The dorm woke in fragments. Not in laughter, not in chatter, just the dull shuffle of bodies dragging themselves into the day. The air was heavy, like even the walls knew what tomorrow meant.
Rika sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her hands. Her palms were damp, trembling in small, humiliating bursts she couldn't control. She pressed them to her knees, hoping no one would notice.
Akari, ever restless, flung open the blinds with a dramatic snap. "Rise and shine, losers. One day left to prove we don't totally suck!" Her grin was sharp, but the way her voice cracked betrayed her nerves.
Kana shot her a look over her teacup. Calm, collected. But her eyes lingered on Akari too long, like she was calculating how thin the bravado had become.
Hina yawned from under a blanket, hair sticking out in every direction. "Can we not fight before breakfast? Please?" Her voice was soft, but there was a bite of desperation hiding in it.
