[twenty-six weeks before]

Her hands were only degrees away from shaking in the cold. She cupped her hands and breathed softly into them, a cloud of steam appearing in front of her face.

I am a superhero, she chanted in her mind as she trudged along in the slowly piling snow. I am a superhero, and no dumb weather can stop me. She pulled her father's latest gift tighter around her body, releasing a sigh of relief at the sight of her school.

Just before she pushed through the double doors, she paused and exhaled in a long moment. She took those seconds to forget what was waiting at home for her, plaster a real smile on her face, and remember to be kind. Superhero, her steps seemed to whisper.

"Miki!" Someone barreled into her side. "Good game the other day." Loa gave her a smile that expanded to the crinkles of her eyes.

"Thanks," she replied cheerfully. "It was really close."

Loa looked as though she was about to reply when her eyes noticed something closer to Miki's waist. "Did you walk all the way here without gloves?" Miki lifted her hands. They'd started trembling just slightly. She could already see her skin chapping.

"How do you know I walked?" She asked, subtly directing the question away. "I only just came in."

"Please," Loa scoffed. "Just look at your boots!" She pointed down, and her gaze followed. The boots were caked with snow already melting. Miki casually tapped the toe of each boot lightly on the school welcome mat to displace the snow.

"Detective Loa at it again, I see," said an unfamiliar voice. She followed it just in time to see a boy sling his arm over Loa's shoulders. He was tall and really cute, but from the way that Loa's eyes stayed on him, she knew that she'd have to play keep away.

"Hey Bayu," Loa grinned. "Nice winter gear." The boy was probably unwisely dressed in a blue t-shirt with Cookie Monster stitched in the center and dark jeans that were rolled up once. Miki frowned. While he had a sense of style, he had to be delusional to think it was good weather for such clothing.

"Isn't it cold outside?" She interjected, pursing her lips. "I'd think you'd at least go for boots instead of Dans."

"That was the plan," he laughed. She was surprised by how good it sounded. "But they're easy to slip on and I had to rush if I wanted to get a ride."

"Loa," she started, "Why don't you introduce us?" Miki quirked her mouth.

"Oh! Right. Ki, this is Bayu Reyes. Bayu, this is—" Before Loa could introduce her, Bayu interrupted.

"Miki Okudera; I know. Your name is all over the school. Varsity basketball captain three years running, right? I saw the awards near the office." Bayu smirked and she felt her heart almost stop. "It's an honor." He held the same hand that had been on Loa out and she grasped it, warm and callused.

"And what about you?" She raised an eyebrow. "I haven't seen you before."

"Your school's next concertmaster and upcoming singer," he gave a slight bow. "At your service."

There were times that people just clicked. When they were able to abandon shells to inhabit their true selves around each other.

Miki had lied. She knew that Bayu was new, she'd seen him on his first day just a few days ago in the office. She saw how introverted he had been. But he sparked her curiosity the minute he bloomed in front of her, of all people.

Loa saw it too. The boy that had taken long hours to coax out even the slightest bit for her had just pushed through for Miki. And she wanted to know why. She could tell from the way she began bombarding Bayu with questions.

And Bayu, well, Bayu had the air of a dog having located his long lost owner. She couldn't really understand why he acted like that, but it interested her.

"Well lady, take these. I have to go to class." Bayu shoved a pair of mittens into her hands. "And get some lotion, for your sake and mine."

She turned to Loa with a confused expression on her face. "Was that flirting or genuine conversation? And did he really just call me 'lady'?"

"He really did." Loa's voice was tinged with amusement. "And I think that was genuine conversation. That weirdo." She scratched her temple with a finger to indicate her bewilderment. The girls watched him disappear around the corner before each parting their way.

She felt a little colder without Loa at her side. Could see the fears and anxiety creeping up behind her, waiting to pounce. The thoughts of her father were flooding in and her worries were expanding.

No. She shook her head. She would not let such insignificant barriers stop her from enjoying this day.

A group of people stumbled through the door, making her hop to the side to avoid being stepped on. She smiled as they laughed loudly, the snow in their hair quickly melting. She greeted those who called her name out.

That was right. She was well and beloved by them. The superhero.

The warning bell rang, reminding her that the superhero would be late if she didn't haul ass. Waving left and right at the last stragglers, she ducked into the classroom just as the final bell went off.

"Late if you're not in your seat in five seconds, Miss Okudera," Mr. Henry told her sternly. His facade was broken by a joking smile and she beamed back until she took her seat.

Bayu gaped at her as she took the concertmaster's chair. She gave him a 'what-can-you-do' face before pulling her instrument out of its case. She strummed her fingers over the strings once, sending tinted hues flashing through her vision. The A string wasn't its usual honey yellow, rather a dirty brown. She could hear it too; the string was flat. And so was the D string, its vibrant purple dulled to an eggplant color.

"Alright kids, I know it's cold, so give yourselves a sec to tune and all that jazz. Miki?" Mr. Henry waved a hand in dismissal. He clicked a pen open, occasionally peering into the class to see who was missing.

"Give me a sec." She tuned those irrelevant colors out and focused on her own, turning the pegs to finally match the right sound. Finally, she tucked the violin under her chin and played an A and the classroom exploded into color. Most were still a shade off by the time they stopped playing, but it was fine because nobody would care enough for a string just barely out of tune.

"Alright. Let's get going." He flourished a baton at the cello section. "You guys first. I heard some nasty things yesterday." And so she waited to play. She hid her cringe every time a cellist hit the wrong note or when they played during a rest. At least the violinists couldn't see it when she cringed while they played.

Finally, they were done and the whole orchestra could play. Mr. Henry gently eased her into the solo, an expression of relief taking over her face. She could still see the complementing colors when they finished.

It had been a well done rehearsal for once. She sent a grateful look to Cherry Cruz, the first chair of the violists and also a godsent transfer from October. Cherry blew her a kiss, mouthing 'you're welcome' back.

"Good job, guys. The bell's gonna ring in about twelve minutes, so go ahead and pack up. Don't forget to take your instruments home! We don't need broken instruments because somebody forgot to keep it with a humidifier." Mr. Henry gave a pointed look at the general crowd.

"Yes sir," the room chorused. Everyone else started to move for their cases, but she stayed put, allowing herself some time to let the colors fade.

"You're the infamous concertmaster everyone knows?" She opened her eyes to find Bayu staring at her incredulously.

"In the flesh," she answered cheerfully.

"But you're not graduating this year. Loa told me that you're still sixteen," he objected. "Dang. I wish I could've been concertmaster once before I graduate." He offered a hopeful peep at her.

She laughed, "I'm graduating this year too. And I appreciate your efforts, but the only way you'll get to be concertmaster is if Mr. Henry straight out tells you you're concertmaster. Trust me, I'd have been happy anywhere."

"Hold up, what? But you're sixteen," Bayu trailed off, a bemused expression dominating his features.

"She skipped fifth grade, batang lalaki(1). Nice seeing you here, cousin. Makes me wonder if your family really can't live without us," Cherry interjected, resting her chin on Miki's head. She raised her hand to meet Cherry's.

He scowled, even that pretty on his face. "I'll have you know it was my mom that wanted to come here because of you. My dad just happened to have a job transfer available for this area." Bayu flipped her off, Cherry chuckling in response.

"Ah, we all know how much your dada's in love with your mom," she teased. "Well, get your things together, our bell's ringing in like three minutes."

"Ang baho ng kili-kili mo(2)!" Bayu yelled at her retreating back. "I hope you drive into a bunch of potholes!"

"You're still terrible at insults," Cherry shouted. "You think like an old man." She winked at Bayu and twisted out the door.

"Well, you're gonna be late," she giggled. "Isn't that your violin still out?" Miki gestured at the instrument laid on a chair.

"Yeah, but aren't you—" Bayu found her already leaving. "When did you get ready?"

"Better luck next time," Miki shrugged. She flicked her hair behind her shoulder and strolled out, saluting Mr. Henry as she passed.

Pax joined her in the bustling hallway, her shiny blonde curls bouncing with every step. "Morning Miki! Have you seen Daniel?"

"What, replaced Thisbe so soon?" She nudged Pax's side, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

"No," Pax blushed. She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I think I might have a boyfriend soon."

Miki exaggerated the surprise and joy she felt. "No way! You gotta let me know what happens, okay?"

"Will do," Pax nodded firmly. "Don't tell Thisbe though. I don't want to get her excited for nothing." With a final pat on the shoulder and a sound of confirmation, Pax disappeared into the groups of people still postponing class.

Coincidentally, she had Thisbe next period.

"Well, good morning, my child," Ms. Oscar greeted in a lively voice. "You're early by a few minutes."

"Hi, Ms. Oscar," she replied, all smiles. "It's cold, isn't it?" Ms. Oscar responded by cuddling deeper into the blanket wrapped around her shoulders and gripping the mug of what smelled like hot chocolate tighter.

"Morning, Ms. Oscar! Can I have some of your chocolate?" Giovanni Marcelles reached towards her desk foregoing the consent.

"No, Marcelles, you can't. Unfortunately for you, today is my chocolate binge day. More sugar for me, less for you." Ms. Oscar's cold front lasted all of ten seconds before she caved to Gio's puppy eyes.

"Fine," she grounded. "One piece. But if I catch that wrapper on the floor, you're toast." Gio bobbed happily, snatching a sweet.

"Hey, Gio," she added, "You seen Thisbe?" Gio glanced up, startled from his chocolate.

"Uh," he paused thoughtfully. "I know I saw her this morning with Pax, but that's normal. I think she should be coming in right about now." He spun on his heel to direct finger guns at the door just as Thisbe sauntered through.

"Wow, impressive," Ms. Oscar acknowledged. "Hiya, Thisbe! Whatcha got there?" The trio looked down at Thisbe's hands.

"Material worthy of Gio-hitting," Thisbe deadpanned, smacking Gio in the arm with a thick book. Gio reacted with a quiet howl in objection.

"This is abuse," he pouted. "Ms. Oscar, make her stop hitting the love of her life." Miki pressed her lips together to stop the giggles. Thisbe flushed, her attacks getting harder.

It was at times like this that she really forgot that she had troubles. It was nice to think that she had a good group of friends and a warm place to be happy. At the same time, it made her wish for more, even if that made her selfish.

"Well maybe if you waited for some time, she'll come around," Ms. Oscar shrugged helpfully. "Patience yields results, I think." Gio had his mouth open like a fish and she couldn't help but snicker at his expression.

"I did my waiting; nine years of it!" He brandished a pencil towards Ms. Oscar. "In this miserable hellhole," he finished pathetically, his bravado flickering out at the sight of Ms. Oscar's murderous expression.

"Oh, just get into your chair, will you? Oscar's already on a rampage 'cause you took her chocolate." Thisbe pushed Gio into their general destination. She watched in amusement, now in her own seat, her eyes going back and forth from her phone to the show in front of her.

Class flew by, their period mainly consisting of Ms. Oscar informing the students of their deadlines for the semester project and other peer banter in between. She hadn't even noticed that half of the room was empty until someone tapped on her desk.

Lifting her head from her work, she discovered Bayu staring at her quizzically. "Oh. What's up?" She put on her brightest smile, hoping nothing leaked through her mask.

"Um, class is over. You're in my study hall now," he told her. "Aren't you gonna be late?"

"Yeah, right. I'll go, sorry." In a flash, she packed her pencils and papers, waved goodbyes to at least five people, and was almost out into the hall when he called her name.

"Hey, do you think you have time to pencil me in at lunch today?" He tilted his head expectantly. Oh, how her heart threatened to burst. Please, please, please let her be enough to stop Loa's games.

"I dunno," she tucked her hair behind her ear with an inviting smile. "Do I?" She could have sworn there was surprise and something else lurking beneath those long-lashed eyes. As she swerved around the corner, she couldn't help the genuine smile that overtook her face. It was one that made her forget the cold outside and normally inside her soul.

Perhaps it wouldn't take so much effort to forget what was waiting for her at home this year.

1. tagalog: lad or boy

2. tagalog: your armpits smell