My superpower is just for you

20

The discovery of an asteroid hurtling towards them at a staggering speed of 100 astronomical units per day had sent a wave of panic through the academy's elite force stationed on R970. Despite the rising tension, Blake remained composed.

One evening, as a deafening hum filled the skies, the Tarkshan invaders descended upon them. These formidable ant-like creatures, with their massive bodies and dual wings, proved to be a formidable challenge. The ensuing battle, waged by Blake and his comrades wielding offensive powers, stretched over two grueling days and nights. Although they emerged victorious, the victory was pyrrhic, with significant losses.

The aftermath saw Blake tending to the injured before secluding himself in his study, grappling with a personal loss—Eli had fallen. The suddenness of the attack left no chance for rescue, and by the time Eli was brought to the base's heart, it was too late. His dying wish, tinged with his characteristic humor, was for Zoe to tell his father he'd gone out heroically, felling a monster with a giant potato.

The loss of a comrade had never felt so debilitating. Knowing the bond Blake shared with Eli, Zoe understood his grief would be profound.

Seeking him out, Zoe entered his study to find Blake engrossed in his lightwave chip. Without a word, she turned off the light and sat beside him, offering solace as he lay his head in her lap, his sobs barely concealed in the darkness.

The next day, they held a memorial for Eli, where Blake, surprisingly, produced an array of alcoholic beverages, momentarily lifting the somber mood.

"Did you really bring alcohol? Isn't that against the rules?" Zoe whispered, her voice tinged with concern and disbelief.

"It was meant for a victory celebration..." Blake murmured, his voice laden with regret.

Encouraging everyone to drink to their heart's content, Blake assured them of safety for the night, according to his confidants at the observatory.

Not fond of drinking, Zoe felt dizzy after just two glasses and excused herself to freshen up. Passing by the terrace, she caught a glimpse of Blake embracing Felicia but chose to ignore it, returning to her seat.

Blake, more clingy when drunk, leaned on Zoe for support as they headed back to their room. He spoke of the mission's uniqueness, emphasizing their survival over their combined strength. Urging Zoe to channel her powers into him to maintain his balance, he mumbled a drunken request for an embrace.

Recalling the earlier scene with Felicia, Zoe resisted for the first time, tending to Blake until he fell into a troubled sleep.

Stepping out, Zoe was startled to find Felicia waiting at the door.

"Let's talk," Felicia suggested, leading Zoe towards the balcony.

Expecting a confrontation, Zoe was surprised as Felicia shared her years-long unrequited love for Blake, making no mention of the evening's events. Zoe pondered her own worthiness beside Blake, attributing her significance solely to her unique ability to 'keep Blake Carson balanced,' devoid of childhood memories.

Despite Felicia's advantages and longer affection for Blake, Zoe realized love's essence lay in mutual affection, not in precedence.

Felicia concluded, "Zoe, I don't dislike you. I've always believed that the fated heroine won't lose to the childhood friend."

Caught off guard by Felicia's candidness and expecting a mere discussion, Zoe could only utter a perplexed "Oh..." before Felicia, revisiting her old tactics, dragged Zoe into a spatial dimension, leaving her trapped once again.