Chapter 24: The Concept Of Backlash (2)

Ayen was not afraid to be alone; he had grown accustomed to it by now. The same was true with loneliness. It was harder to get used to, and he could not claim he had already overcome it.

Perhaps he had adapted to it and become numb so that being lonely was no different than being alone, a short way to summarize how he lived over the past years.

Suddenly, Ayen felt suffocated by the silence and loneliness… of being alone.

Was this an aftermath and backlash of messing with him at the same time? Ayen disliked this feeling… but the cravings inside of him intensified so much that they overwhelmed him.

It was more than the craving for food… something more… and Ayen was so scared to explore. He did not want to expect something.

Due to his chaotic mind and the backlash intensifying his cravings, Ayen did not manage to take a nap even for a minute. Until the two returned.

Ayen curled up at the end of the sofa, head leaning against the backrest, looking so weak.

“Ayen? Are you okay?”

“Sorry, we took so long.”

They did not really take a long time, just under thirty minutes. It was a considerable amount of time, but not really, considering this home was on the outskirts and they had to find a grocery store to disturb in the night.

No one noticed that his eyes were a little red, but even if they did, the two did not comment on it. Ayen licked his lips after swallowing again, though much less than before.

He nearly closed his eyes again, realizing that his assumption of craving for their company was correct.

Ayen merely nodded as a reply. He did not want to say a word, for his saliva might drip on the corner of his mouth. This was a real concern.

Khal and Devion did not linger as well; they immediately went to the small kitchen just beside the living room. Ayen could simply watch them from his position.

As always, Devion was in charge, and Khal helped him sort out the ingredients. Conscious of time, their movements were faster than usual.

Ayen’s condition looked worse, and so, the two used their esper abilities while cooking. Devion could not even be seen by the naked eye, as if he were teleporting to every corner of that small kitchen.

Khal was no better; he was not even using the knife as he chopped and peeled the vegetables. Sharp ice blades appeared, cutting everything smoothly in seconds.

Despite how chaotic it sounds, Ayen was fascinated to watch them work so harmoniously. They looked so amazing together. It was as though they were performing rather than cooking.

Ayen did not even notice that the pool of saliva on his mouth had lessened significantly; something within him was satisfied by the sight.

While Ayen was watching with interest, he failed to comprehend how extraordinary this was, or Ayen simply did not care. But if word got out that the two SS-class espers, aces of humanity, were cooking using their precious abilities for an E-class Guide?

Saying this would cause an uproar, which was even an understatement; it would cause chaos. That was simply unheard of. But then again, Khal and Devion also ignored the fact.

These two did not even mind living in a ruined building; their reputation was like shit to them.

It did not take too long for the dishes to be ready and served. Ayen swept his eyes to the table, which was filled with dishes. Aside from vegetable soup, there were kinds of fish and meat dishes as well. Some he was not familiar with.

If he did not see them prepare this, he would think the two cooked all day for everything.

Khal had picked up Ayen from the couch and put him in the head seat at the dining table, seeing he was too weak to move. Even if he could, the other would still probably pick him up regardless.

“You can try them all and see what you like.”

Devion was wiping his hands, leaning his back against the sink. His hair was down, perfectly concealing his forehead. As a result, he looked far more innocent and gentler than he always appeared.

“Devion worked hard for this.” Khal winked, putting a spoonful of food in one of the empty plates in front of Ayen.

“You’ve done a lot too.” Devion immediately dismissed his effort to put himself in the spotlight.

A ghost of a smile appeared on Khal’s lips, and he did not answer, focusing on what he was doing.

“Thank you for the food,” Ayen picked up a spoon and said. His tone of voice was truly softer despite the slight indifference still present.

The two smiled and took a seat at each side of Ayen’s seat, watching him.

Ayen watched their effort and was not ungrateful; he began tasting the dishes that Khal thoughtfully put on his plates.

Under their watchful gaze, Ayen began eating, starting with the vegetable soup. He chewed slowly, savoring the taste. Devion was truly a good cook; his dishes were to his liking.

“How is it?” Devion, propped on his chin, asked.

“Delicious.” Ayen nodded, not stingy with the praise for once. Even though it was technically only a word, Devion grinned proudly at that.

Khal smiled and did not tease him.

“The plates were new and the pots, everything is new.” Devion suddenly pointed out. Maybe they only wanted to start a conversation.

Ayen already knew that, but cooperated this time.

“Is that so?” Ayen voiced out, chewing.

If that was considered a cooperation. However, Devion became energized with that answer, and so did Khal. At least, Ayen was trying to keep the conversation going.

One would not expect Ayen to answer actively, but it would not hurt to try. The espers wanted to get to know Ayen, slowly if they could. In return, let Ayen also get to know them at his own pace.

Personalities aside, Ayen was not exactly someone easy to get along with. And the same with Khal and Devion; clashing was probably inevitable in the future.

Khal and Devion still argued and fought sometimes.

“Will you stay here in this zone?” Khal asked after some time. “We’ll need to return tomorrow.”

Devion agreed. “It’s a critical season, we can’t leave the forbidden zone for long.”

Ayen looked up, realizing the two were hinting at something. Devion gave a smile, not so innocent one. Khal was the same, but his emotions were always more hidden than Devion’s.

“During this month and the next, the concentration of the miasma will reach a higher peak, and new disturbances are created each time,” Khal explained, his right hand reaching for the plate Ayen was eyeing.

Devion snatched it, putting the food on Ayen’s plate instead.

“I’m saying this because—”

“I’ll return with you.”

Ayen nonchalantly cut him, swallowing the food in his mouth before putting in another.

Khal and Devion were too surprised to speak, and all they could do was exchange glances. They were only thinking of how to persuade Ayen to come with them, and he was already agreeing?

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