I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words.
"Hey, I haven't had a dream with Brain again. I've only encountered him once," I said, a hint of curiosity in my voice.
"Hmm, maybe Brain just doesn't want to talk to you yet," IM replied casually.
"Is that so?"
"Yep, Brain told me he's mad at you because you didn't believe he was a part of us."
"I mean... it was absurd, seeing a brain floating before my eyes... even though it was just a dream."
IM shrugged. "Well, you can't blame him for being a bit sensitive. After all, he's literally the brains of the operation."
I chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
We reached the front of the queue and placed our orders. I opted for a classic nasi goreng, while IM chose a plate of sate ayam. We found a table near the window and settled down to eat, the familiar chatter of the cafeteria providing a comforting background noise.
As we ate, I couldn't help but wonder what Brain was up to. Was he sulking in some corner of my subconscious, or was he plotting our next move against the Seers? Either way, I knew we would hear from him again soon. After all, we were connected, a trinity bound by a shared destiny.
"Hey, guys!" Jonathan suddenly appeared, sliding into the seat next to us.
This narcissistic kid again... I thought, rolling my eyes inwardly.
"Hey, um, Xian, IM! Both of you have awesome motorcycles. How about tomorrow, before the exam, we go for a morning mountain ride, you know?" Jonathan suggested with a grin.
I want to sleep... I think I'll pass... I thought, but I looked at IM first to see his reaction.
"I'm up for it," he said enthusiastically.
Fucking hell... I thought to myself, knowing I'd probably end up going along with them.
"Count me in too," Marcel chimed in, joining our table with a tray of food. "Sounds like a great way to blow off some steam before the exam."
I sighed inwardly, realizing that my hopes for a lazy morning were quickly fading. "Alright, alright," I relented, "I'll go. But don't expect me to keep up with you guys. I'm not exactly a motorcycle enthusiast."
Jonathan grinned. "Don't worry, Xian. We'll take it easy. It's more about the scenery and the fresh air than the speed."
IM chuckled. "Yeah, and maybe we'll even spot some more supernatural creatures along the way."
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. Despite my initial reluctance, the idea of a motorcycle ride through the mountains with my friends was starting to sound appealing. Maybe it would be a good way to clear my head and prepare for the challenges ahead.
"So hey, you know that senior you saved me from? He's mad because his girlfriend texted me," Jonathan said, changing the subject.
Marcel leaned closer, joining our conversation.
"Yeah, why?" I answered, feigning disinterest.
"They broke up," Jonathan revealed.
"Woah! Really?" Marcel added, his eyes wide with surprise.
"The girl cheated on him, lol. She was an easy woman after all," Jonathan laughed, his voice filled with a hint of malice.
"Hmm... who's that girl again?" I asked, feigning ignorance.
"Rya, why?" Jonathan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, just wanted to know the name. I don't know many people here," I replied casually.
"Hmm, I thought you knew everyone since you're so famous," Jonathan said, a hint of teasing in his voice.
"Nah, it seems my fame has already died down. I don't see people getting excited and staring at me anymore," I said, taking a bite of my food.
"You're so wrong, Xian!" Marcel exclaimed, pausing dramatically before continuing. "They still love you! I see lots of whispers and people talking about how handsome you and IM are. Most of them even fantasize about you two."
I raised my eyebrow, a mix of surprise and discomfort washing over me. Fantasize about me and IM? How in the world did Marcel know that?
"What?" I choked on my food, my face turning beet red. "How do you know that?"
Marcel grinned mischievously. "Oh, you know, I have my sources," he said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. "The girls' bathroom, the locker room... let's just say I overhear things."
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Great, just great. Now I'm going to be paranoid every time I walk down the hallway."
IM chuckled, patting my back reassuringly. "Don't worry, Xian. It's just a harmless crush. Besides, it's not like they're going to act on it."
"Yeah, right," I muttered, still feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"But hey, at least you're popular, you know? Your InstingConnection has tons of followers now," Jonathan said suddenly.
"Hmm? Really? I never open my InstingConnection, and I only have one post," I replied, surprised.
"Seriously? Check it out," Marcel urged, handing me his phone.
I hesitantly took the phone and opened InstingConnection. To my surprise, my follower count had skyrocketed. Thousands of people were now following my account, and my single post, a scenic photo I had taken a few months ago, had garnered hundreds of likes and comments.
"Wow," I breathed, scrolling through the comments. Most of them were positive, expressing admiration for my "heroic" actions at the concert. But there were also a few that made me uncomfortable, hinting at my supposed relationship with IM.
I quickly handed the phone back to Marcel, feeling a mix of flattered and overwhelmed. "I don't know how to feel about this," I admitted.
"Embrace it, Xian," IM said, a playful smile on his face. "You're a celebrity now."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, right. A celebrity who's still stuck in high school."
But despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the thrill of being recognized, of knowing that people admired me for my actions. It was a validation of my newfound purpose, a reminder that I was making a difference in the world.
"It's true, you were so cool when they revealed you were the one who held back the fire guy... also, I've always wanted to ask this," Jonathan said suddenly.
"What about it?" I replied, curious.
"How did you two manage to hold that fire guy? He was literally on fire!" he asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
I exchanged a quick glance with IM, a silent conversation passing between us. We had to come up with a plausible explanation, something that wouldn't reveal our true powers.
"With water?" I replied, trying to keep my voice casual.
"That makes sense," Marcel replied, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
"Yeah, we managed to find a fire extinguisher backstage and used it to put out the flames," IM added, embellishing the lie.
Jonathan nodded, impressed. "That was quick thinking. You guys are real heroes."
I shrugged, trying to downplay our actions. "We just did what anyone would have done."
But deep down, I knew that wasn't entirely true. We had used our extraordinary abilities to save the day, and that set us apart from ordinary people.
As we finished our lunch, the bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch break. We reluctantly gathered our things and headed back to class, the chatter and excitement of the morning replaced by a sense of quiet anticipation. The upcoming exam loomed over us, but I knew that with my powers, it would be a breeze.
The rest of the school day passed in a blur of lessons and idle conversations. IM and I kept our secret close, careful not to reveal anything that might expose our true identities. As the final bell rang, we left the school building, a sense of freedom washing over us.
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" IM asked, as we walked towards the parking lot.
"We're meeting up with the others at the company," I replied. "Dove wants to discuss our next move against the Seers."
IM nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "It's time to take the fight to them."
Arriving home, IM and I were lounging in our bedroom in the late afternoon, enjoying some downtime before heading to WRA Company and resuming our superhero duties.
"You know, I've never experienced this human thing, being lazy... it's actually quite nice," IM confessed, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
I chuckled, watching him sprawl out on his bed, his usual energetic aura replaced by a languid calmness. "I guess even Harbingers need a break sometimes," I teased, flipping through a comic book.
"Hey, don't underestimate the power of relaxation," IM retorted, playfully throwing a pillow at me. "It's important to recharge our batteries, both physically and mentally."
I caught the pillow and tossed it back at him. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. But don't get too comfortable. We've got a mission to prepare for tonight."
IM groaned dramatically. "Can't we just have one day off?"
"Nope," I replied, popping the 'p.' "Duty calls, my friend. Besides, didn't you say you were eager to take the fight to the Seers?"
IM sat up, a spark of determination returning to his eyes. "You're right. We can't let them get away with their schemes. It's time to show them what we're capable of."
"But still... I think I can imagine controlling our duplicates from a distance. We could control them, how about it? Interesting, right?" I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
IM's eyes widened with excitement. "That's a brilliant idea, Xian! We could use our duplicates as decoys, or even send them on reconnaissance missions without risking ourselves."
"Exactly," I said, nodding eagerly. "It would give us a tactical advantage, and we could even use them to protect innocent people while we're busy fighting the Seers."
"We could be in two places at once!" IM exclaimed, jumping off the bed and pacing around the room. "The possibilities are endless! You know? I think you not that fool."
< Chapter 141 > Fin.