Chapter Text
Nya groaned, laying her head on her history textbook. She was bored with homework and wanted to play with her brother, but he was busy. Værmisha said so. He was on a dance team and apparently it was serious.
“Mommy, can I watch Kai practice?” Nya asked. Maya was reading a book and Ray was still at work. They could both feel the music thrumming from Kai’s room through the walls.
“As long as you don't bother him and finish your homework later,” Maya said.
“Oh, no. I'm doing next week's homework,” Nya informed. Maya dropped her book on her lap.
“Then what are you doing? Get out of this house and do something. If you have to, drag your brother out of his room. I don't want you two isolating yourselves in this home like this,” Maya ordered. Nya nodded and got out of her seat. “And Nya?”
“Yes, Mommy?” the little girl asked, turning to face her mother.
“Make sure your brother is okay. Even fine is good enough,” Maya said, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. Nya raised an eyebrow and was about to voice her question when her mother beat her to it. “One can be fine, but that doesn't mean you're okay.”
“Okay.” Nya walked up the stairs and headed towards her brother's room. The music got even louder; it was fantastic that the stereo and speakers that Techāito and Kai bought together at the retail store were so powerful. One of the kids in her class said that retail stores were the worst because everything was crappy.
They apparently lied. Nya hated liars.
Knowing Kai wouldn't hear her knocks, Nya simply opened the door. Now she no longer felt the bass, she could hear the singing and the rhythm. It sounded cool.
And it was definitely a song to dance to if her brother didn't even notice her watching. Kai’s eyes were shut, his arms moving as if the wind controlled them, yet he told what the wind should do. His steps were light and he was moving quicker than Nya could keep up with. So that was why the two of them couldn't hear Kai dance- his footsteps and landings were too light for the floorboards to actually creak. He danced like the flame of a candle.
And that was how Nya was able to sneak past her brother and unplugged his phone and paused the song. Kai jerked and whirled around, glaring at his sister.
“Nya! Why did you do that?!” he yelled. “I need to practice!”
“Are you done with your homework?” she simply asked.
“Uh, yes. But-”
“Mommy says we can't isolate ourselves. And you know how good you are at that.” Kai’s face burned and clenched his fists. “And Mommy wanted me to ask if you're okay.”
“I-I,” Kai stuttered, looking at his feet. He hated what his sister said about him being good at isolation. It's not like he tries to do it. And why does he have to try so hard to make friends? “I'm fine. So, where do you wanna go, pyunū ?” he asked his sister, quickly changing the subject. Nya grinned.
“Park!” she shouted and grabbed her brother's arm and tried to tug him out of his room, but he resisted. “Kai, are we going or not?!”
“I have to change my shirt!” he tried to explain. Nya groaned dramatically, throwing her head back.
“What's the big deal? I thought you loved that one!” The shirt resembled the kimonos many of the girls and women back in Ignacia wore for their special days. It flowed and had flower designs on it. It was a gentle pink that always soothed her brother. “And you haven't worn it for so long! Let's just go already, ‘cause I'm not letting you wear that stupid hoodie so you can pass out from heatstroke!”
Sighing, Kai just gave in and let himself be pulled along.
“Mommy, we're going to the park!”
“If you think the two of you are going alone, you have another thing coming. And put on your shoes!” Maya ordered, shutting her book and going into the kitchen for water bottles. While her children tugged on their shoes, she watched Kai through the kitchen window. She smiled softly, hoping he could feel it somehow. “Alright, let's go. And Kai?”
The boy hummed, tugging the short sleeves of his shirt as far down as he could.
“You look great, don't worry.” It was subtle, but Maya still saw her son’s smile.
“Cole, I'm glad you're not a part of the wrestling team,” Jay said, jogging in place while they waited at the stop sign before crossing the street.
“Oh yeah? Why's that?” Cole asked, scrolling through his phone. He surprisingly enjoyed art club. He felt a lot more relaxed. It was obvious the others liked their things as well. He was currently searching for some sort of inspiration.
“Apparently, they made a rule that all wrestlerers-”
“It's ‘wrestlers’, Jay,” Zane corrected.
“Whatever. But they made a rule that you would have to cut your hair and keep it-”
“Hell no!” Cole shouted. Jay sighed through his nose. Already, the second time interrupted. “No one is ever cutting my hair. I'll cut off circulation to their brain first.”
“That's murder, Cole,” Zane said. Jay sprinted across another street ahead of them. “Jay, look both ways before you cross the street!”
“No!”
“If you die, our bet becomes null and void.”
“Yo, what up, Jacob?” Jay said, greeting the shorter boy. Already, Jacob was opening his locker and getting to and from his class with ease.
“Eh, nothing much. Hey, there's supposed to be a new student coming today. She's been coming here after school for a while, but no one knows her name. She's even been in the studio and dancing along to my music. At least, that's what Lar told me,” Jacob explained.
“What class?” the freckled boy asked, trying to shove an extra textbook inside his locker. Why are they so skinny and the books so gigantic?!
“Uh, 2-C is almost full. So’s 2-B. Probably 2-A or 2-D.”
“Kinda weird that the class with the first letter of the alphabet has fewer students than the two classes after it, right?”
“Okay, good. It wasn't just me.”
“You both are so weird,” Neuro, only now arriving at school, said. “And she'll be in your class, Jay.”
“How do you know that?” Jay and Jacob asked at the same time.
“I have my ways.”
“You're creepy, that's what you are.”
Jay’s knee just wouldn't stop bouncing. He was obviously excited to see who the new girl was. Cole rolled his eyes at his friend. The brunet needed to learn how to chill, honestly.
“Alright everyone, in your seats!” their teacher ordered. Chairs screeched as the students ran for their desks. Their teacher groaned and rubbed her temple. “Now, I'm sure most of you have heard that we have a new student. So I want you all to be kind to her like you would to anyone else.” She waved at the student, gesturing for her to come into the classroom.
Cole gasped, his eyes widening.
“Thanks, Ms. Murphy. Um, hi. My name is… Seliel Bakar,” the girl said, tucking her blue streak behind her ear. “I'm from Lom but, uh, my dad and I recently moved to here so I… go here now. Yeah.” Seliel tightened her grip on her backpack loop and stared at her feet.
“Alright, well, your desk will be over by the window over there. Will you be able to see well?” Seliel nodded.
“Um, wait!” the new girl suddenly said before the teacher could send her to her desk, which was in the near back. “I don't… actually know my way around the school.”
The teacher's face crumpled as if she were trying her best to hold back a sigh. “Alright. Does anyone want to volunteer in being Seliel’s guide around the school?”
Instantly, Cole’s hand shot up. Jay stared at him, confused. Cole hated meeting new people.
“Thank you, Cole. But make it quick, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Cole said, bowing slightly before practically running to Seliel’s side. “Let's go. I'll show you the second floor first.”
The two of them left the classroom just as Ms. Murphy began to lecture some students who had been too rambunctious the previous day. Once they turned the corner, Seliel smiled and turned to Cole.
“I was lying, you know.” Cole covered his mouth to hide his chuckle.
“Oh, I know. I can't believe you're here! When did you move?” he asked.
“Couple weeks ago. I was actually going to the after-school dance thing when I first came here. You know, trying to get a feel of things,” Seliel said with a shrug.
“Aw, man! I could have seen you sooner! I'm in art club now.” Seliel giggled, trying to imagine a guy like Cole painting or doing something really artsy.
“Yeah, as soon as the bell rings, I'm out. Don't stay for anything or anyone.”
“Still as antisocial as ever, I see. I hope you haven't punched any other people in the face. That's kind of our thing,” Cole joked, elbowing Seliel in the side. She gasped and slapped his arm.
“Shut up! You know I didn't mean that. You startled me.”
“We were four and all I said was hi.” Seliel playfully kicked the wall but still smiled. “So, still doing ballet, I'm assuming?”
“Hell yeah. Ain't never giving that up. And you aren't, like usual?”
“Hey, be quiet. I know how to waltz and slow dance, so at least I know something. Also, I still remember some of ballet.”
“You're as graceful as an ox, you can't say anything about being good at dance, especially ballet.” The two of them laughed.
“I never said I was good. I actually hate it!” Cole said, heading for the stairs.
“Aw, don't say that! Who knows, you knowing how to dance might swoon the right girl,” Seliel teased, flicking her hair over her shoulder. Cole pretended to gag, pointing his finger at the back of his throat. Seliel stepped on the back of his knee, not enough to make him fall, just so he could break his pace.
The two of them sat down on the stairs that lead to the third floor. “But seriously, is there somewhere in the school that I need to show you so you don't get lost?”
“Nah, I'll just follow you around. I'm actually really happy that you're here. I was scared of going to a new school full of new people that I'll never able to be friends with. So, thanks,” Seliel said.
“No problem. Although, I do have to tell you. I sit with my friends during lunch-”
“Whoa, you have friends? How did that happen?”
“Oh my god, I'm going to push you on the floor.”
“You wouldn't. You're too nice.”
“Shut up. Anyway, I sit with my friends so I hope you're chill with that. They're really nice. Zane is nice to everyone. Jay and Kai can sometimes be a bit too much to handle, but they're great people.” Seliel tugged on her hair before answering.
“I'll deal with them. Just as long as I don't have to talk to them that much. Okay?” Cole smirked.
“I'll keep Jay busy,” he said with a wink. Seliel snorted. “I like your hair though.”
“Thanks. It takes a lot of work to make it look this good.”
“Is this coming from the girl who used to never shower or take a bath?”
“That was childhood, when you rarely sweated and being gross was stupidly normal!”
“Mm, you say that but you just hated getting clean.”
“Oh, would you look at the time we should get back to class!” Seliel took off, practically running down the hall. Cole chuckled and followed her.
“Zane, Kai, I want you to meet Seliel. She's an old friend of mine,” Cole introduced the new girl.
“So that's why you raised your hand? Dude, how could you not tell me?!” Jay pouted. Seliel shuffled around on her feet. The tiny one was really loud.
“It's not that big of a deal. Besides, we were friends since four until she and her dad moved. He was the former mayor, right?” Cole asked. Seliel nodded quietly.
“Well, it's really nice to meet you. I hope you feel welcome here,” Zane said politely. Kai tried to smile but ended up grunting. “What's wrong?”
“Braces,” the brunet said, pointing at the metal in his mouth. “Got them tightened yesterday and this is the first time in a while since it's actually hurt.”
“I don't think I want braces,” Jay whined, covering his mouth with his hands. “Okay, wait! So I was eavesdropping on my parents yesterday and-”
“Why do you do that?” Cole interrupted.
“I'm a snoop. Anyway, I heard them say that they want to do a meet and greet on my birthday! I think it's for someone famous because they'd tell otherwise.”
“Or maybe they wanted it to be a surprise for your birthday,” Zane suggested. Jay scrunched his nose.
“That sounds fake but sure.”
Cole grinned and looked over at Seliel through the corner of his eye. She was still standing and watching the others talk. She hasn't even said a word yet. Gently, he nudged his foot against Seliel’s leg.
You okay? Cole mouthed. Seliel bit her lip before suddenly turning on her heel and leaving the classroom, cutting the conversation among the three other boys short.
“Did we say something wrong?” Kai whispered. Jay picked at a scab on his elbow nervously.
“No, it's fine. But is it cool if I go eat lunch with Seliel?” Cole asked, already standing up.
“Of course,” Zane said. Cole scrambled to gather his stuff before rushing out of the classroom and heading for the first place he thought of that would surely have no people- the rooftop.
Technically, first and second years were not allowed on the roof with the third years (they could in high school), but they still did it all the time. Seliel would know about it; she always seemed to know where to go to be alone, always disappearing like a phantom.
Cole apologized as he bumped into several people while running up the stairs. Pushing the doors open to the roof, he wasn't surprised to see the few people on the roof sitting in whatever shade was there. It was incredibly hot and it wasn't even summer yet.
But his instincts were right. Seliel had tucked herself in a corner closest to the door. Cole joined her, sitting on the ground.
“Hey,” he simply said. He tapped his index fingers against his knee like a drum.
“I'm sorry,” Seliel finally said. She threaded her fingers in her hair and tugged sharply, clearly upset. “I didn't mean to run off like that. I was just… you know…”
“Overwhelmed?” Cole guessed. Seliel nodded and rested her head against his shoulder. “It's not your fault. And it wasn't the others’ fault either. I guess we can figure something out. Maybe Jay is not yet old enough to learn the trick of shutting up when he needs to.” Seliel snorted, her face scrunched from laughter.
“Are you calling the tiny one a dog?”
“Honestly, Jay’s probably a Chihuahua, especially since he is small,” Cole clarified.
“Everyone is small compared to you, you giant,” Seliel teased. “But thanks, dude. I just… I hate not being able to handle these things better, like, or at all. I like being alone, but that doesn't mean I don't want to make friends.”
“I know. You never stopped following me around whenever other kids wanted to play a game with me when we were little. It was pretty funny,” Cole chuckled. Seliel punched him gently on the arm. “That doesn't hurt.”
“I figured, you big lug. You're just lucky I didn't step on your toes.”
“You do that, I'll never be your friend again.”
“Why are you so protective of your toes?!”
“They're small and sensitive. My feet may be big, but that don't mean people can step on my feet!” Cole shouted. Seliel cackled and lifted herself up.
“Damn, okay. I guess that's good enough. Oh, dude, Cole!” Seliel turned herself around to face the boy. “Remember how I always made you hold my hand whenever we went anywhere?”
“You made me go with you to the bathroom every time. I kept getting in trouble!”
“Yeah yeah, whatever. But do you remember what adults used to say?”
“You mean the adults who always made a big deal of a boy and girl holding hands? Did they seriously think two four-year-olds would know what PDA means, much less know what it means to be boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“Exactly! Oh my god, I hated them so much. Besides, how could we be boyfriend and girlfriend? Especially since…” Seliel stopped there, a wide smile on her face. Cole raised a bushy eyebrow.
“Since what?” he asked.
“You know. I don't have to say it, right? There's people here.”
“But I don't know what you're talking about.”
“But I thought…” Seliel’s forehead creased with confusion. “Okay, um. I guess it doesn't matter right now.”
“Wait, what do you mean? I don't like not knowing things!”
“Dude, it doesn't matter! But whatever, I'm going to try again. Your friends are cool. I just… need to adjust, I guess,” Seliel shrugged. Cole patted her shoulder and smiled.
“Take your time. I'm going to eat up here with you, ‘kay?”
“Thanks, Cole. I-I mean it,” Seliel muttered. Then she grinned widely. “Yo, what the hell is up with your guys? They're weird.”
“Okay, you know what? You want tea? I'll give you tea.” Cole rubbed his hands together, grinning widely.