Compensation for Weakness: Awareness
TLN: Oh, it’s Haruka’s POV….
“Then, Mishima, try using the Gift Glasses.”
I did as instructed by Akechi-san.
When I did, I could certainly see Akechi-san’s body covered in a thin flame-shaped aura.
“S, So this is what Gifts look like! Amazing! What I’m seeing must be what Akechi-san called Gift Resistance right!”
It’s the first time I see the actual form of a Gift so I’m rather excited.
I’ve heard people saying that they look like waves but I didn’t expect it to look like this.
Akechi-san sure knows a lot of things I don’t.
He’s amazing. Akechi-san is both smart and cool!
I’m a little scared of the look in his eyes but he even forced himself to touch me, he’s definitely a kind person.
Why does my heart beat so fast when it comes to Akechi-san I wonder…….?
“Alright, keep the glasses on like that okay.”
What am I daydreaming for? Akechi-san is spending his precious time to help me.
I don’t know what this feeling is but I have to concentrate now.
“W, Wow! Amazing! You’re amazing, Akechi-san!”
The aura of Gift power covering Akechi-san burst like a bubble and disappeared.
Unlike a clumsy girl like me, he can manipulate his Gift so freely.
Akechi-san, so amazing…….
“I’m fine….. [Energy Drain] just took me by surprise when I disabled Gift Resistance…….I already reapplied it, don’t worry.”
He’s painfully holding his face with his right hand.
“Don’t worry, I will definitely not run away…….”
Why, why did he go so far for someone like me…..There’s nothing in it for him at all…..
To not put more burden on Akechi-san, I have to give it my all too.
“Next, try looking at yourself in the mirror through the glasses.”
He took out a small mirror from his bag and handed it to me.
I turned it toward myself and takes a look at my reflection.
I can see a black aura swirling around me.
The radius is around 2 meters with me at the center.
If it’s going to be like this then I would rather stay sickly like I used to be……
Rather than being looked at like a grim reaper by my classmates, I would be fine with a weak sickly body……
“Try asserting control over your Gift.”
Without worrying about my [Energy Drain], Akechi-san directly touched my shoulder.
“First off……, [Get your Gift under Control.]”
For a moment, I can sense a strong flow of Gift power concentrated on Akechi-san’s throat.
I don’t know what it is but maybe he’s just used some kind of Gift……?
“Mishima? Do you feel any change in your Gift?”
“…….no, nothing in particular.”
“…….no good after all huh.”
Akechi-san muttered something and paused for a few seconds.
His gaze lingers on my face for about 3 seconds more.
Uu……so embarrassing. Even with his mean-looking eye, being stared at by someone so handsome is still embarrassing.
“Y, Yes……..*Zuu….., Haa–…..*”
“Now try to imagine suppressing the swirling power around you.”
“No need to rush. Take your time, slowly. It’s nothing difficult.”
“Ah……! The waves of power just got a little weaker.”
“That’s it, remember this feeling. If you can grasp it then you will be able to freely control your Gift just like me.”
“*Zuu….., Haa–…..*. Ah, I somewhat understand how to do it now.”
I can feel the power of my Gift slightly getting weaker.
Thanks to Akechi-san, I can do something that I couldn’t do no matter how hard I tried.
“Alright, well, should we call it a day here?”
I don’t know why but I feel sad to say goodbye to Akechi-san…..
Even though we are not even friends with each other yet, I can feel my heart painfully squeezed tight.
“It’s getting late after all. How about we meet here again at noon tomorrow? Let me set up the RINE calendar.”
We will meet again tomorrow.
The moment he said that, I could feel my chest getting warmer.
Akechi-san’s reliability and kindness comfort my heart.
I followed Akechi-san with my eyes. He was packing his things and suddenly, his phone rang.
“…….oh? A message from Madoka huh.”
I can see Akechi-san fiddling with his phone.
“She’s worried? I-told-you-I’m-fine……”
He muttered something while answering the message on RINE.
He said that he doesn’t have a girlfriend but it still hurts to hear another woman’s name from Akechi-san’s mouth.
“Is,…….is it your, girlfriend…..?”
“Nah, she’s just a friend from elementary school. She’s kinda foul-mouthed though.”
“Honestly, she could learn to be at least half as cute as you, Mishima.”
“Well, see you tomorrow okay.”
Akechi smiled at me and left the ruins.
I can’t let go of what Akechi-san said.
I….., I think I’ve fallen for Akechi-san……
That’s what my heart wants to scream out right now.