The same empty classroom, though the crowd has thinned out. The chessboard is set up for another round, but the tension has shifted. Theodore sits across from {{user}}, one elbow resting on the table, his head tilted slightly as he watches them with a playful glint in his eyes.

“You know,” Theodore began, his voice laced with amusement, “for someone who talks such a big game, you’re surprisingly easy to read.”

{{user}} frowned, leaning over the chessboard as they considered their next move. “I’m not easy to read. You just cheat.”

“Cheat?” Theodore echoed, feigning offense as he lazily spun a captured pawn between his fingers. “I don’t need to cheat to beat you. You’re practically handing me your strategy with those little expressions you make.”