Chapter 88 – More Than Friends, Not Yet Lovers

On the way home, Leo wore a constant grimace.

His precious first words upon return—ruined by that bald-headed idiot Delamain…

He felt like he'd betrayed V.

Well, nothing to be done now—he'd make it up to her with a hug.
A sincere, slightly romantic but totally respectful hug.

After all, they'd spent so many nights on long calls. A little physical affection wasn't too much, right?

Delamain, sensing Leo's foul mood, remained silent and focused on the road—striving to provide only the best customer experience.

Shironeko, however, wouldn't shut up inside his head:

[You're busy fantasizing, but maybe focus on how to "reasonably" bring out everything you've stuffed into storage. V's superhuman intuition is going to be a real issue. Living under one roof with her, there's no way you'll hide it.]

[I know. And it's not "hard to hide it"—it's "completely impossible."]

Leo was painfully aware.

V's "intuition"—a.k.a. borderline telepathy—meant keeping secrets was a fantasy.
Worse still, his storage ability was linked to his combat strength. He couldn't exactly avoid flashy tricks when things got serious.

[Maybe once you deal with the Scavs, consider living apart? It'd make life easier.]

Leo instantly rejected her shady advice:

[You're just trying to eliminate competition! Don't even think about it. V can either stay in her room—or stay in mine. No other options!]

[So it is all about her body… Tsk, if I had a physical form, I could've rewarded you every time you returned to the Singularity. You'd forget all about her.]

*[Shut up! You're messing up my focus!]

Sometimes Leo genuinely wanted a mute button. How did a supposedly rational AI end up like… this?

No—better to think about V.

Since he couldn't hide it from her anyway… why not just be honest?

Sincerity was the real trump card.
A little secret just between them could actually deepen trust and bring them closer.

"We've arrived. Thank you for riding with Delamain. Choose Delamain—leave your worries at the door."

After being brainwashed by yet another ad jingle, Leo stood in front of his apartment in Heywood once more.

Seven days gone—he was finally home.

Next up: a warm reunion and candlelit dinner with V!

He was just about to—

"Bzzz—Bzzz—"

His commlink buzzed, interrupting the moment.

It was… V!

He answered instantly.

"Look up."

V wasted no time.

Leo looked up.
On the 12th floor of the high-end complex, a familiar silhouette stood in the window, waving at him.

It was V.

No doubt about it.

She was still in her usual combat outfit, looking ready to dash into action.

"I'm back! Be right up!"

Leo rushed into the lobby, tugging down his hoodie and mask so security could verify his face.

Cleared.
He sprinted to the elevator and repeatedly smashed the call button.

As the screen counted up, he reported each floor to V through the comm until finally—

Ding—

The doors opened.

And there she was again.

"V! Long time no see!"

Leo opened his arms wide and hugged her tightly.

The move caught her off guard, her whole body stiffening.

But after a second's hesitation, she awkwardly reached up and patted his back.

"Welcome back… now let go, will you? You were gone a week, not a decade."

Leo pretended not to hear and held on for a few extra seconds—ten total.

Yup. Worth it.

Thanks to those daily calls, V didn't seem too resistant to physical contact now.
At this rate, maybe he could start hugging her every day and wear her down by sheer persistence!

V's intuition flared. Her fist clenched.

"Cut the pervy thoughts, or just say you want a beating. I'll make sure every punch lands deep."

Leo froze and immediately backed down.

Right on cue, Shironeko pinged him:

**[Ignore what she says. I've been watching the feed, and she's spent longer and longer at the window each day. Today she stood there over an hour.

Your idiot tactics actually work on her. For someone who's always been a lone wolf… she might just like it.]**

[…Wait, are you saying I should simp harder?]

[No! I'm saying be sincere, say how you feel. Don't "simp." Say it straight. Be honest.
But please, don't get creepy. If she punches you, I won't step in.]

Leo felt like he kinda understood… maybe.

He followed V inside, casually shedding his coat and dropping his mask and sunglasses on the counter.

V glanced at his odd getup and asked:

"Why do you look like that coming back from the airport? Where's your luggage? Why are you empty-handed?"

"It's all with me. You'll see soon enough."

Leo glanced around—still the same familiar apartment.

Sure, Bruce Wayne's place was luxurious, but it always felt like a prison cell with fancy wallpaper.

This… this was different.
This was home—the one he shared with V.

All that was missing was a pet… or maybe a kid.

He looked back at V's outfit and returned the question:

"Why are you still in full combat gear, guns and all? Were you heading out?"

V shrugged off her jacket and dropped it on the chair.

"I figured you might get ambushed again, so I stayed ready to roll."

"Aw, you do care~" Leo grinned and flopped on the couch.

V disappeared into her room, returning in casual loungewear.

She walked to the vending machine and turned back:

"Water or soda?"

"Neither. I want you—" Leo paused for dramatic effect as her brow twitched, "—to come over here."

V narrowed her eyes but wasn't intimidated.

If he tried anything, she'd dropkick him.

Confident in her abilities, she walked over and sat beside him.

Leo eyeballed the distance: 80 cm.

Not close enough to be lovers.
But definitely more than friends.

"Hey V, wanna see a magic trick?"

"…Huh?" She blinked, thrown off by the sudden change.

"Gimme that commemorative coin. I'll show you something awesome."