Chapter 32: Return To Normal Life (2)

"Wait, wait, wait—Ms. Heath, let's talk about this." Nicholas pleaded with his teacher, standing alone with her in the empty classroom.

Ms. Heath narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Hah? What's there to talk about? You would've helped out regardless. Frankly, I'm letting you off easy here, you brat." She crossed her arms with a huff.

"Yeah, I suppose in your eyes I'd be considered a brat, with how old you—"

Nicholas never finished that sentence. Ms. Heath's fist met his gut before he even realized he'd made a mistake.

"I'm only twenty-six, brat," she said, her voice laced with hostility. Then, almost too quietly, she muttered, "Though I will be turning twenty-seven…"

She looked away, but Nicholas still heard her.

And he hated that he did.

Ever since he gained his powers, his senses felt like they had been cranked up to an eleven. It didn't even make sense—his ability didn't logically have anything to do with enhanced perception, and yet, it was always there. No matter how much he tried to ignore it, his power was a constant, passive presence in his life.

What a troublesome ability, he thought with a frown, sighing as he pushed the thought away.

"But Ms. Heath, I don't even know what I'm supposed to be doing. And isn't prom only for the fourth years?" Nicholas asked, hoping for a way out.

She waved a hand dismissively. "The fourth years finished school last week—that's when their prom was. This one is more of an end-of-year celebration for first through third years. A congratulations for making it through another year and advancing to the next."

Seeing Nicholas's unimpressed expression, she sighed. "Also, our school is legally required to host this prom. As you probably don't know, this school is owned by TraitShare. Their biggest competitor is KhyberCorp, and since they know they'll never beat KhyberCorp outright, they're at least trying to one-up them in the education sector."

Nicholas just blinked at her, still confused.

Ms. Heath groaned and ran a hand down her face. "A very petty CEO lost a chess match to another CEO, so now he's trying to beat him at checkers," she simplified.

"Ah," Nicholas said, finally understanding.

He wasn't dumb—okay, maybe sometimes—but he at least knew what TraitShare was.

TraitShare was a well-known company specializing in support gear for Heroes and the development of capture and containment technology for Villains. It was a respected agency where Heroes often worked as testers or bodyguards.

KhyberCorp, on the other hand, focused on improving the quality of life for people through advancements in science and technology.

It wasn't exactly hard to see which of the two companies had the upper hand in public support.

What Nicholas didn't know, however, was that TraitShare owned his school. And apparently, the school was trying to outdo TechK, the academy owned by KhyberCorp, through…

"I'm still not sure what exactly we're trying to do here," he admitted.

Ms. Heath exhaled loudly. "Gods, I could use a smoke right now."

Too bad we're in a classroom, teach. You can't smoke here.

"Basically, they think a better 'quality of life' for students means holding more events and making school 'fun.' Their logic is that happy students are more productive. And, of course, it's all one big advertisement; they just want more students to apply to our school instead of TechK."

Nicholas supposed that made some sense, though he still didn't get why TraitShare and KhyberCorp were even at odds in the first place. Their industries weren't even the same.

"Yeah, sure, whatever…" Nicholas muttered, already over it. "So what exactly do I need to do again?"

"After class, head to the student council room. If no one's there, check the gymnasium. If no one's there either, go to the teacher's lounge." She smirked. "That way, you can be someone else's problem."

"Damn, teach. That last part was kinda hurtful, you know that?"

She merely chuckled. "Now get going—I don't want to look at those dead-looking eyes of yours any longer."

"Teach, that was also hurtful."

She snorted in response, though this time a bit more forcefully. "See you later, Darklight."

Nicholas stopped just before stepping out the door. Right… Ms. Heath also taught another one of his classes.

He inhaled deeply, already dreading the rest of the day.

Why do I always get dragged into this kind of nonsense?

There was no use dwelling on it. For now, Nicholas just needed to focus on getting through his classes.

Yet, throughout the next few periods, he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling of being watched. Someone's gaze lingered on him, focused, almost invasive.

Eventually, he caught sight of the culprit—the popular blond guy.

His hair shined like gold, his eyes were as blue as the sky. Not to mention he was overall handsome. He radiated an approachable aura that could get along with anyone.

Nicholas's intuition screamed at him to stay far away. He didn't even want to know what the guy wanted. And no, it wasn't because he forgot his name or anything. Definitely not.

The bell rang. Lunch.

Nicholas bolted out of the classroom before the blonde could follow.

But he was too slow.

"Darklight, wait!"

Nicholas groaned internally as he heard the blonde call out to him, slightly out of breath. Yet, the moment he caught up, he flashed Nicholas a charming smile. The troubled look he had just moments ago? Gone.

"Ah? Yes… Nicholas?" Nicholas greeted him with a pained smile.

The blond teen—also named Nicholas—gave an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Aha, yeah, uh, since we share the same name, maybe we should call each other by our last names?"

The only reason I even remembered your name was because we have the same one! Why do you think I never called you by your last name?

"Ah, no need," Nicholas—or rather, Darklight—replied. "Everyone in the school calls me Darklight, while they call you Nicholas. So I'll just stick with that. I mean, think about it—when someone says 'Nicholas,' they're always talking about you first and foremost."

And that was exactly why Darklight avoided him.

The other Nicholas sighed, though he kept his friendly smile. "I suppose I can't convince you otherwise, huh?"

Nope.

Then, his face suddenly turned uncharacteristically serious.

Darklight blinked. He had never seen this expression on the usually cheerful blond.

"Actually… I need to ask you something," Nicholas murmured, almost as if reluctant to say it aloud. "I don't really want to, but… I have to."

Darklight didn't hesitate.

"Tomorrow. I'll hear you out tomorrow. I'm busy." He spun on his heel and walked off, picking up his pace.

Then, the moment he turned a corner—he sprinted.

Library. Library. Library.

Upon entering the school's expansive library, he quickly made his way toward his usual spot—his sanctuary.

"Phew, thought he was going to confess to me or something," he muttered, exhaling in relief.

"I can hardly imagine anyone confessing to you."

Nicholas nearly jumped at the cold, feminine voice.

For a brief second, he thought he was hearing those strange voices again. But no—it was just the usual suspect.

Sitting at his favorite secluded table in the farthest corner of the library was her.

A girl his age, with long, dark gray hair that faded into purple at the tips, with purple highlights throughout. Her eyes were also a striking shade of violet. She wore a soft pink shirt, dark purple pants, and a matching dark purple coat.

She must really like purple.

On her right wrist was a simple yet practical-looking watch, and around her neck, a silver chain with a red crystal pendant. Her expression was, as always, unreadable—neutral, almost detached. A book rested in her hands, her fingers barely moving as she turned the page.

Seeing her, Nicholas relaxed.

"Oh, it's just the Ice Queen," he said casually, taking a seat at the same table—but as far from her as possible.

Her eyebrow twitched. "I see you still insist on using that distasteful nickname."

Nicholas shrugged. "Stop calling me names, and I'll stop calling you that."

She sighed, shaking her head. "How unfortunate. I am simply incapable of uttering your name. I feel as though I will be cursed simply by thinking about it." She looked genuinely troubled.

"Oi. I'm not some kind of cursed object, you know~?" He barked back as he pulled out a plastic-wrapped sandwich.

She made a disgusted face. "I see you still insist on eating in the library. Just how uncivilized can you be?"

"After nearly a year, I'd thought you'd understand I'm one of the more civilized people in this school."

"Hah!"

She actually laughed.

Nicholas froze.

It wasn't the polite, restrained chuckle she sometimes allowed herself. No, this was a genuine, surprised laugh. And judging by the way she quickly covered her mouth, she was just as shocked as he was.

"The mere idea of you being civilized is so absurd that my body couldn't help but express how… funny—no, hilarious—such a thing is."

Hey now, you were about to correct yourself, but then doubled down.

Nicholas sighed. "Come on, I can't be that bad."

She leveled him with an amused, condescending stare. "We both know you are a complete and utter brute who has never read proper literature."

"Hey—"

"And those—" she gestured to his bag, "—light novels or web novels of yours do not count."

Nicholas coughed into his hand. "Erhm, yes, well… I've read The Idiot," he said proudly.

Her eyes widened slightly before she placed a hand over her mouth, mockingly scandalized. "I did not know they wrote your biography."

Nicholas felt both annoyed and amused at the same time. He covered his mouth as he let out a quiet chuckle.

"Hah—okay, I'll admit that was a good one." He waved a hand in surrender.

She seemed satisfied with that, returning to her book. But this time, a small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips.

Nicholas would have thought she looked cute like that—if he wasn't absolutely certain that, should the thought ever show on his face, she would murder him.

He finished his sandwich in silence, but just as he crumpled up the plastic wrap, the Ice Queen shot him another look.

"Make sure not to leave any crumbs. I'd prefer not to catch any germs that have had close contact with you."

Nicholas sighed. "Hey now, I'm not a germ, you know?"

"Hm? Did you say something, Germlight?"

"Oi, that last part—"

"A slip of the tongue. My mistake."

Nicholas's shoulders slumped. "You were supposed to deny it, not confirm it. Something like, 'Oh, I forgot' or 'I didn't say anything.' That way, people might not think you're that big of an ass."

She tilted her head, looking thoughtful. "I see. I shall consider it for next time, Nicktionary."

"Oi, at least call me Nicky-pedia—it sounds smarter."

"Understood, Nicholas Deadlight."

The rest of their lunch break passed in a comfortable silence. This was their routine: if they found each other in their favorite spot, they'd exchange insults, bicker for a bit, then stop.

Nicholas wasn't entirely sure what the Ice Queen, or rather, Selene Evernight, thought of him. But he didn't mind her company. In fact, he considered her a great way to build resistance against verbal attacks. She was a master at creative, cutting insults.

After checking the time, Nicholas realized there were only a few minutes left before the bell rang.

"Well then, I'll be heading out first." He stood up, having already cleaned up, caught up on some reading, and even finished some unfinished homework.

"Mhm."

Selene gave a small nod of acknowledgment, eyes never leaving her book.

Nicholas sighed. And to think I thought we could be friends. Seriously.

Just as he turned to leave, Selene spoke up.

"By the way—" Her voice was casual, but something about it made Nicholas pause. "Have you been to the police station recently, by any chance?"

Nicholas stiffened slightly, recalling his interrogation after the Carnival incident.

He slowly shook his head. "...I have not. Why do you ask?"

At first glance, Selene's expression seemed as unreadable as ever, but Nicholas had spent enough time around her to pick up on the subtle shifts in her demeanor. And right now? She didn't seem pleased with his answer.

"...No reason," she finally said, flipping a page in her book. "I merely thought they had finally decided to throw a troublesome delinquent into jail." A small smirk curled at her lips as she turned away.

Nicholas scoffed. "I'm the delinquent?"

He left the library, shaking his head.

The rest of his classes passed quickly. The other Nicholas—blond, popular, and persistent—kept trying to approach him, but his usual crowd of admirers made that impossible.

Ha, and that's why being popular is terrible. Everyone is constantly all over you. Darklight thought smugly.

Then, he felt it—a burning gaze drilling into him.

Egh, what now?

He glanced around and locked eyes with a blonde girl with sharp green eyes. She was glaring daggers at him.

What did I do to you, S… S… Sera. Yeah, that was your name. What did I do to you, Sera?

Before he could overthink it, he was abruptly dragged out of the classroom by two familiar hands.

Nicholas sighed as he was yanked into the hallway. "And? What do you two want now?" he asked, exhausted. "Unlike you, I still have one more class, and I'd rather not get punched for being late."

Haru and Dick stood in front of him, grinning like they were about to drop some life-changing news. Knowing them probably meant trouble.

Haru started. "There's this guy at school talking about a crazy story—something that happened just three days ago."

Dick nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah~ And we know you'd be interested in hearing it."

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. For some reason, he felt unusually tired. "Sure, whatever."

They led him down a hallway where a crowd had gathered around someone.

At first, Nicholas didn't care—until he recognized the speaker. Even in the dim light back then, he remembered that dark-skinned teen.

E… Right. Ethan.

Nicholas narrowed his eyes. Didn't know he went to the same school as me. Makes sense, though. His dad's a cop, after all.

Nicholas began analyzing pointless things, as usual, until Haru shook him.

"Pay attention!"

Nicholas sighed and tuned in.

Ethan was speaking animatedly, his green eyes practically glowing with excitement.

"It was crazy! He sounded so young, like our age. But he was fighting multiple villains! It was unreal!"

The students surrounding him hung onto every word, asking rapid-fire questions.

Nicholas just stared blankly at the crowd.

Even if I try to ignore it, it still makes its presence known. Are you mocking me, Fate?

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

As Nicholas and the two idiots were saying their goodbyes, someone suddenly bumped into him.

"Watch where you're going, di—D-Darklight?!"

Tod stumbled back, his eyes wide with alarm.

Nicholas blinked at him, unfazed. "Yo."

"I-I have to go!" Tod stammered before practically sprinting away. Jacob and Bradley—wait, or was it Jason and Brad?—hurried after him.

Nicholas frowned slightly. What's with me today?

Haru raised an eyebrow. "Jeez, Nicky-chan. Tod's been terrified of you ever since you two fought. Just what did you do to him?"

Nicholas shrugged. "I beat him up?"

"That's it?"

"Pretty much."

Haru and Dick exchanged glances before shrugging. "If you say so." With that, they left, leaving Nicholas alone.

Nicholas sighed as he entered the dimly lit classroom. The blinds were drawn, blocking out the sunlight, and the TV mounted on the wall was already on.

Ms. Heath was at her desk, sorting through paperwork.

Goody, I didn't get punched upon entering.

"Hello again, Ms. Heath," Nicholas greeted, taking a seat at the very front.

Ms. Heath yelped slightly, nearly dropping her papers. "Darklight! I didn't even notice you coming in."

Good to know my presence is still null. Nonexistent.

"That stealth skill of yours is really troublesome. Seriously, just what is your level?"

Nicholas sighed. "Teach, we're in the real world. Please don't use gaming terms."

She coughed into her hand before slamming her palm against the whiteboard. "Welcome to Advanced Specialized Awakened Development, or A-SAD!" She grinned.

Nicholas deadpanned. "Must you do that every time?"

Ms. Heath's shoulders slumped. "But I have to make it somewhat entertaining for myself… You're the only one who passed the test in your school year."

In addition to the standard entrance test, there was also a special test. It was a deep dive into all things Awakened—how their powers worked, theory, and applications. Basically, if Nicholas wanted to, he could eventually become an Awakened Coach or involve himself in other Awakened-related businesses.

"Wow, I feel so special~" Nicholas drawled.

"You should, brat. TraitShare has high expectations for you. That's why you get away with most of the stunts you pull. You're basically the star of our school." She smirked.

Nicholas grimaced. "Stop saying that. We both know I'll only disappoint everyone. And what do you mean, 'stunts'? What stunts have I pulled?"

"When you decked Tod Thomas."

"That fight happened off school grounds—"

"Not talking about that. Though, I didn't know you two full-on fought."

Nicholas shut his mouth.

"But I'll overlook it. I meant when you hit him in the hallway. In front of everyone."

"Oh… that. He provoked me."

Ms. Heath sighed. "Didn't peg you as the hot-headed type."

Nicholas merely shrugged.

She didn't press further, moving on with the lesson. Slideshow after slideshow, theory after theory. Nicholas did his best to stay awake, but at some point, his body just gave out. His head hit the desk.

"Hm? Darklight? No sleeping in class. Hey… Darklight?" Her voice turned urgent. "Nicholas?!"

Nicholas barely heard her. His eyelids felt like lead. His mind blurred.

Come to me.

When his eyes fluttered open, everything was white.

He rubbed at them, blinking. He was lying on a bed.

"The infirmary?" he mumbled.

"That was fast."

Nicholas turned toward the voice. Ms. Heath stood near the open window, a cigarette between her fingers.

"You alright? You had a fever. Gave me one hell of a scare."

Nicholas touched his forehead. He didn't feel any different. "I'm fine now. Sorry for the trouble. Should I go and help out now?"

Ms. Heath exhaled, shaking her head. "Like hell you will. Go home for the day. Also, kid. You don't say 'sorry'. You say 'thank you'."

Nicholas blinked. "Right… Thank you."

She gave him a small, comforting smile. "Need a ride home? I already called your father."

Nicholas mentally took back his 'thank you.' "No need." He grabbed his bag.

Ms. Heath watched him. "You've been out of it, kid. Since the start of the month, really." There was genuine concern in her tone. "What's up?"

Nicholas paused at the doorway, glancing back. "The ceiling." He smirked.

She gave a dry chuckle. "Well, if you're cracking stupid jokes, I guess you're fine. Take care on your way back. The offer still stands."

"No thanks, teach! I'm sure your car stinks of cigarettes!" Nicholas called over his shoulder as he hurried out.

"That brat." She crushed the cigarette in her hand. Her voice softened. "I do hope you talk to someone, though."

Later that evening…

"You passed out?" His father's voice was laced with concern.

Nicholas grimaced. "I was just tired. That's all."

"Son. You can talk to me if something's wrong."

"Everything's normal," Nicholas answered—too fast for his liking. "I've just been… really tired lately. I'll go to bed earlier."

His father watched him go, uneasy.

Nicholas sat on his bed, staring blankly. What was he supposed to do? Sleep. Sleep sounded good…

…

The next day, Tsueday, had arrived and with it, Nicholas Darklight could not avoid the popular Nicholas anymore. 

As soon as he took his seat, he was surrounded from all sides. Even Haru and Dick were sitting behind him. The blonde Nicholas sat next to him, while a nervous-looking boy sat in front, and another boy with a toothy grin took the seat beside the nervous one.

Darklight raised an eyebrow. "What is this? An intervention?"

Nicholas chuckled. "We need your help."

The boy with the toothy grin and spiky hair corrected. "'We'? HE is the one that needs your help. Though I'm not sure how much help you could actually provide." Spikey added under his breath.

Well, screw you too.

Darklight turned to the nervous-looking guy. Short dark hair, amber eyes. His face was average. He looked polite enough.

"And, what kind of help do you need?" Darklight asked the nervous guy.

"Eep!" The boy seemed frightened now that Darklight addressed to him.

Come now, I'm not that scary looking, am I?

"Aha, you see-" Nicholas started but was interrupted by Darklight.

"I didn't ask you, blondie." Darklight sharply cut him off. "I asked him." He jabbed his thumb in the nervous guy's direction.

Spikey didn't seem to like that. "Hey! What's your problem?"

Darklight narrowed his eyes. "'My problem'? I've got tons of 'em, but not a single one relates to this."

"That's enough, we didn't come here to antagonize each other." Nicholas sprung into action. "We're here to-"

"I don't know why you're defending him, Nicholas. He's just an inferior copy of you. We don't need him." Spikey angrily replied.

Inferior copy? That's a first. Darklight thought in amusement, though he noticed blonde Nicholas flinch slightly at the words.

"That's not…" Blondie looked away. Struggling to form words.

Those idiots are probably just watching this shit-show with amusement. Darklight thought.

The nervous guy finally had enough. "Ineedhelpconfessing!" He quickly blurted out.

"What?" Darklight uttered as he heard the two idiots snickering behind him. Darklight took a deep breath before continuing the conversation. "That's great and all. But respectfully, why the hell are you asking me?"

The nervous boy didn't seem so nervous anymore. "Why?! Isn't it obvious?! You talk to girls like it's nothing! You even speak casually with Ms. Heath! And there's a rumor you've had five girlfriends in the past!"

Huh? "Hold on. The first part is debatable, the second part—I fear for my life whenever I'm alone with her—and the third… Where the hell did you hear that from?" Darklight's voice took on a darker tone, already suspecting the source of the rumor. Said source being behind him.

The two idiots in the back were barely holding in their laughter. Not for much longer.

"But if the last one isn't true… how are you able to talk to girls so casually?" Nerv—no, Average Guy asked.

"Ah, there's a really simple trick, actually." Darklight leaned forward, and surprisingly, all the boys around him were eager to listen. "You just gotta believe you don't stand a chance with any of them. Then suddenly, talking to them doesn't seem so hard." He grinned.

They all looked at him strangely. "Nicky-chan, that's just a you thing," Haru said in an exasperated tone.

"Huh? What do you mean? Never mind that. I still don't get why you'd come to me for help. Frankly, I have more experience getting rejected." Darklight casually threw out.

Haru and Dick had their mouths agape.

"Dick did you just hear that? The Nicholas Darklight actually confessed to someone?"

"I heard it with my own two ears, and I still can't believe it."

"Oi. I can hear both of you. Shut up."

Average Guy chuckled. "I think that's exactly why. You just say what's on your mind with no filter."

"Hey, I do have a filter. It just might not be as effective as everyone else's."

Still, Average Guy wasn't backing down and gave him a set of puppy-dog eyes.

Nice try, but my younger brother gives me those eyes all the time. I've grown a sort of immunity… Though you do kind of remind me of him. Nicholas Darklight really didn't feel like helping out on this one.

"Live your life." "Enjoy your youth."

The Demon's and the Mind's words rang in his mind. Enjoy my youth, huh? To hell with it.

Nicholas Darklight smirked. "All right. Let's do it. What's the worst that can happen?"

Blondie seemed relieved, spikey wasn't too pleased, average seemed happy, and the two idiots let out a sigh.

Let's see if 'Youth' is all that. Nicholas thought with a grin.