Silver Superman (Marvel)

"The name looks familiar…"

Ethan glanced at the message on his phone, the name of the film studio catching his eye.

Universal Pictures?

Yeah, that definitely sounds familiar… Probably saw it in the credits of a movie or two.

Without overthinking it, he dialed the number provided. After a few rings, a man's voice answered.

"Hello, Mr. Ethan! We've been looking forward to speaking with you. We're very interested in collaborating and would love to have you visit our office for a more detailed discussion. Perhaps we could have lunch together?"

Ethan checked the time.

Nearly noon already…

"Sorry, but I'm not available right now," Ethan replied.

"Oh, I understand! A creative mind like yours must need time to write—"

"Nope. It's just my nap time."

The pause on the other end was almost audible.

"…I see. Of course, a writer like you needs proper rest to fuel your imagination—"

"Nope, just a personal habit," Ethan said casually.

There was a faint grinding of teeth over the line.

Why do people get so worked up over the little things? Ethan mused.

"Well then, how about we meet in the afternoon?"

"Sure. Three o'clock works for me."

After confirming a few more details, Ethan hung up.

Did they just slam the phone down on their end?

He shook his head with a small smile.

Such short tempers. If this doesn't work out, I'll just find another studio.

Stretching as he stood from his chair, Ethan yawned and made his way to the kitchen.

"Lunch first, then a nap."

Meanwhile—On the Rooftop

Gwen stirred awake in her reclining chair, the warm sunlight still kissing her skin.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she glanced toward the glass of water on the table, the memory of Ethan's cryptic words resurfacing in her mind.

"The answer your friend is looking for is in this glass of water."

She sat up, studying the clear liquid as if searching for some hidden meaning.

Just then, a breeze swept across the rooftop, causing ripples to form on the water's surface.

Gwen's eyes widened.

I get it!

"Ethan was telling me to approach everything with the same calmness as this water… to adapt and flow with whatever challenges come my way."

She picked up the glass, holding it up to the sunlight.

"Water takes the shape of whatever container it's in… a cup, a bowl… It changes, but it never stops being water."

A sense of clarity settled over her.

This power is just a storm in my life. But storms pass. If I learn to adapt and control it, maybe… maybe I can use it to do something good.

Her pulse quickened with determination as her fears began to melt away.

I've been afraid of this power because I didn't understand it. But maybe… it's not something to fear. It's part of me now. And if I can master it—if I can learn to use it—then maybe I can help people.

A smile spread across her face, her resolve solidifying.

"I think I finally get it…"

Looking around, Gwen noticed Ethan was no longer on the rooftop.

Where did he go?

Sniffing the air, her eyes lit up.

Something smells amazing…

In the Kitchen

Ethan stood at the stove, expertly tossing ingredients in a frying pan. The savory aroma of freshly cooked rice and vegetables filled the air.

"Awake already?" he asked without turning around.

"Yeah. Are you making something delicious?"

The excitement in her voice made Ethan chuckle.

"Lunch. I made an extra portion for you, too."

"Really? Thanks!" Gwen replied eagerly, taking a seat at the table as she waited.

A few minutes later, Ethan placed two plates of golden fried rice on the table. Each grain was perfectly cooked—glossy, distinct, and studded with colorful vegetables that complemented the golden hue of the rice.

Gwen's eyes widened at the sight.

"Wow… It looks amazing! This isn't just food—it's art!"

"Go ahead. Eat up."

"Don't mind if I do!"

Scooping a spoonful into her mouth, Gwen's eyes instantly lit up.

"Mmm! Ethan, this is incredible!"

"I've never tasted anything this good!"

Ethan simply nodded, accepting the praise with a small smile.

The perks of getting cooking skills from the system. Can't go wrong with that.

"If you like it, feel free to grab more from the pot," he said casually.

"Okay~" Gwen replied, happily digging in.

Between bites, she glanced up.

"By the way, Ethan—I think I understand what you meant with that glass of water."

"Oh?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious to hear her interpretation.

"You were telling my 'friend' to stay calm—like water. To accept her powers as part of herself and learn to adapt, just like water takes the shape of whatever it's poured into."

"Hmm… That's pretty insightful," Ethan replied, impressed despite himself.

Well, well… Gwen's smarter than she looks.

"I just realized that I shouldn't be afraid of my powers. If I can learn to control them, maybe I can even use them to help people!"

"Exactly. It's all about how you choose to use what you've been given."

Gwen beamed at the praise and resumed eating with renewed enthusiasm.

After Lunch

"Thanks again for lunch, Ethan. It was delicious!"

"No problem. Anytime," Ethan replied as he cleared the dishes.

"I've got band rehearsal this afternoon, so I should get going," Gwen said, grabbing her backpack.

"Alright. I've got a meeting with Universal Pictures later myself."

"Wait—really?" Gwen's eyes lit up.

"You mean… your novels are getting turned into movies?"

"Nothing's set in stone yet, but we'll see how the meeting goes," Ethan replied with a shrug.

"That's so cool! As your number-one fan, I can't wait to see your stories on the big screen!"

"Then maybe I'll have to invite you to the premiere," Ethan said casually.

Gwen froze mid-step, her cheeks instantly turning pink.

Did he just ask me to a movie?!

"R-Really?" she stammered.

"Sure, why not?"

"I—uh—yeah! Of course! I'd love to!"

Noticing her reaction, Ethan tilted his head slightly.

"Gwen… You've never dated anyone before, have you?"

Gwen's blush deepened.

"Well, my dad's pretty strict, so… yeah, no."

Seriously? Ethan thought, holding back a chuckle.

With her looks and personality, that's rarer than an endangered species…

"Sounds like your dad knows what he's doing," Ethan said with a grin.

Good job, Captain Stacy. Keep the boys away as long as you can.

Gwen rolled her eyes with a laugh.

"I should get going before I'm late."

"Alright. See you around, Spider—" Ethan caught himself.

"…See you around, Gwen."

With a wave, Gwen dashed out the door, her heart still fluttering from the unexpected invitation.

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