Musketeers

7 (MIS Race pt. 1)

Mara was giving us a threat that she will handle a very detailed report to Sir Buskan about our behavior during the event if we don't participate, and she will not care if we get big deductions for it. She emphasized again and again that, once and for all, she wants to enter the top 3 Best Class during this sports fest. Having been our classmate since first year, we perfectly know Mara when she gives threats. She really makes it sure she'll do what she said. She once had told us she don't care if we get mad at her, as long as she knew we did our obligations well.

So here we are. For the first time in our lives as one class in MIS, we are leading with 15 points. So far, we have placed first in the 100m dash, chess, and darts, and second in 3 on 3 basketball and relay.

Now, I don't want to think about it, but the decision whether we'd become the champion is now on our hands--that is to say, mine and the twins'.

I slumped on my chair at the canteen during the lunch break, unable to eat anything. In less than an hour, we will be doing the MIS Race. My insides are squirming with tension. What if we lose? What if we lose the championship?

Ganymede patted me on the back. "Here, have some chocolates. It will ease your mood." They had already finished their food, and I'm thankful they get to sit with me to console me during this kind of time.

I stared at the chocolate bar she's holding out, let out a sigh, and took it. "Thanks, Gan."

"By the way, where're the twins?" she asked.

"Probably still in the infirmary."

Mara smiled. "So, Kiko's taking care of his brother?"

Ganymede laughed, "Killing him, I'd say!"

Lance, who was sitting on the next table with his gang of friends turned to me, "Why was he bleeding? Did he tell you?"

I shook my head. "They never tell me their business."

"But aren't you three close?" Ganymede asked with a little smile. Mara looked at me quite apprehensively.

"Not really. They barely talk to me about themselves. And you know I was just tasked to look after them by Mr. Gacayan." I took a big bite of the chocolate. I must have at least energy for later.

"But you have their number, haven't you?" Mara said with a small laugh.

I waved my hand impatiently. "Oh, that's because I have to call them whenever a teacher is looking for them."

"I don't see it that way though," Ganymede said. "Those two never really interact to anybody in class the way they do to you."

I laughed. Is it?

"Yeah, I notice that too," Lance said. He's still listening to us. "And they had been my seatmates last year."

"Maybe you aren't that friendly, Lance," Mara said laughing.

Lance defended himself, resulting to Mara and Ganymede reminiscing their elementary days when Lance has been a bullying git.

I'm glad the topic shifted to him. I don't want them asking about me and the Avilas.

I stared at the chocolate I'm holding. Are we really getting close like Ganymede and Mara said? But I don't feel it that way. I mean, yes, we get along mostly because we sit together. But friendship and closeness like Lance, Mara and Ganymede... I don't think so. Kiko and Koki are more distant than they seem to be.

"Hey!" Ganymede nudged me. "Your seatmates!"

I looked up and saw Kiko and Koki enter the canteen. Heads turn to them as they walk to get their food. Many younger students whispered excitedly together. Some older students shook their head in disappointment as they stare at Koki's slightly bruised cheek. But at least he's wearing a clean tshirt now.