Keeping a Diary in (Marvel )

S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters – Nick Fury's Thoughts

Nick Fury wasn't a man who cared about how many people lived or died.

As the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he had seen countless deaths over the years.

Some of those deaths were even personally ordered by him.

But Tony Stark was different.

Yes, Tony was selfish, arrogant, and insufferable.

The kind of playboy billionaire that was impossible to like.

However, his father was Howard Stark—

One of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D.

And because Howard Stark and Maria Stark had died that Christmas night…

Nick Fury felt responsible for ensuring that Tony survived.

Not to mention, Peggy Carter was still alive.

But if the kidnapping wasn't a life-threatening event…

If it would break him down and force him to grow into a hero…

Then Nick Fury saw it as a necessary event.

After all—

That's exactly what Howard and Maria Stark would have wanted.

So, regarding Tony's upcoming kidnapping by the Ten Rings,

Nick Fury decided not to intervene.

Instead—

What truly interested him now was the first meeting between Natasha Romanoff and the owner of the Black Gold Diary, Su Che.

Would it be an encounter filled with unexpected surprises?

Or would it confirm the absurd thoughts creeping into his mind?

For now, he distracted himself with that thought.

But in his gut, he knew—

This meeting would change everything.

Manhattan – Across from Stark Industries – Inside Peach Blossom Forest Café

Early the next morning…

Inside Peach Blossom Forest, the café across from Stark Industries,

A small but thriving coffee shop.

"Morning, boss!"

"Good morning, sir!"

Seeing Su Che walk in, the employees greeted him warmly.

These workers had once been employees of the old ice cream shop that previously occupied the space.

But they didn't mind the change in ownership.

After all, in Manhattan, job security wasn't easy to come by.

Besides—

The weekly salary at the old ice cream shop was only $130.

At Peach Blossom Forest Café, Su Che paid them $200 per week.

Higher pay, less stress—what's not to love?

"Good morning!"

Su Che greeted them back, his smile warm and genuine.

The café had six employees, mostly college students working shifts.

It was a large space, considering how expensive real estate was in Manhattan.

Running a small café here wasn't exactly profitable,

But Su Che had his reasons for opening it.

"Boss, same as usual?"

One of the baristas, Selena, asked with a sweet smile.

"Definitely."

"Got it! Black coffee, no sugar—coming right up!"

For over half a month,

The employees had already memorized their boss's routine—

• Black coffee, no sugar.

• Always sits by the window.

• Always chooses a spot where the sunlight shines directly on him.

They didn't understand why their boss loved basking in the sun so much,

But they liked him nonetheless.

He was generous, fair, and never overworked them.

Unlike other bosses,

He didn't micromanage or harass anyone.

Plus—

He was handsome.

Really handsome.

If he ever showed interest, any one of them would gladly go on a date with him.

A young man running a café in Manhattan had to be loaded.

If one of them married him—

That was a lifetime of security with zero struggle.

Unfortunately…

He didn't seem interested in anyone.

What a shame.

Enter Pepper Potts

Just as Su Che settled in with his coffee,

A familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey, Superman, did the sun give you superpowers today?"

Looking up, Su Che saw a beautiful redhead walking toward him—

Pepper Potts.

As Tony Stark's personal assistant and secretary,

Pepper was at Stark Industries almost every day.

She was very familiar with this café.

Over time,

She and Su Che had become acquainted.

After all,

Pepper liked to spend her free time here—

Relaxing with coffee, escaping her chaotic job.

More than once,

She had curiously observed Su Che.

Despite being younger than her,

He carried himself with a maturity and calmness that didn't match his age.

His demeanor, his speech, his composure—

Everything about him was intriguing.

But what fascinated her the most—

Was the trace of deep sorrow in his eyes.

Pepper wasn't blind.

She had met many men, but Su Che was… different.

It was like he had seen too much.

Like he had been through things no one his age should have.

That kind of mystery was attractive.

Women liked that kind of depth.

And Pepper was no exception.

The Conversation

Su Che chuckled.

"I don't know if I'm becoming Superman… but I do know you're skipping work today."

"Who said I'm skipping work?"

Pepper smirked, taking a sip of coffee.

"I already clocked in at Stark Industries. That means I'm officially at work.

So how can I be skipping?"

Her playful smile made Su Che laugh.

"Fair point."

"After all, once you clock in, it means you've technically shown up."

"But… I have a feeling Tony Stark going to the desert to showcase his weapons gave you some extra personal time."

"Otherwise, you wouldn't be in this café so early in the morning."

Hearing that, Pepper chuckled.

"You got me there."

"Tony heading to the desert really did free up my schedule.

Otherwise, I'd be stuck handling his chaotic nonsense all day."

She took another sip of her coffee, sighing in relief.

"Honestly, I feel like a babysitter most days."

"Having to clean up after a spoiled billionaire genius is exhausting."

Su Che smirked.

"Sounds like a dream job."

Pepper rolled her eyes.

"Sure, if your dream is dealing with a grown man-child who refuses to listen to anyone."

"But for today, at least… I get to enjoy my coffee in peace."

As they continued chatting,

Neither of them noticed—

That a certain red-haired spy had just walked into the café.

Natasha Romanoff had arrived.

And her target was sitting right in front of her.