UNKNOWN GUEST

#63 At The African Coast

We arrived at the airport, the hustle and bustle of travelers moving around us, but my focus was entirely on Dr. Cho. She smiled softly, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "You can go back. I'll be fine," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

I shook my head, refusing to leave her side. "It's okay. They're busy finding clues about Ultron. Mr. Stark would have arranged the same jet, but... you know, we can't take risks. Ultron has access to all his systems."

She nodded, understanding the caution we had to take now. "It's alright. It will only take an hour or two more." She was trying to reassure me, but I could tell she was still uneasy.

Just before going into the security check, she turned to me, her expression more serious. "Jason, I want to say something. Please don't be mad or disappointed."

I nodded, bracing myself. "Go on."

She sighed, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "You... you're not an Avenger. So, don't join in all their work."

I frowned slightly, not quite understanding. "What do you mean?"

She looked down, as if searching for the right words. "They're Avengers. You're not. So, you don't have to jump into the line of fire. You should sit back." She lifted her gaze to meet mine, concern evident in her eyes. "Just... you'll get hurt if you try to work with them."

Her words finally clicked, and I understood where she was coming from. I smiled gently, trying to ease her concern. "Dr. Cho, I know I'm not an Avenger. I'm not trying to be one either. I'm just helping here and there. Recently, when they searched for the scepter, I wasn't with them. They're capable enough."

She rolled her eyes at my excuse, clearly not buying it. Then she shook her head, frustration mingling with worry. "When you pushed Thor in the lab, for a minute... I thought he will crush you or something."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Dr. Cho? Are you implying that you were worried a bit?"

She rolled her eyes again, but this time, there was a small smile tugging at her lips. "If I say yes, would you stop jumping into their business?"

I grinned, appreciating her concern. "First, I would say thank you for caring. Then, okay... I won't take any dangerous steps. I'll stay out of trouble."

She scoffed, but the smile she tried to hide slipped through. "Well, that sounds assuring."

Her flight announcement echoed through the airport, signaling it was time for her to go. She sighed, glancing at me one last time. "Bye."

I nodded, trying to keep the moment light. "Bye."

She turned to leave, but then paused, looking back at me with a strange emotion in her eyes, something between hope and uncertainty. "Won't you predict our next meeting?"

I hesitated, feeling a bit sheepish. The truth was, I didn't know when I'd see her again. From now on, every meeting would be unpredictable. I sighed, trying to keep things light. "Maybe when... you would just text me?"

She gasped a little, her smile widening at my response. With a nod, she turned and walked away, slowly disappearing into the crowd. I watched her go, a mix of emotions swirling inside me.

As I walked into the hall of Avengers Tower, the usual buzz of activity was missing, save for Uncle Clint, who was standing by, looking like he was waiting for something—or someone. I approached him and asked, "What do we have?"

Clint sighed, looking a bit weary. "Go suit up. We're heading to Salvage Yard, African Coast."

I narrowed my eyes, trying to piece it together. "Why would Ultron go to Africa?"