Hero For Lust

"Here." Caspian, who sat across from Genos in his living room, handed him a piece of paper.

Genos took the slip of paper, quickly analyzing its contents. "What is this?"

Ah, I'm so embarrassed.

Caspian had intended to address the matter last night when Genos arrived, his backpack slung over his shoulder and carrying all his belongings. However, he couldn't muster the courage and waited until morning instead.

"As part of your training, I need you to track down these individuals."

Genos narrowed his eyes and glanced between the paper and Caspian.

Did he buy it?

"I recognize several of these names. Who are these women to you?"

Caspian bowed his head. "My future wives…"

I actually said that cringe out loud!

"…"

Unable to curl into a ball and turn off his brain, he could only look up, anxiously awaiting Genos' reaction.

"Master!" Genos shot up from the ground with his fists clenched. "I understand now."

"You do…?"

"Of course, I had mistakenly believed you to have a fetish toward mosquitoes, when in reality you're just a pervert. Don't worry! I shall find and assess if these women are worthy of you."

SLAM!

Genos had rushed out of the apartment before Caspian could even raise his hand in protest.

"Mosquito fetish… I really wish I could read his thoughts. Regardless, I'd say that went better than I expected."

Caspian stood, phone in hand, and tapped in a set of coordinates into the GPS.

"Let's hope I'm not too early."

¤ ¤ ¤

"Alright. Here's your five takoyaki! Come back soon!"

Mosquito Girl waved farewell to another set of customers.

She had never pictured her life turning out like this, working as a staff member of a takoyaki shop. It didn't help that people continuously commented on her unusual appearance.

If it weren't for that man, she could only imagine how powerful she might've become. But no, he had the nerve to not only kiss her but also smack her butt. She needed to become even stronger than before in order to make him pay.

Her rage continued to rise the more she thought about the man, to the point she was shaking.

"Mosquito Girl can you come clean this up? I'm swamped with orders." Armored Gorilla called from the back of the shop.

"No! Can't you see I'm busy thinking?!"

"Hey now."

"Nnah!" A sharp pain shot through her lower back, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Rubbing her back, she turned around. "Ow. What the heck! Don't just stab me out of the blue!"

Armored Gorilla turned toward the seated Dr. Genus and said, "Doctor, hurry up and regenerate a blood sack for Mosquito Girl here. She gets hangry way too fast when that man on her mind."

"I wasn't thinking about anyone!"

"I've decided on an alternate solution." Dr. Genus spoke up.

Mosquito Girl felt uneasy. "What? I need my blood sack in order to grow stronger."

Dr. Genus looked back at her. "Don't worry. This solution will allow you to grow stronger without the need to feed on living creatures."

Though skepticism tightened her chest, she swallowed her doubts with a reluctant nod.

Ding

The customer bell rang.

Armored Gorilla returned to cooking. "Mosquito Girl, customer."

"I know..." Mosquito Girl grumbled.

Armored Gorilla had been getting under her skin more and more lately. How dare he keep bringing up that man? She couldn't shake the feeling he did it on purpose, just to annoy her. And then there was Dr. Genus, who seemed to speak of him with nothing but praise. Was she the only sane one left in this group?

Ding

I'm coming!

This customer was asking for it.

"Welcome to The House of Tako—"

"Man, this place wasn't easy to find. W-City has far too many high rises for its own good."

Mosquito Girl raised her trembling hand. "Y-you. You!"

"Yes. it's me. So, you remember?"

How could she forget this bald bastard?

Mosquito Girl had trouble voicing her thoughts.

He leaned forward. "You look really cute in that apron."

Mosquito Girl's mind blanked, crimson rage erasing all reason. "Cute?!" With a guttural cry, she launched herself at him, fingers clawing for his neck.

"Woah." Armored Gorilla appeared from behind and restrained her. "That's no way to treat our guests."

Mosquito Girl struggled. "Let me go! I'll treat this chrome dome myself!"

"Ah, Caspian, I was wondering when you would show up. Come inside."

Dr. Genus had arrived beside her and welcomed Caspian into the shop.

After a moment, the four of them sat around the takoyaki table.

Mosquito Girl glared at Caspian. I don't care how strong you are. Once we're alone, I'll give it to you!

¤ ¤ ¤

Dr. Genus had been waiting with much anticipation for Caspian's arrival.

A chance to interact with this anomaly. Perhaps he could gleam something useful for his new line of research.

The last time Caspian spoke to him, he mentioned things he shouldn't have known — his research on physical regeneration leading to infinite octopus tentacle growth, his awareness of Subject No. 66, Zombieman, and even a warning about the Hero Association spying on him.

Dr. Genus still couldn't grasp how Caspian gained such knowledge. No matter. With a backer like Caspian, he could focus on his research without concern. However, one potential issue remained, the individual seated beside him.

"Mosquito Girl, the tea should be ready. Would you mind pouring us a cup?"

She stood begrudgingly, her gaze lingering on Caspian before turning away. Her muttering, deliberately loud, trailed behind her. "Would I mind pouring him a cup? I should just dump it on that bal—"

"I wasn't sure if you'd have the House of Takoyaki up and running yet," said Caspian as he ate one of the takoyaki. "Wow. These are great!"

Dr. Genus studied the carefree man. What is this strange feeling I get from him? It is as if his mind and body do not align. Absurd.

Mosquito Girl returned, tray in hand, giving the first cup to Armored Gorilla. "Here's your tea."

"Thanks."

"And for you Dr. Genus."

"Thank you…"

When Dr. Genus caught sight of Mosquito Girl's crazed expression, a wave of internal panic set in.

"Whoops!" she chirped, tipping the near-boiling tea straight onto Caspian's head.

Cold sweat beaded on Dr. Genus' forehead. You crazy prototype! What are you trying to do?!

Yet Caspian remained unfazed, casually wiping his face as he asked, "How's that project coming along?"

"Humph!" Mosquito Girl stomped out of the room.

"Not coming along quick enough, I suppose. I apologize for her behavior. She is not yet accustomed to this new way of life."

"It's alright. I deserved it."

Dr. Genus stood, relieved that Caspian had a soft spot for Mosquito Girl. "This shop actually has a basement. I can show you how the project is progressing, along with some other things that might interest you."

"Sounds good. By the way, what time does your shop close each day?"

¤ ¤ ¤

Mosquito Girl paced back and forth outside of the shop.

How should she face him? When she looked at him now, her heartbeat rose in anger. It was a strange type of anger she hadn't encountered before.

Passerby continued to give her strange looks.

"Mommy! Why is that lady dressed up a fly?" A young boy asked.

The mother quickly pulled her son away. "Don't get close to her. She might be some kind of degenerate cosplayer."

"I'm not a fly!" Mosquito Girl hopped in fury.

"Hmm, you didn't deny the degenerate part."

The voice of her greatest foe echoed from behind, and she spun around to find Caspian flashing her a cheeky grin.

Much to her annoyance, her heart rate quickened at the sight of him. Worse yet, warmth crept into her cheeks. He'll pay for infuriating me like this.

Mosquito Girl crossed her arms. "What do you want? Did you come all the way here to assault me again?"

Caspian stepped closer. "Not exactly."

Quit angering me so! My heart is going crazy.

Armored Gorilla's face appeared in the shop's main window. "Mosquito Girl, we're closing early today. Have fun on your date," he said, then quickly slid the window shut.

"Date?!"