I Fell in Love with Hope - Lancali

C makes a face of realization, twice as anxious from that revelation.
“Think of it this way, C,” Hikari speaks. “Our artists already drew our
paths. So, no matter what, our fates are already decided. Worrying
won’t change a thing. And if that doesn’t help,”– Hikari holds her
hands behind her back, grinning–“just hold Neo’s hand.”
Neo makes a face. “What?”
Hikari laughs at them. At Neo’s flustered nature and the heated, rosy
trail across his face. At C’s obliviousness, the confused puppy tilt of
his head.
Her laughter makes my head dip. It isn’t meant for me. I can’t sink
into it as I could before. Its edges keep me out.
Neo and C are focused on the mission at hand, but their bodies
converse.
Even if they don’t hold hands, there’s always a sense of connection.
Their fingers brush. Their walking pace equalizes despite C’s long
legs and Neo’s skinny ones. They are never too far in front or too far
behind one another by nature.
I think of that as I look at Hikari across Neo and C’s hands on the
railing.
The watch I gave her hugs her wrist, snug with the white band over
her scars.
Hikari and I had that connection. That binding distance Neo and C
share.
That was before this morning. That was before the sun rose, and I
drew a line Hikari wasn’t ready for.
—