Yamato stood still, his eyes shifting between Lumei and Sora. He noticed it right away—something had changed. Their usual lighthearted energy had dimmed, replaced by a quiet tension.
Their expressions were serious, their body language closed off. Sora sat on the treatment bed, her back slightly hunched, arms resting on her lap, and eyes downcast. Lumei stood by the window, arms crossed, avoiding Yamato's gaze.
Feeling the weight in the room, Yamato slowly walked over. His brows were furrowed in concern. He placed a gentle hand on Sora's shoulder and forced a small smile.
"If this is a joke," he said with a shaky laugh, "you guys are doing a great job."
His smile faded as he looked down. A faint sadness touched his voice. "But if you won't tell me what's going on… I'll find out myself."
Lumei and Sora didn't respond, the silence growing heavier. After a while, Sora finally drifted into sleep. Her breathing slowed, her body relaxing for the first time that day.
Yamato gave her a long look before stepping back. He and Lumei walked out of the room quietly, careful not to wake her.
Once outside, the two boys leapt onto the rooftops, taking the familiar route back to the dorms. The sky above was painted in deep purple hues, stars twinkling softly. They moved quickly, feet tapping lightly across the tiles. The wind brushed through their hair, and for a moment, the tension faded.
But suddenly, Yamato's foot hit something slippery. His eyes widened as his balance gave way. "Whoa!" he yelped, slipping on a decayed orange peel. He twisted mid-air and landed roughly on a lower rooftop, stumbling slightly before regaining his footing.
Behind him, Lumei burst into laughter. His shoulders shook as he bent over, pointing at Yamato.
"The cool kid just fell!" he said, barely able to speak through his laughter.
Yamato straightened up and dusted himself off, a grin slowly forming on his face. "It was decayed, boy," he said, chuckling.
The two continued on, their laughter echoing across the rooftops.
Eventually, they reached the dorm. The hallway was quiet, their footsteps sounding loud in the stillness. At their room doors, they exchanged a quick nod.
"Goodnight," Yamato said.
"Later," Lumei replied with a tired smile.
Yamato entered his room and closed the door softly behind him. He leaned against it for a moment, then let out a long breath. His eyes were full of thoughts as he changed into his nightwear, his movements slower than usual. He sat on his bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.
His mind was racing—Sora's serious face, the way Chella fought in the match, how much stronger everyone seemed. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
"I have to catch up," he whispered to himself. With determination burning in his chest, he stood and began his evening training routine right there in his room—slow, controlled movements meant to build focus and strength.
Meanwhile, in the next 2 rooms, Lumei stretched out on his bed, arms behind his head, a lazy grin still on his face. He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.