(Y/n)'s POV

I caught Mikleo's body as soon as he fell forward. He was panting heavily and seemed to be drifting into unconsciousness. I pulled him closer, afraid to let Shiori get her hands on him.

"(Y/n), what are you doing? Hand him over, he's mine," Shiori exclaimed angrily.
"No, you've already done enough."
"What the hell? Don't forget, I can kill you anytime I want."
"Same with me. You'll die with just the click of a finger."
"But can you? Kill me, that is. As far as I'm concerned, you don't even have the courage to use your power."
"Think whatever you wish."

I managed to maintain eye contact. It was hard, knowing that she could actually kill me whenever she wanted. But she wouldn't...because she needed my power.

Before she got the chance to take Mikleo, someone came running towards us. It was likely that they had the intent to stop Shiori. I could tell from her surprised reaction and withdrawal of her small knife.

She cursed under her breath before running away and around the corner, where the unknown person wouldn't bother chasing her. I looked up to find Sorey staring back at me.

He hoisted Mikleo onto his back and motioned for me to follow. I did so without complaint and went with him to the nurse's office.

~1 hour later~

Mikleo remained unconscious but was luckily in no serious condition. It seemed he was just exhausted and dizzy, which was why he fainted. But I knew that that wasn't true. Shiori did something to him.

"How did you know where to find us? How did you even know we were in trouble?"
"Yuma told me. He said that you'd probably be in danger if you stayed around Shiori. I rushed to find you after hearing that. But I never knew I'd find Mikleo with you," replied Sorey.
"Is Yuma alright?"
"Yeah, he looked fine when I saw him. Why?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Anyway, what about your classes?"
"I could be asking you the same thing. But that hardly matters right now. Our friend was hurt, after all."

Friend...No matter how much I vowed not to make another friend, I had betrayed my own thoughts. Maybe that was my fate...to betray everyone I came across.

"(Y/n), what are you? Mikleo's been distressed even though he tries to hide it. I can tell that he doesn't want to lose you to anyone else. So why are you distancing yourself from everyone?"
"T-that's something you don't need to know."

He flicked my forehead and sighed. I flinched at the sudden pain and pouted. Why did I deserve that? I didn't say anything wrong, did I?

"Oi, don't try to take the burden by yourself. Let your friends carry some of it, that's what we're for. Okay?"
"This burden is too big for-"
"All the more reason as to why you should let us help you. What are you so afraid of?"

Before I could answer his question, Mikleo stirred. His eyes slowly opened as he pushed himself to a sitting position. Sorey and I immediately got up and rushed to his side.

His vision still looked a little hazy despite getting all that rest. We waited patiently for him to come back to reality. It didn't take him more than a few minutes.

"Mikleo, are you okay?" Sorey asked.
"H-huh? Yeah..."
"What happened?"
"I'm not exactly sure. Shiori must've used some kind of seduction spell."
"Eh?! How did you escape it then?"
"What? Did you really think I was that weak?"
"That's not what I meant."
"Yeah, I know."

I stayed silent throughout their conversation. Now that I actually think back on it, Mikleo seemed to snap out of her trance when I called out his name. I wasn't sure why I did. I guess I was just afraid that he had actually fallen for her.

"(Y/n), I think it's about time you tell us everything," Mikleo exclaimed.
"You know he's right. We'll find out eventually," added Sorey.
"...fine."

Was I ready though? Was I ready to tell them everything I've tried to hide my whole life? It would've been a waste then, if I was to reveal the truth now. I clenched my fists so hard that I wouldn't be surprised if it drew blood.

"I'm half human and half seraph."

The invisibility spread faster than ever. It was as if my body was trying to prevent me from telling any more lies. The two in front of me didn't seem the least bit shocked by what I had just told them.

"This invisibility is something that happens against my will. It proves that I'm still under an incurable curse."
"Curse?" Mikleo asked.
"My element is light and darkness, an unusual and quite unknown one. My parents abandoned me after learning about my immense power, something that even I couldn't control, let alone anyone else. That is why I refused to use it."
"That's-"
"Don't give me that look. I don't need anyone's pity. Anyway, I was soon taken to an orphanage but everyone there treated me like I was a monster. But that kinda makes sense. I'm not Seraph and not human so that makes me neither."
"Have you been thinking that your whole life? I would say that you're not neither but both," Sorey said while looking deep in thought.
"Yeah, he's right. You're both seraph and human, you're not neither. If you're neither, then you would be malevolence and you're not," Mikleo added while giving me a small smile.

Both...I had never thought of that. Was I not a monster like I had believed? Like everyone had told me so? Mikleo and Sorey's simple explanation warmed my heart. It made me feel...more normal.

I wiped the tears away as I smiled gratefully at the two. They didn't hate me or push me away even though I had told them the basics of my story. That made me happy...