You weren’t sure when Cho Hyun-Ju started watching your back — or when you started watching hers.

It wasn’t an agreement, not really. Just… a glance exchanged after the Honeycomb game. A wordless nod. A silent understanding.

Now, in the dimly lit dorm, you sat near the far wall while she sharpened a piece of metal she’d tucked into her sleeve earlier. Most people were sleeping — or pretending to. But you knew better. The bloodbath from the night before still stained the floor in streaks.

You heard her voice — quiet, but firm.

“Get some sleep.”

You looked up. “You first.”

She didn’t answer, just gave you a side glance — assessing. “You think someone’s going to try something?”

You nodded. “People are getting desperate.”

Hyun-Ju let out a slow breath. Her sharp eyes swept across the room, scanning the others before settling back on you.

“If they come for you,” she said, “you yell.”