Haramura Makoto is, if anything, a pretty normal guy.
He usually has a kind heart and approaches many things with goodwill. When he can help, he does without hesitation.
But he's no pushover either—he has his own standards to judge people by.
For example, he would never do something pointless that would harm his family's interests just for some outsider.
That said,
As mentioned earlier, because of his past experiences, Haramura Makoto was unusually forthright about Shokuhou Misaki's out-of-character expression.
After all, she's no ordinary person.
She's one of Academy City's exclusive seven Level 5 espers.
Just thinking about the troubles that burden her, problems that make her want to run away, makes it clear how deep and complicated the situation must be.
Whatever it is, it isn't something a mere experimental subject like him could ever meddle in.
After living here many years in this chaotic city, he knows just how deep the waters run.
Yet, he couldn't help but ask.
Again, he just can't stay completely indifferent.
…
Shokuhou Misaki's explanation wasn't long—rather, it was simple.
Her earlier nod and agreement didn't mean she'd reveal everything.
The man before her was only the leader of a powerless gang.
What she was involved in would only bring him endless trouble if he knew.
But as the man said,
Bottling up so many things in her heart only increased her pressure. Maybe talking it out was a better way to ease it than running away.
After all, with her position and status, even if she cleared her memories, could she really escape?
Impossible!
That's often the case for espers.
"I see!"
"So that's how it is."
Haramura Makoto gave a soft sigh.
He didn't bother trying to console her with words—they'd be useless.
Even minor figures like him had enough daily troubles; Shokuhou Misaki's woes were beyond avoidance.
"Then maybe just put it aside for a while."
"Sometimes, some responsibilities we can't avoid or escape."
"But that doesn't mean we have to carry those burdens all the time."
"Occasional relaxation isn't a bad thing."
Normally, after this sort of atmosphere, the natural progression would be to reach out a hand.
But that's limited to lovers—or at least those with some flirtatious relationship.
No chance here. Haramura Makoto and Shokuhou Misaki barely knew each other.
"Are you sure that's okay?"
Shokuhou Misaki's beautiful starry eyes flickered—the stars in her pupils truly shone like a night sky full of radiant constellations.
Haramura Makoto's suggestion was a whole new idea for her.
Accustomed to carrying everything herself, taking on all responsibility, she'd never thought of this.
Because of her powers, her experiences, and her nature.
She'd never trusted anyone, and wouldn't try to.
"There's no 'okay' about it. This is something a leader must do."
"If you tried to do everything yourself, you'd break. Even a Level 5 isn't an exception."
Carrying everything, solving everything alone, no need for others—it was a familiar atmosphere from two years ago.
But she only learned that lesson after some sacrifice.
"Even if you say that, I can't just believe you—unless I use my power to fully check this guy out."
"Besides, you wouldn't pry into others' hearts without strong reason, right?"
Though Shokuhou Misaki didn't finish her sentence, Haramura Makoto filled it in correctly.
Her lack of objection proved his understanding true.
In the original story, Shokuhou Misaki's control over the Cairen Workshop came from changing the minds of all her researchers.
These researchers were originally her enemies—those disgusting bastards.
They cut open her brain and cultured an External Brain from parts of it.
So using her power to control and change their minds was no psychological burden at all.
Did she have anyone she truly trusted?
Not entirely.
At least now, at Tokiwadai, because of her excellence, the girls gathered around her, treating her like a queen—she could trust those girls a little.
She was sure she never used her power on those kids.
But…
"There's no need to fully trust anyone. And if you don't want to use your power, try seeing people's hearts the way I do—without relying on ability."
He didn't preach grand ideas to make her understand.
Many things can only be understood by going through them.
Trying to force others to change without experience is useless.
Especially for teenagers, denying their ideas often backfires—they rebel instead of accepting.
So he offered a solution.
Something Shokuhou Misaki might naturally accept, though it might cost him some effort.
"Really?"
Shokuhou Misaki visibly furrowed her brows—a sign that Haramura Makoto's words surprised her a little.
"Well, some people catch on fast, others never do, no matter how long they live."
"I wonder how quick you, Shokuhou Misaki, will be."
Haramura Makoto smirked slyly, clearly teasing.
"Learning what? No need—they say this Level 5 espers will die here today."