Vacation time. The bully trio and a few boys and girls surround me, so lively and innocent that it made me envious.<\/p>\n
\u201cLian! I\u2019m looking forward to it!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI get to be together with Lian for three whole days!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStaying overnight with Lian\u2026 I can\u2019t wait! I can\u2019t wait!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c…Right,\u201d I say, forcing out a smile. It took incredible effort to make it not look stiff.<\/p>\n
The classroom is already up in a fuss. In the face of an upcoming dangerous situation that could impact the safety of the world, I can\u2019t find it in myself to feel at ease as if this were just an ordinary school trip. I\u2019m not even sure how to describe how I feel.<\/p>\n
I guess gloomy is the best way to put it.<\/p>\n
…How\u2019s Alfred doing?<\/p>\n
He\u2019s just a kid after all, so he should be pretty pumped for the school trip. As my friends chatter about the sweets and clothes they\u2019ll pack, I glance sideways at the seat by the window.<\/p>\n
Alfred\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n
There were also a few male and female students nearby him, making the surrounding fun and noisy.<\/p>\n
Those golden locks that seem to trap the light of the sun are conspicuous even among so many students.<\/p>\n
Oh. Is the crowd around him as large as mine?<\/p>\n
He\u2019s just cruising along so smoothly. Truly the future hero.<\/p>\n
The future hero peers out the window, his face sporting an annoyed expression.<\/p>\n
Hm. I knew it. As I thought.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s probably thinking that he has to skip his part-time job and not see the church for three days.<\/p>\n
Yeah. That must be it.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019ll be disaster if he doesn\u2019t go. The fate of the world is resting on his shoulders.<\/p>\n
The sleepy clear-blue eyes that once stared out the window suddenly aim at me.<\/p>\n
Gaaah! Our eyes met!<\/p>\n
I desperately try to hold down the cold sweat threatening to soak my back. So scary. I can\u2019t read the emotions in his gaze. Not to mention, he\u2019s staring.<\/p>\n
For the time being, I\u2019ll just bring out my usual cheeky smile. The trick is to raise the chin just a bit. I manage to do it in pressing times.<\/p>\n
A well-shaped golden brow arches. He\u2019s still looking at me. I can\u2019t look away. If I do, it\u2019ll be my loss.<\/p>\n
What do I say? Ha!<\/span>