1.28. News to Me

In the end, I was back to school as normal.

I spent my weekend reading a bunch of articles and played a lot of games. I even stayed up watching a bunch of movies till late at night. I feel like dying today..

My mom and aei had a big argument. So being able to come to school is such a blessing. I don't need to hear them bickering.. since both of them work from home.

I plopped down on my seat and was preparing to drift off to dreamland.

"Lily, set a reminder to wake me up 10 minutes before class."

[Alarm set to..]

"Pu'er."

"Go away."

"Pu'er, there's a teacher that wants to meet you."

"Lily, I said to set my alarm.. huh?"

I raised my head.

"Sorry, can you come with me for a bit?"

His crimson eyes peered into my own.

A-Avner?

===

"What teacher? Why?"

Suspicious, suspicious..

"You'll know when you arrive."

"Why are you acting so mysterious these days. Are you an NtBM carrier or not anyways?"

"I was tested just last Sunday, so no."

"Hmph."

Then why are you acting so cold to me?

"By the way…"

"Nn?"

"Have you checked your locker.."

"My locker? Oh right, I forgot I had one."

"You don't even use it!"

We arrived at the teacher's office.

"..."

"..."

"I keep forgetting I don't have access to this place. Give me a moment, I'll contact the teacher."

"Remember to go check your locker later."

It's a pain to have to tell him this but I can't let this chance slip by.

"Why?"

"Just check it. You'll know when you open it."

He just nodded.

Really? That's the response you're giving me?

"Okay, he should be here in a moment."

The door opened and an elderly teacher appeared. He's the one Avner was referring to apparently.

We were brought to his office..

We were told to take a seat.

He walked away to take some items at the pantry..

W-Wait what is this.. only Avner and I.. w-why? Did they find out?

"Did you tell the teachers.."

Romance was banned in school. Don't tell me we're being counseled?

"What?"

I was too scared to say those words. What if I was wrong? What if this was something else..

"I can't believe it.." Avner pinched his finger between his eyes.

"W-What?"

"Nothing. You should go look in the mirror."

[Your face is beet red Pu'er. It's very clear now that he knows you like him.]

"Hikh?!"

I covered myself with my hands.

"Read.. what happened?"

"Nothing, xe's the one I was talking about."

"Pu'er was it? Do you have a fever?"

"N-no I don't.."

The elderly teacher sat down, he brought with him two cups of tea.

"I want you to drink this."

He said.

"Me too?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Just to be sure, I can drink this right? It won't affect me because I'm not the same race."

"Trust me. I wouldn't want to harm an asset like yourself."

W-What are they talking about?

Avner drank the tea with light sips.

"It reminds me of the tea she makes."

"Hm?"

"No, just recalling the past."

S-She?! Who is she?!

"Pu'er."

"W-Why do I have to drink this?"

It's totally suspicious.

[Should I set off the alarm?]

"No, don't.."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, fine!"

I can't let them know Lily is active!

I drank the tea. It's got a nice refreshing flavour.

"You two have to complete the drink."

"Okay."

"It's good."

Surprisingly good.

But.. why?

Having nice warm tea with Avner like this.. could it be that Avner did something?

Is this a sign that he wants to be with me? Ugh, I don't know, I don't know!

I finished half the tea. Exhaling, I felt the soothing warmth in my stomach.

"Thank you."

I said meekly.

"I should be the one thanking you for coming."

Avner replied, placing his cup down and pushed it to the center of the teacher's desk.

"No, thank you for inviting me."

"Good, now it's ready. Avner."

The moment the elderly teacher said that, I saw his body jolt and he fell forward, almost knocking his head on the table.

"A-Avner?!"

"I-I'm alright.. still not used to this feeling.."

"I see. Pu'er, if you notice any weird changes, immediately seek Avner or me for help. Do you understand?"

"W-What weird changes?"

"You'll know it when it happens. Just don't let your AI know."

"Huh?"

[What shouldn't I know?]

"W-What did you do to me?!"

T-They infected me? Is this what it is?

"Pu'er, it's not what you think it is."

"Your powers will awaken soon, keep that in mind."

"My powers..?"

"Until then, you can only wait."

The elderly teacher said calmly. I didn't understand why, but I somehow believed what he said.