Harem Streamer System: Every Crime I Broadcast Wins Me a Superheroine - Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Connections
The silence in the cafeteria was deafening.

Pulsar sat at the edge of a bench, one leg bouncing nervously as her phone rested in her trembling hands. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by an iron grip as her thumb hovered over the keypad.

She stared at the screen and a blank expression masked the storm of emotions inside her.

“There’s no point hesitating now…”

She managed to whisper to herself.

“At least I still have his number memorized. Even if he blocked me, I can still reach him with a different line. Y-, Yeah, that’s good…”

Taking a deep breath, she typed out Scott’s number. Each digit felt heavier than the last, as if she were etching them into stone. The moment she pressed [Call] her chest tightened. She closed her eyes and clutched the phone with both hands as she silently pleaded.

『Pick up… please… just pick up…』

The phone rang once, twice, three times.

━ ━ ━ ━

Meanwhile…

Scott’s car glided down the highway.

He’d just left Crowe Enterprises with all the information he needed on them.

The phone rang for the second time to pull his focus away for a moment. He looked at the screen, and it was still that same unfamiliar number flashing.

All that left his mouth was a tired sigh.

『Who even…?』

He pressed the answer button and held the phone to his ear, a hand still on the steering wheel.

“Who is this?”

His voice was very calm.

On the other end, Pulsar’s breath hitched.

She opened her mouth and her voice trembled.

“I-, It’s me… Maya.”

There was a moment of silence.

Scott’s face didn’t change. His grip on the wheel remained steady as he kept his eyes on the road.

“Yeah? And?”

His tone was still the same.

The same tone you’d use to address a stranger.

The coldness in his tone hit Maya like a punch to the gut.

She bit her lower lip hard and closed her eyes tightly to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

『This isn’t how it was supposed to go…』

The young lady sniffled once, twice, three times.

“I, uh…”

She struggled for words.

“How… how have you been doing?”

Scott exhaled softly, almost like he was letting out a burden he didn’t want to carry.

“I’ve been fine.”

His tone was clipped, polite but utterly detached.

“Not that I need to ask how you’ve been doing. I’m sure Vincent’s been taking good care of you. After all, you’ve got superior judgment, right?”

Maya’s cheeks burned with shame as her thighs pressed together tightly, her eyes fixed on the floor.

She knew if she kept talking she was going to end up crying over the phone.

“You don’t have to put it like that… It’s not like I wan—”

Scott cut her off in an unhurried manner.

“I’m on my way to check on Gwen at the hospital. Could you get to the point?”

Maya’s breath hitched again as her fingers gripped the phone tighter.

Her chest felt heavy, like it was sinking into a pit.

『Gwen…? Could it be Gwen Mercer? Of course he’d be dating her by now…』

For some reason, she couldn’t stop herself from looking down at her own small chest, only to immediately think of how curvy and well-endowed Gwen Mercer was.

The thought filled her with a deep sense of jealousy, especially since she couldn’t help but feel there was no way she could ever compare to a woman she believed was far more beautiful than her.

“I just…”

She sighed deeply and tried to steady herself.

“I was wondering if we could talk. Like… the talk.”

Scott didn’t hesitate one bit.

“What do you think we’re doing right now? Sounds like talking to me.”

Maya let out a strained, uncomfortable chuckle.

But, the sound was even hollow to her own ears.

“Uh, yeah, but I meant… in person. I could come to wherever you are. You don’t have to go out of your way.”

Scott’s sigh was audible this time.

“I’m in Meteor City. I’ll text you the address.”

Maya raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood.

“Meteor City? Seriously? That place is a dump.”

Scott’s voice lost any little warmth it had.

“You want to be a hero that inspires people, but you’ve got the audacity to call a place where struggling, living human beings exist a dump? Some inspiration.”

Her stomach churned as she immediately realized her mistake.

“Sh-, Shoot──!”

She knocked herself lightly on the head with her free hand.

“I was joking! It was just a joke!”

Nothing changed in Scott’s voice.

“Then maybe next time, instead of joking, you could try being a little more considerate.”

Pulsar’s tender lower lip trembled as tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

“I’m sorry…”

There was a pause before Scott spoke again.

“I’ll see you later.”

And with that, the call ended.

—

Maya lowered the phone slowly as her arm fell limply to her side. The silence in the cafeteria returned, perhaps even heavier than before.

She placed the phone on the table in front of her as her hands moved to grip the tops of her thigh-high stockings. Her breathing quickened as she fought to keep the tears at bay.

Her shoulders shook as she muttered to herself.

“What am I even doing? Why… why does it feel like I’m the only one clinging to something that’s already gone?”

But deep down, she knew the answer.

『Because I still love him…』

Her hands balled into fists against her thighs.

No matter how much it hurt, no matter how cold Scott had become, she wasn’t ready to let go.

『Please… not yet.』

And so, she sat there, waiting for the address.

Hoping for another chance.

━ ━ ━ ━

Scott pulled into the parking lot of Woodhull Private Hospital, finding a spot near the entrance. He turned off the engine but didn’t move right away as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.

『Why can’t Maya just leave me alone? I’ve been enjoying my time here in Meteor City, but now she shows up saying she wants to talk. I’m not mad at her for the choice she made, but if I see her face again, I honestly don’t know how angry I’ll get.』

After a deep breath, he stepped out and the late October chill immediately bit through his jacket. He gave the hem a quick tug, adjusting it, before heading toward the hospital doors.

The double doors slid open, and the scene inside was all too familiar.

As soon as he walked in, people noticed.

“Ohhh~ that hot guy’s here again…”

“Jeez, he’s way too young for you.”

“Mhm-mmm~ ♡ I don’t mind having a taste of him. Look at the guy, he’s built like a man.”

“Hmph, you’ll catch a case with that kind of attitude.”

“I’ll risk it~”

Nurses of all ages exchanged quick glances, whispering to each other while stealing looks at him. Some tried to fix their hair, while others adjusted their uniforms—loosening a button here or tugging up a hem there.

They wanted to show as much of their meaty cleavage and thick thighs as possible.

Their eyes lingered as he passed.

But, Scott paid no attention.

He wasn’t here to entertain attention or feed gossip.

Gwen was his sole focus.

The elevator ride was quiet, except for a couple of nurses who pretended not to notice him standing there.

Scott leaned against the mirrored wall, his arms crossed, while his thoughts wandered.

His mind was a mess, packed with things he needed to handle, but every time he remembered his video call with Emma scheduled for tonight, it easily brought a genuine smile to his face.

Then his thoughts shifted to Gwen.

『Hrmm… I hope she’s alright…』

Two days ago, she’d finally woken up, and the doctors confirmed that her last surgery was a success. The scars that could have ruined her appearance were gone.

The medical team had done an impressive job.

Or, more accurately, he had.

The advanced medical kit he bought from the System Market for 85,000 credits had handled Gwen’s most serious injuries before he left the rest for the doctors to finish.

『I just need her to be alright so I can tell her what she needs to hear…』

When the elevator doors slid open, Scott stepped out and made his way to her room.

His sneakers tapped softly against the tiled floor.

But as he rounded the corner toward Gwen’s room, he stopped short.

There, leaning against the wall by the door.

Ken Mercer; Gwen’s older brother.

His broad shoulders were framed in a blue polo shirt tucked into neatly pressed ash-gray slacks. His arms were crossed, and his sharp blonde hair was meticulously combed back.

The moment Ken’s eyes landed on Scott, his face turned dark as though he’d seen an enemy.

“Ken…” Scott greeted evenly.

Ken uncrossed his arms and stepped forward.

His body language screamed hostility, but Scott didn’t so much as flinch.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Ken growled.

“Your sorry ass probably heard Gwen was getting better, so you thought you’d swing by to screw her up all over again? Huh? You son of bitch!”

Scott’s eyes didn’t waver.

His tone remained calm, almost unnervingly so.

“I came to see Gwen. That’s all.”

Ken furiously grabbed Scott’s wrist.

“When I ask you a question, you answer it, you little shit! What gives you the right to show your face here after everything she’s been through because of you?”

Scott didn’t pull away, but his eyes narrowed slightly and the faintest edge of irritation crept into his voice.

“Ken, I’m not in the mood for this. Let go.”

Ken’s grip tightened as he stepped closer.

His voice even grew louder.

“Not in the mood? And you think I was in the mood to find out my little sister nearly died because of some mess you dragged her into? Do you know what it’s like to see her covered in burns, fighting to breathe? And for what? Because she decided to trust a bastard like you?”

Scott’s brow lifted, and he tilted his head slightly.

“Who told you it was my fault? Tess? The same Tess who doesn’t know which drawer she keeps her car keys in, let alone the details of anything important? You’re smarter than that, Kenneth.”

Ken’s face reddened with rage, and his grip on Scott’s wrist shifted as he tried to pull him closer.

“Say one more word about my mother…”

He hissed through gritted teeth.

“… and I’ll tell everyone the truth about yours, and how your psycho mother’s a friggin’ cra—”

Before Ken could finish, Scott moved.

His free hand shot out and grabbed Ken’s wrist with the precision of a seasoned archer.

Instantly, he twisted it to drive Ken down to his knees.

… cra────KRAAK!

The sharp crack of bone wasn’t enough to cause a break, but it was more than enough to make Ken cry out in pain.

“AHHH! You son of a bitch!”

Ken shouted as his voice echoed down the hallway.

Scott’s voice was quite chill.

“Let me make something perfectly clear…”

His grip tightened just enough to make Ken wince.

“I can say whatever I want about your mother. I don’t care. But if you so much as breathe a word about mine, I’ll forget Gwen is your sister and make sure you can’t ever say another word again. Are we clear?”

Ken’s face twisted in pain as he tried to pull free.

“Get your damn hand off me!”

“Glad we’re on the same page.”

Scott said coolly and released Ken’s aching wrist as he stepped back.

Ken staggered to his feet and cradled his arm.

His bloodshot eyes glared furiously at Scott.

But, before he could even think of retaliating the door to Gwen’s room burst open.

“What’s going on out here──?!”

Gwen’s voice sharply rang out.

Both men turned toward the doorway, where she stood.

She was dressed in a simple hospital gown, her freshly healed skin glowing softly, though bandages still covered parts of her left arm, neck, and forehead. Her short blonde hair framed her face, and her bright blue eyes widened in surprise when they landed on Scott.

“Scott!”

A warm smile spread across her face.

Her cheeks flushed pink as she stepped forward.

“You came!”

Ken groaned and clutched his wrist as he looked at his sister in disbelief.

“Gwen, are you seriously──!”

“Ken, shut up…”

Gwen interrupted and gave him an unimpressed glare.

“Go put some ice on your wrist or ask one of the nurses to help you. Stop being such a drama queen. Besides, I’m sure you’re the one who started it… Scott’s an angel and you, well you’re a dick.”

Ken’s mouth fell open in shock. “What?! Are you—”

“Now, Ken.” Gwen said firmly.

Grumbling under his breath, Ken shot one last glare at Scott before turning and stomping off down the hallway.

Gwen sighed and turned back to Scott.

Her smile was soft again.

“It’s always so easy to smile when you’re around. I’m glad you’re here. Really.”

Gwen grabbed Scott’s hand and pulled him into the room.

… BLAM!

She shut the door behind them, then flitted around like a happy bird in its nest.

There was a baby-like smile on her face──anyone could tell just how happy she was.

Scott glanced around the room and raised an eyebrow.

The place was overflowing with colorful bouquets, “Get Well Soon” balloons, and cards.

The soft scent of lilies and roses lingered in the air.

『Are they always these much? I don’t remember mom getting any when she was admitted…』

Scott cleared his throat mildly.

“Looks like you’ve got quite the fan club.”

Gwen laughed lightly as she picked up a small watering can from the windowsill and began sprinkling water over a vase of bright pink carnations.

“I guess so. I didn’t realize how many people cared until all this started showing up. Kind of nice, isn’t it?”

Scott nodded, his hands in his pockets as he watched her.

“It is. When are they letting you out of here?”

She tilted her head slightly.

Her movements were calm and almost angelic as she tended to another arrangement.

It was a little unlike Gwen.

“Probably in a week or two. The doctors want to keep an eye on me a bit longer… something about possible brain damage from the debris hitting me during the explosion.”

Scott’s jaw tightened, a shadow passing over his face.

“Brain damage? Gwen, that’s serious—”

“Relax~”

Her voice was as breezy as her smile.

“They’re just being cautious. I feel fine. A little foggy sometimes, but hey, that’s nothing new, right?”

Scott frowned.

He wasn’t convinced, but he didn’t want to press further.

“Does Tess know that I’m…”

Before he could finish, Gwen spun around.

She rushed over to him and shook her head.

“N-, No, of course not. You really think I’d tell her something that important? Don’t you trust me, Scott?”

His eyes softened, and he nodded. “I do. It’s just…”

She cut him off as she placed a hand on his chest.

“Don’t worry about it. I get it. You’re trying to be careful. I’d probably be the same way if I were you.”

Scott sighed and his hand instinctively reached up to cup her slightly reddened cheek.

“I just wish I’d been this careful sooner. Maybe things wouldn’t have—”

“Stop…”

Gwen interrupted gently as she took his hand from her cheek and held it between hers.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not mad at you. How could I be? I don’t even have the right to be.”

Scott looked absolutely lost. “What do you mean?”

Gwen stared at the floor in silence.

“I mean, I was the one who made a mess out of everything. Crashing into your life again, crashing into your stream, your relationships… all that. I’ve only been making your life harder—hellish, even—and it’s all because of how I feel.”

Scott tilted his head, studying her. “How you feel?”

She looked up as her blue eyes met his with an intensity that took him off guard.

“I want to be honest about my feelings, Scott. Because I… I want to reach your heart.”

At that moment, her breath was turning hot and he could see the rise and fall of her breasts.

She was slowly in heat.

“My heart?”

“Yes~”

Her voice was very weak, but in a way that was too sexy to be ignored.

Before he could react, Gwen grabbed his collar and pulled him down, pressing her lips against his in a kiss that was as aggressive as it was passionate.

Scott’s eyes widened in shock for a split second before they fluttered shut and his body instinctively leaned into her. She poured every unspoken emotion into the kiss—her fear, her longing, her hope—and for a moment, she started to realize she could’ve simply done this from the start.

『I want more~ I want more than this~ ❤️』

There was a heat building between her legs.

—

Outside the hospital, Tess and Grace had just stepped out of Grace’s minivan.

“Thanks for driving me…”

Tess said, then adjusted her purse strap as they walked toward the entrance.

Grace smiled warmly.

“No need. I also want to see how Gwen’s doing…”