“Really?”

  Mary lifted her head, her eyes wide with anticipation, a hopeful expression lighting her face.

  The best way to help someone forget their troubles is to offer them a moment of joy. As December settled in, the air was thick with the scent of cinnamon and pine, a season ripe for love.

  Billy flashed a bright smile, eager to reassure her. “Absolutely! I’m a superhero, after all. How could I deceive you?”

  He puffed out his chest, exuding confidence. “I’m even better than Superman. I can fly faster than a plane! The distance from New York to Los Angeles? I could cover that in no time.”

  With a playful flourish, Billy raised his right hand and flexed his bicep, grinning at Mary.

  Mary, blushing and shy, felt her heart race. She had never been in a relationship, and the attention from this handsome superhero was overwhelming. “Does he like me?” she wondered, her thoughts swirling.

  “Can you take me flying with you?” she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

  Billy nodded, a teasing smile creeping across his face. The only question was whether he could actually fly. He remembered the scenes from “Doctor Strange” where focus and intention were key to harnessing magical abilities.

  Concentrating, he focused his mind, picturing himself soaring through the sky. Suddenly, he felt an unfamiliar energy coursing through him, a gift from Mercury, one of the twelve gods of Olympus. In an instant, his feet lifted off the ground, and he was floating.

  “Wow, I’m really flying!” Mary exclaimed, her worries forgotten as exhilaration took over.

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  Billy grinned, reveling in their shared joy. “Hold on tight! I’m going to speed up!” He leaned in closer, whispering in her ear, the warmth of his breath sending shivers down her spine.

  Mary’s cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson, her heart pounding as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The connection between them crackled with an undeniable chemistry, and everything felt right in that moment.

  Around them, onlookers watched in disbelief. “Is it really that easy for a superhero to sweep someone off their feet?” one bystander muttered, envious of Billy’s effortless charm.

  As they soared higher, the wind whipping past them, Mary’s excitement surged. She looked down, the world below shrinking, and felt a rush of adrenaline. “This is incredible!” she shouted.

  Billy, feeling her thrill, slowed their descent slightly to check in. “Are you cold? Should I slow down?”

  Mary shook her head, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Are you cold? You’re not wearing much!”

  He laughed, “I’m a superhero! I can’t be cold!”

  They landed gracefully in a park, and Billy noticed a look of contemplation on Mary’s face. “What’s on your mind?” he asked gently.

  Taking a deep breath, Mary summoned her courage and declared, “Right now, I want to tell the world that you, Shazam, are my boyfriend!”

  Billy blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her boldness.

  “Don’t you want to?” Mary’s voice trembled slightly, uncertainty creeping into her expression.

  “No! I definitely do!” Billy rushed to reassure her, sensing her disappointment. “You’re the best gift I’ve ever received. But you kind of stole my thunder there!”

  He playfully poked her nose, and a smile broke across her face, brightening the moment.

  “Today is incredible,” Mary said, her heart swelling with happiness. Not only had she been accepted into her dream university, but she had also found a superhero boyfriend. It felt like a fairy tale.

  Suddenly, she extended her hand, “Can I have your phone?”

  Billy’s heart sank. He couldn’t let her have his phone; doing so would expose his true identity. “Uh, I don’t have one,” he stammered, trying to maintain his cool demeanor. “I mean, look at me! I’m in a superhero suit; I don’t even have pockets!”

  Mary glanced at his tight-fitting costume, not sensing the lie. “Then let’s go buy one! We can exchange contact information!”

  Billy sighed in relief, knowing he could dodge that bullet. “Sure! Let’s go!”

  With that, they headed to the mall, both feeling giddy with excitement about what their newfound connection might bring.