Deep under Swellview, inside the Man Cave, Ray Manchester—also known as Captain Man—was arguing with Schwoz Schwartz about a gadget that had just exploded again.

On the couch, Henry Hart, Charlotte Page, and Jasper Dunlop watched the chaos.

Suddenly, the elevator from Junk N’ Stuff opened.

A woman stepped out, confident and calm. Her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes were pure white, her skin flawless, and her fox-like eyes warm. Cherry blossom tattoos flowed along her waist and leg, with another sleeve across her left arm.

Ray froze.

“…Guest?”

She smiled softly. “Hola, Ray.”

Jasper jumped up. “WHO IS THAT?!”

Henry grinned. “Ray’s best friend of 25 years.”

Back in high school, Ray and Guest had been inseparable. Everyone said they acted like a couple—but they always thought it was normal.

Ray had secretly liked her for years. Only Henry knew.

What Ray didn’t know… was that Guest had liked him too.

Guest walked closer, studying him with a teasing smile.

“You look the same.”

Ray smirked. “Indestructible, remember?”

She laughed softly. “Still cocky too.”

Charlotte whispered to Henry, “There’s definitely something there.”

Henry nodded. “Oh yeah.”

Ray rubbed the back of his neck. “You moved to Japan. Modeling, right?”

“Top model life,” Guest said casually. “But I moved back to Swellview two weeks ago.”

She leaned closer and said quietly,

“Ray Manchester… Captain Man.”

Ray blinked. “You knew?”

Guest winked. “Ray, I’ve known you since we were kids.”

Henry laughed while Jasper whispered, “This is so romantic.”

Ray groaned, but when he looked at Guest, his smile softened.

After 25 years of friendship, the sparks between them were finally starting to show.