Chapter 042 - Lily's Suggestion

I watch as Saitama and Genos dash off into the distance, their silhouettes disappearing into the chaos of the city. A part of me wants to chase after them and ask for more training, but another part of me knows that I can't catch up to them.

Now that there are fewer monsters, I turn to leave. However, a rustling in the bushes catches my attention. I tense up, readying myself for another fight. But to my surprise, it's not a monster that emerges, but a man. He's tall and muscular, and when he lay his eyes on me, he smiles—a flirty one.

"Hey there, beautiful," he says, sauntering towards me. "You look like you could use some company."

I narrow my eyes, not in the mood for this kind of attention. "I don't have time for this," I say, turning to leave.

But he grabs my arm, pulling me back. "Hey, don't be like that," he says, his grip tightening. "I just left the hospital and am now ready to mingle before I do training."

I try to pull away, but he's too strong. I fix my gaze on him, recognition passing through both our features.

"I know you!" we chorus.

"You are Suiryu, a renown martial artist!" I blurt out. He has short hair now, but I won't mistake his face.

"And you are Fubuki, a hero," he says. "I just don't know which class."

"I've heard rumors, but didn't know you really act like this," I comment. I remember that this man has a reputation for being a womanizer.

"I've heard rumors," he mimics. "But didn't know you are more beautiful than they've mentioned."

I frown. I don't have time for his games. "Maybe you could let me go?" I ask, attempting to free my arm again.

"Come on, don't be like that," he says, a lascivious glint in his eye.

I am about to forcibly break free from his grasp when I realize... This man is strong. Maybe I can ask him to become a member of my group?

"Are you interested in becoming a hero?" I ask.

Amusement flickers on his face, then a look of embarrassment. "Yes," he admits, scratching the corner of his chin.

I smile at him. "Then, I am inviting you to become a Blizzard group member."

"I am actually on my way to training. Just got distracted because of the monster attack."

I nod, understanding his situation. "Well, if you're interested, we can discuss it further after your training. We could use someone with your skills on our team."

He looks at me before finally releasing my arm. "Will there be other gorgeous women like you?"

I raise an eyebrow, but instead of lashing out at him, I say, "Yes."

"Alright, I'll consider it," he says. "In exchange, want to play with me today?"

"Hmmm, once you sign up, I will play with you."

Suiryu grins widely. "Until next time, then, Fubuki-san."

I watch as he jogs away, his muscular form moving gracefully through the crowd. Suiryu may be a womanizer, but he's also a skilled fighter. If he can be convinced to join us, he could be a valuable addition to our team. I just have to tolerate him.

*******

In the morning, I meet up with Lily in the City Z headquarters. She has an inquiring look on her face as she observes me the entire day.

"What's wrong, Lily?" I finally ask when we are alone in the room.

She beams. "During the training, what happened between you and Saitama?!" she finally queries.

I blush and blurt out, "Nothing!"

"The two of you shared a room, right?"

"Yes, but—"

Lily interrupts me, "Gosh! Did you guys hook up?" She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively. My face turns even redder.

"No, we didn't hook up. We just shared a room, that's all."

Lily looks disappointed. "Aww, I was hoping for some juicy gossip." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "But seriously, nothing happened?"

I sigh and lean back in my chair. "Nothing happened, other than... I think I've become more used to following fast opponents."

"That's not the kind of update I want!" she quips.

"Then I have nothing to tell you!" I say.

"Why is that guy such a tough nut to crack?! Seriously, I think that you will make a cute couple."

"We are already a couple," I say, reminding her.

"That's just in words. I'd say that it's not official unless you act as a loving couple," she says before going into a contemplative state. After a while, she mutters, "I wonder what's wrong... I can see that you guys have chemistry, and you're also being assertive lately, hmmm..."

I shrug my shoulders. I return to my work, affixing my signature on some documents. Suddenly, Lily blurts out. "Maybe you are not just his type?"

My hands freeze. "What did you just say?" I ask.

Lily leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I mean, come on, you're beautiful and all, but Saitama... well, he made no move on you, right?"

My heart sinks at her words. Is that really it? Is Saitama not attracted to me? But then, why did he agree to be in a relationship with me in the first place? My mind races with questions and doubts, and I can feel my anxiety rising.

Lily notices my distress and reaches out to pat my shoulder gently. "How about testing it out?"

"How?" I ask.

"Be more assertive?"

"I am not sure—"

"Ah! I know! Tell him you love him!"

I blush. "I've done it—"

"Then seduce him!"

"I think I have already—"

"Push him down, bare yourself, and then make lo—"

"Lily!" I exclaim, my face getting hotter. "What the hell are you suggesting?!"

"If you don't do something very aggressive, you will be in this limbo forever. You need to know if there's a chance for you two. Time is precious, you know."

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Lily is always wild and unpredictable, but her words make some kind of sense. But I won't do that! My heart won't be able to accept whatever kind of reaction Saitama will do! And besides, do I really need to do something as desperate as that just to get his attention?! Somehow, it's making me angry!

"You can put it into action tonight," Lily continues. "Make him dinner. Wear something sexy and then... well, you know."

I slam my hand hard on the desk. "Stop, Lily! I won't do something like that!"

She pauses and in a soft tone, she whispers, "Sorry... I didn't mean to upset you."

I take another deep breath, trying to calm the flurry of emotions inside me.

"I will call it a night," I say, my mood down. "See you tomorrow."