The air grew dense when the man entered. His presence seemed to swallow the sterile hum of the hospital machines. His sneakers brushed the tile. They calculated each step and made a smooth, unnerving sound. A prickle of cold dread crept up my spine. It wasn't his height or his fitted suit. It was his poised, commanding presence that demanded submission.
His suit, tailored to perfection, fit him like a second skin. Each seam was a testament to lethal elegance. He slicked back his dark hair, leaving not a strand out of place. A pair of tinted, round glasses hid his eyes, reflecting the dim hospital light. Even unseen, I felt his gaze, like needles pricking me. It dissected every inch of me. He carried himself like a corporate predator. His presence compelled obedience.
He stopped before me and extended a gloved hand. His smile was more clinical than kind. “My name is Lawton Jarmin, but please, call me Mr. Lawton.” I swallowed my unease and took his hand. I met his gaze with a steadiness that felt almost foreign to me. “Mr. Lawton… I don’t think we’ve met before,” I managed, keeping my tone even.
“No, we haven’t.” His response was as smooth as glass, his voice honed to a perfect, polite pitch. “I’m with the WEO—the World Esper Organization.” His words struck like a bolt. The WEO. Its name loomed in my mind like a shadow. It trained the world's most powerful espers. It was the place I had dreamed of joining.
“What brings you here?” I asked, struggling to keep the tremor out of my voice. His lips twisted into a knowing smile that seemed to reach past my words. “I’m here to make you an offer, Mr. Rei.” He pulled a chair close, sitting with graceful deliberation, his hands folding as he fixed his gaze on me.
My pulse leapt. “An… offer?” My voice tangled in hope and wariness, emotions battling for control. Could he mean what I thought? His tone dropped, heavy with an unspoken weight. “I’m here to invite you to join the WEO.”
The words hovered between us, thick with promises I could hardly believe. My heart raced, excitement mixed with a pang of apprehension. This was it—the dream I’d clung to for years, now within reach. But a sudden wave of doubt gnawed at the edges of my excitement. “Join the WEO?” I asked in a voice that was almost a whisper. “But… why me?”
A flicker of amusement crossed his face. His eyes, behind the tinted lenses, remained a mystery. “We discovered your grace, Mr. Rei. Your ability… it’s rare. Exceptional. A power that could provide significant benefits to our organization with effective refinement.”
His words sent a chill through me. How much did they know? How long had they been watching? My throat tightened, thoughts racing as I tried to grasp the full picture. “How did you find out about my grace?” The question slipped away before I could grasp it, a blend of curiosity and dread.
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He didn’t hesitate. “The WEO has its resources,” he replied, his voice as calm as glass. “We don’t intrude without reason. We observed enough to see that our guidance would benefit you. Nothing more.” A chill slipped under my skin, making me feel laid bare and seen in ways I hadn’t permitted. But beneath it all, a spark of excitement flickered. This was the WEO, the chance I had only dreamed of.
Mr. Lawton leaned forward, his voice dipping into a gentle, almost coaxing tone. “I understand your hesitation, Mr. Rei,” he said, as if reading my unease straight from my mind. “But we exist to help you harness your grace, to see it flourish in its full potential. Our resources, training, and expertise are available to espers like you."
“Harness?” I repeated, the word filling me with both intrigue and caution. His hands remained steepled, his face an unreadable mask. “Controlled. Focused. Effective. We can help you reach the potential you may not yet realize.” Despite myself, his words pulled at me. To finally understand, to control my ability—he was offering exactly what I’d wanted. Yet, a knot of doubt lingered. It tangled with promises to my mom and Kristine. I had promised them not to take risks or seek danger.
“Mr. Rei,” he continued, his gaze unwavering, “joining us is a choice you can make.” There’s no obligation—this choice is yours alone.” But the pull was strong, a desire too potent to ignore. To finally grasp my grace and make it my own. Pushing against the resistance felt almost pointless. “I… I’ll need some time to think,” I said, my voice trailing off with uncertainty while remaining open.
“Of course.” Rising from his seat, he slipped a hand into his suit pocket and produced a pristine business card. “Here’s our contact information. Should you have any questions, reach out. We’re here to support you.” He placed the card in my hand. His gaze held mine for a moment before he turned and strode out, leaving the air heavy with unspoken words.
The rest of the day passed in a blur, his words echoing in my mind until nightfall. "Damn… I need some air." Getting out of bed, I headed to the hospital rooftop, craving the space to clear my thoughts. The stairs felt endless, but the fresh air hit me as I reached the top, and I drew in a deep breath, letting it settle.
The city was a sea of lights, glittering against the dark expanse of the sky. Stars scattered overhead, mingling with the glow of streetlights. The distant sounds of laughter and music wove together, filling the night with a life of its own.
Leaning against the railing, I let the cool metal press into my arms as I gazed out at the view. Mr. Lawton's offer echoed within me. It was both tantalizing and terrifying. It promised answers but also unknowns. A quiet rustle behind me made me turn, my body tensing instinctively. But then a familiar voice broke the silence. "Rei, you look like you're ready to jump someone," Masato chuckled, stepping from the shadows.
Relief softened my stance as I took him in. “Masato,” I sighed with a faint smile. “What are you doing up here?” He shrugged, joining me at the railing, the wind catching in his dark hair. “I could ask you the same thing.” He glanced at me, not pressing. We stood together, city lights reflecting in his eyes. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice low and considerate. “Did something happen?” The sincerity in his tone made me pause, and before I knew it, I was spilling everything about Mr. Lawton’s offer.
Masato listened in silence, his expression shifting as I spoke. When I finished, he leaned back, crossing his arms. “So… what are you going to do?” I shook my head. “I don’t know yet.” He studied me, his gaze intense. “I know your mom's not thrilled about you getting involved in anything dangerous. But this… it could be a chance for you.”
“I know,” I replied, letting out a sigh. “But it feels like a risk too.” He nodded with a look of contemplation. “If you do go for it, just… be smart about it. Weigh your options.” I smiled at him, grateful. We fell into silence as the distant sirens faded, and we took in the night.
---
A few days later, the hospital finally discharged me. As I walked toward the exit, Mr. Lawton waited by the gate, an air of calm authority still emanating from him. “Have you made your decision, Mr. Rei?” he asked, his gaze steady. “Yes,” I replied, meeting his eyes. His expression shifted to a faint smile, as though he already knew.
“Welcome to the WEO, Rei Moutsuki.”
[End of Chapter]