After that, Asahi and Misaki engaged in some casual but awkward conversation. There was really nothing to say between them, so Misaki temporarily gave up.
Becoming friends isn't something that can be accomplished in a day or two, so she simply started reading a manga here.
Although she usually isn't a fan of it, right now, she had some free time anyway, and she was willing to put in the effort for the sake of acquiring an ability.
As for the manga she was reading, she found the 'The Legend of Eyes', which is the series known as 'Naruto', by Asahi likes to call 'The Legend of Eyes'.
After all, this manga is essentially centered around the concept of eyes, so calling it 'The Legend of Eyes' is fitting.
"Oh, what an interesting setting. Even though the eyes in the story are red and white, they aren't hated by people!"
Misaki felt a bit sentimental, as the Byakugan and Sharingan in the manga reminded her of her own eyes.
She considered her own eyes to be fundamentally despised by others, and indeed, her eyes had been hated by people in the past. After all, starry eyes and such are indeed very special.
"Are you envious of them?" Asahi picked up the conversation at this time.
"Of course I am envious. You know, I've gone through a lot of hardship because of these eyes, especially the way people look at me as if I'm a freak. Boss, do you know how that feels?"
Misaki couldn't help but sigh. Being different from others, especially in such a unique way, was sure to invite continuous gossip and criticism.
"Are you sure it's because of your eyes?"
Asahi asked with a somewhat sly smile, and Misaki had initially intended to respond. However, when the words were on the tip of her tongue, they seemed to get stuck.
All along, she had believed there was something wrong with her eyes, but upon closer reflection, it might not be the case after all.
"You know it yourself, right? It doesn't have much to do with your eyes. It's not your eyes that others are afraid of, but your ability."
"You're aware that your ability is what people fear, but you've subconsciously shifted the blame to your eyes, thinking that's the problem."
"But it is understandable for you to think of that. After all, there is indeed a problem with having eyes that are different from ordinary people. However, the real issue still lies in your ability."
"People all have their secrets, and very few people like their secrets to be completely exposed."
"Therefore, only a few people who know about your abilities are willing to stay with you, but they also don't dare to cross any boundaries, all because of your abilities."
"In the end, your eyes are just your escapism!"
Asahi shook his head. He couldn't pretend to be oblivious about what Misaki had gone through in the past, but he chose not to bring up those matters for now.
She felt out of place among others solely because of her abilities. Watching others with their friends while she used to have friends but ended up in a not-so-great situation was a source of her unease.
This is also the reason why she enjoyed opposing Mikoto afterward. It is because of Mikoto's innocence that she leaked her genetic information, leading to the emergence of a large number of clones, including Misaki's former friend, Dolly, which is why Misaki couldn't get along with her once she saw the original Misaka. It was all because of her past friend.
Her heart is extremely unbalanced, which has caused her to become like this.
"Perhaps, what you said is right, boss. My ability makes people fear me, especially those who can't defend against it. Although my eyes play a role, it's not the most significant factor!" Misaki accepted the point without further argument.
Sometimes, she also wished she could get rid of her ability, but she couldn't because it was the foundation of her existence. She knows very well that in the darkness of Academy City, having power is crucial. Especially as a Level 5 Esper, losing her abilities would have dire consequences.
"So, in reality, it's not much of an issue with your eyes. But you younglings can be quite stubborn. Do you really care so much about what others think? Why do you keep worrying about what others think?"
"Those who can genuinely become your friends won't be bothered by your abilities. While some potential friends might be wary of your abilities, there's nothing wrong with that, right? To be honest, those who can truly become your friends fall into two categories: those with ulterior motives and those who genuinely want to be your friend."
"Your ability is essentially… a filter. Although it might make it a bit more challenging for you to find friends, it can also filter out many problematic individuals."
"Moreover, although I'm not sure about the conflict between you and Misaka, I can tell you that Misaka is indeed a good friend. You can try to contact her, and then expand your circle through her."
"After all, those who can truly become friends with Misaka are quite rare, and those people will also be suitable to be your friends."
"I have always felt that friends don't need too many friends, because those who genuinely consider you as their friend are a rarity. This is a fact."
"Why worry about so much? Just live happily and well. Youngsters these days are quite paranoid and tend to overthink."
"It's very clear that Misaka is just like you. In fact, she doesn't have many friends worth being close to. Most of them are people who you say hello to after she meets them and have a purpose."
"But is she unhappy? Although she might be a bit naive, that naivety is precisely what people like you need. Sometimes, being overly stubborn and overthinking isn't good at all!"
"Anyway, that's all I have to say. If you can't understand it, just treat it as if I didn't say it. And if you understand it out, you don't need to thank me. I just wanted to test my eloquence!" Asahi left that final sentence and said nothing more.
As for Misaki, she was lost in thought at first, but when she heard the last sentence, she couldn't help but let a slight smile formed on her face.
"Boss, I now understand why Misaka is friends with you. You are indeed a good friend, even though you're a bit evil. You are right, I am indeed a bit too stubborn."
"I will try to change a bit. Of course, I won't be the so-called friends with Misaka, but this will not affect me from making new friends. Thank you!"
After saying this, Misaki left directly. Although she had felt a bit down and heavy-hearted at the beginning of the day, it turned out to be not so bad afterwards.
Facts have proved that Asahi's silver tongue has not completely expired, and it seems to be still working.