Chapter 9

Darian turned toward me, but I quickly avoided his gaze. Why is he here?

​"Iris," I heard the sound of his footsteps; he was coming toward me. Before I realized it, he had taken both of my hands in his.

​"Iris, are you okay?"

​He was asking how I was? Wasn't he disappointed in me?

​"Yes," I whispered, staring at the floor.​"Then why are you avoiding my eyes?"

​"I'm just..."

​"But I’m grateful," he continued, "that you’re healthy and spending your time at the Academy. That’s much better than staying cooped up in your room all day."

​He’s thinking about me…

​"Are you having a good time there? Are they bothering you? I can intervene if they are."

​"I’m enjoying it, somewhat. And no, they aren't bothering me, so don't worry about it." If I told him the truth, they’d definitely call me Darian’s pampered pet.

​"Well, if you say so. Iris, I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately; I haven't been able to come check on you."

​"It’s okay."

​"Then why won't you look at me?"

​"I... aren't you disappointed in me?"

​"Huh? Why would I be?"

​Silence hung between us for a moment. "Because I failed to treat that injured person."

​"I certainly would not be," he said. For the first time, I heard a sharp, firm edge to his voice. He let go of my hands. "Iris, what do you take me for? I didn't save you just to evaluate you. I want you to find your place among us. Maybe it was difficult with the healers, but in the Academy, you might find where you truly belong."

​Darian smiled. "There. You finally looked at me."

​"But why do you do all this? I know... you’re facing opposition because of me."

​"Nayla talks too much. Listen, I don’t care about their opinions, whatever they may be. I’ll do as I please." His gaze darkened with annoyance. Is he angry?

​"Let them say what they want. As if I’d give a damn about those bastards," he said with total indifference. Is this the same ‘kind’ Darian?

​I couldn't help it; I laughed.

​I looked at Darian again, and I saw that his gaze was focused entirely, intensely on me.

​"Iris... that’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh."

​"Really?"

​"Do it again," he said, placing his hands on my shoulders.

​"Ehh? How am I supposed to do it again?" What am I supposed to do to make myself laugh?

​His eyes suddenly widened as he looked down at his own hands gripping my shoulders. He pulled away abruptly. "No... never mind."

​He covered his mouth with his fist, but the redness on his cheeks was unmistakable. Why are his cheeks red? Strange... a fever?

​"Are you sick, Darian?"

​"Sick?" Confusion washed over his face.

​"Yes. Let me check." I reached my hand out toward his face.

​"No! No need to check!" He took a hasty step back. "Goodbye." Darian practically fled without another word or a smile.

​"Why...?"

​I stood there, watching Darian’s back as he hurried away.

The next day, I approached the instructor after the session ended.

​"Excuse me, Instructor. I want to grow stronger. I want to increase my power."

​He looked at me for a long moment before answering. "Iris, hmm..." He scratched his light beard. "It’s clear your power has potential."

​He’s praising me!

​"But," he continued, "your control is weak. It’s as if you aren't even conscious of its existence yet."

​"How do I become conscious of it?"

​"Diffusion is a power derived from your connection to it. Beyond intensive training, you must link your desires and your emotions to your power."

​"So I should train until I can feel my power?"

​"Not exactly, but you could put it that way. The training hall is open at all times," he said as he walked away.

​Two hours had passed since I spoke to the instructor. I found myself standing in front of the training hall door. What if someone is inside? Should I knock?

​"Have courage, Iris!" Fairy chirped encouragingly.

​I knocked before entering. Inside, I saw a girl with deep blue hair that reached the middle of her back. She turned toward me with a sharp, piercing gaze—which quickly shifted to surprise.

​"You? Why are you here?"

​"MIRAI!?!?" Fairy let out a startled scream, making Mirai scowl in annoyance.

​"I wanted to train," I said. This was the first time I had spoken to Mirai in a normal tone.

​"Is it your habit to train after class?" I gathered my courage and asked her.

​"None of your business. I'm leaving," she snapped, heading for the exit.

​Did I annoy her? Maybe my timing was bad.

​She paused and looked back at me. "Well... at least it's good that you're trying."

​I smiled at her—or at least, I thought that was the right thing to do in that situation.

​"Forget her, she's obnoxious," Fairy grumbled after she left.

​"She’s not as obnoxious as you make her out to be, Fairy."

​"Whatever you say," he muttered.​I stood in the middle of the platform. I had to diffuse my power... how did I do it earlier? I think it’s something related to feeling.

​How do I feel? I don't know.

​What is a feeling, anyway? Is it crying? Smiling? Laughing?

​"That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh."

​Darian’s words echoed in my mind. I smiled without even realizing it.

​"Iris, look around you!"

​"Around me?" A gentle breeze was radiating from my body. It wasn't strong, but it was calm, soothing, and sweet.

​I was the one who diffused it… ​

I understand now. This was power control. I needed to train more to master it. 

Suddenly, the breeze stopped. It seemed my mastery was still very limited. Another reason to train. I wonder if I'll succeed? No... I will succeed.