✓ | FLARE, warren peace

chapter six

For Cassidy, the designation of "Hero" was far from a joyous occasion. She harbored feelings of guilt over how she had obtained it, and spent the lunch period earnestly apologizing to Coach Boomer for her actions. In her guilt-ridden state, Cassidy even went to the extent of pleading for punishment in Principal Powers' office, her remorseful sincerity apparent.

Principal Powers was well aware of Cassidy's innocence, and she remained completely unfazed. Even when she made a house visit, Principal Powers sensed the authenticity of Cassidy's character. The absence of malice was not lost on her.

"Ms. Crane," Principal Powers assured her gently, "you did nothing wrong." As Coach Boomer left the room after being dismissed, Cassidy kept her head lowered, her expression one of remorse. The situation had caused Coach Boomer to feel a pang of guilt, realizing his momentary doubt towards her character, which he likened to her parents'. Yet, despite his initial misgivings, he couldn't help but admire the fierce determination that had shone in her eyes when she stood up for herself.

Coach Boomer muttered to himself as he walked away from Principal Powers' office, "Cassidy Crane, you're no pushover," a tinge of admiration in his tone. He headed back to the gym, ready to continue testing the remaining freshmen who had yet to be assigned.

As Cassidy made her way back to the gym, she arrived just in time to witness another student demonstrating their powers. Her reflexes kicked in when a fireball was launched in her direction. With quick thinking, she raised her hands and enveloped the fireball in a cocoon of light, effectively neutralizing its trajectory.

Caught up in the mesmerizing transformation, everyone watched as the fire slowly melded with the light, creating a beautiful flare that seemed almost magical. Murmurs of wonder and appreciation filled the room as people contemplated the extraordinary blend of powers.

As Cassidy gradually let the light fade, her gaze met with Warren's, who stood at the opposite end of her field of vision. A brief moment passed before the realization dawned on her: the flame was his. She did not miss the apologetic look that flickered in his eyes, though he swiftly hid it behind his usual tough-guy facade.

Cassidy returned to the group, a small, determined smile curving her lips. She found herself intrigued by the mystery that lay beneath Warren's tough-guy exterior and silently vowed to uncover the genuine person behind the act he projected.

"Hero!" Coach Boomer's voice echoed throughout the gymnasium. Cassidy's eyes inadvertently sought out Warren, and to her surprise, she found that he had been looking at her as well. As their gazes locked, she could feel a blush spreading across her cheeks, but she had no desire to break eye contact, nor did Warren. They stood there, a silent connection forming in that brief moment, their eyes locked in an unblinking stare.

Caught up in the moment, Warren's lips couldn't help but form a sly smirk, and the unexpected gesture sent a wave of unease through Cassidy's mind. Fortunately, Coach Boomer's booming voice disrupted their intense stare down, forcing them to reluctantly look away and break the unexpected connection that had formed between them.

Still reeling from the unexpected intensity, Cassidy's cheeks remained flushed as she tried to regain her composure. Meanwhile, Warren tried to mask the fact that he had let his guard down, quickly covering his lips with his hand.

In that moment, Warren had little time to dwell on the situation, but he did notice a distinct absence of any feelings of anger or annoyance. Instead, he found himself intrigued, realizing that his momentary lapse in restraint had granted him a glimpse of just one of the various expressions that Cassidy was capable of conveying.

It was a look that he discovered he actually enjoyed, and he silently hoped to witness it again sometime in the future.