Chapter 48 Haters Are Also Fans
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
I nodded. "Yes."
Kane immediately agreed. "I promise."
I laughed bitterly. "Please, I haven't even told you what the condition is yet. You're agreeing way too fast."
Kane spoke up. "No matter what it is, I'll agree."
"Fine, but you said it—no backing out! From now on, you have to unconditionally agree to three things I ask. As long as you promise, I won't hold last night against you."
"Three things?"
I nodded firmly. "Yes, three things. Are you willing or not?"
I admit I was somewhat forcing his hand, but I really had no choice. Kane's previous verbal promises couldn't be trusted.
If I wanted to protect him from being expelled, I needed more leverage. Otherwise, the next time Kane's temper flared, I couldn't be sure I could control him.
I expected Kane to refuse or try to negotiate. I was considering whether to reduce it from three things to something less.
But Kane remained resolute. "I promise."
"Really?" This happiness felt too sudden, almost unreal. "I'm talking about three things, not one. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
I let out a long breath, feeling a long-lost sense of relief.
This way, when something happened next time, I'd have enough leverage to protect Kane.
"Okay, okay, then it's settled—no changing your mind! By the way, let's start with the first thing today!"
"What is it?" Kane asked.
"Take me to practice what we learned in Magic Summoning Class!"
Kane looked reluctant. "It's too soon. You should rest more."
I quickly waved my hands. "No need, no need. My body has recovered well enough. I don't need more rest, and I can handle the practical exercises! Most importantly, the in-class quiz is tomorrow. I can't show up knowing nothing, can I?"
Although Kane had explained everything from class word for word, there was still a huge gap between that and actual practice.
If I didn't practice now, I couldn't imagine how badly I'd perform on tomorrow's quiz.
What if I came in last place? That would affect my final grade. I didn't want to fail this course!
"I suggest you rest first. You can take leave tomorrow." Kane's tone remained as stubborn as ever.
"No way! This is the first quiz since enrollment. I have to at least try, right? I can't just run away. Come with me, please. You just said you'd agree to three things. Are you going back on your word already?"
I crossed my arms over my chest, showing no intention of compromising.
Fortunately, my persistence paid off. Kane nodded slightly. "Fine. After we eat, I'll go with you to the back mountain."
I smiled. "Thank you. I knew you'd agree. But we don't need to go right after eating. You haven't slept all night. Go back to your dorm and get some sleep first. I'll come find you at noon!"
Kane was initially unwilling, but I stood firm and personally escorted him back to his dorm.
Yes, I was afraid that if I didn't keep watch, Kane wouldn't return to his room or rest.
On the way back, Kane and I video-called, which served as a form of supervision.
"Hey!" Suddenly, Jenny appeared beside me and patted my shoulder.
I nearly dropped my phone in fright. "You scared me to death! Why are you so jumpy?"
Jenny glanced at my phone. "Oh, video chatting? I won't disturb you then. You two talk first. We can chat when you're free."
"It's fine. He's almost at his dorm. We were about to hang up anyway."
After ending the call, I looked at Jenny. "Okay, what is it?"
"Have you heard? The academy's talent show has been moved up—it's this weekend!"
"This weekend?" I frowned, my mood souring. I'd already made plans with Kane to visit his aunt this weekend.
"Why would it be on the weekend? Don't we get to rest?"
Jenny shook her head repeatedly. "No, no. The talent show is on the weekend, but it's Friday evening. So it won't interfere with resting the next day."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, that's fine then."
"What's wrong? Do you have plans this weekend?"
"No, no. I was just asking." I didn't tell Jenny the truth. It wasn't really a big deal, but if I mentioned it, things might get complicated.
Knowing Jenny's personality, she'd definitely tease me and start gossiping. It just wasn't necessary.
"But seriously, this year's talent show is different from previous years. Usually, upperclassmen perform, but this year the stars are the freshmen!"
I looked puzzled. "The stars are freshmen? What do you mean?"
"It means all the acts this year have to be performed by freshmen. Upperclassmen can't participate—they can only watch. Also, people like us who've been at the academy for years but aren't technically upperclassmen can participate too! I've already decided—I'm going to perform a dance that'll wow everyone!"
Jenny clasped her hands together, already imagining the scene.
"By the way, it's coming up soon. Are you prepared?" Jenny asked.
I pointed at myself. "Me?"
"Yes! All freshmen have to participate. You definitely need to prepare something—singing, dancing, or playing an instrument. Anything works! Which are you good at?"
After hearing Jenny's words, I felt embarrassed. None of those were things I was good at.
In fact, even now, I didn't know what I was actually good at. I'd never had any real hobbies or interests.
If I had to name something, maybe it was gaming. But how could I put that on stage at a talent show?
Perhaps sensing my embarrassment, Jenny spoke up. "Actually, you could team up with someone. Like Kane."
"Historically, Dark Mages never participated in talent shows. The academy didn't even notify them. But this year is different—you could perform with him! If Kane got on stage, the impact would be way stronger than anyone else!"
I had to admit Jenny was right. I'd mentioned this to Kane before, but he'd been very resistant.
Besides, with only a few days left until the show, even if we started practicing now, we probably wouldn't have enough time.
"So? Want to think about it? If you two performed together, I bet you'd win. Your popularity would be off the charts!"
I believed that. Kane was popularity incarnate—after all, haters are fans too.