The world had a new hero, and they called him Atomic Man.

Jason Anderson’s face wasn’t on the news, but his symbol was everywhere. Across the globe, people spoke his name with admiration. Countries sent tributes—money, technology, even rare resources. The United States government granted him a state-of-the-art base of operations, a place filled with high-tech labs, a command center, and a landing platform that could detect his arrival before he even touched down.

Yet none of it mattered to him as much as the people he protected.

Over time, Jason discovered the full extent of his abilities. He could lift vehicles with ease, soar through the skies faster than any aircraft, and move with speed so great he could dodge bullets in midair. His hands could channel devastating bursts of raw energy, and when pushed to his limit, he could unleash his ultimate attack—a blinding, destructive wave he called the Atomic Bomb. The world knew the hero. Only Adrianna knew the man behind the name.

Despite his duties, Jason always made time for her. She kept him grounded, reminded him that beneath the powers and the title, he was still just Jason.

One chilly evening, they went out for dinner at a quiet little restaurant hidden away between busy streets. They laughed over shared plates, teasing each other about old memories and Jason’s chronic lateness. The night felt easy, like the world’s troubles couldn’t touch them.

When they stepped outside, the cold wrapped around them. Jason noticed Adrianna shiver and without hesitation, he slipped off his jacket and placed it gently over her shoulders. She gave him a small, grateful smile.

The streets were quiet. No taxis, no rideshares, nothing. Jason glanced at her, his lips curling into a sly grin. “I’ve got an idea,” he said.

He led her into a shadowed alley where no one could see. Before she could ask what he was doing, Jason scooped her into his arms and with a rush of wind, they lifted off the ground. The city fell away beneath them as they soared through the night sky. Adrianna laughed, clutching his arm, her hair whipping around her face. The cold no longer mattered; the thrill of the flight kept them warm.

Jason slowed as they rose above the city, hovering in the quiet air. The lights stretched out below like a sea of stars. She looked at him, her eyes catching the moonlight, and he held her gaze.

“I love you, Adri,” he said softly.

Her smile was warm, her voice steady. “I love you too.”

They kissed high above the world, weightless in more ways than one.

The next day, Jason walked through the bustling streets, the memory of last night replaying over and over in his mind. People greeted him with smiles, some even calling out, “We love you, Atomic Man!” without realizing they were speaking to the man himself.

He was still smiling when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Turning, Jason froze. A man stood before him in a long coat, his hood shadowing his face. But Jason recognized the eyes instantly.

“Erik…?” he said, barely able to breathe.

His brother gave him a faint smile. “It’s been a long time, little brother.”