The chatter of those white robed people completely filled the hall as soon as I arrived. As if they were a colony of ants, devouring anyone that comes their way. Even so, I think it's a bit wrong to call them ants, after all they’re not small like me. I had to look up every time I wanted to see their faces, those faces showing a diverse amount of emotions that I couldn't understand.

Adults were surely amazing, they constantly exuded an aura full of wisdom and maturity. They could do anything they want without needing permission from parents and guardians. Unbound by the rules made by their fellow adults, it certainly looked like they possessed absolute freedom.

I want to be an adult.

Repeating those words inside my head, as if chanting a wish in the midst of a shooting star. I wanted to be free, to pursue through the path that I want. Without those adults dictating my every move, I could then be considered an adult too.

For father to acknowledge me, I had to grow up fast so that he could smile again like in the past. To be proud that he has a daughter like me, to forget those things that broke his heart.

Ever since mother left us, the cheerful and caring father that I knew disappeared. Why did mother do that? Was it because father was always away due to work?

Whenever father comes home he would immediately shower me with hugs and kisses, making those days when he was gone, easily forgettable. Moreover, all kinds of luxury were within our reach because of father, that money ceased to be a problem.

As to why did it all happen, I was completely clueless. If I could turn back the time and change the past, I would certainly be overjoyed. For those warm and happy moments with my family, I would trade anything, I would do anything. But as a child, those things were nothing but fantasies.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing still while in a daze. For the past few minutes, I kept the same position without moving even for a bit.

“So Professor Sanders has finally done it huh..”

“To develop such a weapon within a century, simply amazing..”

“UN will surely be worried if they caught wind of this.”

Chattering to themselves without a care if those around them could overhear their conversation. The scene of adults in white lab coats flooding the hall was surely overwhelming. Kind of similar to the scene of housewives flocking around clothing shops during sales.

What is amazing? Is father that amazing?

To hear such praises and comments about father, more and more his image within my head became more vague. But then, the curiosity that was kept hidden inside me grew stronger.

What kind of work does father have?

Even though he told me repeatedly that I should stay within his room, I disobeyed and made my way here, all alone. As to how did I manage, it was fairly simple. Televisions, radios and people I come across, all of them spoke of the current hot topic.

Professor Hansen ,my father, has successfully developed an antimatter weapon and was going to unveil it today at exactly 11:00 AM. About that ‘anti-matter’ part, I didn't know a thing. It sounded like stuff my science teacher from school would talk about. Nevertheless, the way they spoke enthusiastically about it meant that it was truly something amazing.

Surprisingly, this place was pretty similar to shopping malls that I frequented with my mother. Elevators and escalators could be seen here and there, with accessible maps so that getting lost was nearly impossible.

Those maps weren't’ just normal ones. Installed inside touchscreen terminals, it could conveniently tell you the best way to reach your destination. Luckily, it also announced the place where father was right now, highlighting the place called ‘The conference room’.

Due to those fortunate events, I safely arrived in front of that place, searching for a way to get inside. The adults that I met along the way were certainly unusual. Not caring about seeing a child running around by herself. They would occasionally stare at me for a moment and immediately shrug off my existence, thinking that associating themselves with a little child would only bring them trouble. Even so, it was quite convenient for me.

Hmmm?

Noticing something different, I tilted my head to the side. The surrounding crowd’s hustle and bustle became even more louder than before. Not knowing the cause such a change, a large question mark floated above my head. However, my current state of confusion instantly disappeared as soon as my gaze full upon someone.

…..?

Compared to those tall adults, a person that was only a head taller than me. Silver white hair and sharp eyes that showed high intelligence. My eyes widened for a moment as I continued to stare at the person. Upon closer look, a face quite similar to those celebrities seen in television. As to what was the person’s gender, it was difficult to discern. Neither muscular nor thin, but his chest did not show any lump. Mother said that when girls grow up their chests too will grow. So it was only natural to categorize him as a boy. Even so, not all grownup girls have bulging chests as far as I know. It was possible for him to be a her, maybe it was one of those unfortunate cases.

Worried about the future, I inadvertently stared at my own chest. No lumps either, but mother certainly had a pair. Thinking about possessing those, wouldn't it be just a hindrance?

After being deep in thought I shifted my gaze to the boyish girl once again. Seeing that she wore a white coat like the rest of those adults, there's a high possibility that she was one of them. It wasn't absolute, seeing those adults around her not interacting with her in anyway.

Is she in the same situation as me?

Her well formed face undoubtedly showed an expression of loneliness. But all of a sudden her lips curved into a grin. A slight shiver crept up to my body as I continued to at that smile that reeked of something uncomfortable.

Not looking anywhere in particular, she continued to do so. And after awhile, her head began to move. As if searching for something, she turned her head from left to right. Not noticing that she had spotted me, I kept on staring at her until….Out of nowhere, her green emerald eyes fell upon me

!!?

In response to that, I hurriedly returned to what I was doing earlier, staring at the shiny floor while in a daze. In spite of that, my heart began to throb all of a sudden. Like when you’re playing hide and seek with your friends, the suspense of getting found crept up.

“Psst… psst…”

Catching her attention even though I was sure that no one would even bother with me. And without warning, she tried in attracting my attention in a somewhat rude way that I reflexively

glared and frowned at her.

But instead of giving up, her ways of getting attention became even more appalling. As if she was a terrible stand-up comedian, she began in imitating some kind of martial art. Martial arts were supposed to look intimidating and fierce, but no matter how I looked at her act it was still the opposite. Imitating animals, throwing kicks and punches awkwardly. Even though she did something so embarrassing in front of a such a huge crowd, she was still unfazed. In fact, I was the one who felt embarrassed for her, such actions were unbefitting for a lady. Or maybe he was not a girl in the first place. But more importantly, I need to stop her pronto!

“Umm...Excuse me.”

After approaching her nervously, I managed to at least say this line. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but be disturbed to see her smirking face in such close proximity, that I unintentionally blurted out my thoughts.

“Are you perhaps…..Mentally disabled?”

Saying it like it was nothing, my face was rather calm and didn’t show any noticeable emotion. Yet my hands felt sweaty and my feet was cold. For saying such a thing in front of an adult, getting scolded was only natural so without further ado I readied myself to hear her sermons.

“........”

Anyhow, the lecturing that I was expecting never took place. Instead of being angry, she hanged her head dejectedly with her previous smile vanishing in existence. It felt like something pricked my chest after seeing such a sorrowful expression, but it seems like my worries were unneeded after hearing her voice for the first time.

“N-No! I'm not mentally disabled! In fact, I passed the psychological tests with flying colors!”

Exclaiming to be mentally healthy with her arms akimbo, her change of mood was so fast that I subconsciously blinked my eyes in surprise. But then, something was peculiar about her voice.

“It seems like you want to enter the conference room. If you want help with that then do not hesitate in asking me.”

Hearing it for the second time, my suspicions were immediately verified. A low pitched voice carrying not a hint of femininity, escaped from her small mouth. Right now I was completely convinced that she was undoubtedly a he.

“............”

“Hello! Anyone there?”

I was speechless that I failed to respond in front of his proposal. But after awhile I regained my composure by shaking my head repeatedly, snapping out of the trance caused by this person in front of me.

How can such a person exist!?

“T-thank you very much! I’ll gladly accept that offer!”

“Alright! Then quickly line up beside me.”

Growing a bit frantic, I almost stuttered at my words. Setting those things aside, was it alright to approach a stranger like him? Moreover, skipping in line would clearly make those people ,who painstakingly waited, angry.

“You have nothing to worry about! Right guys?”

Noticing my reluctance, the boy spoke of reassuring words and promptly glanced at those who were waiting behind him. But instead of receiving support from them, the adults showered him with glares full of malice. Nevertheless, the boy didn't react at the slightest while still wearing a bright smile.

“Okay…”

Being obedient all of a sudden, I nodded my head meekly. After seeing the boy’s heartwarming smile almost all traces of distrust had wholly dissipated. Lining up beside him took a considerable amount of courage, after all those adults also included me as a target of their hostility.

But having him beside me, for some reason, made my heart at ease. Was this the feeling of having an elder brother? A reliable and protective brother who would always be there to help you. Even so, those random smirks never ceased to make me uncomfortable.