In our childhood, we were always together.

We played in the water, ate together, and climbed over the dormitory walls to buy snacks. James was always the first to cause trouble and laugh, while Edward would sigh but eventually take care of the aftermath. Tae-ho easily helped us over walls we couldn't climb, and Rei found shortcuts that no one else knew.

Our nationalities, languages, and families were all different. But when the five of us gathered, those things didn't mean much. We drew a silly compass on an old map and wrote 'Meridian' underneath, saying we'd go to the end of the world together someday.

Back then, we didn't know that name would one day move the world's skies and seas.

Time went by too fast. James took the sky, Edward the sea, Tae-ho the land, and Rei the invisible information network. I, too, carved out my own place. Yet, whenever the five of us met, we still acted like the kids who used to steal fries from the dormitory cafeteria.

Today was no different.

James leaned back on the sofa, swirling his glass.

Edward lowered his teacup, narrowing his brow slightly.