??   ...

??   um, grace?

Their head perks up from their 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 for this season.

GR   Yes?

GR   Do you want to ask me something?

??   i... um.

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

GR   From what?

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

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

??   9 seasons ago...

GR   Yes.

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

??   And the salutatorian in Diamond, if I remember.

GR   Yes!

GR   It was a very important season.

GR   His victory was especially celebrated.

??   it definitely stood out, even with the ones that came afterwards...

GR   But why is that?

GR   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 197th?

??   i never thought about it.

??   maybe because it was a round number?

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

GR   I think it could be that, and it could be...

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

GR   The way the season unfolded was... a little too perfect, do you not think?

??   what do you mean?

GR   It is a theory 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   But it was in the 190th that we saw those with... different roles.

GR   Those who recognized each other.

GR   Those whose motivations intertwined with each other.

GR   Is that not strange?

??   ...

??   it could be coincidence.

??   it's... a small world, right?

GR   Hmm.

GR   Yes. It is only speculation.

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

They place their book to the side and redirect their full attention towards you. It makes your breath catch in your throat.

GR   You were going to ask me something.

GR   What is it?

??   oh, that.

??   i mean,

??   ...

??   we're friends, right?

She smiles warmly, a beam of light in such a dimly lit room. And for a moment, you wonder why you had any reservations, any at all.

GR   Why, yes!

GR   I believe that is the term for those who work alongside each other as equals.

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

GR   Friendship.

GR   We have earned this as well.

Still smiling, she searches your face. You're not able to hide your apprehension, it seems.

GR   ...

GR   You are not… unhappy with this term?

??   no!

??   it's... nice.

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?

She looks directly at you, and her eyes are searching. Finally, they reply in a low voice. So low that the microphones can't pick it up, 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. So you sit still.

GR   I wish I could tell you.

GR   I wish I knew how.