He speeds back into the bakery without much else.

There’s the sound of pots clanging, something falling…

A girl yelling?

Then rushed footsteps.

I have no obligation to stay.

There’s literally no reason for me to do so.

But also…

We were given intel that there was a…

…

Was our intel wrong?

I feel like this is a risk worth taking. Out of all the Recruiters of Powerful Productions, I’m the only one without any new leads this month…

Embarrassing…

I can’t keep coming back empty handed. Mages are popping up all over the state, and we need to keep them on the path of positivity instead of turning rogue.

But this situation feels… unsafe?

But… the mission comes first.

And it’s not like I’m not strong. And the daylight is bright. And there’s people here.

And… and…

The boy returns, his long blue hair flying behind him.

He seems somewhat out of breath, now.

“For you!”

I see the now-full tray; on it, a paper plate of curry puffs, and a cup of water.

He places it on the table, and when our eyes meet - he winks.

I look away.

“... have a seat, I guess.”

He pulls out a chair, and sits across from me.

Suddenly, I realize my hands are trembling in my lap…

Hm.

“My name is Eikichi!”

His voice comes out like a chirp.

“Baker. Eikichi Baker. I know, funny, I’m a baker and my last name is Baker, ha…”

A chuckle.

“My mother owns this bakery, and my specialty is fortune cookies.”

And a smile.

“Oh… do you, uh…”

I’m struggling to make smalltalk.

“Can you actually tell the future?”

“Do want me to tell yours?”

He laughs, covering his mouth with his hand.

I laugh too, albeit awkwardly.

Our laughter then dies, and he looks at me expectantly.

… oh, is this the part where I introduce myself?

“Call me… Mel.”

I clear my throat.

“Yeah, uh… Mel. I’m… working part-time right now.”

Eikichi seems to perk up.

“Oh! Where? I mean, if it’s okay to ask.”

“Uh… y’know…” I wave my hand dismissively. “Like… there… kinda…”

He raises an eyebrow.

“That doesn’t sound suspicious at all. But alright then.”

“I-It’s one of those companies that do like, things and… stuff. Odd jobs.”

Silence.

“The pay is good.”

My throat feels super dry all the sudden.

Isn’t there water on the table?

I reach forward for the cup, and Eikichi does the same.

“Here,” he says. “Allow me-”

“No no,” I cough. “I’ve got it-”

The cup tips over, and threatens to spill.

But instead of water going everywhere, Eikichi’s palm splays and his eyes flash…

… and the cup floats in mid-air.