??   ...

??   um, grace?

Their head perks up.

GR   Yes?

GR   Do you want to ask me something?

Their hands rest on an open book. It's something they picked up from the library, about the early seasons of The Program. Unlike the other competitors, Grace seemed particularly honed in on learning its history rather than what the producers had planned this time around.

??   i... um.

??   are you sure i'm not interrupting you?

GR   From what?

GR   Oh, would you like to know what I am reading?

They hold up the book, showing you a 2-page spread.

GR   Right now, I am absorbing what is written about the 190th season.

??   it feels like yesterday i was watching it.

GR   Yes.

GR   It is the one with the Champion of Canary Yellow.

??   and the fancy diamond salutatorian.

GR   Yes!

She points to one of the figures. He looks like a child's version of an upstanding citizen.

GR   Look at him.

GR   They have made sure to celebrate his victory.

GR   But why is that?

??   why not?

??   it was definitely one of the best ones in recent history.

GR   Yes, I understand.

GR   Yet, over time, The Program has raised the dangers and rewards.

GR   If that is the case, then would it not make sense...

GR   That the 190th season would pale in excitement to, say, the 195th?

That was the one featuring gemstones and pigments, if you recall. An exciting watch with a strong Champion coming out on top. However, in comparison to the 190th...

??   huh.

??   i never thought about it.

??   maybe... because it was a round number?

??   people remember those better. because it's a special anniversary.

GR   That may be part of it.

GR   It could also be...

She looks down at the page she's been holding open with the palm of her hand.

??   grace?

??   what's on your mind?

She begins chewing on her lip, thoughtful.

GR   It is something I have been turning over in my head.

GR   Before, the competitors... the students...

GR   They were all chosen for their merits.

GR   Their worth in graduation.

GR   It is how we become 'valedictorian', no?

??   right...

That's why the minimum age is the mid-twenties - you're just within reach of fulfilling your life's purpose. Ambitious, promising young adults, desperate for a lucky break. For a push in the right direction.

??   they were all admirable in their own right.

GR   Yes, that is undeniable.

GR   Compelling motivations and backgrounds,

GR   Many of which intertwined with each other.

GR   Is that not strange?

??   ...

??   it could be coincidence.

??   it's... a small world, right?

GR   Hmm.

They place their book to the side.

GR   Yes. It is only speculation.

GR   We must focus on the competition at hand, yes?

Then, they redirect their full attention towards you. It makes your breath catch in your throat.

??   wh-what?

GR   You were going to ask me something.

??   oh, that.

You were getting so lost in thought, it takes a moment to remember why you spoke up in the first place.

??   umm... it sounds dumb, but...

??   we're friends, right?

She smiles, a beam of light in such a dimly lit room.

GR   Why, yes!

GR   It is clear as day.

GR   We have worked alongside each other as equals,

GR   And we have earned our places on this competition thusly.

She's positively radiant. You feel stupid for having any reservations in the first place.

GR   Friendship.

GR   We have earned this as well.

Still smiling, she searches your face.

GR   ...

GR   You are not… unhappy with this term?

You're not able to hide your apprehension, it seems.

??   no!

??   it's... nice.

??   i wanted to hear something like that.

It's so embarassing, saying all this out loud. But the more you do, the happier she looks. So, you find the strength to put it to words.

??   i'm glad you're my friend.

She laughs and nudges your shoulder with hers.

GR   That is good.

GR   The feeling is mutual, as they say. =)

Your shoulders remain touching. It's a comforting weight.

GR   I do not know what you are thinking, but...

GR   Every one of you are my companions.

GR   Program or not, I have no intentions of deceiving in order to win.

GR   So, when I make friends, it is with honesty.

??   isn't it hard?

GR   Making friends?

GR   No, everyone becomes acquainted with me eventually. =)

??   i mean, being so honest.

??   what if someone confronts you, and they want to win no matter what?

??   what if the producers tell you that you have to do things their way?

??   what if you have no other choice?

She hums to herself.

GR   I am prepared for whatever happens.

You close your eyes.

??   i wish the world worked that way.

??   it almost sounds easy, coming from you.

GR   Ha ha.

GR   No, this is not easy.

GR   None of this is.

They mutter the last part to themselves, you have to strain your ears to hear them properly. After that, the two of you sit together, shoulder-to-shoulder.

When you re-open your eyes, you're still in the same room. Still in The Program. You don't know why you expected anything different.

??   grace?

GR   Hmm? What is it?

You do your best to smile, just like she does.

??   do you... trust me?

Her eyes are searching.

Finally, a reply comes in a low voice. So low that the microphones can't pick it up, but just audible enough for you.

GR   (Of course I do.)

Your chest feels light and heavy at the same time.

??   that's... i mean,

??   i thought you would say that.

??   you're a good person, grace.

??   you really deserve to win.

A gentle, but somber laugh.

GR   That is kind of you.

GR   But everyone is deserving of victory.

GR   We were all deemed worthy by The Program, were we not?

??   that doesn't mean you should be so...

??   ...so nice, to me.

You glance back down at your notebook, full of mindless scribbling. You haven't been able to draw anything coherent since...

??   why?

??   here, of all places...

??   and with me, of all people...

??   why would that be important to you?

Before you can look at her expression, she leans her head onto your shoulder. So much of her weight is on you. If you move now, she'll fall.

GR   I wish I could tell you.

GR   I wish I knew how.