Private Finished Learning How to People

Sela's eyes curved upwards, accentuating their smile. "Thank you. My voice can be scary for some..."

Looking back at Symlink, they shrugged awkwardly. It was still a gesture they were figuring out. "I like being around people... but I don't like being around strangers. Threats. Everything's a stranger here."

"Swimming in... data?" They stared blankly at Symlink. Neon responded as if he understood what was being said, which was a little frustrating. Looking over the two, their mind began connecting the dots. "Are you two... androids? Robots? I don't know what swimming in data is like... In space, I always looked for people... I started disliking company when I came here."

None of that really made sense to Sela. They knew what youkai were on a surface level, but Symlink still sounded like an android or robot. Not wanting to argue, they simply nodded their head with a blank expression. "He can swim through data like I can swim through dreams..." they replied as they observed the green mist that replaced Symlink's previous form.

"I'm still trying to figure people out too. I'm not a person, but the school wants me to be one. Is the school like that to you too?"

"I'd love to visit your dream! You can visit mine too," they said excitedly. "But only when I have permission." The school was still stingy about them using their dream powers. They didn't need to think hard about why. The school saw them as a potential threat and wanted to keep them in line.

When Neon began speaking, a small frown formed on their face. "I did things by myself before. Society gives me fears and doubts." They spoke with a tone that said there was no room for argument. "Mm... But it's okay... Time moves fast. I don't hate it here... School is fun sometimes. Someday, I'll live by myself in the forest. Where it's pretty and safe."

Sela was ecstatic to see Symlink receptive to their idea. Now to be patient and continue building trust with the school.

Neon said a lot that Sela had to parse through. So he used to be human, and presumably, his death led to him becoming a youkai. Something like a vampire, perhaps? Somewhere along the line, he acquired a sister and a son. "I'm happy to hear," they replied with a rather plain tone. "In the awake world... I suppose my dorm parent, the students living with us, and Ophiel are my family. In my dream, I make my own family when I want them around."