Supervillain Idol System: My Sidekick Is A Yandere

Several minutes later, Don found himself walking down another corridor, this time a few steps behind Elle.

She led the way, her posture slightly stiff, showing her nerves as her eyes flitted about, searching for the next feature of the base to show him. The subtle click of her boots echoed faintly against the smooth metallic floor.

Don hadn't expected to be alone with Elle so soon, especially after arriving in the hangar mere moments ago. Unfortunately, when Gary suggested that Elle give him a tour, she had practically leapt at the opportunity. Her usual meekness had vanished in that instant, leaving him with no reason to protest.

Now, with just the two of them walking through the dimly lit hallway, Don's gaze occasionally wandered to her figure ahead of him, her hands fidgeting near her sides as if unsure whether to clasp them or let them hang.

'Might as well,' Don thought, his lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. 'Doubt any amount of delay or preparation will make this easier.'

Elle suddenly glanced over her shoulder, her soft amber eyes catching his briefly before she turned back, clearing her throat.

"Oh," she began, her voice small but gaining strength as she continued, "the next tram is just up ahead. S-sorry for the walk… the old owner's journal mentioned he liked walking, but I can have that fixed if—"

Don cut her off, his tone light. "No worries, Elle. It just means I get to spend a little more time with you."

He hadn't meant much by the words, more out of reflex than intent. Yet they had the desired effect.

Elle's cheeks reddened, and she dipped her head, murmuring, "You're just saying that…"

Her soft words were almost lost in the space between them as they approached the tram. The doors opened with a quiet **hiss**, the gentle glow from inside spilling out onto the cold floor.

Elle stepped in first, standing by the entrance and holding onto one of the overhead rails. "The next stop is near," she explained, her voice steadier now. "I, um… already toured the place so I could give you a better tour."

Don followed her inside, taking up a spot beside her. "Well, I'm enjoying myself so far," he said, keeping his tone easy. "It's less flashy than the old base, sure, but it's definitely cozier in its own way."

Elle's lips curved into a warm smile, her earlier nervousness softening. Something about his approval seemed to reach her, a flicker of pride blooming in her expression.

Don caught the moment and decided against overloading the conversation with charm. A balance, he reminded himself, was more authentic—and authenticity mattered more than hollow sweetness with people he wanted to keep close.

The tram jerked lightly as it began moving, its mechanisms humming quietly beneath their feet. Elle glanced toward Don once more, but before she could say anything, the tram slowed.

The space beyond the doors was revealed in gradual splendor.

When the tram came to a halt, the doors slid open soundlessly, and Don stepped out into a vast Romanian-style hall.

His boots clicked against the polished stone floor as his eyes scanned the space. The tram track itself curved elegantly through the center of the room, seamlessly integrated into a huge mosaic painted across the floor.

The mosaic depicted a messy clash of swirling grays and muted reds, a battle of abstract forms that seemed to writhe against one another. At the heart of it, the tram's path formed a perfect circle, a pale moon casting imagined light across the scene.

The walls, made of a marble-like material, rose high into the arched ceiling, their smooth surfaces interrupted only by carved accents and faint metallic veins that shimmered faintly under the glow of recessed lights.

At intervals, alcoves displayed minimalist sculptures—abstract pieces crafted from materials that seemed both ancient and futuristic. Stay tuned with empire

Above them, the ceiling stretched upward into a transparent dome. Beyond the glass, Don could see the gray, overcast skies of Santos City. Thin wisps of cloud drifted lazily across, the faint light from above diffusing into the room with an aesthetic glow.

"How is this all underground?" Don muttered to himself, his words barely above a whisper.

Elle stepped forward, stopping just behind him. She hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "Do you like it?"

Don turned slightly to glance at her, noticing how she kept her hands folded in front of her, her weight shifting subtly from one foot to the other.

"It's incredible," he replied honestly.

Elle's lips curved into a small, pleased smile. For a moment, she looked as though she wanted to say something more, but instead, she let the quiet between them settle.

Don stepped further into the hall, letting his gaze roam once more. Each detail—the melding of art and practicality, the serene yet commanding atmosphere—gave the space a unique character that felt both welcoming and commanding.

Don didn't let his gaze linger too long on the captivating sight of the grand hall. With a faint nod, he turned back to Elle, who was watching him expectantly.

Elle's smile returned, soft but warm. "I'm glad you think so," she said, gesturing toward an arched doorway on the far side of the hall. "There's more to see."

She set off at a steady pace, Don falling into step behind her.

The living quarters were no less expansive, a large network of rooms and spaces designed with both utility and artistry in mind. Elle guided him through various areas with the eagerness of someone proud of her domain.

"This is one of the private lounges," she said as they passed a room adorned with curved stone seating and low tables carved with patterns. "There's also a library down that way, though it's... mostly empty for now."

She moved ahead, her voice soft but steady as she continued pointing out details: the layout of the communal areas, the discreet kitchens tucked away behind ornate doors, and the understated elegance of the pathways that wound through the quarters.

Eventually, they entered a new section of the base. The air grew warmer, carrying with it a faint, clean humidity. Elle hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Don before stepping through another wide entryway.

The room opened into a hot spring hall, the stone flooring transitioning seamlessly into a series of shallow steps that led to a gently steaming pool.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Columns rose around the edges of the room, their smooth surfaces covered with flowing patterns that mimicked the motion of water. Above, a series of narrow skylights let in soft, natural light, casting shimmering reflections across the surface of the pool. The scent of mineral-rich water mixed with the faintest hint of lavender.

Don's eyes wandered, taking in the scene. He didn't try to hide his curiosity, his gaze moving across the smooth stone benches, the soft glow from wall sconces, and the still surface of the water that rippled faintly as steam rose from it.

"Wow," he muttered, more to himself than Elle. "Didn't expect this."

Elle stopped at the edge of the pool, her hands clasped loosely in front of her as she turned slightly to look at him. "The journal mentioned this was supposed to be a place for relaxation," she explained softly. "It's one of the few areas that was already finished when we got here."

Don nodded absently, his focus still on the space. Despite its calming atmosphere, his thoughts drifted.

'How do I even approach the topic?' he wondered, his brow furrowing slightly. Gary's words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the conversation he'd been avoiding.

He let out a quiet sigh and stepped forward, closing the distance to where Elle had stopped. Her back was to him now, her gaze fixed on the steaming pool. She seemed completely at ease, and for a brief moment, Don considered putting this off. But the thought passed quickly.

"Hey, Elle," he began, his tone carefully measured, "can we talk for a minute?"

Elle turned her head toward him, the smile she'd been wearing faltering just enough to reveal her concern. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Don returned her look with a faint smile, trying to keep his tone light. "What makes you think something's wrong?"

She hesitated, her hand lifting to rub her opposite arm awkwardly. "Y-you, um…" She paused, as though searching for the right words. "You give off a certain energy when something is bothering you."

Her other hand moved to push a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the gesture shy and unguarded.

Don tilted his head slightly, curious. 'Does she mean figuratively or literally?' he wondered. But he dismissed the thought before it could sidetrack him, answering simply, "I see."

He then offered her a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. It's not anything bad."

Elle nodded faintly, though her unease lingered in the slight downturn of her lips. "Okay."