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The car stopped in front of a luxury suit shop. Dan had heard of this place—it was where the elite got their suits custom-made. But he had no idea why Stark brought him here.
"Alright, young Dan, we've arrived," Happy said as he opened the car door.
Dan stepped out, confused. "Why'd you bring me here? Is Stark inside?"
"Whoa, whoa, Dan my guy, you're the star of this weekend's charity gala! You can't show up without a proper outfit. Come on, Mr. Stark's already inside."
Dan frowned but still walked into the flashy store.
The outside looked super high-end, but the inside had this old-school charm—like a classic tailor shop from the last century.
"Good afternoon, sir. Right this way," said a sharply dressed employee, leading Dan to the back where Stark was holding two suits up to himself, comparing them.
"Dan! Finally! Tell me, which one looks better?"
Dan glanced at them—one was dark brown, the other coffee-colored. Neither suited Stark, honestly.
"Neither," Dan said bluntly.
Stark raised an eyebrow and put the suits down.
"Agreed. Looks like our taste isn't too far off."
"Tony, why'd you make me the orphanage's spokesperson? Didn't I leave everything in your hands?"
Dan cut straight to the point—he was still annoyed at Stark's move.
Stark shrugged with a grin. "Hey man, you said it yourself—everything was up to me. So doesn't that mean I have the right to choose the spokesperson?"
Dan scratched his head. Technically… that was true.
"But this is a big deal. It's a charity gala with a bunch of high-profile people. I've never been to something like that. And I hate being in the spotlight."
Stark stroked his goatee again, eyed Dan up and down, then called over a tailor to start measuring him.
"Listen, kid. Nobody's born ready for this kind of thing. That's exactly why you need to experience it. And if you hate the spotlight that much, fine—I'll have them turn the lights off when you go onstage, how about that?"
"Tony, that's not what I meant and you know it."
Dan was getting irritated. Stark clearly understood what he meant, but he was dodging the issue on purpose.
Stark looked at him seriously, patting his shoulder.
"Look, Dan. I know you don't fit in with those rich, powerful types. You came from the bottom. You've seen the darkness most of them never will. But hiding won't solve anything. One day, you'll have to face them. You'll have to stand in that spotlight you hate so much.
The mask you wear won't protect you forever. If you really want to protect people, then someday… you'll have to take it off and face everything you don't want to."
Dan didn't say anything.
He didn't get why Stark was telling him all this. He wasn't some chosen one. He just happened to get powers by chance. All he ever wanted was to protect the people he cared about and maybe indulge his ego a little.
Like he'd told Erik once—if anyone deserved to be Kamen Rider, it was Erik. Dan was just the lucky one who got picked by Krim. As long as he could throw on the Drive suit now and then and play the hero, he was happy.
"Sir, we've finished the measurements. What color palette do you prefer?" the old tailor asked.
Stark answered for him, "Go with whatever you think brings out his best qualities. I trust you."
"Of course, sir. I'll do my best."
Once the tailor left, Stark turned to Dan again.
"If you really don't want to be the spokesperson, then come with me."
"Where to?"
"Don't ask. Just come."
Stark dragged him into the car. Happy drove them out of the busy city center.
They eventually pulled up in front of the Valentine Orphanage.
Dan stepped out and stared. For a second, he didn't even recognize it.
The entire orphanage had been renovated from top to bottom—and even expanded.
"What the…?"
Dan was stunned.
Stark grinned proudly. "Told you. You can always count on Stark Industries. Go have a look."
Dan walked toward the orphanage while Stark stayed in the car.
"You're not coming in?"
"Nah. The star always enters last. I'll visit the kids on the weekend. Go on—I'll wait here."
Dan stepped through the front doors. Everything looked brand new—walls, windows, floors, ceilings, even the path outside. But the layout was exactly the same as before.
In the courtyard, kids were running around laughing. The moment they saw him, they rushed over.
"Big bro Dan!"
"You're back!"
"Brother!"
The kids hugged him tightly. Dan crouched down to hug them back.
"Big bro Dan!"
Little Orange ran out from inside and latched onto his leg.
Dan scooped her up. "You having fun these days, Orange?"
"Yup!"
Her tiny face lit up with a big smile.
"Big bro Dan, a bunch of kind uncles and aunties came to help! They fixed the TV, redid the whole place, and brought us so many picture books and toys!"
"Really? That's awesome."
Dan pinched her cheek, making her giggle.
"Grandma said they all came because of you! She said… you were blessed by heaven and brought blessings to everyone. It's thanks to you that we're doing so well now!"
"Oh Lord, the Lord's child has returned!"
Sister Talia came out with the staff, and everyone lined up to welcome him. Dan didn't know where to look.
"Welcome home, child of God. We're so grateful. If you hadn't asked your friend for help, we really don't know what we would've done."
Then she gave Dan a deep bow.
"Don't do that, Sister Talia. You're my elder, no matter what."
Dan quickly put down Little Orange and rushed over to help the nun up.
The nun looked at him, eyes full of gratitude.
"Thank you, really, thank you so much."
"....."