When I opened my eyes, I found myself still in the situation I am earlier; my forehead is still touching Meryl’s. I stood up and looked at my father and principal.

“Orel…” both of them said with a worried face.

“Mission complete.”

After awhile, the light enveloping Meryl finally disappeared.

“Two to go!” both of them shouted with a very happy expression. They held hands and jumped like fools to celebrate my success. Not that again.

“Can you please kindly stop that? I already said that earlier too.”

“Did you see that, Dan? He’s so amazing, right? As expected to my son,” my father boasted.

Not that line again.

I looked at Meryl and said, “Get well soon.”

“Don’t worry...she will,” my father said with a smile.

“By the way, I unlocked the color yellow earlier.”

“Jeez...you are really an unbelievable exorcist, as expected to my son,” he said with a smile.

“Is it really that hard to unlock a color?” I asked.

“Yes. That makes you amazing you know.”

“It is called ‘teleportation’, right?”

“Yes. It can teleport you to anywhere as long as you’ve already been to that place. Also, be careful. The over-all fatigue that you should have gained by walking towards to that destination will take its toll after you’ve teleported.”

“Just as I thought. No wonder it really tired me out.”

“Orel, how about my goddaughter?” the principal said with a worried face.

“You already know that I am saving the hard ones for later, right? Wait, not that exact reply again.”

“But…” he followed, still worried.

“Don’t worry because my son can make anyone fall for him so just wait a bit there,” my father followed with a wink.

“You two are just repeating your lines, you know.”

“We know. We can’t think of anything to say after all,” they both replied with a smile.

Jeez.

“Then, the next target is that girl, right?” my father asked. “She’s Laira, right?”

“yeah,” I answered.

“By the way, Orel…” my father said with a smile.

“Why?”

“I am sure that things will be a lot harder from now on,” he followed with serious eyes.

“I know,” I said and looked at Laira.

“But remember that it is more impossible to accomplish something if you gave up without a fight.”

“Right.”

“Do your best. As your father, I am very proud of you.”

“Say that to me after I saved all of them.”

“Then, good luck!” he said with a smile.

I slowly walked towards Laira’s bed and stopped before her. I drew closer to her face and after sighing, I did the usual start.

“OT!” Meryl shouted just after I stepped inside my classroom.

Meryl, huh.

“Why did you escape yesterday? Do you know how hard it is to clean with only two people?”

“I just have some important matters to attend yesterday so I’m sorry,” I said with a serious expression.

She puffed her cheeks and stared at me with furrowed eyebrows.

“Will you promise that you will not escape anymore without a notice?”

“I promise. I will even treat you anything you want if I break it.”

Because of what I’ve said, she gave me a smile and said, “It’s a promise.”

Jeez…how nostalgic.

I decided that Laira should be my third target. If you are wondering why, I don’t have a particular reason. I just know that making Aimy fall for me will be harder than her, just an intuition. Well, this intuition brought me this far so what is wrong about trusting it?

After I sat down on my seat, I once again noticed someone’s stare. When I looked at its source, I found Laira. Surprised from my sudden glimpse, she immediately averted her gaze to her right side.

This girl is Laira, an extremely timid and silent person who transferred here this year. In appearance, she has a long braid hairstyle, petite body and white skin. Because of her stand-offish personality, she doesn’t have a friend in the class. If someone tries to talk to her, she will immediately flee like a chicken. Well, it looks like she is afraid of persons but even though both of us don’t have a friend, that doesn’t mean that we are alike, hatred and fear are not synonymous after all.

What approach should I do? I don’t know that much about her. I need to gather some information about her first.

When I looked at the floor, I suddenly saw a hair pin with a face of a kitten. Now that I noticed it, Laira’s bangs isn’t fixed like usual. So this is her hair pin.

I took it and said, “Laira, is this yours?”

She immediately touched her forehead and noticed that her hair is not fixed like usual.

“T...thank you,” she said and took it from my hand.

“It suits you...your hair pin,” I said after she placed it back to her hair.

“…”

Is it just me or her face is now redder than usual.

“Everyone, Let’s go to the Gym,” Meryl suddenly announced to the whole class.

Just like that, the class ended. Right now, I am on my way towards my house. While walking, I suddenly saw a college-aged girl, wearing a white long sleeves and black straight skirt on the small concrete bridge above the river. Beyond that small bridge is our subdivision. While standing, she is staring at the river below with somewhat sad eyes. I wonder if she has some sort of problem.

Suddenly, my cross emitted the usual red light and formed these words in front of me:

[Talk to her.]

[Leave her alone.]

Why did the cross generate these choices at a time like this? Well, that means that she will be a key for the completion of this mission. That is why I think I should talk to her.

I went beside her and stared at the river too. We have at least two meters distance between us. After a minute, she finally noticed me.

“This scenery is quite beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked with a smile.

“Aren’t you just wasting your time by doing this?” I asked with my usual serious expression.

“Huh?”

“I just can’t understand the people who waste their time like what you are doing right now.”

“Did you talk to me just to ask that thing?” she asked without discarding her smile earlier.

“Well...sort of.”

She then chuckled and said, “Kids these days are really amusing. You are really different from my daughter.”

“Daughter?”

She already has a daughter? Her face is unbelievably young.

“She is around your age.”

“!”

If that is true, she should be at least in her late-twenties by now, right? How unbelievable.

“Do you want to know my answer?”

“...”

She averted her gaze to the river and said, “A person can only be classified as one if he or she has a problem. That is just natural but sometimes, they can’t find a solution to that problem. That is why they are just passing their time by watching the scenery around to escape their problems.”

Well, it is better than drinking alcohol all day but…

“But you won’t achieve anything from doing that. You are just temporarily running from your problems. That is just...a coward’s act. If you don’t do anything about that problem of yours, it will be over before you know it.”

“Correct. You are really amusing,” she commented with a smile.

“…”

“My name is Maria. How about you?”

“Orel,” I replied, not changing my serious face.

“High school, huh. If I were you, you should enjoy that temporary happiness of your life. Once you’ve reached my age, you will learn how fun your high school life is compared to your current life. You will learn that you can never go back to those days with your friends. That is why treasure this time and enjoy your time with your friends to the fullest...before it ends.”

I made a wry smile and replied, “Don’t worry because I don’t have friends.”

“Huh?” she reacted, clearly not expecting that kind of reply.

“I don’t need one, that’s all.”

“You don’t befriend someone because he or she is useful you know. It is because of the happiness he or she can give when the two of you are together.”

“I am happier if I’m alone. Befriending a stranger can only bring doubt to me. I mean, you don’t know when will that person stab you from behind, right?”

Because of what I’ve said, she laughed out loud and said, “A misanthropist...hahaha. You’re the real deal.”

“Misanthropist?” I repeated, not knowing what that word is.

“What happened to you to the point that you became like that?” she asked with a clear amusement.

“Experience, that’s all. I encountered different kinds of strangers after all,” I replied seriously.

“If that is really true, you know that all strangers are not alike, right?”

“Well....I’ve met strange ones especially a certain someone. She is clearly different than the rest,” I answered, reminiscing what happened in my last mission.

“Then, where is she right now?”

“All I can say is...she is fine.”

“Then, it’s all good. She…is not a stranger to you anymore, right?”

“Well…yes.”

“You don’t have to believe this phrase. I just want you to remember it. Is it okay if I say it?” she asked with a smile.

“It’s okay so go ahead.”

“There’s only a thin line between a stranger and a friend. It is up to you on how to interpret that.”

“Well, a friend can back-stab you anytime so that person can become a stranger to you anytime, is that it?” I asked seriously.

“So you really interpreted it like that,” she reacted with a sad smile.

“But…there will be a time that one day, you’ll meet a stranger that will be so close to you that calling that person a friend will just be the obvious. That’s what I believe,” I continued.

“I see,” she whispered with a smile. “Now...can you listen to my problem?”

“I will listen. I’ve got lots of free time anyway.”

“Then, I’ll start now. The name of my husband is Michael. Last three months, my daughter and I lived in the capital with him. He has an office job and I am the housewife. My daughter and I really love him so we thought that he also loves us but...we’re wrong. Since he started to go home very late at night, his attitude gradually changed. Now, he is always angry just from talking to us, always short on money and always reeks of alcohol and perfume of a woman every time he goes home,” she told me with sadness in her eyes.

“Is it an affair or he became a regular customer at some club?” I asked.

“Both,” she replied with sad eyes.

“...”

“I still remember that day, you know. When I saw him together with that prostitute in a restaurant and that fight...” she said with a forced smile.

“…”

“After that, I decided to break all ties with him. That is why my daughter and I are back here in the countryside...my hometown.”

“You and your daughter... ran away from him, huh.”

“That’s right.”

“Why didn’t you formally left him? I mean, there’s a proper procedure with official documents after all.”

“It’s because...”

“You still...love him, don’t you?”

Because of what I’ve said, her shoulder suddenly twitched out of surprise.

“If you are in my situation, what will you do if Michael suddenly showed up to get you and your daughter?” she asked with a smile.

So that is her problem.

“I will never marry Michael in the first place anyway so there won’t be a problem,” I answered indifferently.

Suddenly, she chuckled because of that reply.

“What kind of reply is that?” she asked with a smile.

“Well, it’s just a joke. You are about to cry so I figured out to try one.”

“Thanks, I guess. You really are a strange one,” she said and finally smiled for real.

“I can’t put myself on that situation because I’ve forgotten the feeling of loving someone. That is why I can’t decide without considering my emotions on the line. How about you? What do you want to do?”

That’s right. Since May rejected me, I forgot the feeling of loving someone honestly. That is why even I don’t know what I really feel about Sheena and Meryl. Is that just a sense of responsibility or perhaps...love?

“What if...he is just lying? What if he repeats all of that again? What should I do? I don’t want to experience that feeling anymore. That is why...” she replied, full of doubt in her words.

The lives of adults are really troublesome.

“Trust…” I whispered.

“Orel?” she called, not hearing that word.

“What do you think will happen if we have the ability to read the minds of others?”

“Isn’t that a good thing? That way, no one will be fooled and no one will fool someone. Everyone will become honest, am I wrong?”

“Then, what do you think is the reason why God didn’t give us this ability?”

“That is because...”

“To trust each other,” I immediately replied.

“Trust...” she repeated with a slight surprised look.

“Humans don’t have the ability to read the minds of others. They don’t know what the others are thinking. But despite all of this, what do you think is the reason why humans can still live together in peace?”

“Because...they trust each other,” she replied with a serious face.

“Correct. Familiar with the saying ‘Don’t do unto others what you don’t want to do unto you’? That is just the same about trusting someone. I’m sure that trusting someone can make that someone trusts you too. I don’t know how your husband thinks but if I am in his situation, if I really love you...I will never break your trust again because...I’ve already learned from that mistake.”

“Then…”

“Well, what I’ve said is not 100% sure but he is already here to take you two back, right? I think that it is the sign that he is now ready to change...for the two of you.”

After I finished, I suddenly heard a chuckle.

“Why...did you laugh? Is my solution really sounds immature?” I asked with squinted eyes.

“So…sorry, that’s not it. It is just...you are quite interesting. If you were born 20 years earlier, I might fall for you this instant,” she said with sudden cheerfulness.

“No thanks. But--”

“But you already like someone right?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Suddenly, May’s image flashed before my eyes. What the...

“...but I’m not interested on romance yet. That’s what I am about to say.”

Why did I remember her in this timing? Does that mean that I still...no. It’s impossible. I've already moved on! This is just…

“By the way, did you learn all about what you’ve said to that girl you mentioned earlier?”

“Well, I guess.”

“Do you two still get along?”

“Well...just fine.”

“Then, treasure her. That girl is a real friend, I am sure of it.”

“Yeah...I will.”

“I’ve decided. We will go back to the capital.”

“Then...I wish you luck.”

“Then, thanks for everything,” she said with a very charming smile.

“Goodbye, Maria.”

“Bye-bye,” she said and jogged away.

So helping someone…is not that bad once in a while.

The next day, when it is now lunch time, I decided to go to the cafeteria. Just after I stood up, someone called my name.

“O--rel…” Laira whispered shyly.

“Huh? Why?” I reacted, slightly surprised.

“At the rooftop...before the...afternoon class starts...I will wait for you...” she whispered shyly and ran away.

“What is that all about?” I whispered curiously.

If my hearing is not good, I can never hear those words.

Well, my destination every lunch time is always to the rooftop. After I bought my usual chocolate roll bread, I immediately went to the main building’s rooftop. After I opened the door to enter the rooftop area, I immediately saw a petite girl with her long braids being swayed by the wind. It is no other than Laira. After closing our distance for around two meters, I decided to ask my question.

“Do you need something?” I asked with a serious expression.

“…”

“Laira?”

“I…” she suddenly whispered while looking down, making me unable to see her expression.

“I...?” I repeated after slightly tilting my head in confusion.

“I’ve...always loved you ever since I met you. Can you...become my boyfriend?” she said as loud as she can even though it can’t be considered as a shout.

“Huh?” I reacted with unusual widened eyes.

What the heck? I’m still on stand-by, you know. I didn’t do anything yet. What is with this sudden turn of events?

While waiting for my answer, she stared at me with unbelievably adorable eyes and slightly rosy cheeks. I didn’t notice that she is this cute…I mean what is happening here? This is unbelievable. How can she fall for me without me taking any actions yet? This is fishy.

“Then...why do you love me?” I asked while trying my best to hide my embarrassment.

“Do you need a reason...to love someone?” she said and once again in a very cute expression.

“!”

What is with that reply? It sounds convincing but without a doubt an escape answer. I will not let you do that!

“Did you lose at some gamble and got ordered to confess to me? Are our classmates behind this? Are they hiding everywhere to see my reaction? I will not fall for that tric--”

“You’re...you’re wrong!” she immediately shouted.

“…”

“I...I am always watching you. I really admire how you could stand alone. No one can affect or change your ideals. You don’t lose your confidence and you beliefs are always strong. Even if no one acknowledges your beliefs, you can still maintain it with your own confidence. You have your own way of living. That is the reason...why I fell for you.”

“…”

Before I know it, my face’s color suddenly turned into bright red.

“O…rel?” she called, curious about what I’m thinking.

This is the first time….that someone understood me this perfectly.

“La…Laira!” I called and stared at her seriously.

“W-why?” she asked with a sudden nervous expression.

“If you really love me, you can kiss me this instant, right?”

“Ki-ki-ki-kiss?” she repeated with a flustered look.

“That’s right,” I followed, trying to be serious.

Steamed then suddenly burst from her head and her entire face’s color turned into bright red.

If she really loves me…this mission is already as good as complete. Now, what will be her answer?

“It’s fine to me,” she replied very shyly.

That…that’s fast! I didn’t expect her to agree but it really worked out.

“If it’s you...I will do...anything you want...” she whispered.

“!”

Those follow-ups of her are really damaging to my heart.

I closed the distance between us and when I am now before her, I placed both of my hands on her shoulders. She then closed her eyes after looking up to me.

“…”

After closing my eyes, I drew closer to her face and finally, our lips touched. After a couple of seconds, I drew back and prepared myself.

“Nothing…is happening…” I whispered.

She…doesn’t love me completely yet. Then, does that mean that one of my deductions earlier was right? I don’t think so. She is not the type to lie according to my intuition. Then, that means that she really doesn’t love me completely yet. Her love for me is just in the level of a crush. This mission….is not yet finish.

Suddenly, her head produced an explosion of smoke and she lost her consciousness in my arms.

“Hey, hey, hey! How shy can this girl get?” I reacted, surprised.

I have a feeling that this will be harder than my two previous missions.