more sly. Elena could tell by his gaze that he was practically undressing her with his eyes, imagining her naked body in front of him.

"What's the matter?"

Elena asked in her low and smooth voice, as if they were sharing some private joke.

Scott cleared his throat. "Nothing. Just… you're, well… beautiful. I didn't really get a good look at you before."

Elena chuckled softly then brushed a stray bang from her beautiful face.

"Oh, so you like this kind of beautiful, huh? Or are you more into the refined type?"

She raised an eyebrow, sounding oddly sexy.

"I can do both, you know~ ♡"

He blinked, momentarily speechless.

"Didn't realize there were 'types' of beautiful."

He murmured, unable to keep the grin off his face.

"I usually just go with what I see."

Elena laughed and took a seat in front of him as her eyes locked on his with a steady intensity.

"I like that in a guy. A man who goes with what he sees has a way of staying honest… which makes him eye candy for a lot of women."

He opened his mouth to respond, but the words faltered as she leaned forward to pull her chair closer and comfortably rest her elbows on her knees.

Her tank top dipped slightly, and Scott could see her ample cleavage, which made his mouth water.

However, she immediately noticed him looking, and to Scott's surprise, she arched even more, pressing her elbows against his knees so she could go lower and really show off the sexiness of her breasts.

"You look stressed…"

Elena spoke very softly.

The gentleness of her tone made Scott feel good inside and he felt himself relax just a bit under her gaze.

"I get it; things are rough sometimes. But you can't let that get you down."

He sighed as her words hit close to home.

"Easier said than done. But… yeah, I'm trying."

Other than making him feel criminally good and strangely satisfied inside, the way Elena spoke highlighted just how much more mature and calm she was compared to the girls in his school.

She was definitely an older woman.

Even if her looks didn't reveal it, Scott could easily tell from her behavior that she was more experienced.

It wasn't hard to notice.

Elena tilted her head to study him.

She reached out and let her fingers brush over his collar, before adjusting it as if it needed fixing.

Her touch was light, lingering, and it sent a warm, unexpected shiver down his spine.

"Take your mind off it…"

Elena murmured as her voice dropped to a sexy whisper, so close he could feel her breath on his neck.

"Let your friends keep you grounded… and maybe let some people distract you every once in a while."

She leaned in even closer, pressing against him just enough to let him feel the warmth of her skin and the softness of her expectedly big breasts.

Scott's heart was pounding, and he fought to keep his voice steady.

"Hard to call a woman I just met my friend, let alone trust her. But… I'll try."

She smiled as her fingers trailed down to brush his chest.

"Good."

Her voice held a seductive edge and her green eyes gleamed with mischief.

Then, without warning, she reached for his hand, her grip firm yet soft.

"Come on…"

She said, tugging him to his feet.

"Let's make it an interesting night."

━ ━ ━ ━

Scott stood at the edge of the VIP section, his mouth agape at the view in front of him.

The atmosphere felt cozy and luxurious, with the large infinity pool sparkling softly under the ambient lights.

Expensive bottles of wine and unique drinks were scattered around, shining like jewels in the low light.

The place felt empty, like a private getaway just for them.

So, Scott figured she either reserved it ahead of time or they were just lucky to be here when no one else was around, though that seemed pretty unlikely.

"Wow… how did you manage to get in here?"

He calmly took in the luxurious surroundings.

Elena looked over her shoulder as a playful smile danced on her sweet, cherry lips.

"Just a little charm and some connections. Consider this our sanctuary for the night."

Scott raised an eyebrow, trying to understand her intentions as she pulled him toward the poolside.

"What are we doing here?"

"Liberating ourselves…"

Elena replied in her usual seductive and confident tone.

He watched, captivated, as she walked over to the detachable diving board on the far side of the pool. Her movements were smooth, charming, and undeniably sexy in every way.

"I already feel liberated. Trust me."

Scott said with a smirk on his face.

Elena paused then turned to face him as her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Oh? You have no idea how liberating this can get."

With that, she slowly slipped off her sneakers as the soft thud of them hitting the ground echoed in the otherwise quiet space. Locking eyes with him, her face was filled with a sexual hunger that made his heart race.

"Wait, are you serious?"

Scott acted oblivious.

Elena grinned as her lips curled in that deliciously wicked way.

"You didn't think I meant liberate ourselves from mental stress, did you?"

He felt a rush of heat as he mumbled.

"Oh, that kind of liberation… I didn't think of that."

He obviously did, and the little grin he carried behind his calm expression was everything.

Considering he had an excellent pokerface, Elena couldn't even catch the slightly perverted grin he was hiding, so she simply enjoyed how oblivious he was.

With a playful toss of her hair, she stepped lightly onto the diving board, as if strutting down a runway as her bare feet delicately caressing the surface.

"Considering you overthink so much, I'm surprised your mind didn't jump to the part where I want you to free yourself… inside me."

She licked her lips as if they were stained with cream.

Scott swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure as she unbuckled her cargo pants.

"I don't really consider myself an overthinker."

Elena raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Oh really~?"

Before he could say more, she tossed her belt aside and the sound also echoed in the spacious room. Then she drew down her cargo pants in one smooth motion to reveal her tight lace panties that hugged her curves just right.

"And I don't really consider myself fuckin' horny right now… guess we're both lying."

She said, throwing her pants toward him. They flew through the air and nearly hit him in the face, but he caught them effortlessly then tossed them aside with a chuckle.

As he looked back at her, the sight took his breath away.

Her thick thighs were perfectly shaped and the lace accentuated her body in all the right places.

Unable to resist, Elena adjusted her panties in a deliberately slow manner, then giving him a sultry look that showed just how much she wanted him..

Scott blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wow…"

Then, with a casual grace, she removed her tank top to reveal her sexy red brassiere that cupped her big, perky breasts.

"Not too shabby, huh?"

Elena said, leaning slightly to give him a better view.

The curve of her body and the smoothness of her skin made his head spin.

"Definitely not…" Scott replied coolly.

Elena walked to the edge of the diving board.

There, she leaned just enough to showcase her big butt.

In truth, she wanted to do this sooner.

"I'm having so much fun, and the night is still young. What do you say?"

Scott didn't waste another second.

"You might as well get in the water. I'll join you."

As he spoke, he started unbuttoning his shirt and the sight of his toned muscles made Elena's eyes light up.

"Don't keep me waiting!"

She spoke very playfully.

With a quick jump, Elena executed two perfect backflips before diving into the pool as her body sliced through the water with ease.

When she came up for air, her hair slicked back.

"Ahhhhh~ ♡♡!"

She shot him a smile that made him fumble to unbutton his shirt even faster.

As he finished unbuttoning his shirt, Scott realized he was halfway undressed. He was ready to dive in, but before he could move, she climbed up to the poolside and dashed toward him as water glistened on her soft skin.

In one bold move, she pressed her lips against his and their mouths collided in a heated kiss that sent shockwaves through both of them.

The world around them faded as they melted into each other and their kiss ignited their sexual fires.

"Guess you won't be so… mwah~ ♡ liberated until you get a full taste of, umhnnn ♡… this, huh?"

Elena's words came out a little jumbled since she couldn't decide if she wanted to kiss or just talk.

"I think I'm ready for whatever you have in mind."

Scott kept his reply simple.

The young man's hand slipped through the lace holding Elena's butt together so he could grab her tightly there.

When she felt his hand, a small moan left her lips, and she pressed her body more against his.

… Ahhhnnn~ ♡!

Their lips rubbed together, and their tongues hugged as though they were eating and licking each other's lips in the sexiest way possible.

Elena's hands went up and wrapped around his neck as she kissed Scott even more, pressing her breasts against his chest. They broke their kiss for a moment to breathe hot air into each other's mouths.

Elena stared up at him and tilted her head.

"You're an amazing kisser…"

"And you have an amazing body."

Scott stretched his hand lower into her panties and grabbed her tighter while stroking her insides a bit.

This was him making his point.

"You're already wet?" Scott turned smug.

"Tee-hee! I took a swim. What'd you expect, Einstein?"

"You know that's not what I mean…"

Scott's middle finger stroked her there more.

She could feel her insides breathing desperately and itching for more of this sensual touch.

The beautiful woman chuckled.

"C'mon, you can squeeze me harder than that…"

"I know…"

Scott instantly admitted.

"I'm not used to working with a body this…"

"Normal? What, did you date a child before this?"

"…"

"I'm kidding!" Elena giggled.

Before Scott could respond, his ear twitched as he caught a sharp sound that sparked quite far away from them.

"What's wrong?" Elena asked him.

In an instant, Scott dashed forward and pulled Elena along with him, and that was when the doors of the pool room blew open and a heavy earthquake rocked the place.

People didn't waste a second to start running out of the club, and for some reason, some guys pulled out their guns and started spraying them in the air.

"WHAT WAS THAT──?!"

Elena looked very shocked.

Rather than answer her, Scott threw her clothes to her as he stared at the door with the precision of a sniper.

"Trouble…"

Just then, a dark-skinned man with a fiercely tattooed face and an electric cybernetic arm stepped into view. Behind him were five men dressed in black, each with some cybernetic enhancements of their own.

The man's eyes focused on Elena.

『So that's Night Witch…』