"It really is Wanda."

Hode stepped closer, examining the figure on his car hood, confirming that it was indeed Wanda. He never expected to encounter the Scarlet Witch in such a secluded place. However, she lay sprawled over the hood, her breath heavy with the strong scent of malt. Even from a distance, it was clear she had indulged quite a bit.

"Ugh..."

"You... how did you get like this?" After a moment of hesitation, Hode took Wanda's hand and placed it on his shoulder, intending to help her up.

Wanda raised her dazed eyes, slightly reddened around the edges, resembling a puddle of muddled emotions. Noticing the unfamiliar face, she spoke in a choked voice, "Who... who are you?"

"Miss Maximoff, you're drunk."

Hode tightened his grip on the wrist resting on his shoulder and hoisted Wanda up a bit.

"No... I'm not drunk!" At his words, Wanda violently pulled away, stumbling against the car hood. She sank to her knees, sobbing and shaking her head, tears glistening as they streamed down her cheeks.

"You need to rest."

Seeing her in such a state, Hode sighed and stepped forward, ready to assist.

"Actually, I know... everyone dislikes me..."

Wanda suddenly looked up, her tousled hair framing her reddened eyes, tears already staining her face. Her trembling voice was filled with sadness, and her expression was one of helpless despair.

The distress radiating from Wanda made Hode realize, in an instant, the toll recent events had taken on her. To prevent widespread casualties, she had no choice but to hurl a potential explosive towards the sky. The ensuing explosion devastated a building, resulting in numerous fatalities. While she acted to protect many, she was met not with understanding but with an avalanche of public scrutiny.

"In fact, you've done very well... no one hates you."

Hode stepped closer, gently urging her to get up, speaking in a soothing tone. After all, Wanda's mental state was much more fragile than that of other heroes, and it was no surprise her situation had led her here.

"Really?"

Wanda raised her head, revealing a deep shadow beneath her fair neck. The significant movement had caused her delicate collarbones to become more prominent.

"Ahem!" Faced with this image, Hode discreetly admired for a moment before redirecting his gaze, instinctively touching his nose and clearing his throat. This wasn't lewdness; any normal man would appreciate a blossoming flower.

"Are you trying to deceive me?" Wanda, keenly observing Hode's averted gaze, questioned him, her voice laced with doubt. If he wasn't lying, then why was he avoiding her gaze now? Surely, he was just trying to comfort her!

"Of course not!" Hode turned to her, his voice firm. "No one is perfect; no one can control everything around them!"

While Wanda possessed immense power, it didn't mean she could do it all. Even the powerful Doctor Strange struggled with limitations—much less her.

"You... are right."

Wanda took a deep breath, slowly nodding. She had done her best, yet... she never expected...

"Don't overthink it; the ground is cold. Let me help you into the car."

Hode moved next to Wanda, bending down to assist her in standing up. Wanda nodded slightly at him, not resisting, and allowed Hode to help her into the back seat.

"First, let's get her back to the Avengers."

Hode shook his head helplessly as he looked at Wanda leaning against the back seat, her gaze wandering. Who would have guessed he'd run into Wanda in such a place? As he adjusted her legs hanging outside the door to close it, she suddenly grabbed his wrist with her cold, slender hand.

"What's wrong?"

Hode asked, seeing the flush of redness on her cheeks with an inquiring expression.

"Did you really mean what you said just now?"

"Am I really not wrong?"

Wanda's eyes sparkled as if she had caught sight of her own shining star. Since that incident, all she had faced was public scorn. The misunderstanding of the masses and the selfishness of the authorities left her feeling completely lost. That was why she had come to this secluded place to drown her sorrows.

Yet, unexpectedly, the person before her had unraveled her tangled emotions and stood steadfastly by her side.

"Yes, you've already worked very hard!"

Hode's voice was resolute.

In the next moment, Wanda suddenly pulled back, a flash of crimson light flickering in her hand. A surge of energy propelled him towards her. In that unexpected moment, Hode found himself pushing against Wanda's shoulders. They tumbled into the back seat, faces mere inches apart, breathing heavily.

In that instant, it wasn't just the scent of alcohol that enveloped him, but also the faint aroma of jasmine mixed with cedarwood. The closeness of their faces made even a seasoned warrior like him feel his heartbeat quicken.

Wanda's galaxy-like blue eyes seemed to ensnare his gaze like a black hole.

"Um..."

Hode opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

"Don't speak!" Wanda closed her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering, just like a flower that allows him to pick it.

Hode stood frozen, utterly surprised that things had unraveled in this unexpected manner. If he couldn't grasp Wanda's intentions now, he might as well have lived as a fool all these years. After a moment's hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her.

When they finally pulled apart, a thin line of saliva linked their lips. Wanda blinked her moist eyes, shimmering like a tranquil lake, charmingly vulnerable. The corners of her lips trembled slightly, perhaps from nervousness, adding to her allure...

At this point, there was no turning back! To hesitate now would be akin to losing an opportunity!

"Bang!"

Hode clenched his teeth, flipping over to close the car door.

He had always adhered to one principle: when something is within reach, there's no reason to refuse it.

Seeing Hode's movement, Wanda gasped, "What are you trying to do?"

"Do!" Beneath the setting sun, the last rays of daylight bathed the black car's roof.

A black Cayenne proudly displayed its impressive suspension system!

Despite this, I still sway to the rhythm, bit by bit!