{Elira}
~**^**~
I swallowed and opened Lennon's thread first.
Lennon (1st message, sent late morning):
"Hey, little mate. Have you settled in? Tell me everything. Don't make me come find you."
My lips twitched despite myself. 'Typical Lennon.' Playful, half-teasing, yet I could hear the genuine note under his words.
The next message came barely twenty minutes later:
"You must be at orientation now. Remember to smile, okay? ESA will love you… if they don't, they're blind."
A small warmth spread in my chest. No one had ever texted me like this before—checking in, caring whether I smiled.
I tapped open Rennon's messages next. His words were softer, more measured, yet they made my throat tighten all the same.
Rennon (first message):
"Hi, Elira. How's your morning so far? Did your student guardian show you around? Don't worry if it feels overwhelming—you will find your rhythm soon."
Another came just an hour later:
