"Oh, good. I expected it to take you a month or so, but you did it in less than a week. You have potential."

Kenji and I smiled at each other and high-fived each other. I think it's good to be happy with a commendation, especially if you don't know when you're going to hear it again. But when we turned back, on Aki's face, he was rather aloof. That's not a good sign.

"Well, since you're so talented, I'm canceling the rest of the class. I'm going to give you an assignment. Learn to read minds. I think it's going to keep you busy for a long time. I mean, like who."And he turned his eyes to Kenji for a moment. He didn't think I'd see it, but I noticed.

“Wait what?! You're kidding, right?!"I got up and walked over to him.

"You're good with jokes, but seriously, when do we start?"

"I wasn't kidding. You have to focus on the minds of others. There's nothing else I can tell you. You can do it or you can't."

“What?????!?!"

My magical career is over. I slumped to the ground.

"Don't exaggerate, hysterical." Fuyu spoke.

I hope there's a spell to kill people without being caught. Hmmmm. Like woodoo? Let's go make little Fuyu.. I thought mischievously.

••••••••••••••••••••••

After dinner, I went to the lounge with Kenji to play pool. We kind of liked it. It's quiet. We can have a chat while we're at it. At least we'll have fun here. You know, it's pretty boring here. It would take some excitement here and there.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"So how do you think they manage to control those thoughts?"I asked my friend and tapped the white ball.

"It's what he said. There's no feint to it. It was on those questions in the test, too."

"I know, but I was just expecting a type.”

"Don't worry, you can do it."

I paused for a moment. I fumbled my thoughts about Aki words. I lost sight of the game. I leaned against a wooden pole and brooded.

"Hey, what did Aki mean by how who?"

"I don't know. Doesn't matter?"

"What do you care?"

"It's just irrelevant. You're supposed to learn to read minds."

"What me?? Don't you?”

Kenji just laughed and flicked the last ball.

"I seem to have won."He said triumphantly. I didn't answer. Kenji was suddenly on his way out.

"Kenji?"

"Yes?"He stopped. I walked over and looked into his sapphire eyes.

"I know you're hiding something from me." Kenji looked puzzled, but then his eyebrows came back to one level.

"When you learn to read minds, I'll tell you.”

"No I want to know now!"I grabbed his arm and started crushing it. Kenji's expression suddenly petrified.

I can control minds. So let me go now.

I automatically let him in, but not with my will. It was him.

Now you're wondering who I am. It's me. Same old Kenji, but I'm warning you. Don't stick your nose in. I don't want to talk about it. His voice in my head sounded very threatening.

What the hell is this?! how Why won't she tell me? Kenji had already disappeared when I came out of my shock. I went to my room.

I kept thinking about Kenji before bed. Why is he hiding something from us? They don't believe me? Maybe it's painful? But I could be supportive of that. On the other hand, I should therefore be sympathetic. I don't talk about my dreams and things like that. Maybe that's why he has his reasons. But is it right? Maybe we can help him.

I got out of bed and went to Kenji's. I knocked on the dark brown door. I didn't even wait for an invitation and burst into the room.

"Kenji. apologize I don't want to know how you do it anymore. I know you're a good person and I shouldn't doubt you. I'm so sorry." After my fervent speech, I immediately fell to my knees and apologized profusely, as was customary.

"Iruko's all right. Can you go pro-pleeaase now? I'm not right now.. Aaaah... I can't." I lifted my head and tilted it to one side.

"Huh? You want to sneeze? Are you sick?"

"Get out!!"

I shrugged. And left. I'll make herbal tea for his cold tomorrow.