The Hero Also Needs Therapy

IRIS

"…The thing is, I don't want to work tomorrow. I don't like my job nor I hate it but…I feel stuck." I said, a bit uncomfortable opening up right now. But I need this. "Even when I took my leave for a couple of days, it didn't minimize the stress that built up within a long time. I feel drained and helpless at times. Plus, the high management and mid management sucks."

"It is frustrating and draining when you are feeling unsatisfied with your job. Are there any reason why are you still staying in your current work?" Dra. Seren said. She's really pretty with a silky blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. Probably in her late twenties.

"…Hmm…I think working with my colleagues are fine." We do save the world Afterall, time and time again. "We have our disagreements, but we work it out professionally. Sometimes. Though...I think what's keeping me right now with my career is that – I like the rivalry that a certain person brings out to me." I like that competition. Endraven always gives me a good fight, and a great counter, even at times in the Underground. "Also, the benefits of the company are really good, just that it has a bunch of rules." That if I damaged enough estate properties it would come from my pay cut. But the salary, allowances, medical and insurances are good benefits. Just that they have a lot of requirements for the newbies, especially if they graduate from a known school.

"I see. You said that a certain person was the one keeping you motivated right now is from your rival who is your colleague. Can you tell me more about that?" asked Dra. Seren.

"Well to be honest, she's from a different company now. Although she's my former – hmm... Umm..." I blanked out. Honestly what is she to me?

"You could say that exchanging blows and blows with her really excite me at times because, she's like a puzzle I wanted to solve. I might say, I just like being challenge with her. She is so much of a wildcard in what she does. And I like that." I said.

".. But? What is the problem with her now?" She asked.

"..."

"…. Lately, she's been down – I don't really know how to approach her. She's not my friends to begin with. But somehow, I'm worried. I could easily beat her in our matches and that was not FUN. I'm angry that she's not even giving her energy to fight me. And every time… She looks so pitiful." I said. A fight with her is really fun. With our powers the opposite of each other, the strategy and whatnots but right now, Endraven almost like wanted to get beaten. It's not fun like that. It's like she always wanted to get ki-

"Do you like her?" Dra. Seren asked with a straight face.

"WHAT, no! That's absurd." W-h-haat!!!!

"Me, liking a villain, that would be absurd. Imagine, me, having a relationship with her Hahahha." I said in disbelief. That is so absurd. And disgusting. Damn it, all the things that happened in December last year came flashing back. She is kind of cute, but I hate that pigtail of hers. But she does have a beautiful face, and a mole. BUT that's not the point. I don't like her, especially that black outfit she wears that sometimes shows her abs.

"Oh sorry, I should clear that question up. I mean, do you like her as a person?" Dra. Seren said giggling a bit before returning to her serious face.

"As a person, like a person?" I asked stupidly.

I think she is smirking internally. How dumb I was for that question. Doc is so sneaky.

"Uhumm…To answer that, as a person, as she is a person…. I do… like her." I said stammering. I do like her as person, I must admit, nothing less, nothing more…. DAMN.

I will forget this.

I will forget this.

I will forget this.

I will forget this. This is so embarrassing.

"…obby that you do, that makes things more bearable?" She asked.

"Sorry, Doc, can you repeat that." I asked again, blankly. I haven't heard a word she said because I got pre-occupied by the previous question.

"Are there any more hobbies that you do, that makes things more bearable?" Doc asked.

"Well…no.. After work, I just lay down on my bed and browse my phone. I'm really boring right now." I replied.

"Do you want to start something? Or things that you wanted to do for a long time but doesn't do it?" She asked again.

"Well, I always wanted to try cycling or skating? I think. And probably cooking. I can't cook for shit, and I need to be cheaper now." I replied. I do wanted to try some new things but I don't know where to start.

"How about the next consultation, you try doing one of those hobbies BUT not necessarily continuously, so it would not result in a burnt out. " Doc explained. Yeah a lot my earlier hobbies I just got burnt out that I don't do any of them anymore.

"Hmmm… I'm still picking up hobbies that is easier."

"And lastly.." Doc said. "Try to be friends with that rival of yours. I think you both needed that, just start with greetings and not to be too aggressive about it." She said winking at me. "Or if it could develop into something more."

"......…"

I feel a bit embarrassed, but it might be the right call. But I feel embarrassed. Endraven is a bit of an asshole, but I do want to know about her more.

"I think about it, and see you in the next consultation Doc." I said, picking up my bag and ready to go home and sleep. Go to a bakery shop first though. I am craving that croissant.

"I am glad you did enjoy our consultation." She said.

"Thanks Dra. Seren." I'm glad at least it's lighter.

As I said it, without looking at my left - I almost bump the person waiting for their appointment. And to my horror.

"Sere – IRIS?"

"NYXI!!!!"

"What are you doing here!?"

"What are you doing here!!!!"

"Oh you two know each other?" said Dra. Seren, with a confused look.

Just my luck.