My superpower is just for you

4

"Eli, keep laughing, and you might not be 'rising' tomorrow!" Blake's expression was stormy, to say the least.

Grace nudged me discreetly, nodding towards Blake as if to say, "This is your moment."

Thinking of my grades next semester, I couldn't afford to fail. With trembling hands, I reached out, "Blake... Hi, I'm..."

Blake remained silent.

Why is the universe against me? Blake seemed like a tough nut to crack.

My hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, and I mentally kicked myself. It's 271 Star Year; who even greets like this anymore?

Just as I was about to retract my hand, it was suddenly grasped.

Blake's firm grip, with his long and slender fingers, surprisingly conveyed a familiar warmth and reassurance.

He shook my hand gently, then let go with a polite nod.

"Nice to meet you, Zoe."

Ever since that incident in my childhood, my brain hasn't been the sharpest. "How does he know my name?" I wondered, my mental gears slowly turning.

Grace bumped my shoulder, her expression a mix of amusement and pleasure, "Blake, my friend here was wondering if she could add you to her contacts?"

"Sure." Blake's gaze made me squirm.

I quickly scanned his face with my smartwatch, and his contact info popped up in my list.

"Um, we'll... get in touch later, then." I tugged at Grace's sleeve, eager to escape the awkwardness.

"We'll be off, then," Grace said, bidding farewell to the boys.

"Zoe," Blake called out as we were leaving, "Your... never mind, it's nothing. Take care."

Relieved, I pulled Grace away quickly.

Their voices still reached us from a distance.

"I have a question."

"What's that?"

"Didn't you say you two knew each other?"

"Eli, you're really asking for it now!"

"Ah! Save me, Quinn!"

...