I wish the gods would look at me to
In the midst of a crowd without grand dreams, Sairo's thought was lost amidst the cheers. The plaza was packed with people celebrating the new heroes: teenagers who, without fully understanding the terror they faced, threw themselves into protecting others. Before their arrival, the world was crumbling. Cities were ruins, fields were empty, and hope was barely a whispe
But as if some merciful god had heard the prayers of those who had lost faith, people with almost impossible power began to appear. The people called them heroes. Not for what they were, but for what they needed to believe i
"Your eyes show so much weariness," murmured Sairo's little sister, her gaze fixed on the giant screen broadcasting the ceremon
Sairo didn't hear her. Or perhaps she didn't want to. She gripped her shoulders tightly, her voice trembling with emotio
"I don't care what it costs me! I'm sure I'll be like them
His words sounded so innocent that his grandfather, who was watching them from the kitchen, could only smile tenderly. He said nothing. Perhaps because he knew that this dream, so pure, wasn't a blessing… but a door. One that, once opened, couldn't be close
That day, without knowing it, Sairo chose a lie. And that lie chose hi
In the house of those who called themselves heroes, the atmosphere was tense. Those young people who had lost everything were gathered in a large room with white walls and tall windows. Some were sitting on the floor, others reclining on old armchairs. They all shared something in common: they were broken. Rebuilding their bodies, their strength, and a peace of mind they had long since left behind
A girl with emerald eyes stood up. Her uniform was wrinkled, and her hair was half-tied up. She looked around and raised her voice with an energy she didn't feel, but needed to feig
"Come on, guys. Why the long faces? I know this isn't what we expected when we got here, but we weren't the ones who decided to help everyone
A murmur rippled through the room. Someone, from the back, muttere
"What a stupid thing to do..
No one answered. The ensuing silence was thick, uncomfortable. As if the air itself refused to mov
Outside, away from the commotion, Sairo had an idea. An idea that, to her sister, was completely stupid
"What are you doing now?" An asked her, arms crosse
"I'm going to show them I have potential. If they see me, if they notice me... maybe they'll accept me
"And if they arrest you
"Then I'll know I at least tried
An snorted. She wasn't a girl who followed rules. In fact, she broke them more often than her grandfather could tolerate. But there was one line she wouldn't cross: letting her brother act like a fool unsupervise
"You're an idiot," she said, reluctantly following him. "But if you're going to do something stupid, at least don't do it alone
Sairo slipped away between the market stalls while her grandfather flirted with the fruit vendor. An followed, dodging crates, nodding at a couple of acquaintances who pretended not to see her. She wasn't exactly popula
When they reached the back of the building where the heroes were staying, Sairo stopped in front of a rusty fence. Beyond it, a half-open window offered a glimpse into the room where they were gathere
"Sairo, no," An whispered, feeling her heart pound in her throat. "Don't be an idiot. Let's go
But he was already climbing the fenc
"Sairo
Too late. The thud of his feet landing on the other side echoed like a bell. He approached the window, pushed it clumsily… and it flew open with a creak that cut through the ai
Inside the room, all faces turned toward him. Very slowly. With a mixture of discomfort, surprise, and a hint of annoyanc
Sairo froze. An, on the other side of the fence, put his hand to his fac
"Great. Now they're really going to arrest you, you idiot
And that's how it all bega
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*e.."d:."n..
*m.d.!"n.y.n.r.o.