Dr Jackie & Mr Hideo

Chapter 7: Return

"It's just... bizarre," I said, pulling my sweater back on. "Why would someone break in and not steal anything?"

Liz shrugged. "Maybe they were looking for something specific. Or maybe it was just a random act of vandalism. Either way, I'd suggest investing in a better security system."

"I couldn't exactly call the police as... you know... Hideo," I pointed out. "Besides, nothing was actually missing. It's just... unsettling."

"Well, if you ever need a place to crash, you know where to find me," Liz said with a reassuring smile. "My couch is always open to family, especially family members who are secretly conducting groundbreaking genetic experiments on themselves."

"Thanks, Liz," I said, rolling my eyes. "But there's a more pressing matter at hand. If these test results come back clean, and we can rule out any long-term side effects, then we're talking Nobel Prize territory."

"I wish I had a spare million dollars lying around to invest in your research," Liz said wistfully.

"Can't you just get a loan from the bank using this clinic as collateral?" I suggested, only half-joking.

Liz chuckled. "I don't doubt for a second that you will win a Nobel Prize and become a billionaire, Jackie. I just doubt... when."

"Thanks, Liz," I deadpanned. "Very supportive."

"Don't mention it."

Liz swiveled her laptop screen towards me, revealing a complex chart filled with colorful lines and data points.

"Based on the biometric data from your smartwatch, the transformation back to Jackie occurred sometime between 10:30 and 11 PM. A gradual shift in heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory patterns."

"Too bad we don't have a record of your brainwave patterns or a video of the transformation itself," Liz added. "Looks like Hideo was too busy being a rock star to set up that CCTV system we discussed."

I cringed, mentally kicking myself for not being more proactive as Hideo. Why hadn't I prioritized documenting the possibility of transformation? Was it the brain fog? A side effect of the serum? Or just plain Hideo-induced recklessness?

"And this brain fog you mentioned," Liz continued, her brow furrowed in thought. "It completely disappears when you revert back to your original form?"

I nodded. "It's like a switch flips in my brain. Jackie is all logic and focus, while Hideo is... well, let's just say he's more impulsive."

"Interesting," Liz murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "It seems like the serum not only alters your physical form but also affects your cognitive functions and personality."

"I've started compiling a list of possible triggers for the reverse transformation," I said, pulling out my notebook.

"My biometric data has been consistent for the past few days, ever since the initial transformation," I explained, flipping through the pages of my notebook. "Which suggests that the reverse transformation might be triggered by an external factor, rather than an internal biological clock."

"Makes sense," Liz agreed, nodding. "So, what's different about yesterday? Did you eat something unusual? Get stung by a radioactive bee?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," I said, scanning my meticulously detailed food and drink log. "But there was one... peculiar incident."

"Do tell," Liz said, leaning forward with a glint in her eye.

"Cheryl sprayed me with her new perfume. 'Essence of Soma'."

"Intriguing," Liz murmured. "So, you were exposed to a concentrated dose of... well, Soma."

"It's just a fragrance," I pointed out. "I doubt it contains a significant amount of the actual extract."

"True," Liz conceded. "Did you feel anything unusual at the time?"

"Yeah," I said, recalling the strange sensation. "It was... weird. Like a sudden wave of... clarity. My head felt lighter."

"Well, at least it's easier to get than the actual Soma flower," Liz said, a hint of optimism in her voice. "It's a starting point. Better than nothing."

"Easier to get?" I scoffed. "That perfume is a limited-edition luxury item. And judging by the lack of security at the botanical gardens, I'd say it's easier to steal the actual Soma flower than to get your hands on a bottle of that overpriced fragrance."

Liz muttered something about the ridiculousness of rich people and their extravagant spending habits.

"Maybe you should just... you know... pick the flower at the botanical gardens," she suggested, only half-joking.

I laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. The thought had crossed my mind when I'd stood there, staring at the Soma flower in its climate-controlled prison. The ease with which I could've snatched it, the reckless disregard for consequences... It was terrifying to realize how different my thought processes were as Hideo.

I'd never had trouble talking to people, but random casual conversation with strangers wasn't exactly my forte. And the flirting frenzy that Hideo seemed to revel in? Completely foreign territory. I still couldn't look Liz's nurse in the eye, mortified by the things I'd said and done even though she had no idea it was me. And what was with the random band audition? It's like Hideo didn't have a functional priority register in his brain.

And let's not even talk about that impulsive, reckless... encounter with Chloe in the public restroom. I still shuddered at the memory.

I hoped this transformation was final, stable. I couldn't afford to become Hideo again. He was a wild card, a loose cannon, a walking, talking embodiment of all my suppressed impulses. And frankly, he was exhausting.

"I hope I never transform into Hideo again, Liz," I said, the words coming out more forcefully than I intended.

Liz shrugged. "Too bad. I was thinking about setting up an Instagram account for him. Being a social media influencer pays well these days."

She must have seen the horrified look on my face, because she quickly added, "Just kidding. But seriously, you'll probably need to transform back into Hideo at least once more. We need to get a better understanding of the personality changes. What's happening in your brain? How is it even possible? You don't want to develop a cure for cancer that accidentally turns everyone into... well, Hideo."

She had a point. Altering someone's personality was probably the worst side effect a medicine could have.

*

(Cont'd)