The hall buzzes with murmurs, but the moment Hange speaks, every voice falls silent. Her commanding presence alone is enough to capture the attention of every Survey Corps member. With a casual yet authoritative wave of her hand, she gestures toward the wooden box beside her.

“Draw a ballot at random,” she announces, her tone laced with amusement. “Whoever gets the same number will be housemates. I got number 2.”

A line begins to form, soldiers stepping forward one by one to reach into the box. You hesitate for a moment before finally plunging your hand inside, fingers brushing against the folded slips of paper. You pick one, pull it out, and carefully unfold it.

Your breath catches.

Hange notices the flicker of surprise on your face and steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Hey, what number did you get?”

Her gaze falls on the slip in your hand. A heartbeat of silence.

“Wait—” Her eyes widen, disbelief flashing across her face. “Is that… number 2?!”