Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
The sharp clang of the cafeteria bell echoed through the halls, signaling the start of lunch.
Within moments, the corridors became a flood of footsteps, chatter, and shifting bodies.
Students poured in like clockwork, splitting off into groups—some laughing, some dragging their feet, others already immersed in loud conversations about the morning's training.
Steve, however, didn't walk with anyone. No Dina. No Fiona. No familiar faces beside him. He didn't sit at any of the usual spots either. Today, he didn't want company. He didn't want chatter. He just wanted silence, a corner, and a plan.
And he had one.
Sliding his tray onto the farthest bench tucked against the wall, Steve sat down alone, his eyes scanning the room even as his hand moved mechanically, scooping up rice cakes from the plate and chewing without thought.
