The Disastrous Life of Saiki

(Saiki sat at his desk, staring out the window. The classroom was its usual chaos,Nendou laughing at something dumb, Kaidou talking about "Dark Reunion," and Teruhashi getting her usual spotlight.)

Saiki (thinking):

Lately, everyone's been talking about their future. What career will you choose? What are your dreams? Yare yare. For someone like me, those questions are pointless.

(Across the room, Nendou stood up,grinning.)

Nendou:I'm gonna be a ramen shop owner! Bet you'll all eat at my place every day!

Saiki (thinking):

Yeah, sure. The last thing I need is to hear your voice while trying to eat in peace.

(Kaidou dramatically slammed his hands on his desk.)

Kaidou: The Jet-Black Wings will rise as a hero of justice! I'll destroy the Dark Reunion!

Saiki (thinking):Destroying them would require at least getting rid of your 8 year old syndrome, Kaidou.

(Teruhashi turned her radiant smile toward Saiki.)

Teruhashi:Saiki-kun, you'll probably end up as something incredible! Maybe a famous actor or a genius scientist. It's only natural for someone like you.

Saiki (thinking):

No, it's not "natural. What's natural is wanting to disappear after hearing your voice.

(The thought of choosing a future made him sigh. His powers made him capable of anything,he could solve world hunger, eliminate crime, or even invent new technology in a day. But every choice came with strings attached.)

Saiki (thinking):

If I use my powers to make money, Mom and Dad would be thrilled. But then Mom would go bragging to everyone. "Oh, Kusuo's a millionaire inventor now!" and Dad would probably start asking for a private amusement park.

(He imagined Nendou as a customer, Kaidou as a self-proclaimed "partner," and Teruhashi popping up to "support" him.)

Saiki (thinking):No thanks. Anything that invites people into my life is out.

(The bell rang, and Saiki walked home. As usual, his classmates' chatter were behind him.)

Saiki (thinking):

Being a hermit sounds tempting. A quiet life, far away from everyone, with an endless supply of coffee jelly.

(At home, he opened the fridge and grabbed one. He sat at the table, finally feeling a sense of peace.)

Saiki (thinking):

No career can top this. Coffee jelly doesn't ask questions, doesn't shout, and doesn't follow me around.

(He took a bite, savoring the taste.)

Saiki (thinking):

Yare yare. Whatever happens, the future can wait. This is all I need.