[Happy New Year Everyone!]
[Edward's POV]
I approached Sage's classroom with a grim expression on my face. The usual fans who wanted to talk to me instinctively made way as I passed through them.
Standing in front of the classroom door, I felt a sudden stillness around me. Out of nowhere, a Korean man's face appeared beside me.
(What happened will be explained in a flashback.)
It took me a while to calm down after the man's explanation. Then, I opened the door and entered the classroom. Sage was lost in thought as she stared out the window and was surprised to see me.
"Why are you here? Go have some lunch," she said, her expression unchanged.
"What about you? Why aren't you eating? Or did the other teachers discriminate against you?"
Confused, she furrowed her brows and replied, "No, I haven't even met them yet."
"Ahh, that's the problem. You should go to the teacher's lounge and introduce yourself. By the way, you can use your connection with me to smooth things over. Most of the teachers here are my fans, so they'll be enthusiastic about getting to know you."
She scowled and responded, "I don't need to get close to them. I'll be gone from here soon."
"Nah, I believe you'll be here for a while, maybe a year. Having some friends could help you during that time."
As I tried to persuade Sage, a lively Latina female teacher knocked funkily on the classroom door.
"Knock Knock. Miss Anna... Oh, Edward, you're here too," muttered Miss Julie, the Spanish teacher, with shining eyes.
I nodded with a smile and said, "Of course, I'm here. Someone needs to take care of my socially awkward godsister."
Sage was shocked, and Miss Julie exclaimed, "Ahh, she's your... well, she's your sister! That explains how she got approved so fast."
I chuckled and said, "Yeah, fame comes with some benefits."
Miss Julie scolded, "You shouldn't think about abusing your fame, Edward. It's not a good idea."
Sage barely reacted at that moment and asked, "Who's your godsister--"
Ignoring her, I told Miss Julie, "By the way, Miss, could you help my sister get familiar with the school? She won't do it unless someone forces her. It's exhausting."
Miss Julie nodded in understanding, while Sage became more and more baffled.
"I don't need your help arranging my life--"
"Miss Anna, let me show you where the teacher's lounge is. We can have lunch together!" the overly enthusiastic but kind-hearted Miss Julie exclaimed, hugging Sage's arm and pulling her away.
"Wait--" Sage tried to protest, but it was futile. Her powers were locked as a punishment, so she only had the strength of a small woman.
I smirked and shouted to Miss Julie, "She doesn't have any friends in the city either, so she needs someone to show her around there too!"
"I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT!" Miss Julie shouted back from afar.
I returned to the rooftop and continued having lunch with my friends, but we only had a few more minutes before the bell rang. Then, I walked with Haley and Tara to the Spanish class, which, surprisingly, was taught by Miss Julie.
Well, not that surprising.
...
"Ah, school's finally over!" Tara muttered as she stretched her arms in the air.
"Yeah, now comes the real challenge," I mumbled as I saw a crowd of people waiting for me outside the class.
Haley looked a bit worried and asked, "Will you be okay?"
"No problem! I'll treat this as a warm-up for football practice."
"Oh yeah, that starts today." Haley said with a smile. "I'll come and watch you practice."
"You should. Cam and Gloria will be there."
"Huh? Why are they coming here?" Haley was confused.
"Well, come over and you'll find out," I muttered with a sly smirk. Then, I suddenly shouted, "WHAT'S OVER THERE?!" as I pointed to the left side of the crowd. Startled, they all turned to look, and while they were distracted, I slipped away from their sight.
"Wait, where did he go?" a random girl shouted.
"Is the window open? Did he jump from the second floor?" Another girl hypothesized, her face pale. The fans stormed into the classroom to look out the window and try to find where I had gone.
That's when I quietly left the classroom and made my way to the football team's locker room. I changed into the team's equipment and uniform before heading to the field. I was already late, and everyone else had gathered there.
The Dolphin's team uniform consisted of a white shirt with blue lining and blue player numbers, paired with blue pants. As I made my way to the field, it seemed that the news about me joining the football team had been leaked, and many of my fans were sitting on the bleachers with banners in their hands.
"Edward! Edward! Edward!" they cheered as they saw me enter the field.
I smiled and waved at them. Many of them started swooning and soon called me the "White Knight" based on my current armored appearance.
"HUDDLE UP!" the coach blew the whistle, and the team finally gathered. It wasn't that he didn't want to start sooner, but he was afraid that the fans would storm the field and attack him if he dared to do it without me.
"Alright, kids... umm..." The coach was initially excited but then started to lag.
"Should we just have Edward throw the ball around while the rest of us go home?" sneered one of the linebackers.
"Well, you can go home if you want. And you don't have to come back here again," I muttered, causing the group to fall into a deathly silence.
Jacob grew restless. "Ed, you know I've got your back, but there are too many people here if you want to start a fight."
I ignored him and asked the coach, "Can I see the players' data and their current positions?"
"Uh…" The coach was startled at first. "I didn't make one this year." He replied with a guilty look. I stared at him with disdain, wondering if the man who wanted to retire this year, had already given up on coaching the kids properly.
"Alright then. We're going to start with some basic tests to get the baseline of your most optimum conditions. You got 2 tries for each test, and we will rearrange the team's position based on your strength."
"Who died and made you the leader?" The current leader of the team, a high school junior who actually belonged to the grade I had skipped to, pushed my chest armor as he tried to warn me.
However, I grabbed his arm and pulled him forward while simultaneously tripping him, causing him to fall face first into the ground. Luckily the uniform was a bit stocky, so his face didn't suffer.
"That's one of the ways you guys can defend the line during the opponent team's attack when their strength overpowers you. And before you say anything, that wasn't cheating." I said with a devilish smile before I shouted, "We're going to do everything we can to win! That's how the team under my rule is going to be! Any objections!!!?"
"NO!" The team shouted instinctively. I grabbed the chart and the whistle from the coach and said, "You can just sit back and relax. Leave the subsequent test to me."
"Ummm…Alright." The coach didn't object and then left with a smile on his face.
"Coach, you can't do this!" The captain shouted.
"Uh Uh." I shook my finger at him. "America may be a democracy, but right now, there's only going to be only one voice in this team…and that is mine!"
"But I'm the Captain!"
"You can still keep that title. No one will take that away from you. You just won't have any of the powers that come with it. Got it?" I patted him on the shoulder before I blew the whistle.
Gloria and Cameron came at the same time the coach left, and were confused by the situation.
"Seriously? You're really leaving?" Cam asked the coach while holding Lily in his arms. However the latter only shrugged and didn't even stop his steps.
"Oh my god. Edward's right. The team is in worse condition than I thought." Cam muttered.
I waved towards them after making the players get ready for their 40 yards dash test. They walked towards me, with Lily becoming more and more excited the closer she got to my position.
"No Lily. Edward has to practice. So not this time." Gloria quickly pulled Lily out of Cam's hand and placated the baby.
"YED!" Lily shouted. I pinched her cheek before I said to Cam, "You're only coming here to watch right?"
"Right…" Cam said with a little bit of hesitation. For a few days after I told him about my offer, he had fallen into a dilemma between staying at home with Lily, or accepting the assistant's coach job.
It was hard for me to convince him to do it mainly because Lily needed so much care right now, and also, Mitchell was making some decent money at his lawyer firm, so he didn't have to care about the small income he'd be looking to make if he did end up coaching here.
"Alright. By the way, can you help me record the data for a while? I need to hold the stopwatch." I asked him.
Gloria knew what I was doing and agreed for Cam, "Yes he will do it. Come on Lily. Let's go sit with Haley and Alex. And maybe if they agree, we can all go out and have a girls day together."
Gloria was extremely excited to spend some time with the girls as she had always wanted to have her own daughter even before Manny was born.
"Aww. Spending some time with their grandma– I mean Step grandmother–Aunt? I can't say sister, that's too much isn't it." I changed my words a couple of times as Gloria stared murderously at me when she heard the word 'grandma'.
"Why not Sister? I can pass as their sister!" Gloria said begrudgingly before she walked away with Lily.
We started with the 40 yards dash test, and frankly, the results were disappointing. None of the kids managed to finish under 5.1 seconds.
"Come on you guys. You can do it! Try harder the second time." Cam cheered them up.
"I think they don't want to run properly, Cam." I muttered with an evil smirk as I saw their dissatisfied looks as they stared at me. Only Jacob did the test properly, finishing at 4.7 seconds. For highschool students, the average was 4.6 seconds. And any lower than that was considered monstrous.
"So, I will call an assistant that will help them."
Then, I whistled with my fingers and called, "RANDALL! DINKY! COME HERE!"
"Dinky?" Cam was confused. Then, he widened his eyes when he saw a huge, black k-9 dog with a vertical scar on its right eye entering the field menacingly. Randall– my manager, was dragged on by the dog instead of him leading it.
"Hi. Evening everyone. This is Dinky. She's a rescue." Randall said to the players politely. I stopped him, crouched beside Dinky, and then rubbed his retired head vigorously, causing his tail to wag.
"Dinky was an ex-police dog, with years of experience on the force. He had to retire early because he had a history of excessive violence, and would bite off the criminal's flesh excessively during his apprehension."
"Uh No-No. Dinky is a good dog." Randall whispered to himself. I ignored him and said, "During your second try, Dinky will run after you from behind."
The crowd was startled and they started grumbling, "You can't do that!" "That's excessive!" "I want my mom!"
"SHUT UP!" I shouted. As they calmed down, I continued, "Due to an injury on his left leg, Dinky couldn't run as fast as he used to. His record for the 40 yards dash was 4.8 seconds, so if you don't want him to bite your ass off– Then you need to beat his record."
"Can I quit?" Tyrone, the new freshman player who's currently holding the wide receiver's position held his arm up and asked.
"You can quit after you finish today's practice." I said decisively, not giving the kids a way out.
"AHHHHHH!" Tyrone screamed in fear as he ran for his life. As soon as he passed the 40 yard line, I shouted, "Dinky heel!"
The dog stopped immediately and I announced, "Tyrone. Surprising 4.45 seconds. You're really amazing!"
Tyrone was panting hard, and when he heard the record, he grinned from ear to ear, "Really?"
I smiled kindly and said, "Yes. Especially since you're only 15. With some training, you can become a star player that could shock the state."
Cam looked at me in confusion. Then he whispered to himself, "Treating them badly…then, giving them a sweet compliment that made them– Wait…Edward…Are you being a 'toxic boyfriend' to these poor kids?"
I ignored Cam's accurate statement and called the Captain, "Tyler! You're next! Prove to me that you are worthy of the title, Captain!"
Tyler stepped forward, a mixture of determination and apprehension on his face. He knew this was his chance to prove himself and regain some power within the team. He took a deep breath and positioned himself at the starting line.
"Come on. I can do this." He whispered to himself. I looked at him smugly, causing him to curse me for taking his limelight.
"Ready... set... go!" I shouted, blowing the whistle to start the 40 yards dash. Tyler burst into action, sprinting with all his might.
"AHHHH!!!" Tyler shouted with veins popping out of his throat.
As Tyler raced down the field, I watched him closely, analyzing his form and speed. He was fast, no doubt, but there was room for improvement. I knew he had the potential to be a great player, but he needed a push to bring out his best.
"Great job!" Cam clapped his hand to support Tyler as he almost finished.
Just as Tyler crossed the 40 yard line, I called out, "Dinky, heel!" The dog obeyed instantly, halting in its tracks. Tyler, panting and exhilarated, turned to look at me, waiting for my assessment.
"4.53 seconds," I announced with a nod. "Not bad, Tyler. You've shown improvement, but there's still work to be done. I expect more from you as the team's captain."
Tyler's face lit up with a mix of relief and pride. He had managed to meet the average time for high school students, and that was a step in the right direction. He knew I had high expectations for him, and he was determined to meet them. And all of this was happening inside his subconscious.
He wasn't even aware that right now, I was training him to meet my expectations. I believe that in one month, I could train him to do anything I want, provided that no one breaks the brainwashing I'm currently doing on him, and also the rest of the team.
After the entire team had done the test, Cam said, "Edward. Your turn."
"Ah right." I muttered and went to the line. The crowd cheered explosively as they saw me, shouting their support and even taking out their phones to record the moment.
I smiled charmingly as I waved at them, causing the team to look at me in disbelief.
"Ready? Start!" Cam shouted. I sprinted towards the 40 yards line with all of my might. Then, I slowed down after I passed it, and jogged towards where Cam was standing with heavy breathing.
"What's my record?" I asked, a bit curious. Although I had the football training memory from the gacha, I had never actually done these things by myself before. I knew that Hiruma's record and my record would differ because we had different body types, so I was a bit expectant.
"Ummm…I don't think this counts. So you're going to take the test again." Cam said.
"Huh? Why?" I asked, confused. Then, I grabbed the stopwatch from him and saw the record. I froze for a few seconds before I grinned widely.
My record; 4.32 seconds. It was on par with the top NFL players' records, so that's why Cam couldn't believe it.
"I must've started the timer late and stopped it too early." Cam tried to convince himself.
"I don't think so. But let's do another test just to be safe." I muttered.
Then, I did the test again. Cam froze in his spot for a while, and couldn't collect himself after I finished. While he was standing there like a statue, I peeked at the stopwatch and saw my new record. 4.29 seconds.
"HOLY SHI–SPEED!" Jacob shouted in disbelief! He had to change his words midway as he knew that his mother was watching the practice at the bleacher.
Cam looked at me and held my shoulders suddenly before he said, "Edward. You should quit singing and focus on becoming a full-time football player!"
I grimaced at him and brushed his hands away, "Calm down. Let's continue with the other tests for now. Test for reflex, arm strength, core strength, and stamina. We need all of the data available before I can create a training program."
Then, I said in a sad tone, "Unfortunately. I would not be able to focus on playing as I have too much work as it is. Maybe if I had an assistant coach that knew what he's doing, I could relax and practice properly. But as of right now, my talents need to be buried so that the others can grow–"
"Stop trying to trick me into accepting the job. But you know what, I will take the job. As long as you promise me that you'll keep playing."
I smiled mischievously and said "Of course. Why would I want to stop now that I have joined the team?" Cam smiled in disbelief after that.
…
[General POV]
Haley walked towards Edward while recording him with his camera. She asked, "How do you feel after your first football practice today?"
Edward smiled, his face was glistening with sweat. He answered, "I had fun."
"Oh really? Was it fun torturing the other players?" Haley asked mischievously.
Edward tried to shush her and said, "That was supposed to be a secret, you know keep it between us."
The video was then posted to Haley's instagram account, and an official video about Edward on the field today was posted to his own account. As Edward couldn't really show his silly side on his official account, he asked Haley to help him with that. And it benefited both of them when they posted it.
After Edward changed out of his uniform, Randall picked him up and brought him to his car.
"I'm going to go get some food. Wanna come with me?" Edward asked Haley.
The latter smiled and said, "Sorry. I promised Gloria I'd go with her to the mall. Besides, it's too early for dinner."
Edward rubbed his stomach and said, "I'm starving though. Alright. See you tonight."
"T-tonight? Why tonight?" Tara, who was standing beside Haley, asked teasingly.
Edward looked at her weirdly and said, "Haley wants to show me something."
Before Tara could tease her again, Haley cupped Tara's mouth and said, "I'll see you tonight."
"And oh, bring Alex with you. It'd be kinda dangerous for us if we're left there alone." Edward said before he smirked and left.
Haley blushed hard, and when Tara teased her, she hit her friend's arm and said, "Let's go."