UNKNOWN GUEST

#94 A Shelter

"I met a Korean man at the port. He was a fun guy, understood English in bits and pieces," I said, laughing as the memory of Mr. Chul surfaced. His mismatched attempts at conversation and his wide smile made him hard to forget.

Dr. Cho smiled softly at my story, her eyes crinkling at the corners, clearly amused.

I continued, "He suggested I dye my hair blonde. Said I wouldn't stand out much." The image of me with blonde hair flashed through my mind, and I chuckled again at the absurdity. Dr. Cho nodded, letting out a light sigh, the cool air brushing against her face as we strolled.

We chose to walk instead of grabbing a cab, not in any hurry, and apparently, because Dr. Cho had decided walking had its perks. It was peaceful, just the two of us.

After a moment of silence, she cleared her throat, casting a glance my way. "So... what did you do? Knock some official out? Or hit Iron Man or any of his teammates?"

I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head at her playful accusation. "No, I didn't do anything like that. I just... well..." Should I tell her? Ah, what's the harm? I sighed, glancing away before admitting, "I helped break into the prison to free Cap's teammates."

Her reaction was instant. She stopped in her tracks, eyes widening in disbelief. "You did what?"

I gave a sheepish nod, clearing my throat as I tried not to laugh at her shocked expression. She rubbed her temples, shaking her head slowly as if processing the bombshell I'd just dropped. "So... they're looking for you now?"

"Not only that," I added, scratching the back of my neck. "I've got an informant after me and a bounty on my head. A million dollars, just like Cap and his team."

She blinked, her calm demeanor shifting to mild panic. Her eyes darted around the street, checking if anyone had noticed us. Her gaze landed back on me, and she leaned in to inspect my face, making sure my mask was still firmly in place. The streets were still quiet, but I could see her brain working overtime.

"Wait," she muttered, suddenly rummaging through her purse. After a brief shuffle, she pulled out a simple mask of her own and put it on, adjusting it over her nose with a quick, determined motion. She turned to me with a playful smile behind the mask. "There. Now you won't stand out."

I couldn't help but smile back, though hidden beneath my mask. It was such a small, thoughtful gesture, and yet it said so much about her. It's not every day someone slips on a mask just to make sure you blend in better.

She turned to me after a few steps, her eyes lighting up with an idea. "I've got it," she said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "You've dyed your hair. That's a good start, but... what if we make a fake citizen ID for you?"

I blinked, processing what she had just suggested. "What? A fake ID?" Shock and confusion danced across my face. "It's not necessary."

But she was persistent, shaking her head in that determined way she always did when she had her mind set on something. "It is necessary! I know a friend—she's an expert in these... well, these kinds of illegal adjustments. It sounds weird, but it'll help. You need to keep your identity hidden for as long as possible."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her concern but knowing deep down it wouldn't change anything. With a soft, understanding smile, I shook my head. "There wouldn't be a long time, Dr. Cho. I can't stay anywhere for too long. I have to keep moving. I've been given strict instructions not to stay anywhere for more than a week."

Her face fell, her eyes clouding with a mix of sadness and disbelief. "What?" she asked softly, like the reality of my words was just starting to sink in.