Lumino High

7. Everything has a Price

As class began, Snowflake—Sofie, as Ocean affectionately called her—found herself sitting alone once again, her eyes fixed on the teacher at the front of the room. She fidgeted with the arms of her glasses, adjusting them nervously as she tried to focus on the lesson.

Being alone in class wasn't anything new for Sofie. As an introvert, she often found solace in her own company, preferring the quiet solitude of her own thoughts to the noise and chatter of the outside world. But that didn't mean she didn't long for connection, for friendship, for someone to share her hopes and fears with.

As she listened to the teacher drone on about the intricacies of the subject matter, Sofie couldn't help but let her mind wander. She thought about Ocean, her caring and compassionate friend who always seemed to know just what to say to brighten her day. And she thought about the mysterious Leafeon, Forrest, whom she had seen in class earlier that day.

But most of all, she thought about herself—about the person she was and the person she wanted to become. She longed to break free from the constraints of her own introversion, to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the world with open arms. But the thought of doing so filled her with a sense of apprehension and uncertainty, holding her back like an invisible chain.

As the class dragged on, Sofie found herself lost in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—loneliness and longing, fear and hope. But amidst it all, there was a glimmer of determination burning bright within her, a spark of courage that whispered, "You can do this, Sofie. You can be brave." And with that thought to guide her, she squared her shoulders and faced the challenges of the day with renewed strength and resolve.

As Sofie entered the crowded cafeteria, her heart sank as she scanned the room for an empty seat. The noise and chaos of the lunchtime rush surrounded her, making her feel small and insignificant amidst the sea of faces.

A group of boys caught her eye, their smirks sending a shiver down her spine as they gestured towards an empty seat at their table. Sofie's discomfort only grew as she realized their intentions, and she quickly averted her gaze, feeling a blush rising to her cheeks.

But just as she was about to turn and leave, a familiar voice called out to her, cutting through the din of the cafeteria like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. It was Ocean, her caring and compassionate friend, waving her over to join her at their usual table.

With a sigh of relief, Sofie made her way through the crowd, her heart swelling with gratitude for the true friendship she had found in Ocean. As she settled into her seat beside her friend, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, like a warm embrace that chased away the lingering shadows of discomfort and insecurity.

"Thanks, Ocean," Sofie murmured, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Ocean smiled back at her, her eyes sparkling with warmth and understanding. "Anytime, Sofie. You know I've always got your back."

And as they shared a meal together, laughter and conversation flowing freely between them, Sofie couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging that she had never known before—a reminder that no matter how crowded and chaotic the world may be, she would always have a friend by her side to guide her through the storm.

As they sat together in the bustling cafeteria, Ocean couldn't help but voice her curiosity to Sofie. "I've always wondered, Sofie," she began, her eyes twinkling with intrigue, "you don't seem to crave attention, yet somehow, you always manage to capture it. What's your secret?"

Sofie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her cheeks flushing slightly at the attention. "I don't know why, but I've just never been one for the spotlight," she admitted, her voice soft and hesitant. "I prefer to blend into the background and observe rather than be the center of attention."