FenceStriking Distance - Sarah Rees Brennan Page 0,20

be found in other rooms at Kings Row. Nicholas knew with awful cold certainty the glittery chandeliers were actual crystal.

Seiji probably wasn’t freaked out by chandeliers or smooth walls, but nonetheless he didn’t seem at ease. He stood tall among the benches and tables, shirt and hair neat even though they didn’t have class for more than twenty minutes, staring vaguely around as if he might be lost.

Nicholas stuck a hand in the air and waved it energetically around.

“Hey, Seiji!”

When Seiji spotted him, Nicholas thought he glimpsed a faint hint of relief on his face. Seiji came over right away, too. Nicholas grinned, feeling a warm spot in the center of his chest.

Eugene perked up as well. “Abroha! What brings you here?”

“Hello,” said Seiji, sitting down. “I came here to bond with my teammates. You know… share a meal and a conversation.”

They nodded, because they did know. Seiji nodded, too, a moment after the rest of them.

“Wow,” said Bobby happily. “This is so cool! I can’t believe you cut your training short to have breakfast with us.”

Seiji looked shocked. “I didn’t cut my training short. I just got up at three thirty in the morning instead of four so I could do this as well.”

“Three thirty… in the morning…,” Eugene murmured. “Always grinding. You’re an inspiration, bro.”

Nicholas made a horrible face around his mouthful of bacon. He didn’t feel inspired by three thirty in the morning at all.

“What are we conversing about?” Seiji inquired.

Eugene put his head down on the table. “I’m not having a chill time lately. Could use a lift from my bros.”

“Totally. We are here for you!” said Nicholas, and nodded encouragement at Seiji.

Seiji stared at him blankly.

Nicholas mouthed: Team bonding. Then he gestured from himself to Seiji, and back again.

Seiji cleared his throat. “Of course, Eugene. I will… provide you with emotional support, as requested.”

This was a great morning, Nicholas decided. Seiji was having breakfast with them. Bobby was staring at Seiji, delighted and starstruck. Fencing was the first thing Bobby and Nicholas had bonded over, so Nicholas was sure Bobby and Seiji would get along well, too. Other people were murmuring and pointing at their table, no doubt jealous Seiji was sitting with them.

“Aiden hates me!” Eugene said sadly. His voice was muffled since he was speaking into the cradle of his arms.

Seiji nodded. “He does seem to dislike you. I’ve noticed that myself.”

This wasn’t what Eugene needed to hear. Nicholas kicked Seiji in the ankle.

“Nicholas just kicked me,” Seiji reported, eyes narrowing. “I’m fairly certain it was on purpose!”

Bobby, who had a beautiful soul, hastily intervened. “Eugene, I’m sure Aiden doesn’t hate you. He’s probably feeling a bit sensitive right now, because Coach threatened to kick him off the team and make you roommates with Harvard instead of him.”

Seiji and Nicholas gave a mutual shudder at the hideous words off the team. No wonder Aiden was in a foul mood these days.

“Is that what’s going on?” asked Nicholas. “Sweet.”

Bobby tilted his head, pigtails tipping to one side. “What do you mean?”

“I meant for the captain,” said Nicholas. “Eugene would be a way better roommate than Aiden. Harvard could finally have some peace and quiet.”

He realized Harvard and Aiden were best friends, but surely Harvard was exhausted by the constant talking at this point. Anybody would be. Nicholas viewed the dining hall, faces crowded around the long rectangular oak tables, benches crammed with boys in navy and gray. The sight of so many students assembled, all of them belonging so much more than Nicholas ever could, was as intimidating as being thrown into a really fancy sea. But Harvard would fit right in at any table. He was sure any of those older boys would be thrilled to hang out with the captain.

“Well,” said Eugene, “I guess it’s possible Harvard is tired of having Aiden’s guys over at all hours. If you know what I’m saying.”

“Wow,” murmured Nicholas, as realization dawned. “Are you saying…?”

Eugene nodded. Bobby and Dante were nodding as well, in a resigned fashion. Apparently, this was common knowledge.

“Aiden has his friends over, like, at night? And in the mornings?” Nicholas demanded.

“Well… yeah, bro,” said Eugene. “From night until morning. Sometimes.”

Nicholas was scandalized.

“Does he throw parties? That’s gotta be distracting for Harvard! The captain’s fencing shouldn’t suffer because his roommate is a party animal.”

A silence settled over the table. Nicholas assumed everyone was as horrified as he was, but their expressions had gone strangely fixed. He looked to Seiji, whose eyebrows had drawn