Signs of Life on the Luminary

Chapter 9

«They are so sticky» rolls her eyes Anna.

I smile because I know very well that despite everything, she is proud that they came.

"It gives me more pression..." says Sophie all of a sudden.

And I understand right away. In fact, that's what I felt too, not wanting to disappoint them. I clench my fist.

"It doesn't matter, it's all about surpass ourselves."

They turn to me and nod their heads.

"We always give everything!"

"I agree!"

While the others join us in the corridor, small groups form and I walk next to Shoto.

"Has your family come to see you?"

"Just my father."

As it does not develop, I say nothing. To my surprise, he continues the conversation.

"Are you close to your family?"

I'm adjusting my glasses.

"It can be a bit complicated...but yes, it's okay, and no matter what happens with my parents, I know I have at least my brother with me."

He seems to reflect on my words and asks me:

"I didn't know you were so close to him. You never talked about him."

I shrug my shoulders.

"It's not like we talked about it either... I don't know your family either."

He nods as if he understood.

"I also have a big brother, Natsuo, and a big sister, Fuyumi."

We get to the dressing room door and that's where we meet everybody. Most of them talk in groups.

"I still haven't forgiven you for kicking me during the race!" Anna yells at Sophie.

«You had to be faster» she laughs.

I suddenly gasp, remembering something.

"You throw me in the air, so you're not in a position to talk, Anna!"

She laughs.

"I forgot! Your head killed me."

"Ah ah, too funny."

"Only Shoto knows how to dodge, Katsuki tried to fly this morning!" Sophie laughs loudly while Katsuki threatens to reduce her to dust.

We were the loudest people in the room. I feel eyes on my neck and as I turn around, most of our comrades look at us with scowling eyes.

Oh yes. Now they see us as adversaries.

"Don't worry," said Shoto.

"Yeah, we're just gonna beat you, no need to look at us l-"

Katsuki starts but he gets a slap on the head.

"Don't try to split the class!" Sophie replied.

Suddenly the delegate gets up.

"Anyway, don't think that because you've been referred...we're going to take it slow." He says seriously.