章 49: Unveiled Thoughts and New Alliances

The morning sunlight filtered through the classroom windows as Adam quietly leaned back in his seat, his mind focused on something beyond the ordinary lessons of the day.

He cast a quick glance at Sona, who perched delicately on his shoulder—a small, ethereal creature whose presence seemed to fade in and out of others' awareness.

Adam whispered to her, "Sona, activate your mind-reading skill."

With a slight nod, Sona's eyes glowed softly, her skill activated, and almost instantly, Adam could hear fragments of thoughts buzzing around the room.

It was as if he'd tuned into a hidden frequency, where the whispers of his classmates' minds were laid bare.

A faint, wistful voice was the first to reach him. I wish I were as popular as Ani.

Turning his attention, Adam noticed a girl seated just behind Ani, her gaze filled with longing and admiration directed at the class idol.

There was no malice, just a hint of envy, the kind that stemmed from admiration rather than resentment.

But then, another thought surfaced—a darker, more hostile one.

I won't let this slide, Adam. You dared to make the school idol a target. Adam's gaze shifted to Robin, seated a few rows away, his expression hardened, eyes filled with resentment.

The memory of yesterday's encounter replayed in Robin's mind. Robin had seen adam with Ani—something that evidently still burned within him.

Robin shot Adam a sidelong glance, his thoughts simmering. What does Ani even see in that loser? The venom in Robin's mental voice was unmistakable, and Adam felt a pang of confusion.

For a second, he wondered, How did he find out? Ah, right… yesterday, he must've seen us together after school.

Robin's internal voice rang out again, sharp and determined. I'll never let you two be together. I have to protect Ani from Adam and show her how much of a loser he truly is.

The words hit Adam like a warning, the bitterness clear in each word.

Robin's frustration seemed to intensify, his thoughts churning with an unspoken fury. I felt so hurt when Ani turned me down for a date yesterday…

Adam's brows furrowed as he listened. It was news to him—he hadn't realized that Robin had tried to confess to Ani the day before. The revelation surprised him, painting Robin's jealousy in a different light.

Turning his thoughts to Sona, Adam mentally commanded, Sona, keep a close eye on him. Whenever he's around Ani or me, make sure to block him out if he tries anything.

Sona gave a firm nod, her serious expression contrasting her usual lighthearted demeanor.

Their homeroom teacher entered at that moment, pulling Adam's attention back to the front of the room.

He rose from his seat out of habit, noticing his teacher's weary expression. A stray thought slipped through the teacher's mind. Another day, another unpaid hour. Haven't received my salary yet, but let's get through this. Adam felt a slight pang of empathy as he settled back into his seat.

---

Halfway through the class, while the teacher was immersed in a math lesson, the doors swung open, and in walked Sakura, the student council president.

She exuded confidence, her smile lighting up the room as her two council aides followed closely behind.

The teacher paused, allowing Sakura to step forward with the ease and grace of someone used to commanding attention.

If Ani was the idol of their grade, Sakura was the idol of the entire school—a senior with long, flowing red hair that fell in perfectly styled waves, deep brown eyes that sparkled with intelligence, and a tall, slender figure.

Her flawless, pale complexion and naturally confident posture made her the perfect symbol of authority and beauty combined.

"Good morning, everyone!" Sakura greeted with a cheerful tone, her voice gentle yet commanding.

From her perch, Sona nudged Adam's shoulder. "Lord Adam, would you like to hear her thoughts as well?"

Adam shook his head slightly. No need, he replied mentally. Let's not invade her privacy.

As Sakura's gaze swept across the class, she continued, "As most of you know, our school's annual sports festival is coming up soon. We're here to hand out registration forms. Please decide which events you'd like to participate in and submit these forms by the end of the day."

She held out the forms, her smile as polite as ever, but Adam noticed the slightly forced nature of it.

It was as if there was something heavier hidden behind that smile—a thought that seemed far removed from her current enthusiasm.

But for now, he kept his curiosity in check, content to observe.

As Sakura's team began distributing the registration forms, her usual charm won over the students.

Most greeted her with eager smiles, clearly thrilled to interact with one of the school's most popular figures.

She continued her duty, handing out forms with the kind of grace that only reinforced her status.

Adam watched her closely, his curiosity piqued by her flawless facade. He glanced at Sona, who was perched on his desk, watching the scene with interest.

Sona, let's hear what Sakura is really thinking, Adam commanded silently, a sense of intrigue tugging at him.

Sona nodded, and a faint glow emanated from her as she tuned into Sakura's thoughts.

Suddenly, Adam heard Sakura's inner voice, echoing with a quiet sorrow. Why does this pain feel so endless? I can't share this with anyone… but I'm so tired of pretending. This fake smile… Her thoughts trailed off, and Adam felt a pang of sympathy.

In her mind, she continued, I just wish someone would see through this act, see the real me. But who would even care?

Adam was taken aback, her silent anguish shattering his preconceived notions. As Sakura approached him, she extended a registration form, her polite smile never faltering.

Adam realized he'd been staring, lost in thought, and quickly snapped out of it, muttering, "Sorry, I was… thinking about something."

Sakura's smile softened, but in her thoughts, he heard her inner voice again. Don't look at me too closely… I might break if someone sees through this mask.

Adam took the form with a nod, feeling a strange connection to her silent vulnerability. In her stoic poise, he saw a loneliness that mirrored his own in some ways.

As Sakura and her aides finished handing out the forms, Adam's friend Leo leaned over, a mischievous grin on his face. "So, Adam, planning to participate this year?"

Adam smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "Thinking about it. Any suggestions?"

Eric, another of Adam's friends, chimed in with enthusiasm. "You have to join us in the Flag Snatcher event. We're going to need a strong team this year!"

Cole nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah! Imagine the four of us as a team. No one would stand a chance!"

The suggestion stirred something in Adam. A team event with friends was a tempting prospect, a chance to let loose and enjoy the festival with the people he trusted most. "Alright," he said finally, a grin spreading across his face. "Count me in."

Leo slapped him on the back, laughing. "Finally! It's about time you joined in. Don't worry, we'll have your back out there."

As the excitement of the festival planning buzzed around the room, Adam felt Sona grow heavier on his shoulder, her tiny wings drooping with exhaustion. She murmured, "Lord Adam, I'm so sleepy. Do you mind if I nap here?"

Amused, Adam gave her a soft smile. "Go ahead, Sona. I won't disturb you."

Sona blushed slightly, settling down comfortably on his shoulder. "Will you… keep an eye on me?"

Adam chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't worry, Sona. I'll make sure no one bothers you."

With a contented sigh, Sona curled up and wrapped her wings around herself, drifting off as Adam turned his attention back to the festival form in his hands.