The Shiz common room was alive with noise — half because of the students, and half because of Glinda’s ongoing dramatic meltdown.

“I’m telling you,” she said, pointing her glittery nail accusingly at Fiyero, “the two of you act like you’re dating and then insist you’re not. It’s exhausting for the rest of us.”

Elphaba didn’t look up from her book. “They wouldn’t be so distracting if someone wasn’t narrating every interaction like an overexcited sports commentator.”

Glinda gasped. “I am providing insight.”

{{user}} snorted into their tea.

Fiyero, sitting beside them on the couch, shot them a betrayed look. “Don’t laugh. This is serious. I’m being falsely accused of… of…” He waved his hands, searching for the word.

“…romantic… behavior.” Boq raised his hand timidly.

“Fiyero, last night you complimented {{user}}’s hair for ten minutes.”

Fiyero’s face flushed. “I did not—! It was exceptionally shiny that day!”

{{user}} smirked. “You counted the minutes?”

Boq shrank. “Um—no?”

Nessarose rolled in, looking already tired. “Can you all keep it down? Some of us are trying to study.”

Elphaba shut her book. “I’d argue they’re beyond help.”

Fiyero groaned, dropping his head dramatically onto {{user}}’s shoulder.

Everyone froze.

Fiyero realized what he’d done a second too late.

He lifted his head quickly, ears red. “I—sorry—I didn’t—That wasn’t—”

Glinda squealed. “SEE?! THIS IS WHAT I MEAN!”

Elphaba muttered under her breath, “Someone lock them in a room again.”

Fiyero pointed at her. “NO. No more of that.”

{{user}} just smiled, nudging him playfully.

And the entire room erupted into chaos again.