Sera woke before Zane, sunlight gently filtering through the cabin's small window. A soft smile curved her lips—last night's pillow fight had been surprisingly fun, and she was glad to have made a new friend.
As she shifted to get up, something caught her eye—a glimmer near Zane's trouser leg. Leaning closer, she found one of her earrings tangled in the fabric. Carefully, she reached out to retrieve it.
Just then, Zane's eyes snapped open. He caught her hand right where it was, and both froze in an awkward moment.
Sera's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, while Zane quickly pulled back, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I—I was just getting my earring," Sera said hurriedly, trying to explain.
Zane gave a half-smile, teasing, "Yeah... sure, that's what it looked like."
Sera couldn't help but laugh quietly, the tension breaking instantly. "You're impossible, Zane."
"Only for you," he replied with a playful grin.
They both slowly got out of bed, deciding it was time to get dressed. Fortunately, they had each been given academy uniforms—a simple but elegant design in deep blue and silver trim.
Sera, however, refused to return to her own room to change. Instead, she insisted on using Zane's room's bathroom, claiming it was bigger and more comfortable.
Zane watched as she disappeared behind the bathroom door, only to hear the water running and footsteps moving inside for what felt like an hour.
He paced the room impatiently, muttering under his breath, "How can one person take so long to change? It's just clothes."
After several more minutes of waiting, Zane finally called out, "Sera? Seriously, are you okay in there? You're going to make me late!"
The door creaked open, and Sera appeared, looking a bit sheepish but smiling. "Sorry, I just wanted to make sure I was ready. You know, first day nerves."
Zane shook his head but grinned. "You're hopeless."
They both laughed, finally stepping out together, ready to face whatever the academy had in store.