It's 3:33 P.M.
Ilyas' class had just finished and he had already packed up – ready to dash out to the parking lot. Upon arriving however, seeing the familiar black car was nowhere to be found, Ilyas pulled out his phone.
[Sorry Ilyas, I won't be able to pick you up. There's an urgent mission I need to do.]
[Do you want to ride a taxi instead?]
[Chat me once class is over.]
It was a message from Ethan, left unread 2 hours ago.
'Oh no.'
Ilyas quickly typed back to Ethan, but even after arriving in front of the bureau he didn't get any response.
"What kind of mission did they assign to Ethan?"
He asked his teammates once he finished guiding their team's espers.
"We didn't get the details either. He was called to Francis' office and immediately left."
As someone who was attentive to details, it was rare for Ethan to not tell his team, so Ilyas assumed it was a secret mission. Deciding to keep his mouth shut, Ilyas decided to talk about another topic.
He had been curious. The two espers in the room somehow felt awkward with each other, like walking on thin ice. That's definitely not how they usually behaved.
"Is there something happening between you two?" Ilyas asked cautiously, reading the mood.
Xain was the first to flinch, like a guilty puppy, he lowered his head and scratched his head.
"We-We had a fight, but it's been solved now."
"You did?"
"Yeah, I got too emotional, but it's solved so yeah..."
Ilyas sipped his tea and nodded, they never fight before but it's good that they didn't drag it long. Cedric continued after Xain.
"And he confessed to Ethan."
"Pfffffhhh!"
Ilyas spat out the tea he was drinking, coughing profusely before shouting at Xain.
"You what?!"
Xain scratched his head, his cheek a little flushed. Ilyas gazed at him in bewilderment, he didn't see that coming.
"What do you like about Ethan?"
Ilyas decided to ask Xain, if Xain really like Ethan, at least Ilyas needed to make sure it was 'like' out of pure love. He didn't want Ethan's heart to get hurt from short-lived false love.
"There's a lot actually. He looked indifferent, but when you get to know him, he's actually really caring, especially to the closest people around him."
He continued, his smile slowly getting wider, "He treats people well, even though he's harsh with his words and actions sometimes, he does it out of goodwill. That makes me rely on him so much more than I expected. But sometimes he acts so childish and that contrast makes being around him enjoyable."
Xain grinned like a fool, "Overall he's a great guy with silly personality."
Ilyas slammed the table, jumping to his feet with glittering eyes, "Yes, that's it! Finally someone understands it!"
"Huh?"
Ilyas sat down beside Xain before whispering to his ear, "That's precisely what I like about him too. Do you know his ears turn red whenever he's too embarrassed?"
"He does? Wait, you like him too?"
"Mhm! And have you seen this picture? It was taken to promote a new product-"
Ilyas overwhelming positivity turned rivalry into idolization. They both shared what they liked about Ethan and the little details they found about him.
"But I still won't easily give Ethan up for you."
"Let's see who can catch his heart faster."
"No hard feelings between us, okay?"
"Deal."
They fist-bumped each other, grinning mischievously. Promising to let go of their feelings if Ethan chose between them two.
But then, came the troublemaker.
"Nice to meet you, mister guide. My name is Marcello Lorenzo, currently staying here on a business trip."
Marcello Lorenzo, his arrival was an unexpected factor. Claiming Ethan as one of his and looking down at them with condescending eyes, Marcello was an arrogant prick Ilyas hated the most.
Then that thing happened.
That arrogant prick kissed Ethan.
Kissed his Ethan.
Ilyas breath hitched when he saw it, he clenched his fist as anger swelled up in his heart. The feeling of something being taken away from him scratched up his mind, consuming it.
He understood now, this ugly feeling was jealousy.
He was jealous that this nobody stole Ethan's first kiss. All this time, his inaction almost made someone else snatch Ethan away from him and with this feeling rising up in his heart, he also realized something.
'I love him.'
Being comfortable around the other, feeling safe and cared for, and shared each other's secrets to complete each other, those were ways for love to grow. And Ilyas had completely fallen for Ethan's kindness.
So now, sitting beside him, he decided to confess his feelings.
Holding Ethan's hand tight, Ilyas completely stopped his guiding energy from flowing to the man beside him. As much as he's curious about Ethan's feelings, he didn't want to peek inside and decided to completely respect Ethan's decision. Whatever inner turmoil he's having, Ilyas decided to trust Ethan and waited.
He observed the subtle changes on the esper's face. From surprised, to confused, to conflicted. He frowned for a few seconds with troubled eyes before opening his mouth again.
"Is that a love confession?"
"Yes." Ilyas nodded.
Ethan closed his eyes and opened them again, this time with clearer eyes.
"I need to sort out my mind first. Please give me time."
Ilyas was quite disappointed by his answer but he knew he shouldn't pressure Ethan. Ilyas was still optimistic, thinking that he just needed to sway his heart with his love.
"Alright, I'll wait for your answer."
"Thank you."
Having said his feelings, Ilyas' heart felt lighter.
'But I think I scared Ethan off.'
He could read Ethan's troubled emotion, he was feeling uncomfortable by the sudden confession of two people on the same day.
"Then, I'll continue the guiding session."
Afraid Ethan might suddenly bolt out of the room, Ilyas used guiding as an excuse. It might be shameless of him to use this trick but because of that, Ilyas could stay for a few more minutes with him.
As expected, Ethan's mixed emotions were felt.
Confusion, and fear.
But that emotion quickly vanished as Ilyas' guiding energy spread.
Ethan crossed his legs, tapping his finger on his knee – a gesture he did when something was occupying his mind.
Seeing it, Ilyas decided to keep his mouth shut, and that day's guiding session ended in silence.