Chapter 9: Sparks and Surprises
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Vapor spotted Rosie by the shoreline, her pale yellow crop top and short green skirt catching the golden glow of the sunset. She looked absolutely stunning with her hair matching her top, flowing in the gentle breeze. Vapor couldn’t help but smile to himself, feeling a mix of pride and warmth as he approached her.
“Hey, Rosie! Guess what—I’ve got some pretty wild news,” he said, his grin wide as he slowed his pace just in time to avoid accidentally kicking up sand with his speed.
“Oh?” Rosie tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with interest. “What’s the big news?”
“Well, remember how I’d been getting these electric jolts when I run really fast?” he explained, trying to find the right words. “Turns out, it’s real, but I can’t control it. It’s like… when I hit around Mach 2.0, it just happens.”
Rosie’s eyes widened. “No way! That’s amazing, Vapor! Though, kinda sounds like you’re a little out of control,” she teased, nudging him with her elbow.
“Maybe a little,” he admitted with a laugh, scratching his head. “But hey, a bit of chaos keeps things interesting, right?”
As they talked, Vapor took a moment to really notice her, the way her outfit suited her perfectly and the way she carried herself with confidence. He couldn’t help but feel a blush creeping onto his face.
“You know, Rosie,” he said, his voice softening a bit, “I don’t say this enough, but… you look beautiful. That outfit—yeah, it’s perfect on you.”
Rosie blinked, then laughed, placing a hand on her hip as she gave him a teasing look. “Oh, so I’m the pretty one here, huh? Have you looked in the mirror lately, Vapor?”
“Huh?” Vapor raised an eyebrow, a bit confused.
“I mean, you’re over here complimenting me, but with those curves and that adorable face of yours, you look like the cutest girl on the island!” she teased, unable to hold back her laughter. “Honestly, you could probably give me a run for my money!”
Vapor’s face turned bright red, and he crossed his arms, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Oh, come on, Rosie! I don’t… I don’t look like a girl!” he protested, though he knew she was just having fun with him.
“Sure, sure,” Rosie giggled, giving him a playful nudge. “Don’t worry, it’s cute.”
Vapor sighed, though he couldn’t hide his smile. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” he muttered, a bit flustered but not really annoyed. There was something in the way she teased him that he found kind of endearing.
“Anyway,” he said, clearing his throat and trying to steer the conversation back to his powers, “this electricity thing may not be under my control, but it definitely makes an impression. And those sonic booms? Let’s just say, I think I’ll be making some noise around here.”
Rosie shook her head, still smiling. “Just be careful, alright? Don’t want you accidentally zapping yourself.”
“Oh, I will be,” he replied, his grin returning. “Especially with the prettiest girl around watching my back.”
They both laughed, the sound blending with the waves crashing softly on the shore. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Vapor felt an extra surge of excitement—not just for his powers, but for the moments he got to spend with Rosie, who always knew how to keep him grounded (and slightly flustered). In that moment, even with his powers still a mystery, Vapor felt like he was exactly where he belonged.
