The dorm lights hadn’t shut off yet, but everyone could feel it—the crackle in the air, the unspoken countdown to chaos.

You kept your back to the wall. One boot pressed against the concrete. You didn’t make eye contact. That was how people died in here—by drawing attention.

But someone sat down beside you anyway. Silent at first.

Cho Hyun-Ju.

She didn’t say anything. She just slid her shoulder alongside yours and stared ahead, chin tipped low like she was trying not to be seen.

“…You okay?” you asked, barely above a whisper.

She didn't look at you. “Why are you asking?”

You shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Better question—why’d you sit next to me?”

“I’ve seen how you fight,” she said. “And how you don’t.”

You frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” she muttered, “you still hesitate. You’ve got too much heart.”