Chapter 4: Chapter Four: A Hero’s Morning
Kaito stumbled into his apartment, his body aching and his mind racing after the chaotic events of the night. As he shut the door behind him, he let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto the worn-out couch. His hand reached instinctively for the remote, and the old TV flickered to life. What greeted him made his breath catch in his throat.
On the screen was footage of the battle he had just fought. Grainy, shaky cell phone recordings showed him floating mid-air, deflecting debris, saving civilians, and even going toe-to-toe with the Abomination. Newscasters' voices overlapped, their tones a mix of awe and speculation.
"Who is this mysterious hero?" one anchor asked. "Eyewitnesses report seeing a young man exhibiting incredible powers, assisting in the battle against the Hulk and Abomination. Could he be New York's newest superhero?"
Kaito groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh, come on! I tried to stay out of the spotlight!" he muttered. His reflection in the dark TV screen looked just as exasperated as he felt.
He tossed the remote aside and slumped deeper into the couch. "First day in Manhattan, and I'm already on TV," he grumbled. "Great. Just great."
Before he could dwell on it further, exhaustion overtook him. The sounds of the TV became a distant hum as he drifted off, his body finally succumbing to sleep.
When Kaito woke up, the dim glow of the city's early morning light seeped through the window blinds. He glanced at the clock on the wall: 5:00 AM. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he stood and stretched, wincing as his sore muscles protested.
"Alright, Kaito," he said to himself. "Time to clear your head."
He changed into his running gear and stepped out into the brisk Manhattan morning. The city was just beginning to wake, the streets quiet except for the occasional early commuter or jogger. Kaito slipped his headphones on, selecting a playlist that started with MF DOOM's Doomsday. The familiar beats energized him as he began his morning run.
The route took him through Central Park, where the trees' rustling leaves and the faint chirping of birds provided a serene backdrop to his thoughts. As he ran, the events of the previous day replayed in his mind: the fight, the destruction, the lives he had saved. A small part of him felt pride, but it was overshadowed by the looming question of what came next.
By the time he returned to his apartment, the sun had fully risen, casting the city in golden light. He showered quickly and changed into his school uniform. "First impressions matter," he muttered, straightening his tie in the mirror. "Let's try to keep a low profile today."
When Kaito arrived at Midtown High School, the atmosphere was anything but low-profile. Students gathered in clusters, their chatter buzzing with excitement. As Kaito walked through the courtyard, he noticed their gazes shifting toward him. Some pointed, others whispered, and a few outright stared.
"Is that him?" one student asked.
"Yeah, I saw him on the news!" another said. "He's the guy from last night!"
Kaito's stomach sank. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but his mind raced. "So much for staying under the radar," he thought.
As he approached the school entrance, the crowd's whispers turned into a chant. "Hero! Hero! Hero!" they called, clapping and cheering. Kaito's face burned with embarrassment. He forced a smile and gave a small wave, hoping to appease the crowd without drawing more attention.
Inside the school, the hallways were no better. Students parted to let him through, their faces alight with admiration. Kaito's every move seemed to attract an audience. He made his way to his locker, trying to ignore the growing number of onlookers.
As he opened his locker, a voice behind him made him freeze. "Hey, you're the guy from the news, right?"
Kaito turned to see Peter Parker, the shy boy he had met yesterday. Peter's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "That was incredible," Peter said. "You're like a real-life superhero!"
"Uh, thanks," Kaito replied, scratching the back of his head. "But I'm really not looking for attention."
Peter nodded, his expression understanding. "I get it. Still, it was amazing. You've got powers, right? Like, actual powers?"
Before Kaito could respond, Gwen Stacy appeared, her bright smile disarming. "Looks like you're the talk of the school," she said. "Don't worry, it'll die down eventually."
"Here's hoping," Kaito muttered, glancing around at the still-gathering crowd.
As the day went on, Kaito struggled to focus in class. The constant whispers and lingering stares made it impossible to blend in. By lunchtime, he had resigned himself to his newfound fame. He sat alone at a corner table in the cafeteria, hoping for a moment of peace.
It didn't last long. A group of students approached, their expressions a mix of awe and hesitation.
"Can we sit here?" one of them asked.
Kaito sighed but nodded. "Sure, why not."
The students peppered him with questions about the fight, his powers, and whether he planned to become a full-time hero. Kaito answered as vaguely as possible, careful not to reveal too much. Despite his reluctance, he couldn't help but notice their genuine admiration. It was a strange feeling—to be seen as a hero.
As the day ended and Kaito walked home, he reflected on the whirlwind of attention. While part of him missed the anonymity he had in Japan, another part felt a sense of responsibility. The city had seen what he could do, and they expected him to step up.
"Guess I'm not just a transfer student anymore," he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ready or not, New York, here I am."