The Next Morning at Home
Mio noticed his sister wearing a pair of sky-blue gloves.
He wanted to ask her about it, but felt too shy to bring it up—especially at the breakfast table.
It was the first time in five years that their entire family was having breakfast together since their parents' divorce.
The tension began to fade when Mio's mother, Jenny Rossel, broke the silence:
> "So, how's your new school, Mio?"
> "Ah… it's okay," he replied softly.
Then Mio's father, Rein, chimed in,
> "Made any friends yet?"
> "Yeah! I did."
> "Wow, that's great!"
Rein smiled proudly before turning to Mio's sister.
"There's a match today, right, kiddo?"
> "Yep, today we're up against Raphael," Rio replied.
Mio blinked in confusion, familiar with the name.
Rio glanced at him and grinned,
> "You better cheer for your big sister later, okay?"
Mio was surprised, but then broke into a wide smile.
> "Okay! I will!"
Their parents exchanged warm glances, both smiling as they watched their children.
---
At School
Jay grabbed Mio's arm excitedly and pulled him along.
> "Hurry up, Miooo! I can't wait!"
I stumbled after him, surprised—
Then a voice called out from behind.
> "You guys seriously didn't wait for me?"
It was Luna.
Jay jumped a little and turned around with a sheepish grin.
> "What? Of course we did! Hehe…"
> "Yeah, sure you did," Luna said with a laugh.
Her giggle was soft and sweet.
The three of us stepped up to the arcade machine.
We inserted our cards and entered the secret code:
"arcane %"
Suddenly, the machine lit up and the entrance opened.
> "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Cheers and shouts burst out from all directions.
TO BE CONTINUED…