Chapter 2- Powers used wrongly

I walked back to my apartment with my body hurting like hell and immediately went to bed.

The birds were chirping, the populace was talking outside on the streets, and my alarm was having fun destroying my ears like a maniac. I slapped my clock for the millionth time and went out on my bike with a piece of break in my mouth. Look, I'm doing the running (biking is close enough) with a piece of bread in my mouth trope! Now I need to be on the lookout for a pretty girl that goes to my class so that I can crash into her. It's the perfect plan!

I arrived to school as I always do, and met up with my friend Michigai in front of the school gate. Michigai started the conversation as we walked towards class:

-Hey, did you see the e-sports tournament yesterday! It was sick! The Raccoons destroyed the Sentinels!

-Ah.. sorry, sorry, I couldn't see it. I was busy working.

-Yea, yea, I bet you were just using your powers to steal money and then got beaten up.

-What? Nah... I was working, I tell you!

-So if I slap you you will be fine? It was raining yesterday.

-I'd prefer you not do that..

We continued our converstation as we entered the class and got seated, only to be interrupted by Josei.

-Hey, you guys better not have been slacking playing your video games! Especially you, Shokyo. At least Michigai gets good grades.

-I'm telling you, I was working yesterday, I didn't play video games. Michigai can confirm that.

-He's not a reliable source.

-Hey!

The bell rung so we all went back to our seats, our conversation continued during lunch break.

-So... were your really working during the weekend?

Josei, unlike Michigai, doesn't know about my powers, so I had to pretend like I was working on my algebra or chemistry homework. Whatever works because she's not going to believe me anyways. She's going to ask me questions and I'm going to answer incorrectly as usual.

Days like these are what makes me going. Friends that makes me feel like I actually exist, that I may have a purpose in life. That's why I don't want to lose them. But I also know that this won't last forever. People have dreams, they have something they want to do. In college, we're all probably going to go in different ways. Josei, being the bookworm and smartass she is, is probably going to go to some big college or something as she planned. Michigai could probably follow her if he studies a bit more. I, however, have no chance. I don't get good grades no matter how hard I try, which is why I thought to myself: why study when I can openly cheat? If I somehow get good grades, we could all go to the same college!

-Hey, what would you guys do if I suddenly get good grades?

Confused, Josei told me that it was impossible. Michigai, on the other hand, seemed to have realised where I was going at.

-Yea, what if, in the next exam, I get a grade as good as you!

-I'd start believing in some god. Maybe the god of success. Why, did you offer your soul to him?

-No way, do you really believe in supernatural powers?

Michigai interrupted:

-You're planning on cheating.

-What? No, you can't do that! What if you get caught!

-What? No way! There's no way I could cheat anyways!

Josei was still suspicious, while I unhappily glared at Michigai.

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On our way home, Michigai confronted me:

-Hey, you're planning on using your power, am I right?

-Huh? Uh, yea... Hey, why did you mention it when Josei was there. You knew she would be against it.

-You shouldn't use your power like this. It'll only hit you back later.

-I didn't know you were like this.

-I'm serious. It won't mean anything if you succeed by using your power.

-What do you mean?

-Think about it, you'll go to the college you want and then what? You get your degree or whatever and then what? You wouldn't have learned anything and will only embarass yourself further.

-Yeah but-

-You're doing this to not be alone.

-No I-

-I won't stop you, and I won't tell Josei neither, but think about it.

We were silent until we parted ways. It was the first time Michigai confronted me like this.

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-You can turn your papers in 3... 2... 1... now.

As the exam started the next day, I started reading the exam and, without really any big surprise, I couldn't understand about half of it. I decided to answer what I could and after around half the time, although Michigai warned me against it, I activated my powers and started looking at my classmates answers. My first target was obviously the student in the second row next to the window: Josei. Going from students to students, I started copying the answers of this useless history exam of reliable students. I noticed that Michigai noticed I disappeared from my seat and felt bad a little, but I had to go to the same college as them.

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-Hehe! I feel like I did great on my exam!

-Eeeh~ I doubt that. You normally barely pass.

-Who knows? Maybe this time it's different.

-I think this time it is going to be different.

-Why do you think that? He might have studied like his life depended on it, but I doubt he's going to get that much of a good score.

-Wow, how low is your esteem of me?

-Very low. At least academically.

Wow so rude. She could have at least said that in a less rude manner.

-Hey! Because I feel good today, I'll treat you guys!

-What are you talking about? You're poor, you can't afford that.

-Then you treat me! Since you always get the best grades.

-Huh? Why should I do that?

-Then if I get over 80, you treat me!

-Fine. But I doubt you'll get over 80. Also, you're supposed to have grades as good as me. What happened to that?

-Well, that's if I'm really lucky. Also, you're going to regret that. And then, I'll order the most expensive items there are on the menu!

Josei left us and Michigai and I continued our way. We continued to gossip about random topics, but Michigai suddenly launched us towards an serious topic.

-Are you going to continue like this for the rest of the midterms?

-Of course!

-I don't think you should.

-Why are you so against it?

-Just.. I don't feel it's right..

-You say that, but you don't say anything when I use my powers for other stuff.

-You should probably stop that too then.

There was an awkward silence. He continued.

-How much do you value our moments together? With Josei.

-Huh? A lot, of course. You guys are my only friends, and we've been together since first grade, you know. Why do you ask that? Oh!, please don't tell me you're going to cut me off if I continue using it.

-No, that's not it. It's just...

There was a silence for about three seconds. Three seconds might feel short, but in this instance, it might have felt longer.

-Hey, is there anything wrong? I feel like you've been down for a while.

-N-no! It's nothing! I'm just stressed over the exams and... I'm a bit jealous of your power, that's it.

-Oh... I see, then. Don't worry about it! I answer the questions I can answer by myself! I only cheat when I don't know the answer!

-You're dumb.

-I know.