They landed at the VIP entrance on the top floor of the mall. Tatsumaki adjusted her wind-tousled curls and glanced at him. "Stay close. Don't wander off."
Sol tugged lightly at his tight T-shirt and sighed. "Where exactly do you think I can go dressed like this?"
She gave him a quick once-over, a faint smile slipping through before she masked it. "Serves you right."
Her expression soon turned serious. "Just hurry up and buy something. I don't feel like being stared at."
Inside a high-end men's clothing store, the staff froze for a moment at the sight of them. Tatsumaki floated slightly above the ground and waved a hand. "Get him a few decent outfits. Quickly."
Sol was ushered into the fitting room while she waited outside, idly twirling a strand of her hair.
"Tatsumaki, what about this one?" his voice called from inside.
The curtain slid open, and Sol stepped out in a fitted black suit. For a moment, Tatsumaki's eyes widened. The clean lines of the suit gave him a sharper, more composed presence, completely different from his usual hero attire.
"It's… fine," she said, turning her face away as her curls shifted slightly. "But why so formal? It's not like you're going on a date."
Sol glanced down at himself. "It's comfortable." He turned to head back in, but she stopped him.
"Wait." She floated closer and grabbed his tie. "This is wrong. Do you not know how to dress yourself?"
Her fingers moved skillfully, fixing the knot. Then she froze, suddenly aware of how close they were, close enough to feel his breath.
She pulled back abruptly, her face flushing. "Do it yourself. I'm not helping you again."
Sol watched her reaction, clearly amused. "Didn't expect you to know how to tie a tie."
"Mind your business." She turned away, but her heartbeat refused to settle.
In the end, Sol picked out several casual outfits and sportswear. Tatsumaki carried the bags with her telekinesis as they headed for the exit.
Suddenly, a loud alarm echoed through the mall.
"Warning. Monster sighted on B District Street, A-City Central. All citizens, evacuate immediately."
Tatsumaki's expression sharpened. "Trouble."
She turned to him. "Stay here. I'll handle it."
Sol caught her wrist. "I'm coming."
"No." She pulled away. "Your condition isn't stable. You can't."
"I'm fine." His tone shifted, more serious now. "And you're watching me anyway, right?"
She hesitated, biting her lip. If she left him behind, he would probably follow. Worse, if something happened to him inside the mall, the consequences would be even worse.
After a brief pause, she gave in. "Stay close. Don't leave my sight."
They rushed to B District and found a massive lizard monster tearing through a shopping complex.
Tatsumaki was about to act, but Sol moved first.
"Hey!" she called out, immediately following him with her telekinesis, ready to intervene.
Sol stepped forward and threw a punch.
A violent burst of air exploded outward.
Boom.
The lizard monster shattered instantly, reduced to a spray of blood and debris.
Tatsumaki's pupils shrank. She stared at him, stunned. Sol was known for his telekinesis. Since when did he have that kind of raw physical strength?
The force of that punch made her uneasy. It was too strong. Far too strong.
She floated in front of him, grabbing his hand tightly. "Rookie, what was that?"
Sol blinked, then gave a casual shrug. "What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb." Concern flashed across her face. "When did you get that kind of strength? Are the monster cells affecting you?"
Sol looked at his fist, pretending to think. "Maybe it's from training with Bang lately."
"Liar." Her grip tightened. "No matter how skilled Bang is, that kind of punch doesn't happen."
Seeing her worry, Sol gently squeezed her wrist. "Relax."
"How am I supposed to relax?" Her energy flared slightly. "Do you even understand what this means? If the Association finds out, they'll take you in for testing."
She stopped herself, scanning the surroundings before lowering her voice. "From now on, you don't make a move. At all."
Sol looked at her quietly. For a moment, he considered telling her everything, pulling her into what he planned. But the thought faded just as quickly.
She had no reason to get involved. And he had no intention of dragging her into danger.
He spread his hands. "So what if I run into a monster?"
"I'll deal with it." She hovered in front of him, eyes locked onto his. "Until I understand what's happening to you, you don't use any abilities. Got it?"
He studied her for a second, then nodded. "Alright. I'll listen."
"Hmph. At least you're sensible."
She released him and turned away, floating back toward the mall. After a short distance, she stopped and glanced back.
"Why are you still standing there? Move."
Sol followed after her.
Back at the mall, she carried the shopping bags in silence, her expression tense. Every now and then, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
"Hey," Sol started.
"Quiet." She cut him off immediately. "You're coming home with me. I need to properly check your condition."
She muttered under her breath, "I didn't even get to eat the ice cream I wanted because of you."
Her telekinesis wrapped around him again, lifting them into the air. As they flew, her curls moved restlessly, betraying just how unsettled she really was.