Capítulo 4: Chapter 4: A Day of Trust
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Lio awoke the next morning, sunlight filtering through his curtains, casting a warm glow in his room. He felt a sense of excitement as he prepared for another day at school. Today, he wanted to be more open, to connect with Kaito and Mia beyond the surface level.
After a quick breakfast of toast and a piece of fruit, Lio grabbed his backpack and headed out the door. As he walked, he thought about how much he appreciated this new life, even if it still felt a bit foreign. The streets were lively, filled with the chatter of students and the hum of hovercars gliding overhead.
Upon arriving at school, Lio spotted Kaito and Mia near the entrance, laughing and chatting. Their friendly demeanor put him at ease as he approached them.
"Hey, Lio!" Kaito called out, waving him over. "Ready for another day?"
"Definitely," Lio replied, a smile spreading across his face. "I'm actually looking forward to it."
Mia chimed in, "We've got history first. I heard the teacher is a bit strict, but he's knowledgeable. Should be interesting."
As they walked together, Lio felt a mix of gratitude and anxiety. He appreciated Kaito and Mia's kindness, but he couldn't shake the feeling of distrust that lingered in the back of his mind. He recalled the betrayal from his past life, the way someone he had trusted had turned against him.
"Hey, Lio," Kaito said, glancing sideways at him. "We've seen you play before. You're really good."
Lio blinked in surprise. "You've seen me play? How do you know?"
Mia exchanged a knowing glance with Kaito. "We've watched some games in the past," she said. "You had some incredible moves. It was hard not to notice you."
"Yeah," Kaito added. "We're both into football, so it was exciting to see someone with your talent. You really stood out."
"Thanks," Lio said, his heart warming at their praise, but a knot of apprehension still twisted in his stomach. "I appreciate it, but that was a different time."
They entered the classroom, and Lio settled into his seat. As the lesson began, he tried to focus, but his mind kept drifting back to the memories of his past life—the victories that felt tainted by the betrayals.
After a few classes, lunchtime finally arrived. Lio, Kaito, and Mia made their way to the cafeteria, where the chatter of students filled the air. Lio scanned the room, feeling a pang of anxiety. Would he really fit in here?
"Let's grab some food," Kaito suggested, leading the way to the line. "I heard the pasta today is amazing."
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. They shared stories about their families, hobbies, and what brought them to this school. Lio found himself laughing more than he expected.
"So, what do you like to do outside of school?" Mia asked, leaning forward with curiosity.
"I like to play football," Lio replied, then hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "But I'm just getting back into it."
Kaito's eyes lit up. "That's awesome! We should totally play sometime. I'd love to see your skills in action."
Lio felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Maybe," he said cautiously. "But I'm not sure how good I'll be."
"Come on, you'll be fine," Mia encouraged, her voice warm. "Everyone starts somewhere, right?"
As they finished lunch, Lio's thoughts drifted back to his past. How easily trust had been broken before, how betrayal had left scars he was still healing. Yet here were Kaito and Mia, genuine and supportive.
After lunch, the three of them headed to their next class, a technology and magic integration course. The teacher was an eccentric woman with wild hair and an enthusiasm for both fields. She demonstrated how to blend magic with technology, making the classroom come alive with shimmering holograms and floating devices.
"This is fascinating," Lio murmured to Mia as they watched a small robot levitate using a magic spell. "I never thought technology could do this."
"Right? It's like a whole new world," Mia replied, her eyes wide with wonder.
After class, they walked down the hallway together, the sounds of laughter and chatter echoing around them. As they reached the main corridor, Lio felt a sudden wave of anxiety. Memories of being in this very place, the feeling of being watched, of being judged, returned to him.
Just then, the school dean approached, a stern look on his face. "Lio, can I have a word with you in my office?" he called out.
Lio's heart raced. "Sure," he replied, glancing back at Kaito and Mia, who offered reassuring smiles.
"Good luck!" Kaito called after him.
As Lio followed the dean down the corridor, he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension. What could the dean want? He had just started his new life; surely, there was nothing to worry about.
The dean's office was neatly organized, with various awards and certificates displayed on the walls. "Have a seat, Lio," he said, gesturing to a chair across from his desk. "I wanted to check in with you."
"Okay…" Lio said, trying to sound casual despite the tight knot in his stomach.
"I know you've had a lot of changes recently," the dean began, looking at Lio intently. "I want you to know that you're welcome here. If you ever need support or guidance, my door is always open."
"Thanks," Lio replied, surprised by the dean's warmth. "I appreciate that."
"I also heard you were quite the football player," the dean continued. "We have a school team, and I think you'd be a fantastic addition."
Lio's heart raced at the thought. "I don't know… I'm just getting back into it. What if I'm not good enough?"
"Trust me, Lio. I've seen talent like yours before," the dean assured him. "Just remember, it's about teamwork and growth, not just individual performance."
Lio nodded, feeling a spark of hope. "I'll think about it."
"Good," the dean said with a nod. "I look forward to seeing you in action."
After their conversation, Lio left the office feeling lighter. Maybe this new life could offer him opportunities he had only dreamed of. As he walked back to the classroom, he spotted Kaito and Mia waiting for him.
"What did the dean want?" Mia asked, curiosity lighting up her expression.
"He just wanted to check in and… offered me a spot on the football team," Lio admitted, still processing the news.
"Dude, that's amazing!" Kaito exclaimed. "You have to take it!"
Lio felt the weight of their expectations, the glimmer of excitement in their eyes. "I'm not sure. What if I can't live up to it?"
"Just take it one step at a time," Mia encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll support you, no matter what."
Lio took a deep breath, allowing their encouragement to seep in. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."
As they walked to their next class, Lio felt a growing sense of belonging. Kaito and Mia's friendship was a lifeline, helping him navigate the uncertainties of his new life.
Maybe, just maybe, he could learn to trust again.
By the time the final bell rang, Lio felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. He had faced new challenges, met new friends, and even received an unexpected opportunity. Walking home with Kaito and Mia, he found himself laughing and sharing stories, the worries of the past slowly fading away.
When he finally arrived home, Lio collapsed onto his bed, a smile on his face. Just as he began to drift off to sleep, his holographic wristwatch buzzed loudly, rousing him from his thoughts. Confused, he glanced at the screen, and his eyes widened.
Urgent Message: Unknown Sender.
Lio's heart raced as he hesitated to open the message. Who could it be? And why did they want to contact him?
With a mix of curiosity and dread, he tapped the notification, and the screen flickered to life, revealing a cryptic message:
"I know what you've lost. It's time to reclaim it. Meet me at the old stadium at midnight."
As the last words faded from the screen, Lio felt a chill run down his spine. What did they mean? Was it a prank or something more sinister?
Presentes
-- Presente
recebido Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder