Arc decided to stay in the classroom for her break. Her particular choice of seating put her next to the window, so she stared out of it at the city, watching the trains and buses, until a tap on the elbow drew her attention.
"You!" It was the black-haired human girl from the front of the room, the one who'd groaned. "Did I hear correctly that your family name is Gale?"
Arc's guard went up. She'd wanted to avoid situations where her family name came into play, but it wasn't like she could deny it. "Yeah," she said.
"As in House of Stars, Gale?" she continued, her voice peaking with excitement.
"Yes..." Arc replied, lowering her voice, only to suddenly find a finger pointing between her eyes.
"That means we're rivals!" the girl declared.
"Huh? I don't even know you!" Arc almost stammered. She didn't want a rival, and besides, "I'm not even all that strong!"
