Chapter 10

Issac stood near the window of his dorm, his eyes fixated on the gathering of campus security and staff down below. The college administration was buzzing with concern after the communal shower incident. They were talking in hushed tones, speculating whether it was just another prank gone wrong or something far more serious.

"They're closing in," Issac muttered to himself, his thoughts racing. "If they figure out Jaren awakened, they'll come for him. They always do."

Alfred's voice chimed in, cutting through his spiraling thoughts. "You need to relax, Issac. Jaren doesn't have to hide anything. He's not like you. Stop thinking like a rogue Esper."

Issac turned away from the window, frustration evident in his voice. "You don't get it, Alfred. Even if he's an official citizen, Espers with powers like his don't get left alone, especially when their powers awaken like that. You know what happens—they'll be tempted to experiment on him. He could end up in a lab, or worse."

"Oh, please! Jaren's different." Alfred's tone was smug. "Do you even know who his family is? High-ranking military. You don't think they'd pull strings to protect him?"

Issac paused, the memory of Jaren's family history flashing in his mind. He had almost forgotten. "The military..." he muttered, his mind running through the details of previous timelines. Jaren's family had always been well-connected, with many of its members holding powerful positions in the military. They were a family used to handling Espers and their responsibilities.

"But that won't stop the curiosity," Issac insisted. "Even the military has limits. If they discover he's got dual powers... you know what that means. He won't just be a soldier. He'll be seen as a weapon."

"Oh, come on!" Alfred countered, "Jaren doesn't have to hide. Dual powers are rare, sure, but if anyone's equipped to handle that kind of attention, it's him. He doesn't need your help sneaking around like some fugitive."

Issac frowned. "He almost died the first time," he said softly. His mind wandered back to the timeline before this one. Jaren had been stuck in the communal shower for hours, his body unable to handle the surge of power during his awakening. No one had come for him, no one had known. If Issac hadn't intervened in that timeline, Jaren wouldn't have survived.

"I can't let him risk that again," Issac whispered, more to himself than to Alfred. "Not this time. I can't stand by and do nothing."

"Issac, listen to me," Alfred's voice softened, taking on a tone of rare seriousness. "I know you want to help, but Jaren isn't helpless. He's not some naïve kid, and he's not without protection. Stop treating him like he needs you to fix everything."

Issac clenched his fists, the familiar weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He had spent so many lives trying to prevent disaster, trying to save the people around him, but this time felt different. Jaren wasn't a rogue Esper like Issac had become in past timelines. He had a powerful family, a legitimate place in society—things Issac never had.

But still... the danger remained.

"I just... don't want to see him hurt," Issac said finally, his voice laced with worry. "I've seen what happens to people with powers like his, Alfred. It's never good."

"And you don't think his family can handle that?" Alfred scoffed. "Face it, Issac, you're projecting. Jaren's not you. He's got a life of his own, and he's not running from anyone. You need to let him figure things out without you treating him like he's already doomed."

Issac exhaled, leaning back against the wall, closing his eyes. Alfred wasn't wrong, but the fear that gnawed at him was something he couldn't shake. He had lived through too many cycles where things had gone wrong, where even the smallest mistake had led to disaster.

"Fine," he said after a long pause. "But I'm not going to just sit here and do nothing."

"Of course not. You'll do your thing—obsess and plan like always." Alfred's voice was back to its usual sarcastic tone. "Just don't forget, Jaren's tougher than you think. He'll be fine."

Issac opened his eyes and gave a faint smile. "I hope you're right."

As he stood by the window again, watching the campus authorities mill about, Issac's mind raced with possibilities. The last thing he wanted was to pull Jaren into the shadows of his own life, into the dangers and secrecy that had defined him for so long.

But this time, he couldn't shake the feeling that Jaren's awakening would be more than just a turning point for him. It could change everything.

Jaren POV

Jaren slowly woke up, grogginess clinging to him like a heavy blanket. As he blinked the sleep from his eyes, he became acutely aware of the cool air against his bare skin. His heart raced as he registered that he wasn't wearing anything—completely naked in his dorm room.

"What the—?" he mumbled, scrambling to sit up and pull the covers over himself, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. The memories of the previous night flooded back. He had been taking a shower, the warmth of the water washing away the day's stress, when he felt that unmistakable surge of energy—the awakening of his Esper powers.

Jaren squeezed his eyes shut, reliving the moment: a wave of freezing cold coursing through him, followed by the soothing warmth that enveloped him like a comforting embrace. That warmth wasn't just a random sensation; it had been his Guide powers awakening too. The realization sent another wave of heat to his cheeks. He'd panicked in the shower, his powers erupting uncontrollably, creating an icy mist that soaked the entire room.

He could hardly believe it. He was now a full-fledged Esper, with the Guide powers to match. "This is insane," he muttered, running a hand through his damp hair. He looked around the room, searching for his discarded clothes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

As he stood up, trying to balance himself and keep the blanket wrapped around his waist, he heard a faint knock on the door. Panic washed over him. "Who is it?" he called out, quickly scanning for something—anything—to cover himself more appropriately.

"It's me, Issac! Are you decent?" came the voice from the other side.

Jaren's heart raced again. "Not really!" he shouted back, desperately trying to find his clothes. He fumbled around the room, finally spotting his shirt crumpled on the floor. He managed to grab it just as Issac opened the door, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Whoa, sorry!" Issac exclaimed, covering his eyes with one hand, a mix of shock and a hint of laughter dancing in his voice. "I should've knocked first."

"Just shut the door!" Jaren yelled, slipping the shirt over his head and tugging it down. "What do you want?"

Issac quickly complied, shutting the door but not before a smirk spread across his face. "You looked like you needed a wake-up call. I figured you'd want to know how things went last night."

Jaren felt his heart drop at the reminder. "You mean the powers?" He leaned against the wall, still feeling slightly shaky from the experience.

"Yeah," Issac replied, his tone shifting to something more serious. "You were out of it for a while. I was worried you might have pushed yourself too hard."

Jaren shook his head, trying to shake off the embarrassment and the last remnants of sleep. "I didn't even know I was going to awaken, let alone like that," he said, running a hand through his hair again. "I can't believe I woke up naked, though. That's just—"

"Hey, it's not the first time for some of us," Issac interrupted with a teasing grin. "Just wait until you hear the stories from the upperclassmen. Naked mishaps are practically a rite of passage."

Jaren rolled his eyes, a smile creeping onto his face despite his earlier embarrassment. "Great. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Issac's expression shifted to one of concern. "Just remember, Jaren, you're not alone in this. If you need help managing your powers or anything else, just let me know."

"Yeah, thanks," Jaren replied, feeling a swell of gratitude. "I appreciate it."

As the two stood there, the reality of the situation settled in. Jaren was no longer just a regular citizen; he was now an Esper with newfound powers. He felt the weight of it all but also a rush of excitement. Whatever came next, he knew he wouldn't be facing it alone.