As I glance to my side, I see it—something that shouldn't be there. Before I can react, it jumps at me.
"Finally, I got a vessel I can use to get away from that damn female hero!"
I struggle to breathe as this blob-like thing tries to take over my body, muttering about escaping a hero.
"Stop right there, villain!" A powerful, commanding female voice echoes outside the school.
A bright Aetherion spreads around the area, and before I can blink, a glowing rope of light wraps around the blob, restraining it.
I follow the source of the light and realize—it's the Number 3 Hero, Hikari, The Light Hero. Before she can even speak to reassure me, excitement floods me.
"Oh my god! I get to meet the Number 3 Hero! Miss Hikari, can I get an autograph?"
She looks stunned but quickly regains her composure.
"Of course. Where would you like me to sign, young man?" she asks, smiling.
I hand her my notebook, flipping past pages filled with notes on heroes, villains, and vigilantes—everything I've studied.
She scans the pages, clearly impressed. "Wow… you really know your heroes. And you've got details on villains and vigilantes too?"
I nod nervously. "I… I like to study Duomythos. Since I don't have one myself."
Her eyes soften with empathy. "Ah, that makes sense. Don't worry. Your notes are impressive, even if they include villains. It shows your dedication."
"Well, I should get this villain back to the station," she says.
"Mom?" I whisper.
Her eyes widen in shock. "How did you know?"
I shrug, remembering a childhood memory. "Back when I was eight, you called us and said you'd be late. You told us to go to sleep."
Her face flushes red, realizing what I know about her secret. "Wait… you also know about…"
"Yes. You know Dad is the underground hero, Yamijn," I reply.
She deflates, but then smiles faintly. "I wanted to surprise you and your sister. I bet she knows as well."
"Actually, she doesn't. Also… when you get back home, don't just leave your stuff on the sofa. That scared me when I was eight."
She blushes, realizing her child has seen something she never wanted him to see. After a moment, she asks, "Why are you still at school?"
I stiffen. She notices something is wrong and studies my face. I try to avoid the question, but she is persistent.
"Mom, I have a question."
"Sweetie, I'm trying—" she begins.
I cut her off. "Mom, when was the last time you or Dad really looked at my face? When was the last time you celebrated my birthday?"
Her eyes widen in realization. "I… I always see your face. What do you mean?"
I shake, my voice trembling. "No, you don't. You never notice my bruises or celebrate me properly. You love me, but why don't you ever see me?"
Tears start to fall down her cheeks as she remembers—she hasn't properly celebrated my birthday, only my sister's. She reaches to touch my face, but I step back, remembering past abuses.
"Mom, you need to put the villain back at the station," I say, backing away.
Before she can respond, I run past her, dropping my notebook without noticing. She reaches for me, missing by a fingertip, tears streaming down her face.
"I need to put this villain away before I can do anything," she whispers.
I keep running until the school disappears behind me, finally reaching a busy street. I duck into a coffee café and find a seat.
"May I get you anything, sir?" asks a waiter in a neat uniform.
"Yes, water, please," I gasp, still breathing heavily.
"May I ask why you're so out of breath?" he asks, handing me a cup of water.
I take a sip and explain, careful not to reveal my parents are heroes.
"I see… so that's what's going on. Well, I can't say I know exactly what you mean, since I've never been bullied like you, but I can tell… you envy those around you—your family and others, am I right?"
I nod quietly.
"Well, I don't care whether you have a Duomythos or not. You're brave for enduring everything without doing anything extreme. I can respect that."
As time passes, I glance at the clock realize it's 8:30 PM.
"Oh my god, I have to go! Thank you!"
"It's nothing. I can even help you teleport home if you like."
I shake my head. "Of course. That would be great."
He smiles and asks for my address. I show him, and he opens a small portal.
"Well, I hope you and your family get better, young man."
"I hope so too… but who knows?" I mutter, trying to smile but I still can't fully.
I step out of the portal at my front door, hesitant to enter but feeling a little lighter than I did before.