Cyberpunk: The Magnet fruit

David stood in front of Gloria, his gaze softening as he took in her exhausted appearance. Her beautiful face was etched with fatigue, and she was still wearing her emergency team uniform, likely straight off a grueling night shift.

It was clear she hadn't had a moment to rest before rushing to Arasaka Academy to handle her son's school matters. The love she held for her son was evident in every action.

"Hey, it's all on me," David said apologetically, his voice firm.

He stepped forward to examine the scratch marks on Gloria's car. "I'll cover the cost of the repairs. I'm really sorry for what happened earlier. Please let me compensate you."

Gloria hesitated, shaking her head. "This... this isn't necessary. Actually, we should be the ones thanking you. You saved our lives today."

"Please, I insist," David interrupted, his tone unwavering. "If you don't let me pay for the damage, I'll feel incredibly guilty!"

Gloria bit her lip, glancing at David's luxury car riddled with bullet holes. Money was tight for her right now, especially with the exorbitant tuition fees at Arasaka Academy. After a moment's hesitation, she finally gave in and shared her account details.

David took out his smartphone and quickly initiated a transfer.

"Alright," he said after a few taps. "The money's been sent. Since it's a transfer between banks, it might take some time to arrive. Please check it later."

With that, David bowed politely. "Once again, I'm truly sorry for everything."

Lucy stood silently to the side, observing the scene. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched David's demeanor. Something about his behavior intrigued her, though she kept her thoughts to herself.

"It's really okay," Gloria replied, her voice trembling slightly. "Actually, we owe you a debt of gratitude for saving us. If it weren't for you, my son and I... we might not have made it out alive."

David turned to the young boy beside her—his younger self. "Hey, kid," he said with a chuckle, "make sure to take care of your mom, alright? She loves you more than anything."

Young David stared at him, his expression caught between confusion and curiosity. "You didn't have to pay for the scratch. If you hadn't hit those cyber-gangsters with your car, my mom and I would've been shot."

David smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "Maybe so, but I still damaged your car, and that's on me. Besides," he added, gesturing to the Arasaka Academy emblem on young David's chest, "I bet going to that school isn't cheap, is it?"

The question struck a nerve. Young David's expression froze, and he lowered his gaze. Gloria, standing beside him, looked equally uncomfortable.

David quickly changed the subject, smiling warmly. "Ma'am, it's clear how much you care for your son. But you've got to take care of yourself too. I can see you came straight from work without even changing your clothes. You can't keep exhausting yourself like this. Remember, your son needs you. You're the only person he can truly rely on in Night City."

Gloria blinked, startled by his words. "I... I understand," she murmured.

"And you," David said, turning to young David. "Your mom loves you more than anything, so don't let her down. Protect her, alright?"

Young David nodded slowly, though his mind was racing with questions.

David leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Oh, and stay away from that sketchy prosthetic doctor you know. Also, cut back on watching Black Mewtwo. Trust me, it'll save your mom a lot of headaches."

Before either of them could respond, David waved and started walking back to his car.

"See you around!" he called over his shoulder.

Lucy trailed behind him, silent but thoughtful. She climbed into the driver's seat without a word, her curiosity about David only growing.

Meanwhile, Gloria and her son stood frozen on the sidewalk, watching the car disappear into the traffic.

"Who... was that guy?" Gloria murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

David didn't answer. Instead, he tightened his grip on the small cross pendant around his neck, staring at the spot where the car had vanished.

Suddenly, Gloria's neural implant chimed with a notification. She blinked and opened the message, her eyes widening in shock.

[Notification: Taokang Bank]

You have received 10,000 euros in your account at 11:20. Current balance: 14,300.6 euros.

"What?!" Gloria gasped, her pupils dilating in disbelief.

David turned to her, alarmed. "What's wrong, Mom?"

"David," Gloria said, her voice trembling. "That man... he just transferred 10,000 euros to us!"

Young David's jaw dropped. "What?! Why would he do that?"

Gloria shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't understand. The repair cost for this car couldn't possibly be that high. Why would he give us so much?"

The small, battered car they drove was worth less than a thousand euros—there was no way the repair cost would exceed ten times its value.

"Oh my God," Gloria whispered, clasping her hands together. "David, do you think... do you think he was sent by God to save us?"

Her voice broke as she spoke, tears streaming down her face. "In a place like Night City... could there really be a God?"

David didn't respond. He stared at the direction David's car had disappeared, his mind replaying the stranger's words.

"David..." Gloria said softly, her voice barely audible.

The boy clenched his fists, his thoughts racing.

In the car, David leaned back in his seat as the soft hum of the engine filled the air. His phone chimed with a notification:

[Notification: Arasaka Bank]

*You have sent 10,000 euros to [Account ID: *****]. Current balance: 44,960.2 euros.

"Tch," David muttered, tossing the phone aside. "Can you believe the fees they charge for a simple transfer? Fifty euros. Ridiculous."

Lucy glanced at him from the driver's seat, raising an eyebrow. "You seriously transferred 10,000 euros to those two? Isn't that a bit... excessive?"

David shrugged. "They needed it more than I did."

Lucy frowned, her curiosity piqued. "You're a strange guy. Are all Dragon Kingdom people like you?"

David chuckled. "Not really. I'm probably an exception."

Lucy smirked. "You're definitely something else. First, you're out here dodging bullets, and now you're throwing money around like it's nothing. What's your deal?"

David leaned back, gazing out the window. "Let's just say... I believe in helping when I can."

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amusement. "You're one weird guy, you know that?"

"Thanks," David said with a grin. "Now, let's head home. I've got some business to take care of."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "What kind of business?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," David replied cryptically.

As the car merged into the flow of traffic, David's thoughts drifted back to Gloria and young David. He clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes.

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