Behind The Cloack

Chapter 3

Leigh’s POV

“La la la la la…”

I hummed as I walked down the road toward the ice cream shop. I’d been craving ice cream for a while now, so I decided to buy some.

I left Yssa on the bench because she looked tired and hungry. I was planning to cook something back at the dorm so we could eat there instead. I’ve noticed she doesn’t really mingle with others. She hardly smiles, and she rarely talks.

But even though she’s like that, I know she listens well and isn’t fake like the other people here at the academy, who only care about appearances. That’s why I like her. I want her to be my best friend.

After buying chocolate ice cream, I also bought some chicken meat to make fried chicken. Even though this place is magical, we still eat the same food mortals do. I know because I’ve been to the mortal world once before. But I live here in Impona, and this is where I grew up.

I suddenly wondered what kind of power Yssa had. Wahhh! I’m so excited to find out! Hmph. As for me, I can make objects float.

I was about to leave the supermarket when I heard girls screaming.

“They’re here!!!”

Kyahhhhhh! I wanted to scream too but I held it in. I peeked inside the cafeteria to confirm if the Best 6—known as B6—were really there. When I spotted them, I couldn’t stop myself from hopping in excitement.

I was so lucky! I’d been waiting a whole week to see them. I’m one of their fans because aside from being incredibly handsome, they’re also amazing fighters with strong powers. They’re the dream of every girl here—even just a glimpse of them is enough. It’s strange that none of them seem to like any girl yet. Hmm. Never mind. Still, I’m so lucky I came today. I should’ve brought Yssa so she could see them too. But it’s okay, classes start tomorrow, and we’ll see them every day.

Yssa and I are in the same class as B6, but I’m sure she won’t notice them with so many students in one room.

When I stepped out of the supermarket, I jumped with joy.

“Kyyaaaahhhhh!” I squealed.

Shit! They’re so handsome. I really can’t control myself when it comes to good-looking guys.

But when I turned to the bench where I’d left Yssa, she was gone. Only our shopping bags were there.

Huh? Where’s Yssa?! Oh no! Is she mad at me because I left her? This is my fault—I should’ve stayed with her. What if she got lost?

I scanned the area and noticed two girls under a big tree. One was sitting, covering her face, and crying. The other was standing in front of her, looking serious, as if she’d said something.

When I realized who the standing girl was, I immediately walked over. I could hear the crying girl’s sobs even from a distance.

Did Yssa fight with her? No way. That’s not like her! But why is the girl crying? I’ll ask Yssa later, though she’s not really good at explaining. Aisssh. Whatever.

“Yssa!” I called, walking up to them. The girl was still crying but not as much. Yssa must have heard me because she looked my way. I waved at her and smiled.

To my shock, she smiled back—before turning her attention back to the girl.

She smiled!!!

Yssa is so beautiful even without trying. But when she smiled just now, she became even more stunning. She has long black wavy hair, thick lashes, a sharp nose, sleepy eyes, pinkish lips, and a perfectly shaped face. Add to that her fair skin, and she truly looks like a goddess. But usually she’s just poker-faced.

Since she smiled today, I’ll prepare a feast! Haha! I’m so happy she smiled, even just once.

Yhessa’s POV

“Wait for me on the bench,” I told Leigh. I needed to talk to this girl first—she looked so pitiful.

I’d overheard her ex earlier. It seemed she still loved him and wanted to get back together, but he yelled at her and called her desperate, which made her cry.

I’ve never been in a relationship before, but I know how painful that must feel. I sighed. Looks like my words of wisdom would be put to the test.

“You know, miss,” I told her gently, “don’t beg for someone to be in your life. If you’ve done your best and still get ignored, walk away. They only realize your worth when it’s too late. Rejection makes you stronger, not weaker, because sometimes you need to let go—not for your ego, but for your self-respect. I know it’s hard to accept, but you should, because it’s the truth.”

With that, I turned and walked away. My inner ‘hugot’ never fails.

When I returned to the bench, Leigh was waiting for me. She immediately smiled and stood up.

“Let’s go!” she said excitedly, pulling me along. I carried our shopping while she bounced as she walked. This girl is crazy.

“You know, Yssa, I was so lucky at the supermarket! Kyyaaaahhhhh!” That’s all she kept saying until we reached the dorm. She wouldn’t tell me why, only that I’d find out tomorrow or in the coming days.

I unpacked my things while Leigh cooked in the mini kitchen. She said she was celebrating something, though I didn’t know if it was her birthday or what.

“Dinner’s ready!” she called. I grabbed a plate and started eating. Her fried chicken was delicious. She told me food here is the same as in the mortal world.

“By the way, I’ll tell you about this place and the academy!” she said happily, still chewing her food. Tss. This girl really can’t wait.

I didn’t reply and just listened. I wanted to know more about this place too—if it’s connected to who I am or to my parents. But one thing’s for sure: don’t trust anyone. I’ll only show them my earth element so they won’t get suspicious and dig deeper into my identity.

“Impo Academy is a school here in Impona. Impona is home to people with powers—witches, sorcerers, and wizards. It’s divided into two kinds of people: us, and the ones from the Black Society, where the Dark Academy is—our mortal enemy. That’s where the evil and greedy people live and study. They’ve always wanted to grow stronger and rule the world…” She paused to take another bite.

“Impona isn’t like the mortal world. What’s impossible there is possible here. Impo Academy—short for ‘Impossible’—is a school of impossibility where you can do anything. This is where people like us train our abilities to prepare for attacks from the Black Society.”

So there’s conflict here too.

“That’s all for now,” she said at last. “I don’t want to give you a headache,” she added with a laugh, then stood up to clear her plate.

I sighed at her chatter. I know she’s kind, but I still can’t trust her with my secret—about my many powers I’ve been hiding for so long.

I don’t even know why I have so many powers when my father only had one. He said I’m special because of my magic and abilities.

I can’t reveal my true self yet—not until the right time comes. But when will that be?

Could there be other students like me who also hold many powers?

“Go to sleep, Yssa. We have class tomorrow,” Leigh said, interrupting my thoughts. She’d finished washing the dishes.

“Ahm… Leigh, is it possible for someone to have multiple powers?” I asked. She looked at me, puzzled.

Did I say something wrong? Or was she just wondering why I’d ask that?

“Why’d you ask?” she said, still looking at me.

Sorry, but I can’t tell you yet. I don’t know if there’s a demon hiding behind your angelic face. Looks can be deceiving.

“Nothing. It just crossed my mind,” I lied. She thought for a moment, then sat on the sofa.

“The truth is, I don’t know either. As far as I know, everyone here only has one power. So it’s impossible to have many,” she said.

If it’s impossible, then why do I have many powers?

Even I’m confused about myself. It’s like I don’t even know who I am anymore.

Who am I?