- Mia POV -

“Control it!”

“I’m trying!”

“Try harder!”

“Can’t you see I am!?” I yelled, a wave of power bursting out of me and knocking my mentor over. He jumped back up and looked about ready to attack once again but shook his head, looking defeated.

“You must learn to harness and control your elements before your coronation Miss Mia,” he said gently. I crumbled to the floor.

“I didn’t ask to be born with this many powers,” I scoffed. He shook his head.

“You’re the pride and joy of this country Mia. Your parents were so happy and worried for you at the same time when you showed that much power at such a young age. You’re already 18 now and soon to be crowned-”

“I know what my responsibilities are as princess,” I cut in, sighing, laying down on the ground. “But having to control four elements with this one body is exhausting. I’m exhausted. It’s tiring.”

“You know you’re more than capable. Why don’t we call it a day?”

“Thank goodness,” I sat up quickly. “I’ve got my part times today anyway.”

“Go get ready then.”

I opened the training room door and walked to my room, the guards standing outside rushing to open the door for me. I greeted them both and walked in, letting them close the door gently behind me. I walked into my wardrobe and pulled out an outfit to wear for my two jobs. Even though I was a princess, I was a princess behind closed doors. Outside, I was just Shin Mia, a normal high schooler. No one knew much about me. I liked the privacy.

I had one best friend, Yooa, who knew my secret behind closed doors. We bonded over our single child problems and I trusted her enough to let her in on my secret. We were inseparable ever since.

She was already waiting for me outside the library when I arrived. She was always punctual, I was not. She linked her arms with me and skipped inside, dragging me along. She noticed the lack of enthusiasm and frowned.

“Did Minho kick your again at training?” she asked. The lack of response confirmed the answer. “You’ll beat him one day.”

I sighed and we both put on our lanyards, making sure our names were visible and walked out of the staff room. We split up, greeting the other part timers and chatting with them as we shelved books and helped other customers. We were suddenly called back into the staff room and we trickled inside slowly. After a few minutes, our boss came in with a handful of boys around my age. Majority of the part timers were girls and there were only a few guys. Having these newbies here would even it up around here.

I couldn’t help but notice that something felt off as soon as I saw these boys. Like something was very familiar about one of them but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I shook the feeling off, listening with everyone else as the new boys introduced themselves. The six of them were easily handsome and they lit up the room instantly. We were all given a newbie to pair up with and train with until the end of the month. I ended up with Seokmin and we went out for a tour. 

I decided to give him a tour first so he could make his way around easier. The entire hour, I couldn’t help but notice his staring and confronted him. I took him around a corner and stopped, turning to face him and crossed my arms. I had to crane my neck up to look at him. 

“Do you know me?” I asked. He seemed shocked at the question but his face turned to one of sheepishness quickly.

“Please don’t think I'm weird or anything but I think we might’ve known each other?” he asked, looking confused at his own response. So he had the same feeling I did. It was strongest with him too. I was utterly puzzled.

I also sensed something else. He had powers. So did the rest of his friends. I cut to the chase.

“What are your powers?” I asked. His jaw dropped.

“I- I don’t have any,” he lamely tried to deflect my question. I stepped forward, making him step back. He gulped visibly and tried to look away. “That’s the truth.”

“You at lying Seokmin,” I chuckled, making him do the same and scratch his head.

“Yeah I get that a lot. I’m just an honest person ya know?” he said. “Since you’ve caught me, I’ll tell you. I can heal. People, animals, plants, you name it, I can usually heal it. Only if it had a life force though. I can’t like, put a shredded piece of paper back together.”

I laughed at the last statement and sat back on my heels. “You can heal. That’s an amazing rare power to have.”

“You’re powerful, aren’t you.”

Seokmin’s statement reached my ears softly, I almost didn’t hear it. I was prepared for the question.

“I am yes. The rarest of them all as a matter of fact.”