Chapter 5: Cutting Algae Part Two

[mp_simplyacommoner]

It was 7:50PM. Teru had gotten bored of studying and broke it up with his nightly stretches—he had decided it was going to be an early night to bed. He had already decided he was going to sign up for the next basketball roster and it was offseason practice time.

As it turned out, he couldn’t tolerate a lack of things to do after school for long.

Cooling down from his trunk rotations with some Kamizawa Water, he checked his phone and paused mid-sip. There were a few notifications from Mob that he opened right away. There were a few pictures of what was undoubtedly the long-awaited kaiseki meal…though they were a bit blurry. Oh, one was actually decent in quality. There was also a blurred person in the background of one without much food—even with the lack of clarity it looked like they weren’t expecting to be caught on camera. Had he meant to send that one, let alone take it? Oh well, didn’t matter.

that mukōzuke Send.

( ੭ ˘ ³˘)੭‎°｡⋆♡‧₊˚ Send.

divine looking Send.

Comments

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

It's not like I can stop you Send.

But I really think you shouldn't put yourself in danger unnecessarily. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Teru made yet another face from where he read the text where his phone floated beside him as he went through his epsom salts. Mob was more than capable of stopping him--he just wasn't about to.

I've been doing it for years Send.

Unnecessary trouble isn't a goal of mine Send.

But being passive isn't an option for me Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Don't you worry you make yourself a target that way? Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Teru could have laughed. He settled on the lavender salts.

I'm already a target. If I can prevent more, I want to say that I did everything I could Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Mob frowned slightly at that answer.

How did you get targeted? Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

He plugged the drain and began running the water.

It's like I said Send.

The biggest group out there targets kids with supernatural abilities Send.

I stand out Send.

I'm part of a wealthy family too Send.

The first time I was nearly kidnapped my parents figured it was for ransom Send.

I guess they still think that Send.

I thought so at first too but they kept coming Send.

So eventually I forced one of the lackeys to tell me Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

You should take me with you Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Teru's eyes widened and he tsked. The frustration was aimed solely at himself--they were friends but he was burdening Mob with worry. On his third year anniversary trip, no less!

Sorry. I don't think that's a good idea. Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Neither is scouting terrorists without a backup Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

'Hah!' Teru didn't have problems conceding that one.

You're not a target. You're also not a fighter...not to be rude.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

I'm not, but I am an extra pair of eyes Send.

If they're used to you going alone, they probably won't even notice me if I keep my distance Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

(˘•‿•) Send.

I suppose asking to forget I said all this isn't an option. Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Not really Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

You're really that worried?

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Yeah. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

This felt like losing. Was he losing?

How about this Send.

If I need backup I’ll call you Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

As long as you promise to do it. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

I’ll do it because you’re the one who’s asking

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Thanks. Send.

I'm glad that you trust me. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Suddenly, Teru wasn’t sure what to say in return. It felt like something he should reply to in earnest like he always did with Shigeo—words came easily and even when the other boy left him innocently tongue tied it was never for long. But now, his mind was a blank. Not because he didn’t want to say anything but because of a sudden feeling that pushed out his thoughts.

He paced the bathroom—only stopping when he realized the water he was waiting to fill the tub was nearing overflow. His power turned the knob off, but almost hard enough to pull the decorative element loose. He didn’t spare it a thought.

Can I ask a favor?

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Sure

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Shit. He had sent that without thinking—he had been thinking too hard but not at all. He had already asked for enough, right? But if he said never mind Shigeo would definitely get annoyed with him.

Can I visit you when you’re back? Send.

Pause.

That’s it Send.

I guess that’s not really a favor Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Sure Send.

Is that everything? Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Every thought that came into his head were disproportionately things he absolutely could not say compared to the things he could, even for someone as deliberate about his words as him.

Yeah Send.

Texting is fun Send.

But I prefer seeing you in person Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Me too Send.

I never had anyone to text before I started texting you Send.

Well, except Master Send.

But that's always about work stuff Send.