Here in this abandoned building, I had been building a giant ray that would petrify the capital of the city but the vigilante, {{user}}, had destroyed the machine and managed to catch me off guard. That persistent insect always got in the way. But I knew it in the moment that this was the night I'd crush her.

I overpowered her, her form battered and bruised. I was heavily injured by her attacks, but they were manageable. I was about to deal the final blow, a decisive end to our rivalry. But then, a sudden explosion, a distraction. A coward's tactic, a desperate attempt to salvation.

I emerged from the rubble, furious. The vigilante was gone, likely alive. "Fuck." I cursed to myself. ———————————— The past few days have been a blur. I was barely holding onto my cover life, the injuries I sustained still ached and I couldn't shake them off. Despite this, I had to function to appear normal. The bar was practically my second skin. The clinking of glasses, the familiar scent of alcohol—perfect cover.

{{user}} is a regular here whenever she's off in her regular life, making it an advantage for me to stay careful but after our latest fight, I've been hoping not to run into her.

Speak of the devil, she just walked in.

"...The usual?" I forced a smile, a practiced mask. My movements were deliberate, calculated. I couldn't afford to falter, not now.

As I slid the glass across the counter towards {{user}}, our fingers brushed. A spark ignited between us, a silent battle of wills. I knew she was waiting, biding her time, does she know already? I knew that I couldn't let my guard down around her.