Next Semester

Kierem had always been acutely aware of how much Indigo meant to her. Indigo was the only thing there for her when she was born. The orphanage she was abandoned at gave her a second treasure, a name other than the one her parents gave her. It was easy for her to decide to go by Kierem rather than Janet, even if it is her last name. Kierem is sure Indigo, though only a dog, approved.

These two things mean more than the world to her. Not even the caretakers in the orphanage held quite a place in her heart, but that was mostly because they were sent to other locations after their training. Kierem stopped missing them, but she remembers them through the use of her chosen name.

Kierem has two things that really matter to her, and she could live with that. Though, if anything were to ever happen to Indigo, she thinks she might just die. Whether that was alright or not doesn’t much matter to the young adult. Still, she makes sure these alone are enough for her.

That’s why she doesn’t quite understand the reason her eyes are widening, her brow is furrowing, her lips are spreading in a frown right now. What in the world could be causing this reaction? Indigo is fine, and her name is still her own, so what is it that’s causing her so much distress?

The moment that thought crosses her mind, Luke Ganite’s face focuses in her vision. His own counterace is blank, in a clearly practiced way. He doesn’t seem to be sharing her confusion in the least. Does he understand what’s going on with her, and does he really mean what he just said?

Kierem’s voice is soft, but she can’t tell if it’s from her emotions or her quiet nature, “What do you mean graduating? You’re only a year older than me.”

“I am.” Luke acknowledges, “I’ve also skipped years.”

“Oh. I know, but I hadn’t realized you’d be leaving this year,” Kierem never knew a realization could feel like a lead weight on her bones.

The two remain silent. The table between them is covered in less papers than usual, but both notebooks were practically full. It is nearing finals, and neither of them is foolish enough to put off studying. Kierem worked hard to end up in the prestigious school after the orphanage, and she would not let all of that go to waste. Luke’s rapidly approaching graduation is proof enough of his intelligence.

Lowering her gaze to the table, it takes almost all of Kierem’s willpower not to shift her crossed arms into a hug. Still, she can’t place what’s so wrong with her. Luke sets his pen down, face still inscrutable. He had considered putting off informing Kierem, but had decided he wasn’t going to be a coward.

It was strange for either of them to begin a conversation, but it wasn’t like they just sat in silence during their study sessions. In any other situation, it would be a shock to most onlookers, but Luke opens his mouth.

“I’ll still be working with a couple of the professors, so I’m not going to be leaving campus for a while.”

That, Kierem notices, means quite a bit to her. It even lifts a burden from her shoulders, one that had been placed when he said he was graduating. She supposes it makes sense, but it is unexpected.

“Will we be continuing your tutoring sessions?”

“Will you be taking any more thermodynamic courses? You’re already well past the required amount.”

“I haven’t finalized my schedule for next semester.”

Luke nods. Kierem looks up at his face again. It’s still mostly blank, but it looks more natural. This, too, brought her relief.

Luke’s gaze briefly flickers to her notebook, “You were doing well enough in the class as it was.”

“Professor Malroy didn’t want to lose the benefits the school gets from accepting me.”

“I know.”

Kierem finds the silence familiarly comfortable. She returns to pouring over her notes. Her companion takes another second watching her before doing the same.

They end the session later than normal. There isn’t much to pack up this time. Together, they leave the library and pause where they usually split.

“I’ll see you on Thursday to study, right?” Luke knows they both remember, but it doesn’t hurt to reaffirm their plans.

Kierem nods, “I’ll see you there. Bye, Luke.”

Luke waves, and the two begin to walk in different directions. Kierem finds herself pausing before they get to far and turns to face him.

“Luke.”

He stops and looks at her.

“I’m glad you’ll be there next semester.”

A faint smile crosses his face.

“I’ll be seeing you, Kierem.”

She nods, and they each continue on their own paths.

Kierem had always cherished Indigo; she held her own name dear. More than anything, these were hers, and she didn’t know who she’d be without them. Nothing else had ever gotten to her before. That had changed. Kierem now had three things she wouldn’t dare let be taken from her, and she was happy.