𝑼𝑵𝑬𝑿𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑬𝑫 | 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡

𝐸𝑃𝐼𝐿𝑂𝐺𝑈𝐸

─────⊰ ✦.*🥀*.✦ ⊱─────

　　 ❛𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐂𝐇 for coming, Audrey and Brooke.' I step forward, smiling as the Baileys pass me and join the others gathered behind me. Their smiles are polite but warm, and I can't help but feel a tiny swell of pride.

I'd taken it upon myself to invite all the bionic children of the other scientists. Turns out Anderson had five kids, and decided super speed would be a neat little family trait. I silently thank the universe that they're grown-ups now, instead of five tiny whirlwinds tearing through the Academy.

Both Bailey and Campbell only had two kids, so at least the chaos is contained. Audrey and Brooke have super intelligence, though it isn't quite on Chase's level. I can already see the gears turning behind their eyes, the quick flashes of thought and calculation.

Aaron and Brianna Campbell have super strength. It's noticeable immediately—their posture, the way they hold themselves. Even without moving, their presence feels heavier somehow.

It's easy to see that their bionic chips aren't as refined as Douglas'. Bree is faster, Adam is stronger, Chase's intelligence is sharper. That doesn't make these new kids any less impressive—it just makes the comparison unavoidable.

I find myself cataloging everyone mentally: Alexander, Benjamin, Dean Anderson—super strength would suit them better. Aaron Campbell and Ella Anderson—super intelligence. Camilla? Perfect for super speed. Audrey and Brianna? They should've had it too. Small details, but they matter.

All nine bionic teens have agreed to stay at the Academy for additional training, some even to become instructors themselves. And I—well, I've been here a few weeks now, teaching alongside Leo. My own bionics restored, my role solidifying. There's a strange satisfaction in guiding others, in watching them learn to harness power responsibly.

I glance at Davenport, who checks his watch with that old, impatient frown. 'I'll finish showing our new members around. You guys have to return to the headquarters in case of a new mission.'

The words hit me like a cold wind. Mission? I haven't felt one in weeks. Waiting is useless, draining. I want more than that.

'Chase?' I call softly as the others begin walking out. He turns, brows raised in that way that always makes me want to melt.

'I don't want to go,' I confess, letting the truth spill out before I overthink it.

'What do you mean?' His steps close the distance, hands settling on my waist. His gaze is intense, unwavering.

'I want to teach.' My voice is quieter now, almost shy. 'These weeks at the Academy... they've been incredible. I feel like I've finally found something I love.'

'Are you sure?' he presses, thumb brushing my side. The world narrows to just the two of us. 'We're supposed to leave in five minutes.'

My eyes drop to the floor. 'I still want missions, but teaching... it makes me happy.'

'I don't know if our team is strong enough without you.'

'I can super speed over whenever you need me.' My words sound confident, but the weight of reality presses down. His expression says everything: not ideal, not enough.

'It's not ideal,' he admits. 'We'd have to spend extra time catching you up, and in emergencies... it might be too late.'

I let out a soft sigh, the truth settling around me. 'Besides...' I pause, realizing the real problem. 'We wouldn't be together. Forget it. Stupid idea.'