The SFAM dining hall is massive. Which is apparent on days like today when only a third of it is being occupied. The recruits line up to receive the food as a commander is going off about the dining hall etiquette. The three of us sit with our food, chicken and rice with some kind of salad on the side, watching in amusement. I’m trying to find the blonde boy.

“Boys, how’s it going?” Kalen Grey places his tray down and sits across from me, next to Wade. I watch as Terry shifts awkwardly.

“Fine, you?” Grey wouldn’t usually sit with us, but as no one besides us is here, he does.

“What do you want, Grey?” Terry’s tone is near homicidal.

“Woah man, just having some grub, hangings with the boys, is all.”

I give Terry a warning look.

“The recruits are interesting this year. Talked to a bunch.” Grey must have orientation duty as a punishment.

“Any potential Cybats?” Wade asks curiously.

“Maybe, can’t really tell.”

Cybats are never recruited. You come in either Combat or Cyber, but those who excel in both arenas are transferred to Cybat.

We watch as all the boys pick their seats. I search for him and find him. He’s sitting alone with no food. His hair sweeps across his face as he keeps his head down. I want him to look up but he never does.

“Ten, can we call you Ten?” I look up and there are five boys eagerly looking at me. Wade and Terry chuckle to themselves. This is every goddamn year.

But I smile and say, “it’s the only name I’ve got. Welcome. How may I help you guys?”

They look at each other, “Nothing, we just wanted to introduce ourselves. This Jack, Logan, Sam, Aaron, and I’m Holden.”

I nod at all of them and point to Terry and Wade, “This is Terry and Wade, Cybats. And I’m sure you’ve met Grey over here.”

Terry and Wade say pathetic little greetings.

“Hey, do you know who that kid is over there?” I point to the blonde, still sitting alone, with his head down. They look at each other to see if any of them know.

“I think his name is Noah. No idea where he’s from.”

Noah. Noah. Noah. Oh, what a lovely name.

“Want us to ask him for you?”

“No, this isn’t middle school. Go eat your food.” Terry snaps at them suddenly and they scurry away.

Grey looks at me quizzically, “What’s with you and that kid?”

I shrug, “Just curious.”

Yes, curious indeed. Curious as to why my heart feels like it’s being electrocuted every time I look at you. Noah. Noah. Noah.