My superpower is just for you

2

"Hey, isn't she the one who's supposed to 'keep Blake Carson balance'?"

"What kind of superpower is that, seriously?"

...

Just trying to grab lunch in the cafeteria turned into a gauntlet of whispers and not-so-subtle discussions.

"Can't you find something better to do? Seriously, mind your own business."

Grace tried using her megaphone superpower to disperse the crowd, but it only seemed to draw more attention.

"Zoe, do you want to meet Blake Carson?" Grace asked, panting as we finally broke free from the crowd.

"I'd rather not, too much drama," I replied. I've always been the type to avoid trouble at all costs.

"Zoe, you're going to have to meet him sooner or later. We're learning theory this semester, but next semester is all about practical application. You can't avoid using your powers, and not knowing Blake Carson might mean failing or not graduating."

"Stop... I can't take this..." The thought alone was enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Why did my superpower have to be this?

Some people do have superpowers tied to their childhood friends. It's like how many elite families groom their heirs' childhood companions, but such powers only emerge among those who've spent a lot of time together as kids, and they're rare. Powers like symbiosis or sharing pain are common, not something as trivial as keeping balance. Oddly, I don't even know Blake Carson. Could he really be a childhood friend?

After a stealthy and tearful lunch, Grace dragged me to the basketball court.

"Why not just go to the track? Why the basketball court?"

Grace always had a unique way of thinking, quirky and adorable in her own way. But even her quirks couldn't top mine.

"We're here because..."

Thud!

Out of nowhere, a basketball hit me, leaving me seeing stars.

"Are you okay, Zoe?" Grace asked, checking the bump forming on my head.

"It hurts so much..." I couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

"What a terrible day," I sobbed.

"Hey, I'm really sorry! Are you guys okay?" a concerned voice asked.

Head bowed, tears streaming down my face, I looked up through blurry eyes to see a circle of sneakers around me.