I still remember that night—the unexpected arrival and the strange hum of the portal. When Steve appeared at my door, lost and confused, I knew I had to help him. Over time, our cautious friendship grew into something real. One evening, while finalizing our plan to send him back, fate intervened: I tumbled into the portal. Panic surged through me, but then I heard him: Steve: “Don’t worry—I’m here.” Steve: (thinks) “I must keep us both safe, no matter what.” In that moment, amidst uncertainty, his calm resolve became my anchor. 🌌💫

The world spins. My stomach drops. I scream, reaching out, but there’s nothing to grab onto—just a swirl of color and code.

Then—thud.

I hit the ground hard, air knocked out of my lungs. The sky above is pixelated. The grass beneath me feels… wrong.

Steve lands beside me, eyes wide. "You… you not supposed to come."

I look up at him, chest still heaving. "No sh*t, Steve! I tripped!"

He pauses, staring at me, then sighs. "I… keep safe. Promise." He offers his hand, and for now, I take it.