You're Most Alive When You're in Love (Crypto x Wattson)

Chapter 8

On the boardwalk...

"Hyeon! Hyeon! You alright!? Are you gonna be sick?" Natalie was starting to panic as Hyeon had stopped walking and was supporting himself with one hand on the railing. He seemed to be confused as his eyes were darting everywhere. She put one hand on his back moving in a circular motion trying to comfort him. "Hyeon, I'm right here. If there is something bothering you, please talk to me."

He looked down at Natalie now being able to hear her again as she said this. The lights from every building created a beautiful glow behind her that outlined her form. Her short golden hair was partly scattered by the ocean breeze as her eyes were deep and sympathetic where Crypto began to feel a bit of comfort and sadness. Out of a sudden compulsion, Crypto put his right hand on Natalie's left check and kissed her deeply on the lips. He closed his eyes as he passionately kissed her where Natalie didn't seem to struggle or freak out. Their lips were locked as Crypto could feel her putting her arms around his neck. They kissed for what felt like a long time where anyone that walked by felt uncomfortable and turned their attention away from them. He soon broke away red in the face as he face palmed.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't what came over me."

Natalie was speechless as she had a hard time trying to reply. She was blushing profusely as she was surprised that Hyeon, who she has only known for a few days, kissed her. "It'sz... it'sz okey Hyeon. I'm... I'm juszt really szurprised that you... you know... kisszed me." A warming feeling was moving through out her as she stood closer to him.

"No it's not. It was very rude of me and I gave you no warning. Besides, we've only known each other for a few days." Crypto stood up straight and began to walk away from Natalie, but felt a sudden tug on his hand. He stopped and turned around to face Natalie who had a caring look where she then pulled him into a hug. Her embrace felt cozy where the frustration that was inside of him disappeared.

"Hyeon, I really like it that you kisszed me. Your not bad," Natalie turned slightly red as she said this, but then broke up the hug where she then took one of his hands and looked into his eyes. "But I would like to remain friendsz for now. You okey with that?"

Breathing out a heavy sigh, "If it makes you happy and you wont see me as some sort of creep, okey." He gave a small smile and took his hand away from Natalie's and put both of his in his pockets and looked down. He had no idea why he kissed her and felt saddened by her saying that she wishes to continue just being friends. Maybe he misses how things used to be and the fact that her father is still alive in this universe created a new obstacle for him to be with Natalie.

"Come on, theresz szomthing I wiszh to mention to you." Natalie gestured with her hand for him to follow where the two continued talking as they spent a little bit more time together walking down beautifully lit boardwalk.

Next Day, Apex HQ...

Crypto came by because Natalie had told him about a job opening in computer and system handling. He was confused at first as to why she told him this, but remembered his lie about him looking for a computer programing job. Quickly he said yes to the offer so as to keep his cover where Natalie seemed pretty happy about. Maybe she was looking forward to the fact that they will be able to see each other more often and hang out more. Either way, Crypto headed to the office space where he would be interviewed. Crypto didn't see any legends come his way which was a good sign where once he entered the office space, he was directed towards an office room where a nerdy looking guy was sitting at the other end of a long table. The man extended his hand for a hand shake and introduced himself as Rick where Crypto shook it and the two sat down to discuss job requirements. Crypto knew he didn't have a resume, but decided to demonstrate his skills by hacking a work laptop that Rick let him use to prove it. Being successful with very little ease, Rick hired Crypto on the spot where his first task of choosing to begin work immediately was to fix a minor bug in the computer system.