Another Normal Day (Legit)

Morning.

I did not answer Sebastian's challenge. I must keep my skills hidden. If they are revealed, I am doomed.

And, I believe Sebastian thinks I am just skilled. He probably assumes he can do it as well, and he would certainly end up in jail.

But Me?

If I get caught, I can simply erase their memories or confuse them. But he is just a normal human. He cannot do what I can. We are different.

I sighed. If he gets caught, would it be my fault? Should I do something? No. It's his fault.

I adjusted my gaze to observe my surroundings.

As usual, the school hallway is packed, voices blending into a dull hum. Students rush to their lockers, complain about upcoming quizzes, and discuss weekend plans that sound equally dull.

I walk through it all, unseen. Unbothered.

A girl passes by, her perfume too strong.

Do I have time to redo my eyeliner? Ugh, I look terrible today.

I furrowed my brows before altering her scent into something more natural and subtle. She's lucky I'm in a good mood or else I would have made her smell like garbage.

Tsk.

I watched as a guy leaned against the lockers, observing a group of freshmen with narrowed eyes.

Should I shove one of them? Just for fun?

I gritted my teeth. I will shove you into the Earth's inner core instead.

Don't you dare cause a mess in front of me.

Humans are insufferable, mindless creatures. There is no way I am one of them. All they do is make noise, and destroy the Earth's ozone layer.

They're all predictable, repetitive, and boring.

I could filter it out, but where's the fun in that?

I reach my locker and pop it open without even touching the dial. Just a tiny tweak—barely a thought. No one notices. Perfect.

"Avaris."

I sigh. What does she want?

Angel.

She leans against the locker beside mine, all perfect hair and calculated charm. People see her as friendly, sweet. The kind of girl who smiles at you while deciding whether you're worth her time.

My expression tightens as I hear the thoughts of her thirsty fans.

She talks to a lowly peasant! What truly a divine goddess walking among us mortals!

She is the very embodiment of beauty itself, perfection in human form!

Oh, how I wish she would bless me with even a single glance!

"You didn't answer my texts." Her voice is light, but her thoughts…

You're ignoring me? That's cute. I'll allow it.

Oh, right. Before I went to bed—right after Sebastian—another unknown number texted me. Was that her? Again, what does she want?

"Busy," I say.

"Busy doing what?" One of her eyebrows rose.

I close my locker. "Not answering your texts."

Her lips twitch like she might laugh, but her thoughts sharpen.

You think you're funny. That's fine. I'll let you think that.

"Anyway," she says, brushing nonexistent dust off her sleeve. "There's a party this next month. You should come."

"No."

And why is she already inviting people? The party isn't until next month. Pshh.

She tilts her head. "You didn't even let me finish."

"You said 'party.' I don't need the rest."

Her smile stays, but there's a flicker of annoyance beneath it.

One of these days, you'll stop acting like you don't care.

She's wrong, but I don't correct her.

She gives me a little wave and walks off, immediately switching gears as people started gathering around her.

They love me. Of course they do. And, Avaris you'll become one of them.

I rolled my eyes and walked to class.

And, it's History.

The teacher drones on about some war. I don't listen. I already know how it ends. I experienced it and all.

Suddenly, a paper airplane soars across the room. The teacher doesn't notice.

(She won't notice. I made sure of it.)

I glance at the culprit—Sam, again. He's sitting a few seats away. He catches my eye and grins.

(You saw that? Nice.)

Yes, and I hope I didn't.

Sam is unbelievably childish.

He flicks his pen between his fingers, deep in thought, as if strategizing for some grand battle.

Should I launch another? No, too obvious. Maybe something else—

I watch him, unimpressed. With my mind control, I nudge his book just enough for his textbook to slide off the desk. It crashes onto the floor with a loud, echoing thud.

The entire class goes silent. The teacher whips around, eyes narrowing like a predator locking onto its prey.

Sam freezes. His hand drops to the desk, all traces of mischief gone, now acting all innocent.

His thoughts scramble in real time.

What happened?! I didn't even touch this book. Never in my life!

Did he just admit her never touched a book in his life?

Anyways, that should keep him behave for a while.

As the period drags on, the thought of food becomes more appealing to everyone in the classroom. By the time the bell rings, everyone's walking to the cafeteria.

Every lunchtime, the cafeteria is a chaos. Lines of students. Trays slamming onto tables. Conversations overlapping.

I grab an apple, mostly for show. I don't need to eat, but people find it weird if you don't.

As I sit down, Sebastian drops into the seat across from me, uninvited.

"You look thrilled to see me," he says.

Oh, yes. You can definitely see it in my blazing, utterly irritated eyes.

I take a bite of the apple.

"So," he continues, stealing a fry from someone's tray, "thought about my challenge yet?"

I raise an eyebrow.

"Oh, don't play dumb," he says. "The bet. Steal something impossible."

No.

"Not interested," I say.

"Liar." He leans back. "You're thinking about it. I can tell."

No, you're not. But I let him think he can.

Angel sits down beside me. Her gaze drifting to the Dracula on a budget.

I meant Sebastian.

Who is this emo here? He's annoying. Ugh, whatever.

She smiles, all charm. "So, what are we talking about?"

Sebastian smirks. "Avaris is dodging my challenge."

Challenge? What challenge? And why does she talk to him? Angel raised her eyebrows.

Two losers flock together, I guess.

And since you're sitting with us, that makes you one of us, I guess?

I take another bite of my apple.

Angel shifts, turning her attention back to me. "You never told me why you missed my text last night."

"I never told you I answer."

Her face filled with a flicker of irritation.

You're exhausting. But that's fine. I'll win eventually. You'll give in!

Sebastian watches the exchange with amusement.

Angel's gonna snap one day. That'll be fun.

This is annoying. I just want a peaceful lunch.

I stand up, tray in hand and walked away.

Angel blinks. "Lunch isn't over."

I still walk away, didn't respond.

Behind me, I hear Sebastian chuckle.

Tough crowd.