Chapter 98: Chapter 98: With Me Here, You’re Safe
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[Chinatown]
"Stop, please stop... John, I'm begging you."
"I... I can't take it anymore."
In Lin Aida's living room, the girl sat on a recliner, letting out a soft cry as beads of sweat rolled down her face.
She gasped for air, incredulous. "I can't believe you even know how to do foot massages."
"Honestly, I'm really curious—what don't you know in this world?"
Homelander, who had just played the role of a professional masseur, washed his hands with a casual shrug.
"Oh, there's plenty," he replied.
Intrigued, Lin Aida asked, "For example?"
He placed her delicate, porcelain-like legs into a basin of warm herbal water and stood up. "For example... I don't understand your heart."
Lin Aida's face flushed crimson, her legs soaking in the comforting warmth of the water. She hummed softly in contentment but grew shy upon hearing his words.
Sensing her embarrassment, Homelander didn't push further. He changed the subject. "Foot baths improve circulation. Hopefully, this will help you sleep better."
Lin Aida nodded, her hands resting lightly on the armrests.
The TV droned on in the background, the newscaster's voice crisp and professional.
"Good evening, viewers. This is the AAB News Channel, bringing you today's top headlines."
"Earlier today, a historic event shook the nation. Many of you may have already heard the news."
"That's right—our hero, protector, and patriot, the one and only Homelander, has been awarded the rank of Army Colonel by the federal government. Not only that, he's been appointed as the head of the newly established Superhuman Oversight Department under the Department of Defense!"
"This marks the first time in federal history that a superhuman has been granted an official government position."
"For decades, the government upheld a strict policy against recruiting superhuman soldiers or officials. But today, that precedent has been broken. What does this mean for our country? To discuss this, we'll hear from Professor Truman of Harvard's Superhuman Studies Department..."
As the news played on, Lin Aida spoke softly.
"Homelander must feel so lonely."
Homelander paused, turning toward her. "What makes you say that?"
"I don't think he's lonely at all," he continued. "He's the strongest person alive, and now he's part of the federal government. Why would he be lonely?"
Lin Aida removed her sunglasses, revealing her cloudy, gray eyes devoid of light.
"Loneliness has nothing to do with strength or status," she said.
"There's an old saying from my hometown: 'It's cold at the top.'"
"Homelander stands so high above everyone else. Few are worthy of being his friends, yet he has countless enemies."
"When he's troubled, no one can lend him an ear. When he's down, no one can comfort him. And when he achieves greatness, there's no one qualified to share in his joy."
"So, I think he must be very lonely."
Homelander fell silent, looking at the girl soaking her feet.
He hadn't given it much thought since arriving in this world, always moving from one challenge to the next. But Lin Aida's words struck a chord.
Enemies surrounded him, but allies? Friends?
Angie was a servant. Maeve? At best, a fleeting connection limited to the bed.
Friends...
"Tch, who needs friends?" Homelander thought, shaking off the sentiment. "I'm better off alone."
But before he could brush it off completely, Lin Aida interrupted his thoughts.
"Sorry," she murmured, her voice tinged with guilt. "I tend to ramble."
"Oh, I just bought some red tea. Let me make you a cup," she offered, quickly wiping her feet dry and heading toward the kitchen.
A sudden gust of wind blew past, slamming the kitchen door shut. Lin Aida reached out to push it open, but Homelander's sharp voice rang out.
"Stop! Don't move!"
Startled, she froze, turning back. "What's wrong, Mr. John?"
Homelander was at a loss for words.
Beyond the door was something dazzling and otherworldly—a kaleidoscope of swirling, iridescent colors.
It wasn't just light; it was alive, pulsating, and shifting like the portal to another dimension.
Lin Aida stood silhouetted against the surreal glow, oblivious to the extraordinary sight behind her.
Homelander's mind raced.
So, this must be her portal to other universes!
Thank goodness she's blind. Any normal person would've been too terrified to step through.
Homelander quickly moved to her side, gently taking her hand.
"Lin," he said carefully, "remember when you mentioned your sleepwalking episodes?"
"They're happening now. And it's not as random as you think."
He briefly described what he saw, and Lin Aida's face paled. She took two hesitant steps back.
"Then... maybe we should stay in the living room," she whispered.
"Are you sure it'll just disappear on its own?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I'm not sure, but it's better not to take risks."
"And if it doesn't go away?" Homelander pressed, encouraging her gently.
Lin Aida tightened her grip on his hand. After a moment, she sighed.
"Fine. Mr. John, you stay here. If it disappears after I go in, you can just head home. Don't worry about me—I'll come back."
Homelander smiled, tilting his head.
"Lin, are we friends?"
The question caught her off guard. She lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mr. John... do you think we're friends?"
He tightened his hold on her hand, his tone sincere.
"I don't know what you think, but I'd like to be your friend."
"So, let me go with you."
"This will be our little secret—a secret only true friends share."
Lin Aida trembled slightly before lifting her head.
"Can you hand me my sunglasses and cane?"
"Of course."
Once she was ready, with her sunglasses on and cane in hand, she held tightly onto Homelander's arm.
"Shall we?" she asked softly.
Homelander smiled. "Let's go."
Together, they stepped into the swirling, magical glow.
---
A heartbeat later, chaos struck.
A rush of wind hit Homelander's face, followed by a cacophony of honking horns and screeching tires.
Blinding headlights flooded his vision, and a massive truck hurtled toward them.
Without hesitation, Homelander enveloped Lin Aida in his Biological Force Field. His eyes glowed fiercely, twin beams of golden heat slicing the truck in half.
Sparks flew as the two halves screeched past them, flames licking at the ground.
Though blind, Lin Aida could hear the chaos and feel the danger. She let out a startled cry, only to find herself wrapped in a warm, protective embrace.
Homelander held her close, his voice steady and reassuring.
"With me here, you're safe. Don't be afraid."
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