Hero Spade and Villain No. 13's Secret Rendezvous (2)
Villain No. 13 was a villain. Villain No. 13 was an enemy she ought to hate with every fiber of her being. Villain No. 13 was Spade's arch-nemesis, the scum who'd kidnapped Club. Spade had been dedicating even her personal time to tracking him down relentlessly, always fantasizing about the moment she'd rip out his throat, crush every bone in his body, yank out his heart, and smash it to pieces right in front of his eyes. That was how she kept her rage in check.
Right now, she had no choice but to let him slip away since she couldn't pin down his location, but someday, when she finally faced him... that would be the day she'd settle it once and for all, life or death. She was absolutely sure she'd thought that way. She'd resolved herself to it...
"Over here~ Right here~."
"......"
What the hell am I doing here?
In the heart of S City stood a certain hotel restaurant. Spade, who had just arrived, shot a reluctant glare at the pathetic, oh-so-pathetic man waving pitifully from the back of the shop as she dragged her feet inside.
The upscale monotone interior, soft lighting, and flowing classical music filled the place. And there, beyond it all, was Villain No. 13. Not in his usual shabby t-shirt and jeans, but in a reasonably neat dress shirt and slacks. Was it the outfit? The guy, who always struck her as utterly pathetic, actually looked... somewhat decent today. If he hadn't waved and called out to her just moments ago, she probably wouldn't have recognized him at a glance.
To hide the fact that she'd briefly thought he looked 'handsome,' Spade approached his table with a scowl.
"You really came. Nice to see you."
"......"
"Why don't you sit? I've been waiting on pins and needles for you."
"What the hell are you thinking, Villain No. 13?" Spade growled his name low and menacing, but he just grinned vacantly, brushing it off.
13 pointed to the chair across from him and said again, "Sit, Spade."
He simply repeated his command with firm resolve. His eyes flicked briefly around the room. Did that mean everyone here was a hostage? Even if he hadn't harmed anyone so far, who knew how long that would last. He was a villain, after all—someone who did whatever he pleased. If he wanted, he could hurt bystanders at any moment.
As a hero duty-bound to protect civilians, Spade had no choice. She gave up and sat across from him. Pleased, he beamed and opened the menu.
Why is she so damn scary?
Villain No. 13 peeked cautiously at Spade over the top of his menu. He had asked her for a loan, sure. But he'd also explained everything else, right? Like, if she was okay with it, how about grabbing dessert together? He knew a great spot. So, if she didn't mind, would she come along? He'd gotten her consent for all of it, hadn't he? So why was the vibe so hostile now that she'd shown up?
He'd get indigestion eating dessert like this.
"...Spade, you don't like sweets?"
When 13 asked carefully, Spade fixed him with a fierce glare, her eyes like axes. No, making that face in a place like this—what would other people think? 13 glanced around nervously. A couple of folks were watching them with intrigued looks. Hey, lady and sir over there, mind your own business.
"...I like them, you piece of trash!"
Spade's harsh retort snapped his gaze back to her. He'd just asked a simple question—why snap like that? She could've just said she liked them without the abuse... Still, she likes them, huh. That's why she came, even to a villain's summons.
Either way, 13 slid the menu toward her while gauging her mood, pointing to today's target item with his finger. Desserts here were pricey, but worth it. He didn't know Spade's wallet situation, and he was broke. So he showed her first to check—and she just stared at him oddly.
Did that mean it was fine? She didn't seem short on cash. 13 went ahead and ordered.
"This is it, this is it. I've been craving this limited-time strawberry tart! And the mango pudding too!"
"The chef here? He's a patissier who worked at a famous French chain straight from Paris! His stuff is the best. I've always wanted to try it someday, and it's happening today!"
"Look at this! It's in the top 10 of this quarter's Monthly Macaronier that I subscribe to. Man, after eating here today, I'll have hit three spots from the list. The other seven are too far or too expensive for now... If only I'd gotten that bonus..."
What the hell is this guy?
Spade stared in disbelief at 13, who was eagerly snapping photos of the desserts lined up on the table. This arch-enemy villain had summoned her here, and she'd been on edge the whole time, tense about his true intentions.
Oblivious or not, 13 was lost in dessert heaven, totally absorbed. Could it be... this guy really just called her out for dessert? For real? Her? A hero?
As Spade shot him a look of utter bafflement bordering on outrage, 13 glanced at her cautiously.
"So, Spade..."
"Is this gonna cover it money-wise...? Hate to say it, but desserts here are pretty pricey."
Agh, seriously. I hate this guy so much.
Spade seemed to like the desserts too, especially the strawberry tart loaded with berries. Though the way she pulverized it like she was crushing an enemy was... well, kinda like a wild beast, but whatever. Everyone enjoys their sweets differently.
"...Hey, 13."
"Yeah?"
"You said you called me 'cause you needed money."
"Oh... yeah."
"No one else around to borrow from? Had to ask your enemy, me?"
13 gave an awkward laugh. "Well, there's this one colleague I borrow from a lot. There is, but..."
She borrows frequently, huh. As Spade sighed in exasperation, 13 continued sheepishly.
"...The debt to that guy is hitting nine figures..."
"......"
"I just... can't ask for more..."
Villain No. 13's voice trailed off smaller and smaller. Spade's glare shifted to one reserved for a squashed frog or an upturned beetle.
Shrinking under her gaze, 13 hunched his shoulders. It probably wouldn't happen, but if—and it was a big if—this guy ever got married, his spouse would have his pity, Spade thought without meaning to.
"No way I could ask Club for money! Can't extort her on top of kidnapping. Plus, I can't take her out yet."
Spade slammed her utensil on the table with a thud.
"You bastard...!"
"Whoa, easy there. Public place, public place."
"What did you do to Club, you bastard...!"
"Relax your face. Come on, relax? Spade, you wanna throw down right here?"
Despite his nonchalant tone, 13 had zero leisure—he was internally panicking that Spade might actually get violent here. Sensing her killing intent ebb, he quickly pulled up his smartphone album and slid it over.
Photos of how Club was doing.
"Some I sent your captain, some not. See for yourself and judge."
Spade eyed him suspiciously but checked anyway. Her expression grew subtly strange.
"...What the hell is she ordering?"
"Groceries. Can't have her lounging around all day, right?"
"...You kidnapped her for that?"
"Hey, hey, tone down the blatant terms. I feed her well, let her rest properly, treat her with utmost courtesy. Even tossed some toys and a gaming console in her room recently so she wouldn't get bored."
What the actual fuck is going on... Spade covered her face and groaned.
Seeing that, 13 smirked provokingly.
"Reason I came out today? Wanted to buy some tasty desserts as a gift for Club, since I can't let her out. Think of it as extra treats for a captured junior—asking the senior hero nicely."
Agh, really, really. I wanna punch this guy... No, kill him... For real...