Kouga returned to the dorm quietly, easing the door shut behind him to avoid disturbing anyone. He slipped off his shoes and padded deeper into the apartment, the faint hum of conversation and clinking dishes guiding him toward the dining area.
Rounding the corner, he paused for a moment. The table was already set — a full feast spread across it, steaming dishes neatly arranged and the soft light of the room giving everything a comforting glow. Mei and Bronya were already seated, calmly eating at their usual pace. Kiana, however, sat with her hands resting on her lap, her single untouched bowl sitting in front of her. Normally, she'd be halfway through her sixth serving by now, chattering between mouthfuls. The silence from her corner of the table was unsettling.
Kouga took a seat across from Mei and beside Kiana, the chair giving a soft creak under him. Out of habit, Mei immediately began preparing a bowl for him — rice, vegetables, and a careful balance of meat on top — but he lifted a hand, gently waving her off.
"It's fine," he said quietly, his eyes flicking toward Kiana. "I'm not that hungry."
Mei hesitated, her chopsticks hovering above the bowl for a moment before she set them down again. The air hung heavy between the four of them — not tense, but muted, like the calm that follows a storm no one wanted to talk about yet.
Just as Kouga settled into his seat, the dorm door swung open. Theresa Apocalypse stepped into the living room, trying — and failing — to look casual while awkwardly hiding a comic book and a large bottle of wine behind her back. Behind her followed Sakura, her expression calm but clearly amused by the principal's antics.
As soon as Theresa locked eyes with the group of students at the table, she startled herself into a brief coughing fit, her flustered composure betraying her attempt at seriousness.
"I've got bad news," Theresa announced, her tone grave enough to make everyone freeze mid-bite.
Kouga glanced up, brow arched. Mei stiffened, Bronya lowered her chopsticks, and Kiana lifted her gaze slowly, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.
"Three minutes ago, I received a notice from the Emergency Center," Theresa continued, pausing for dramatic effect.
"Major Himeko, she…" Theresa stopped, her expression unreadable. The tension at the table thickened instantly. Mei's lips parted in shock, Bronya's grip on her utensils tightened, and even Sakura's usually serene eyes grew worried.
Only Kouga, sitting with an amused glint in his eye, remained calm. Heh. I already cured her myself, he thought, fighting the urge to smirk. Let's see where this goes.
Then, Theresa suddenly broke into a bright smile and proudly revealed the bitter melon juice bottle and comic book she'd been hiding.
"Is already in a stable condition! So let's celebrate that she's in good health!"
The sudden shift in tone left everyone momentarily speechless.
Kouga blinked, staring at the items she held up. "So, you wanted to celebrate the occasion with comic books and bitter melon juice?"
Theresa nodded enthusiastically, as if that were the most natural thing in the world.
"Alright…" Kouga replied, suppressing a gag as he eyed the bottle suspiciously.
Bronya, completely unfazed, reached out, twisted open the cap, and took a long gulp from it. Mei nearly dropped her spoon as she rushed to stop her. "Bronya!"
Sakura covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, clearly impressed by Bronya's boldness.
Meanwhile, Kiana still hadn't touched her food. Her gaze was distant, her fingers tracing the rim of her bowl. The shift in her mood didn't go unnoticed.
Kouga and Theresa exchanged a look — then Theresa crouched slightly beside Kiana.
"Hey, are you alright?" she asked gently, her tone softening. "I was just kidding with you girls back there."
Kiana lifted her head, her blue eyes meeting Theresa's with raw determination.
"When we were in the mission," she began, her voice trembling, "I was right next to Himeko. But I couldn't save her."
Theresa's expression softened immediately. "It wasn't your fault... Everyone has their limits…"
But Kiana shook her head, her voice growing steadier with every word.
"As the heir of the Kaslana family," she said firmly, "I made a promise with Dad that I would protect those dear to me. I can't continue being so confused…"
Her hands clenched into fists on her lap before she looked back up at Theresa. "Theresa. I want to quickly get stronger."
Theresa stared at her for a long moment — then smirked, crossing her arms with her usual mischievous grin.
"No problem, Kiana," she said with a teasing spark in her eye."I'll just put you through my special hellish training."