Chapter 21: Just Alice

A heavy, tense silence hung in the air, thick and palpable as they all waited, eyes darting to the imposing figure of Black Flame. His helmet gleamed under the chandelier, obscuring any hint of emotion. The room felt suspended in time; the only sound was the soft clinking of utensils being set in place by the red-clad robots. The group's anticipation grew with each passing second, a shared thought lingering: would he finally reveal his face?

After what felt like an eternity, Black Flame's deep and authoritative voice sliced through the quiet. "Let's eat."Instantly, the atmosphere shifted. The group exchanged glances before focusing on the feast before them. Though curiosity burned within them, their hunger was far stronger. The irresistible aroma of spiced meats, grilled vegetables, and fragrant dishes overwhelmed their senses, banishing all thoughts of the man behind the helmet—for the moment.Alice was the first to break the silence, her eyes lighting up as she scooped a spoonful of Biryani into her mouth. "Mhm~ So good!" she murmured between bites, savoring the rich flavors as they melted on her tongue.Max, already tearing into a perfectly seared steak, let out a contented sigh. "Aah~ This is life," he declared, the meat practically dissolving in his mouth.Leo wasn't far behind, gnawing on a tender lamb shank. "Ooh~ It's delicious," he mumbled through bites, his eyes half-lidded in bliss as the juices of the slow-cooked meat spilled across his taste buds.The room was filled with the sounds of contented eating, the clatter of cutlery on plates, and the occasional hum of approval from the group. For 15 minutes, the feast consumed their full attention. But even as they neared the end of their meal, something still gnawed at them—their mysterious host hadn't touched a single dish.Max's gaze drifted back to Black Flame, whose plate remained untouched, and he couldn't help but wonder.'Does he want to keep his identity hidden at all costs?'Leo, meanwhile, eyed the helmet with growing suspicion.'Is he ugly? That has to be it. There's no other reason to keep that damn thing on.'Alice, too, was stealing glances at Black Flame from the corner of her eye looking at him dreamily, her thoughts wandering.'Flame...'****After Black Flame left the mansion where Max and Leo were staying, he was on his way back to his underground base. The dim light of dusk cast shadows across his path, but they didn't faze him."Haah... what a hectic day," he muttered to himself as the door to his base slid open with a quiet hiss.As he stepped inside, his gaze immediately fell upon a serene, unexpected sight. On his bed, nestled under a blanket, Alice lay asleep, her peaceful face illuminated by the soft glow of the lights.For a long moment, Black Flame simply stood there, silently watching her. His heart stirred, though he wasn't sure why. She looked so peaceful, so... beautiful."...What the hell am I doing?" he whispered, shaking his head to clear the strange thoughts. He turned on his heel, heading toward the elevator. "I should get going."But as he passed the bed, something gentle but firm wrapped around his wrist.Black Flame stopped in his tracks, glancing down at the hand holding him. Alice, still fast asleep, had unconsciously reached out and grabbed him."Don't go~" she mumbled, her voice soft and drowsy.Black Flame sighed, his expression hidden behind his helmet."Haah... Seriously, I wish you'd say that when you're awake," he murmured, his tone tinged with amusement.[About that...] the voice of Faraday, his AI companion, echoed in his head.'Hmm? What is it?' Black Flame asked mentally, glancing at Alice again.[...Nothing.] Faraday responded after a brief pause, its tone oddly evasive.'Don't play coy. Spill it,' Black Flame urged, his curiosity piqued.But Faraday remained silent.With a quiet sigh, Black Flame gently pried Alice's hand from his wrist."Done," he muttered as her grip loosened.'Her hold was stronger than I expected,' he mused, heading toward the elevator.As the doors slid shut behind him, a soft voice whispered from the bed."But... I was awake."***Three minutes later, Black Flame returned to the first floor, his thoughts already drifting back to the tasks ahead. As he entered the room, he found Alice sitting up on the bed, her back against the wall, her hair tousled from sleep."Oh! Good morning, Mr. Flame," she greeted him with a soft smile, her voice still slightly groggy."Good morning, Alice," Black Flame replied with his usual calm.For a moment, an awkward silence settled between them. Neither seemed to know what to say, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, Alice broke the stillness, her voice hesitant."Um... Mr. Flame, if you don't mind, I'd like to make a request.""Go ahead," he replied, his tone neutral but attentive.Alice took a deep breath, relieved that he was at least willing to hear her out. "Could you... not call me Miss Alice?" she asked timidly."Sure," Black Flame responded without hesitation.Alice's eyes widened, a small, triumphant smile tugging at her lips. 'He agreed!'"But what should I call you?" Black Flame asked his tone teasing."Just Alice," she answered, her smile growing warmer."Okay, Just Alice," Black Flame said."Hahaha!"Alice's face stiffened in surprise before realization hit."Please don't tease me!" she squeaked, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.Black Flame chuckled, his laughter rich and genuine. "Alright, alright. Alice it is.""But,""...!" Hearing Black Flame's deep voice Alice removed her hands from her face as she thought.'Did I go too far?'"You have to..."'...! What's with this suspense? It's making me even more nervous!' Alice thought to herself."Call me..."'Just say it already! My heart can't take it!'"Flame." Black Flame finished what he was saying.Alice just stayed silent as she thought.'Is he telling me to be informal? If so...'"Flame," Alice said in a low voice almost inaudible as if trying to test the waters."Yes. That's more like it." Black Flame nodded his head.After a brief pause, Alice spoke again, this time her tone more serious. "Flame... I want to know more about you."For a split second, Black Flame's heart skipped a beat, though he quickly masked it. "So do I," he mumbled under his breath, barely audible."Huh? Did you say something?" Alice asked, tilting her head in confusion."Not a word," Black Flame replied smoothly. "Anyway, we have guests. Freshen up; we're going to meet them.""Guests?" Alice asked, blinking. "You mean...?""Yes, more humans I saved while you were sleeping," he confirmed.Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean that while I was asleep, you went out and... massacred thousands of zombies?""Yes," Black Flame replied casually, as though singlehandedly slaughtering thousands of zombies was the most natural thing in the world."You are..." Alice began, her voice trailing off in awe."Overpowered? I know." His deep voice rang out, a trace of smugness coloring his words.Alice shook her head, suppressing a laugh."No," she thought. "It's not arrogance if he can back it up.""Flame," she said, her tone more serious now."...?""I want to become stronger too. To help you."Black Flame was silent for a moment."Fine." he finally said."But first, get ready to meet the new folks."Alice beamed at his agreement. "Yes~!" she chirped, her voice filled with excitement.****Back at the mansion, Little Lily finally voiced the question on everyone's mind, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity as she looked up at Black Flame."Brother Flame, why aren't you eating?"