The Disastrous Life of Saiki

Kuniharu: So there I was, trying to lick the shoes of my employee, and my boss comes in and—hey, are you even listening, Kusuo?

Saiki (thinking): I'm listening, but I wish I wasn't.

(Meanwhile, Kusuke, having "finished" his project, turns around, smirking as usual.)

Kusuke: Kusuo, I've been working on something for you. You'll be thrilled.

Saiki (thinking): The last time you said that, you almost blew up the house.

Kusuke (grinning): Don't worry, it's not dangerous. This time, anyway. It's more of a… test. For your psychic abilities.

(Saiki stares at his brother, uninterested.)

Kusuke: You see, I've created a device that suppresses your powers temporarily. Just for fun. You can experience life like a normal person for a whole hour.

Saiki (thinking): I don't trust you. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Kuniharu (laughing): Oh, come on, Kusuo! Give it a try! Living like a normal guy for an hour might be fun! You could be like me—carefree and enjoying life!

(Saiki's face is without a expression.)

Saiki (thinking): The last thing I want is to be like Dad. His idea of fun is licking other people shoes and staying on the couch all day.

Kusuke: Come on, Kusuo, aren't you the least bit curious? It'll only be an hour. You might even like it.

Saiki (thinking): There's no way I'm going along with this. I already know something will go wrong.

(Kuniharu stands up, now more excited than ever.)

Kuniharu: This could be a bonding experience! Me, you, and your brother—just three guys hanging out, no psychic powers involved! What do you say?

(Saiki stares at his dad.)

Saiki (thinking): No.

(But before he can teleport away to avoid the situation, Kusuke activates the device remotely. A strange power fills the room, and Saiki feels a weird feeling.)

Saiki (thinking): Wait… did he actually—

(Kusuo tries to use his telekinesis to pick up a nearby cup, but nothing happens. His powers are gone, just as Kusuke said.)

Kusuke: There! See? Now you can enjoy life as a regular person, little brother.

Saiki (thinking): This is not good.

Kuniharu (oblivious): Oh wow! You really turned off his powers? Haha, this is great! Now Kusuo can be like the rest of us!

(Saiki glares at Kusuke, who looks far too pleased with himself. Without his psychic powers, Saiki feels uneasy. His thoughts are racing with all the things that could go wrong in just one hour.)

Saiki (thinking): I need to get out of here. Fast.

Kuniharu: Hey, this is a perfect chance for us to bond! Let's go out! We can get some ramen or—

(Suddenly, the doorbell rings, and Saiki freezes. Without his powers, he can't sense who it is. Kuniharu jumps up to answer the door.)

Kuniharu: I'll get it!

(Saiki watches as his father opens the door. It's none other than Iridatsu Mom, the neighbour and the mother of Yuuta.)

Iridatsu Mom (grinning): Oh my, Kuniharu! I just wanted to stop by and check in! It's been so long since I visited you boys. I brought some treats too!

Kuniharu: Oh! What a pleasant surprise! Please, come in, come in!

Iridatsu Mom (noticing Saiki): Oh, Kusuo! How's school going? Do you still hang out with Yuuta? He's been talking about you nonstop!

(Saiki remains silent, his mind filled with frustration. Normally, he'd just teleport away or manipulate the situation with his powers. But now, he's stuck.)

Kusuke (smirking): Isn't it fun, Kusuo? Just like a normal person.

Saiki (thinking): Fun isn't the word I'd use.

Iridatsu Mom: Oh, I brought some special cookies! Yuuta helped bake them! Isn't he just the sweetest?

Saiki (thinking): How much longer is this going to last?

(Kusuke finally checks his watch.)

Kusuke: Well, looks like your hour of normalcy is almost up. You did well, Kusuo. I'm impressed.

(Saiki doesn't respond. He's had enough. The moment his powers return, he teleports to his room, locking the door behind him.)

Kuniharu (calling from downstairs): Kusuo, come back down! Our neighbour still here, and we're having a great time!

Saiki (thinking): I'm done with bonding. Forever.

(Kusuke, still downstairs, laughs quietly to himself, clearly enjoying the chaos he's caused.)

Kusuke: I guess he couldn't handle being ordinary after all.