Heart vs Mind (Saiki K x Reader)

10. Impress the Dad

(Saiki's POV)

The teacher's voice was nothing but a faint, mumbled mess to Saiki as he focused on you rather than the lesson being taught.

He realized that the intensity of his feelings for you changed from time to time; they were still categorized as "crushing" but the way those feelings presented themselves to him varied. These feelings he had for you were the only thing in his life that made him feel like a normal teenage boy. One minute he would be crushing on you innocently, the next... well... if last nights dream had anything to say about his feelings for you...

"...Saiki~ hello~ are you awake?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at you. You were turned around in your seat, facing him.
"She said we're allowed to work with partners."
"I know," he lied, "I'm not deaf."
"Okay then, do you want to partner up?" Your voice inclined slightly. He nodded. He listened to you read the first question out loud, then tried to focus on the work rather than you. It didn't work. "Hey, Sai, are you okay?" Your voice was filled with concern as you asked that question. "I'm fine. Your voice is just really annoying today."
"I'm serious. You don't look so good. Maybe you should go to the nurse?"
"I'm a psychic, moron. I don't get sick."
You frowned and shook your head. He could read your mind, "Regardless. You don't look well. I really think you should go." Saiki was flattered by your worry, but he didn't want to trouble you too much. If he didn't go to at least get checked, you would stress about it all day. "I feel fine. I'm just a little tired today. Nothing a good nap won't cure."

You gave him a stubborn look of disapproval and crossed your arms. "The answer is (a)," he informed you and circled the bubble, then beneath it he started to explain why the answer was (a) as the directions instructed. "W-Wait... hold on, this conversation isn't over!"
"I'm not giving you a choice." Saiki took your paper and copied the answer down onto yours so you wouldn't fall behind. This wasn't something he would normally do for anyone, but you took your grades very seriously.

(Your POV)

At the end of class, you hadn't even packed up your things before Saiki was already out the door, leaving you in the dust. You sighed and rolled your eyes. "I guess I nagged too much this time. But I really was only looking out for him."

You made your way out of the classroom and went to find out locker. There wasn't a pinkette in sight, and you were hoping he decided to teleport home to get some sleep rather than walk with you. You didn't like walking alone, but you also didn't want anything happening to the poor psychic while he was tired.

At your locker, you exchanged books and binders, then went to change out of your school shoes. The halls were practically empty except for a few giggling girls chatting amongst themselves about lord knew what.

"So you're the new girl, huh?" An unfamiliar voice said.

You turned your head in their direction, "That title has run its course don't you think?"

To your left stood a male of average height with lengthy violet hair. His eyes were very lovely, too. You wondered why you'd never noticed this boy before. He was quite attractive of you were being honest with yourself. He smiled, "Maybe. But I haven't met you yet, so technically you're still new to me." You respected his logic. He said, "I'm Reita Toritsuka. You're (f/n) (l/n) right? I know that because your guardian spirit told me." You blinked in confusion, taken aback by his words. "Guardian... spirit?"
"Uhuh that's right! You heard me. Your guardian spirit! He's kind of unique, though. Oh wow, I've never seen such a strong connection between a guardian and their charge," he paused, "Oh now I get it. He's your-" this time when Toritsuka stopped, he didn't continue. He looked like he really did just see a ghost, but for the first time, and a real one. You stared at him with wide eyes. You were both confused and concerned, and ready to bolt. This boy... he must be insane. You started to back away from him, but bumped into someone in trying to do so. It was Saiki. "S-Saiki!" You turned around to face the teen, but he was glaring at Toritsuka through the lenses of his green sunglasses. That explains Toritsuka's expression. "I thought you went home already. If I knew you were still here I would have... come... looking for you..." your voice trailed off as you realized neither of the boys were paying attention to you. In a flash, the supposed medium was bowing to you frantically and apologizing, "I'm so sorry! Y-Your guardian spirit- I um- I lied about that whole connection thing! Turns out your spirit just really wants to protect you from harm! I mean, I would too, since you're so beautiful and all. But never mind that. We should hang out some time! But I can't right now, I think my laundry is calling. Gotta go! Bye!" And just like that, the frantic boy was gone.

Utter confusion.

"What the actual f-"
"Don't mind him. He's just an idiot."
"Well, it was sweet of him to say I'm beautiful..." you said, but it was more of a question. Saiki responded, "Like I said, he's just an idiot." You puffed out your cheeks and narrowed your eyes at him. "You're sooo~ funny, Sai."

(Saiki's POV)

That was close. If that scumbag had told her that her dad is her guardian spirit she would have either slapped him across the face for being an incompetent, insensitive ass or bite back tears and act like he's just a random dumbass.

While it was true that guardian spirits tended to forget their previous life, they always felt a connection to the people they were closest to in that life. Your father died a hero, and perhaps he wouldn't move on until he found you a personal hero. I could be that hero... But what was he thinking? How could he make any moves on you now with the pressure of knowing your father was the spirit watching over you? He felt his face heat up as his mind wandered to the thinking box, the fort, the movie... he was there every single time.

"Saiki, you're psychic. Can that guy really see spirits?"
"Yes."
"Can you see spirits?"
"Some. Not all."
"Can you see mine?"
"No."
"Oh.. well.. I'm curious now. I want to know who my guardian spirit is!"
"Curiosity killed the cat."
"Psh... that's why we have Pet Cemetery. Duh~."

Saiki rolled his eyes. Should I tell her? If I do, then I can take her to Toritsuka and she can connect with her father again. Maybe I can work some 'magic' and she'll even be able to see him. If I don't tell her now, she'll find that idiot tomorrow and one of two terrible things could happen.

"I might not be able to see your spirit, but I know who he is. I read Toritsuka's mind."
"Oh! Tell me, tell me!"

Saiki shook his head. He was protecting you... right? He felt you reach for his hand, and then a wave of warmth flowed from his fingertips to the rest of his body. You held his hand and smiled softly, "I think I've nagged you enough for today. But be prepared for tomorrow!" Saiki wanted to pull his hand away and apologize to your father, but that would completely give away everything. So, he let you hold his hand. At one point he even gave your hand a gentle squeeze. The least he could do was show your father he respected and cared for his daughter.
I guess this is sort of another normal thing about being a teenage boy. Impressing the girl's dad... even though in this case the girl is an empath, her dad is a ghost who watches over her at every moment, and I'm a psychic who's never fallen in love before... the same rules apply.

I have to impress her dad.