"So that's how you got your name, huh?"
Hope froze.
His hand, which had been idly scratching at the table's surface, stilled.
For a second, he just stared at her.
Not because of what she said—
But because he didn't remember telling her that.
His stomach twisted slightly.
Slowly, his eyes narrowed.
"What?"
The girl tilted her head, her blue eyes unreadable.
Then, in a calm, matter-of-fact voice, she explained,
"Don't be shocked. That's one of my awakened abilities."
Hope tensed.
"I can see what people think," she continued, as if discussing the weather.
"If they're not guarded, that is."
Her tone was light, almost casual—
But to Hope, it sounded like a threat.
"You didn't expect me to know your thoughts, so you didn't guard them," she said.
"I could see them. Not clearly, but I can pick out the vital information."
Hope didn't respond immediately.
He just stared at her, his mind working through what she just said.
Then, finally—
"Oh…"
He nodded slowly, as if accepting it.
Her powers were—
Dangerous.
Hope had always hated people who pried too much.
People who asked too many questions, who got too close.
But this—
This was worse.
She didn't need to ask.
She could just see.
For someone like Hope, who relied on keeping his thoughts and emotions hidden—
This was an absolute nightmare.
I can't stay close to her.
That was the first thought that ran through his mind.
And then—
Oh damn. She's reading my thoughts again.
The girl's lips twitched upward, her smile stretching slightly wider.
Hope grimaced.
Damn it.
He clenched his jaw, immediately trying to clear his thoughts, but it was too late.
She had already seen.
Not that he cared.
It was just—
Uncomfortable.
She didn't say anything for a moment, letting the silence stretch.
Then, Hope exhaled.
"So… what's your name?"
The question hung in the air for a second.
For a moment, she didn't answer.
Then, after a brief pause—
"Nefer."
Hope blinked.
The name wasn't one he had heard before.
But it sounded—
Cool.
He gave a slow nod.
"Nice name," he muttered.
Then, after a beat, he added dryly,
"Coming from someone named Hopeless, I don't really have the right to judge."
For the longest time, she just stared at him.
Hope tried his best to ignore it.
But the longer it went on, the heavier the silence became.
It wasn't that he was uncomfortable—
Not really.
But there was something unnerving about being watched so openly, especially by someone who could casually read his thoughts.
After a while, he gave in.
"How are you preparing?"
His voice broke the silence, rough but casual.
Nefer blinked.
Hope could've sworn he saw the slightest hint of amusement in her expression, but it was gone before he could be sure.
Then—
"Good."
Hope raised an eyebrow.
That was it?
A single word?
He had been expecting something more—
But apparently, she wasn't the type to elaborate.
Hope exhaled slowly and shut his eyes, trying to get past the awkwardness.
This was fine.
Just sitting here, talking to a beauty before heading into the Soulrealm.
It wasn't a bad way to pass the time.
He didn't know if he would survive—
So why not enjoy the moment?
"What about you?" she asked suddenly.
Hope opened his eyes.
"I'm okay."
He shrugged.
"I just leave everything to fate."
Nefer tilted her head slightly, listening.
"I'll try my best to survive. That way, if I die, at least I'll know I tried."
She nodded slowly.
"That's thoughtful of you."
Then, without another word, she turned to leave—
Just as suddenly as she had arrived.
Hope relaxed.
That had been… strange.
Not unpleasant—
But strange.
He watched her walk away, already prepared to move on.
But then—
She stopped.
Hope's heart skipped a beat.
He wasn't sure why.
Then—
"Oh, Hopeless."
Nefer glanced over her shoulder, her voice soft but clear.
"Happy birthday."
Hope froze.
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
His birthday?
What?
Murmurs spread through the cafeteria like wildfire.
Several heads turned toward him.
"Did she just say happy birthday?"
"To him?"
"That unmannered brat?"
Hope ignored the whispers.
He was still processing what she had just said.
Birthday?
He didn't even know when he had been born.
So how did she?
He swallowed, forcing himself to nod.
"…Thanks."
It was all he could say.
A question sat at the tip of his tongue.
He wanted to ask—
"Can you tell my exact age?"
But something held him back.
Instead, he just watched as Nefer walked away, her figure blending into the crowd.
Hope exhaled.
For some reason, his chest felt a little… tight.
His birthday, huh?
What a joke.