{Elira}
~**^**~
Juniper didn't glance at me. "Be careful next time," she murmured. "He loves chasing things that look… easily caught."
Her words stung a little, but I understood.
Behind us, Caleb had already turned to charm someone else, his laughter drifting across the room.
I followed Juniper toward the lunch queue, shoulders still tense—but with a strange, quiet relief beneath it.
Then, I trailed behind her as we crossed the cafeteria, weaving through students carrying trays stacked with rice bowls, soup, and bread.
At one of the tables near the windows, Cambria lifted her head, her ponytail bouncing slightly.
"Elira!" she called, her face lighting up. "Over here."
Juniper slid onto a chair opposite Nari, who was twirling her fork lazily. I took the empty spot next to Cambria, trying to calm my racing heart after what happened with Caleb.
Cambria leaned closer, voice gentle. "How was your first lecture today?"
