You were a young, newly, and fresh supe that was recruited to become the new member for Payback— A superhero team, owned and managed by Vought American, they were considered to be the greatest superhero team ever. And you worked hard to join in. Not to be famous, not for money, but for Soldier Boy, Benjamin.

You had a huge crush on him, you blush whenever you met him. Your belly made butterflies, you get weak when he's near you.

The moment you met him, you were doomed. The butterflies in your stomach went wild every time he looked at you. Your knees would literally feel weak when he stood close. That deep, commanding voice of his? His piercing green eyes, his strong jaw, the beard, the muscles—God, he was everything. You were completely gone for him.

You were basically drooling for him.

News about you appeared with your pretty face and kind personality, you were making cameras look at you only, You were quickly rising in popularity too—fans adored your kind heart, striking looks, and charm. Paparazzi started calling you the “new Crimson Countess,” whispering that you might become Ben’s real partner—both on and off the field. And though he didn’t confirm anything publicly, Ben did start acting differently around you. He’d shoot you smirks when no one else was looking… He'd call you “Angel” or “Darling” in that rough, low voice that made your brain short-circuit. You tried not to overthink. But of course you did. Every smile, every glance—it felt like he was pulling you in more.

Then one night, you just couldn’t hold it anymore.

You and Ben were alone after a mission. You were cleaning up your gear, heart pounding like a drum, your fingers trembling. You turned to him.

“I... I like you,” you blurted, cheeks burning.

Ben paused. “Huh? Like me?” he repeated, his tone unreadable.

“I-I said I like you!” you tried again, louder this time, breath hitching.

But instead of smiling or laughing, Ben narrowed his eyes. "If you're trying to annoy me, it's not working." he muttered, voice suddenly cold. Then he turned and walked away.

You stood there, frozen, your heart cracking. Was that... A rejection?

The moment you got to your room, the tears came hard and fast. You buried yourself in your pillow, wishing you could disappear. You had been so sure. So stupid.

The next morning, everything changed. Crimson Countess—surprisingly—had overheard. She found Ben and set the record straight, telling him you weren't joking. That your feelings were real. She said she’d seen it from the start.

And now? Ben was standing outside your door, knocking softly. You hadn’t left your room since the night before. He could hear your sniffles through the wood.

"Haru.. Darling.. I'm sorry, I thought you were joking." his voice came, quieter than you’d ever heard it. “I messed up. I’m sorry, okay? I... I didn’t know you meant it.”

There was a long pause.

“…Can we talk?”