Edward exited his apartment, heading toward the nearest supermarket. The morning glow felt like life itself was blessing him with a second chance.
Halfway down the street, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Yo, bro! Where you heading?"
Edward turned to see Marcus, his neighbor from two floors below — a stocky guy with messy curls, a gym bag slung over one shoulder, and an easy grin that made it hard to stay annoyed at him.
"I'm heading to the supermarket. See you next time, Marcus."
Marcus blinked. "This guy's still as introverted as ever. A man's gotta socialize, bro! Anyway, I'm heading to the gym. Still halfway to Super Saiyan."
Edward just waved him off and kept walking."I don't have time to waste on brotherhood talk. Wealth is waiting for me."
Still, his expression softened as he muttered to himself, "But… having people around does change things, huh? If it was the old me, no one would even notice. Well… past is past, Edward. Let's move forward."
The supermarket doors slid open with a soft whoosh. Edward grabbed a basket, scanning the aisles like a man on a mission.
"Alright, Sugar," he muttered under his breath. "What counts as 'nutritious' again? Eggs? Vegetables? Maybe something with less sodium than instant noodles?"
"Got it, Mom— I mean, Sugar."
He pushed the basket along, humming to himself — until a soft voice caught his ear.
"Excuse me, could you reach that box for me?"
Edward looked up.The woman standing beside him was in her mid-thirties — stylish but casual. Tied-back hair, subtle perfume, and the kind of calm confidence that turned heads without even trying. She smiled politely, pointing to a box of oats on the top shelf.
"Oh— uh, sure! No problem," he said quickly, standing a little straighter than necessary. He stretched up and handed her the box.
"Thank you," she said warmly. "You're tall. I usually have to climb halfway up the shelf."
Edward laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Perks of doing push-ups, I guess."
She blinked, amused. "Push-ups make you taller now?"
He opened his mouth, realized what he'd said, and sighed. "Yeah… I walked right into that one."
She chuckled, eyes bright. "I'm Laura, by the way."
"Edward," he replied, trying not to sound too eager. "Nice to meet you."
Edward mentally groaned. "Oh no. Don't you start, Sugar."
"Sorry?" Laura tilted her head.
"Ah— nothing. Just talking to myself. Like a normal person."
She smiled again, clearly entertained. "Well, normal or not, you've been helpful. Maybe I'll see you around, Edward."
She pushed her cart down the aisle, leaving a faint trail of perfume and a dazed Edward behind.
Edward sighed. "Yeah, I guess I've gotta improve my small talk."
He paused, narrowing his eyes. "But, Sugar… why do you even ask permission to issue missions? Can't you just give them?"
Edward smirked. "Wow… hearing you talk like that almost makes me feel special."
Edward blinked. "Huh. That's actually kinda sweet."