The sky is particularly blue and bright today. The sun's warm glow and the gentle breeze felt nice to the skin. The voices of people crossing the same street as her and the disembodied sounds made by the animals mingle in the atmosphere, creating a symphony that is music to Callisto's ears, and her cat ears.
"Today's a good day," Callisto murmured, admiring the scenic view of the heavens over head before panning back to the sidewalk.
Not so far down the street, a noticeable red hair caught Callisto's keen eyes. There is no questioning who it belonged to.
"Ah, finally, Calli!"
It was none other than Elesis, wearing a school uniform just like Callisto, carrying her usual energetic vibe.
"Aren't we supposed to meet at the school gate," Callisto inquired, a glint of confusion in her sky-blue eyes.
"Well, since we're going to school the same way anyway, I thought, we might as well go together!"
Elesis's arm snaked around Callisto's, holding it tight against her as she nuzzled on Callisto's shoulder, drawing a chuckle out of silver-haired girl, the sound warm and affectionate.
"What?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I just thought about the fact that we are finally classmates again, but it feels like you never stopped attending school with me since kindergarten."
"For real?"
"For real! Do you know what this means, Calli? It means we are soulmates. Not your sickness nor even time can separate us!"
"You're exaggerating."
"But it's an unmistakeable fact."
Callisto tried to act impassive at the red head's clinginess, but she never once tried to push Elesis off her. And because of what Elesis said, Calli's mind ended up drifting into a memory from years past, from when exactly Elesis and Callisto first met.
* * *
"Good morning, everyone," the female teacher greeted with her pleasing smile, raising her voice high enough so the kids could hear her from front to back. "I am your teacher! Starting today, we will learn some fun and interesting stuff together. Let's all get along from now on!"
The new kindergarteners was united by a single word.
"Yes!"
"First things first," the teacher continued, her enthusiastic energy unwavering. "Let's get to know each other!"
With the kids' agreement, each one of them started introducing themselves. But one of them felt a lump of anxiety in their throat.
And it was Callisto.
While watching the others introduce themselves, the little Callisto realized she wasn't the only one getting the butterflies, each silly mistakes made by her classmates earned laughter from the teacher, the other kindergarteners, and their parents. Even so, it did more harm to her than good.
"I'm scared. What if I make my own mistake during my introduction? They will for sure laugh at me, too."
Callisto's nervousness was rising to dangerous territory as her turn gets closer and closer. That is, until a certain girl was called to introduce herself next.
"All right. Next!"
The girl stood up, wearing a confident and vibrant expression on her face, a complete contrast to the anxiety creeping Callisto's mind.
This girl is pure confidence.
"Yes! My name is Elesis Fredream! I like food! I would also like to be fliends with everyone! Nice to meet you all!"
Elesis' family that was watching through the window like the other parents couldn't hide the joy and pride they felt after hearing their little Elesis speak so confidently.
The young Elesis pronounced the word "friend" not exactly as it should, but she didn't let it stop her and continued with her self-introduction as if nothing happened.
"This Elesis girl... She's so cool!"
Eventually, Callisto's turn arrived.
"All right. Next is your turn, little lady—Ah!"
Young Callisto stood up, realizing that all eyes were now on her. But something felt off. Everyone seemed to fall in silence, motionless, as if they've seen a ghost, including Elesis.
Callisto grew nervous. No, she was nervous the entire time, her hands fiddling on the hem of her shirt. However, after seeing Elesis's introduction, she knew she cannot let her anxiety best her.
And so, with her head held high, Callisto started to speak.
"My name is Callisto Mandjet. I like... I like chicken. And I also like Ezreal: God Makes Miracles. Nice to meet you all."
Callisto scanned the room, then the outside where the parents were watching. They were all silent still.
Just as she was doubting if she was able to introduce herself properly, a voice broke through that mind-numbing silence.
"Callisto!"
"Ah."
Before she could react, the girl who uttered her name was already in front of her, the girl's excitement almost blinding Calli.
"You're super duper cute," the girl pointed out, holding her hand out towards Callisto. "I am Elesis Fredream. Can we be friends?"
Callisto looked at Elesis's hand, a soft flush of pink coloring her cheeks. Her nervousness melting by the bubbly girl's offer.
"Yes—!"
"Hurray!"
As soon as their hands touched, Elesis pulled the little girl into a tight hug, as if afraid that Calli might disappear if she let go. Though she was caught off guard, Callisto didn't push Elesis away.
Only one thought was in Callisto's mind in that moment; "Friend..." Her lips curled into a fond smile.
And then, one after another, the others approached Callisto. Even the ones who have yet to introduced themselves to the entire class joined in.
* * *
Because of what Elesis told her, Callisto couldn't help but wonder how things would have been like if she didn't stop attending school from kindergarten.
Going to school with Elesis, getting assigned to a project with her, working together on a homework, walking home side by side, sharing secrets with one another, growing up as they were now doing all that together.
That life for sure would have been nice. But as Callisto glanced down at Elesis who was still clinging on her shoulder like a magnet, her lips curled into a tender, fond smile.
"This life isn't so bad either," she murmured to herself.
Elesis finally released Calli's arm. "We're almost there."
"Yeah."
As they approach the school gate, Callisto saw yet another familiar figure, her breath seemingly catching in her throat at the sight.
"Callisto, Elesis, good morning," Hinata waved at the two who stopped in front of him.
"Yo, Hina!"
"Good morning, Hinata."
Hinata's eyes raked over Callisto's form almost appreciatetively, noting the way the uniform hugged and accentuate her slender figure.
"Your uniform suits you perfectly, Calli," Hinata complimented, drawing a smile from Callisto that seem to steal the air from his lungs.
"Thank you. You look good in your uniform, too."
"How do you feel about today? Excited?"
"Yeah. I'm also quite nervous though."
"Well, it's your first time attending school as a student in a long time. But don't worry. We all felt the same thing coming to high school. I'm sure you'll be fine."
The red head blinked twice, her gaze darting from Callisto to Hinata and back as they went ahead of her towards the school gate. The way those two chatted with each other animatedly, how the conversation seemed to flow so naturally between them wasn't new for Elesis.
A normal conversation.
And yet, compared to their usual conversation when they hang out, the air between Callisto and Hinata had an oddly... fluffy feeling to it? Entering the Silangan High with them, Elesis wondered what that feeling was about, a silent curiosity the red head chose to set aside for now.