A week after the incident with Immersion and Dad, someone started coming to the house often.

  Annie.

  Mr. Renald's daughter who often ran around during community service. Her hair was bright red, glowing like freshly lit fire. Her eyes honey brown, and her smile always wide. Very different from me.

  The first time she came, I was sitting in the living room reading a book.

  Tok tok tok.

  A knock on the door. Mom opened it. Then a cheerful voice immediately filled the house.

  "Auntie! Is Sera home?"

  I peeked from behind my book. Annie stood in the doorway wearing a bright yellow dress and white sneakers still clean. In her hand, a small teddy bear.

  Mom turned to look at me. "She is! Sera, Annie's here!"

  I closed that book slowly, still confused about how to respond.

  Annie came right in. Even before Mom let her in, stopping right in front of me with a wide smile.

  "Sera! Let's play!"

  I blinked. "Play... what?"

  "Anything! Dolls, drawing... whatever!"

  She immediately sat in front of me and tried to play with me.

  And since that day, Annie started coming almost every day.

  ? ? ?

  At first, I wasn't comfortable.

  Not because Annie was annoying. Quite the opposite.

  "Sera, let's play house! I'll be the mom, you be the dog!" Annie exclaimed. She shook my shoulder as if I'm a clogged sauce bottle.

  I froze. My pride suddenly collapsed.

  Be the dog? Seriously. Do I have to bark too to make her happy?

  I stayed silent, holding my forehead.

  Are you serious?

  However, Annie never gave up even though I often showed an unenthusiastic face.

  On the third day Annie came again. I tried gentle eviction tactics.

  "Annie, I'm tired. Maybe another time, okay?"

  She looked at me with wide eyes. Her teddy bear drooped in her hand.

  "Why? Is Sera sick?"

  "No, just... tired."

  "Oh." Annie sat on my bedroom floor, not moving. "Then I'll wait until Sera's not tired."

  I looked at her while praying she'd leave. "Annie... that might be a long time."

  "That's okay. I'm patient."

  And she really sat there, quietly, hugging her doll while occasionally glancing at me with hope.

  Is this kid's head made of stone?

  I tried to ignore her and returned to the book I was reading. One minute passed.

  I could still feel those honey brown eyes staring at the side of my head.

  Two minutes passed. I heard her heavy breathing, followed by scraping sounds. She started picking at the carpet with her shoe tip.

  Three minutes. She started humming a tuneless song while swinging her teddy bear in the air.

  I tried to focus on the sentence I was reading. But Annie's shadow sitting frozen like a garden statue beside me really ruined my concentration.

  I closed the book with a rather loud thud. Her shoulders jerked, and her eyes sparkled with hope.

  In the end, I gave up.

  Well. Looks like I lost completely.

  "Okay, okay. Let's play," I grumbled in surrender. I invited her to my room.

  My room was my privacy fortress. Annie's presence felt like a territorial invasion.

  How could I practice focusing or try to trigger 'Immersion' again if there's a little kid who every five seconds asks, "Sera, what's that book?" or "Sera, why is your face so serious?"

  The secret training plan I'd arranged in my head fell apart instantly.

  That red-haired girl was the definition of noisy and hyperactive.

  That night, I complained to Mom during dinner.

  "Ma, Annie keeps coming." I tried to put on the most pitiful face possible, hoping Mom would forbid Annie from coming tomorrow.

  Mom smiled. The type of smile parents usually give when they consider their child's complaint just small drama.

  Mom smiled while pinching my cheek. "That's good, Sweetheart. It means she likes Sera."

  "But I..." I stopped.

  I don't know how to explain that I don't know how to be friends with little kids because mentally I'm not a little kid.

  Mom reached out to tidy my messy hair. "Sera, you know what? Having friends is important."

  Important?

  "But..."

  Mom smiled while continuing to tidy my hair.

  "Earlier Mama saw Annie when she went home, she was so happy. It seems her house is very quiet, so she can't wait to come here every day. Besides, you look very cute when playing together," Mom said with a smile I couldn't argue with.

  I looked at my hands.

  "Try first, okay? Who knows Sera might like it."

  "But if Sera's tired, just say so, okay?" Mom finally pulled her hand away.

  I nodded slowly.

  Alright, I'll try. No matter what, I won't lose anything.

  Besides, seeing her persistence, it seems like Annie really needs someone to talk to.

  ? ? ?

  The next day, Annie came again.

  This time she didn't immediately invite me to play in my room. She stood at my bedroom doorway. Looking restless, her feet stamping small in place where she stood.

  "Sera..." she said hesitantly.

  "Yeah?"

  "I'm bored playing inside all the time. Let's go out!"

  I looked at her. "Go out? Where?"

  "Just walk around! Lots of fun places!" She held out her hand to me. A small hand with slightly reddish palm.

  I stared at her outstretched hand.

  Then looked at her face full of hope.

  This... What should I do?

  In my old life, I was male. And now there's another girl asking for her hand to be held to walk together.

  Technically, we're both girls now. This is normal.

  Girls holding hands is common.

  But still it feels... strange.

  "Sera?" Annie shook her hand. "Come on..."

  I took a slow breath.

  Ah, forget it. I'm probably overthinking such a small thing.

  I took her hand.

  She gripped my hand very tightly.

  Annie smiled widely. "Yay! Let's go!"

  She pulled me out of the room, past the living room where Mom glanced at us and smiled. A knowing smile. A smile that says 'I knew you could do it'.

  I snorted inwardly.

  "Don't go past the front gate!" My mom yelled when I left the house.

  I waved without turning around. While walking, I started observing the surroundings more carefully.

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  This neighborhood felt much bigger than I thought.

  Even though I'd often passed through it with Dad. But now, when my own feet were stepping on the asphalt without adult guidance, my perspective changed completely.

  We walked past rows of colorful houses. Light blue, leaf green, cream.

  At the first corner, a bright orange house immediately caught my attention.

  "That's Mr. Anto's house," Annie said. "Dad says he likes bright colors."

  We turned right. A mother was bathing her pet that looked like a lizard, and the scent of wet soil was carried by the wind.

  A security guard greeted us kindly when we passed.

  I nodded slightly while continuing to walk.

  Without realizing it, I started counting the blocks we passed.

  Street three... then five...

  Annie's steps stayed light when we entered Street 7.

  "That's your house over there," she said while pointing.

  I looked in the direction she pointed. That is indeed my house.

  I stopped briefly.

  Wait.

  Doesn't that mean we've already returned to the starting point?

  We turned left earlier, then right, then went through two blocks.

  Without realizing it, we just went around my house. As if we're walking without a destination?

  "Where are we actually going?"

  "Want to go to the field! At the end of Street 15. There's a swing there!"

  I blinked. Street 15? Meaning this neighborhood has 15 streets? And we have to walk from Street 7 to there?

  But Annie didn't look bothered at all. She was jumping around while continuing to hold my hand, occasionally stopping to point at something.

  I followed her steps.

  At first it didn't feel like anything.

  But after a few blocks, my legs started feeling a bit heavy.

  Annie was still jumping around as if not tired.

  I glanced at her, confused.

  We're the same age, right?

  Why does she still look full of energy?

  While my breathing started getting slightly faster?

  Don't tell me this body's stamina is lower than hers.

  Or maybe it's just that I don't move around enough?

  Annie suddenly pulled my hand again.

  "Come on! Just a bit more!"

  Just a bit more, she said.

  Somehow I wasn't too convinced.

  "That's Grandma Surti's house. She likes to give me food."

  "That's Mr. Darma's mango tree. But the fruits are small. We can't take them."

  "That's a big drain. Be careful, Sera, don't get close. I fell in here once."

  Fell? I imagined her covered in mud.

  Considering her very active nature, it's not surprising if she once fell into a drain.

  I just nodded while listening. But slowly, I realized something.

  I smiled slightly without realizing it.

  "Sera smiled!" Annie stopped suddenly and looked at me with sparkling eyes. "Sera's happy, right?!"

  I blinked. "Huh? Yeah... not bad."

  "Not bad?!" Annie pouted. "This is really fun, you know!"

  We continued the journey, and the silence between us felt comfortable.

  "Do you like ice cream, Sera?" Annie suddenly asked.

  "Uh, yeah. I like it."

  "Me too! But Mom says ice cream causes coughing, so only allowed once a week. Sad, right?"

  "Sad."

  "Hehe, but sometimes I sneak from the fridge when Mom's not home. But don't tell anyone, okay!"

  I held back laughter. "Your mom knows, Annie."

  "No she doesn't! I hide under the table when eating!"

  "Your mom sees from behind the door."

  Annie stopped walking and looked at me with wide eyes. "How do you know?"

  "I'm just... guessing."

  "Mean!" Annie pinched my arm gently, but then laughed. "Yeah, Mom knows. Got a little mad, but bought more the next day. My mom's the best."

  I smiled hearing that.

  We walked again, passing several houses with small gardens in front.

  Turns out, being friends with little kids is fun too. They're very innocent.

  Until finally Annie suddenly stopped again and turned to face me.

  "Sera, I want to ask something."

  "Hm? What?"

  "Does Sera... consider me a friend?"

  That question slipped out just like that, without preamble. Typical little kid.

  I looked at her. Her face was serious. But... her eyes looked at me with unhidden hope.

  For a moment I stayed silent, thinking of the right answer.

  In my old life, I didn't have many friends. Not because I couldn't socialize, but because I chose to focus on my own goals.

  Friends meant commitment, time, energy. And I always thought all that could be used for more productive things like paying off loans.

  Somehow my mindset became so rigid. The meaning of life slowly changed into cost of living. Relationships changed into profit and loss.

  And without realizing it... I also lived that way.

  But now...

  This little girl, who comes almost every day uninvited. Who doesn't seem to mind making me her friend.

  And somehow... I also started getting used to her presence.

  Do I consider her a friend?

  And for the first time, I realized something.

  "Yes."

  "Yes?"

  "Yes, you're my friend."

  Annie's face immediately shone like the sun at noon. Her smile expanded wide, until her eyes squinted.

  "Yay! Sera's my friend! Sera's my friend!" She jumped around while still gripping my hand, then suddenly pulled me to run. "Come on quick! We have to play on the swing before Julian takes it."

  When she pulled me, I accidentally released her grip. But she didn't let that happen. Annie immediately grabbed again, gripping my hand tighter, as if afraid I'd disappear.

  Somehow I remembered a saying that said an introvert gets friends when picked up by an extrovert.

  Am I like that too? An introvert?

  Maybe true. But for the first time, being an introvert who's "picked up" doesn't feel bad.

  "Later we'll meet Julian and Bombom there too!" Annie said while jumping around.

  "Who are they?"

  "Friends! They also live here. Fun, you'll definitely like them!"

  At the end of Street 12, Annie waved. "Julian! Bombom!"

  There were two kids sitting together eating something. When they saw us, one of them waved.

  "Annie!"

  They hurriedly stood and ran over to us, still chewing.

  The first one had the same size as us. His hair dark blue. Navy blue that looked almost black if not hit by light. His eyes emerald green, bright green that contrasted with his hair.

  Reminded me of a snake's eyes.

  He walked confidently, hands in pants pockets. His style very convincing, the type of kid who in comics would be the main character's tough rival.

  The second one was taller than all of us, his body slightly round. Not fat, but chubby in a cute way. His hair messy brown, his eyes also brown, and his cheeks full of cookie crumbs.

  Brown hair? This is the first time seeing someone with brown hair. Although it seems like I remember seeing brown hair, but I forgot where.

  Brown and black hair are quite rare. I rarely see them.

  So far only my dad that I know has black hair.

  "This is Sera!" Annie introduced me proudly. "My new friend! She lives on Street 7 like me!"

  Annie turned to me and pulled my hand again. "Sera, introduce yourself! This is Julian, this is Bombom!"

  Julian looked at me with his sharp emerald eyes. "Oh. You're Sera? Annie told me about someone named Sera."

  I glanced at Annie, who immediately turned red. "Annie... told what?"

  "Nothing!" Annie shook her head quickly.

  Bombom smiled widely, cookie crumbs on his cheeks increasing while chewing snacks. "H-Hello! My name's Bombom! But my real name is Biron. But everyone calls me Bombom because I like bombs!"

  "..."

  Likes bombs? Do you like throwing grenades at other people's houses? What a unique nickname!

  I smiled slightly. "Hello. I'm Sera."

  Julian nodded. "Want to play together? We're going to the big park on Street 15."

  Annie immediately pulled my hand. "Yaaaaa! Let's goooo!"

  And that's how it was.

  Without really realizing it, I started often walking with them.

  I myself actually didn't do much. Annie was always pulling me here and there.

  It feels like I'm just going with the flow.

  But somehow, I also don't mind.

  Time kept passing. I often walked with Annie, and then Julian and Bombom, slowly becoming a new routine for me.

  Every morning, if it's not raining, Annie would appear at my front door. Sometimes she'd already be holding my hand before I could protest. Sometimes she'd just wait for me patiently while jumping around on the porch.

  We explored every corner of the neighborhood.

  Street 1 to Street 15, nothing was missed. I know which houses have fierce pets like snakes. Which tree has the sweetest fruit and which drain to avoid to not follow Annie's footsteps.

  I even almost never practice Immersion anymore.

  ? ? ?

  One day, when we gathered at the park as usual, Julian came with the widest smile I'd ever seen.

  "Guys! Look!" he shouted from afar.

  We turned.

  Julian pushed a bicycle. A new bicycle. Shiny blue with cool stickers on its sides. The handlebars reflected sunlight. Very cool for a four-year-old kid.

  "WOOOW!" Annie and Bombom immediately ran toward him.

  I stepped closer a bit slower, but my curiosity was no less.

  Julian stood beside his bicycle with chest puffed proudly.

  "My grandma bought it yesterday! Cool, right?!"

  "So cool!" Bombom touched the handlebars carefully, as if afraid to damage it.

  Annie circled the bicycle with sparkling eyes.

  "The color's nice! I want one like this too! I'll ask my dad to buy me a bicycle."

  Julian turned toward me with a wide smile.

  "Sera! What do you think? Cool, right?!"

  I looked at that bicycle.

  Have to admit, that bicycle is indeed cool.

  But...

  Behind it were attached two small additional wheels.

  Training wheels.

  Usually installed for kids just learning to ride bicycles.

  I bit my lower lip, trying hard to hold back laughter.

  "Sera?" Julian looked at me waiting for an answer. "Cool or not?"

  I nodded quickly, still holding back laughter. "C-cool... I'm jealous."

  "Right!" Julian patted his bicycle saddle proudly. "This is the coolest bicycle! Perfect for me!"

  Annie and Bombom nodded in agreement enthusiastically.

  The coolest bicycle... with training wheels.

  Julian climbed onto the saddle with a victorious face. He lifted his chin high toward us, as if saying, Amazing, right? You must be jealous.

  He started pedaling faster, showing off his speed. The two small training wheels behind followed vibrating, making a creeeak... creeeak... sound every time they touched the asphalt.

  A kid trying to look like a professional racer with two extra wheels behind him.

  That sight really ruined the cool atmosphere he was building.

  He went back and forth twice, then stopped in front of us with a satisfied expression.

  "How? Amazing, right?"

  "Amazing!" the three of us answered together.

  Our praise made him even more proud.

  "Do you want to try?"

  "Me! I want to!" Bombom said with sparkling eyes.

  I stepped aside to give way.

  Not long after, the bicycle changed hands. Then back again. Then changed again.

  When the others were busy fighting over turns to ride the bicycle, I stood quite far, watching Julian who was wiping sweat on his forehead.

  A thought suddenly appeared, like a small bubble rising to the surface.

  It just appeared.

  I'm curious. If my Dad could feel my Immersion's 'intent', what about a little kid like Julian? Would he feel it too?

  And what if he realizes something? Doesn't that mean my mom also realized when I looked at her?

  With a pounding heart.

  Colors faded. Red dots appeared on Julian's body. Less than Mom's, but more than Dad's.

  There were only three main dots: at the heart, throat, and one at his knee joint.

  However, not long after I locked focus on the dot at his heart, Julian stopped moving.

  He didn't look alert like Dad.

  Instead, he turned slowly. His eyes looked straight into my eyes while tilting his head.

  For a moment, I felt as if he could see through my Immersion mode.

  "Sera?" his voice quiet, full of confusion. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

  "Huh? Looking how?" I shook my head quickly. "I'm just... amazed at your bicycle."

  I smiled awkwardly.

  Julian still looked at me briefly, as if trying to make sure of something.

  Then he nodded slightly, as if accepting my answer.

  But inside my heart.

  I froze.

  Three dots.

  At four years old.

  This kid... is not ordinary!

  Not long after that, our playtime ended, and we started walking home.

  When hunger started coming, Annie was still busy talking about how much she wanted her own bicycle. Bombom nodded while chewing his leftover snacks. Julian walked behind us while carefully pushing his bicycle.

  I walked among them, quiet as usual.

  My mind still returned to the incident earlier.

  If Mom really noticed my gaze at that time, her reaction would definitely be the same as my dad's or Julian's.

  So most likely Mom indeed didn't feel it.

  If so, Julian's reaction earlier.

  I glanced briefly back. Julian was still busy keeping his bicycle from falling.

  Maybe just coincidence.

  Or maybe...

  Kids are indeed a bit more sensitive to something strange.

  I sighed quietly.

  For now I can only conclude it like that.

  ? ? ?

  The following weeks went like a calm river flow.

  I let myself drift in simple routines.

  Wake up in the morning. Breakfast with Mom. Then wait for Annie who would appear with a smile as wide as the ocean.

  "Seraaaa! Let's play!"

  Somehow, I started waiting for her shout every morning.

  In between those days, I also tried something.

  Sometimes when Bombom was busy chewing his snacks, I activated Immersion and looked at him secretly.

  No reaction.

  Bombom just kept eating.

  I also tried on Annie.

  She stayed the same as usual. Laughing loudly, talking non-stop, not realizing anything at all.

  Only Julian was different.

  Every time I looked at him too long, he often stopped briefly then turned toward me, as if feeling something.

  That happened more than once.

  If only once, maybe I'm just overthinking. But when the same thing happened two or three times, it's hard to call it coincidence.

  What's even stranger...

  Because I paid attention to him too often, Julian started acting a bit different around me.

  Sometimes he puffed his chest higher when showing off his bicycle.

  Sometimes he turned quickly to make sure I was watching him.

  And one time, I even saw him smile slightly toward me before hurriedly looking away.

  As if...

  He thinks I like him.

  Since then I stopped using Immersion on him.

  But strangely, that misunderstanding didn't stop along with it.

  Sometimes he still puffed his chest when I passed.

  As if trying to look cool in front of me.

  Meanwhile, another thing started crossing my mind.

  It seems like Dad's birthday is coming soon.

  I remembered his face lately. He looked a bit listless.

  Maybe because I rarely play with him anymore.