Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 7: Laughter in the Ice- part 2

The activity period buzzed with energy as the teacher assigned groups for a friendly "get-to-know-you" scavenger hunt. Nadia grabbed Xio's arm the moment then and made sure he always stayed in her cluster.

Youre the key to my victory, Xio," Nadia said, with a smile.

Xio raised an eyebrow, his expression deadpan. "How exactly?"

"Because you're tall, quiet, and mysterious—nobody will see us coming," she replied dramatically, earning a laugh from the other group members.

a leaf shaped like a heart, something blue, a funny selfie with a teacher, and the names of five students from different classes.

The group scattered across the schoolyard. Nadia kept sticking close to Xio, chatting animatedly. "Okay, heart-shaped leaf! Let's find it!"

Xio glanced around, silent as ever. Finally, he spotted a bush with peculiar leaves. He plucked one and handed it to Nadia.

Her eyes widened. "You actually found one? Who are you, some leaf whisperer?"

"I just looked," Xio replied, his tone flat.

"Well, look at Mr. Nature Genius over here!" Nadia teased. "What's next? Can you talk to squirrels?"

One of their classmates, Igor, ran over, panting. Selfie with a teacher—check! He presented a shot of an awkward looking science teacher holding up a dissected frog.

Nadia doubled over laughing. Well, my god, Igor, you actually got him to pose with the frog?

"I told him it was extra credit! Igor gasped between laughs.

The group couldn't stop giggling as they completed the other tasks. As far as getting students names, Nadia shoved Xio to the front. "Go on, practice your Russian!"

Xio hesitated, his face impassive. "...Здравствуйте. Как вас зовут?" (Hello. What's your name?)

The other students blinked at his stiff pronunciation before responding cheerfully. Nadia clapped like a proud parent. "Look at you, social butterfly!"

However his expression remained unchanged, except that a wistfully playful smirk hovered in Xio's eyes.

By the time they returned to the classroom, the scavenger hunt had turned into a bonding experience. Igor was having a laugh with the others, telling them a completely outlandish tale about tripping over a mop bucket, complete with the theatrics, and making the others roar with laughter.

"Xio, did you even laugh once today?" Nadia asked, mock-serious.

"I laughed internally," Xio replied.

"Sure you did," Nadia shot back. "Next time, let your face in on the secret."

Despite himself, Xio felt a strange warmth growing. For the first time in this new, confusing life, he didn't feel completely out of place.

When the bell rang the teacher gave them their praise for their work together. Nadia grinned, leaning toward Xio. "See? You're not bad at this 'people' thing. Stick with me, and I'll make you a social legend.

"Doubtful, Xio replied dryly, but there was a small twitch at the corner of his lips.

The day ended with a sense of lightness, though deep down, Xio couldn't shake the lingering void within him—a feeling that no amount of laughter could fill.