The festive glow of the trip faded quickly as reality slammed into the college campus like a thunderstorm, exam season had arrived.
The once-lively halls were now filled with tired sighs, the shuffle of textbooks, and the constant hum of espresso machines working overtime. Everyone looked slightly on edge, even Zane, who usually coasted through with a casual smirk.
Luna was holed up in the library, surrounded by color-coded notes and highlighters. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, glasses perched on her nose, and a near-empty cup of iced coffee sat beside her.
Asher walked in, spotting her immediately. He dropped a bag of snacks on the table and leaned in.
"You've been here for four hours. You need air," he said.
Luna didn't even look up. "If I don't pass this economics paper, your father will win posthumously."
He smirked. "Still mad about that mid-semester quiz?"
She gave him a sharp look. "He tried to ruin my family, Asher."
