The morning sun spilled through the curtains of Lihanna's room, casting golden rays over her as she stood before the mirror, brushing her hair. A rare smile danced on her lips—soft, bright, and genuine. For the first time in a long while, she felt light. Free. Yesterday's laughter with the girls still echoed in her heart.
So this is what it feels like to let go… she thought as she reached for her robe.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
"Morning!" Felicia chimed, stepping in boldly.
Lihanna blinked, still half-naked, clutching her towel. "You're… very early."
Felicia grinned. "Duh. I wanted to be first. I'm hella early."
The Vrasnai girl gave a small laugh, her voice soft and melodic. "And here I thought I'd get dressed before the meeting."
Felicia plopped down on the bed, completely unfazed. "Nah, don't worry. So… who do you think should be the leader of our squad?"
Lihanna tilted her head. "Isn't that what we're about to decide?"
Felicia crossed her arms, confidently. "Based on the island test, it's obviously you. You put together a whole strategy on the spot. That was nuts."
Lihanna blinked. "Oh? You really think so?"
Felicia smiled warmly. "Always. I'd follow your lead anytime."
That made Lihanna giggle.
"You know," Felicia said, smirking, "your smile is really cute."
Lihanna raised an eyebrow. "I could say the same to you."
Before the moment could linger longer, a knock came at the door. Lihanna wrapped herself properly and answered it, revealing Mia, Tyrone, and the rest of the team. They all entered and took their seats in the cozy room.
"Alright," Mia said, sitting cross-legged on the floor. "Let's vote. Point to who you think should be the captain."
Unanimously, fingers lifted—pointing directly at Lihanna.
She blinked in disbelief. "Wait, all of you?"
Mia nodded. "It was pretty one-sided. You're the best choice."
"Told you," Felicia whispered with a wink.
Lihanna's eyes scanned the room. But then, she noticed someone wasn't smiling.
"Tyrone," she said gently, "you've been quiet. That's not like you."
Tyrone snapped out of his thoughts. "Hmm? Sorry, it's nothing. I just… I don't want to be a part of this."
"What?" Mia narrowed her eyes. "That's not your choice."
Tyrone turned toward her. "Who says it isn't? You all hate me anyway. Especially you, Mia. Always brainwashing the rest, acting like I'm some kind of problem child. All because of a dumb joke that wasn't even aimed at you. You've been on my case since day one."
Mia's voice was low and cold. "I just despise guys like you."
"Exactly," Tyrone snapped. "So count me out. I'll go my own way."
Lihanna frowned. "None of us hate you. It's just the way you treat us… like we're beneath you. Because we're women."
Tyrone sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… I know. I said something dumb. I already apologized. But I don't need pity. I made a proposal to Kazimir."
"What?" Mia blinked. "Where'd you even find him? We haven't seen him since we arrived."
"You remember when Riah told me she had something for me?" Tyrone smirked. "Turns out Kazimir was at the hot spring. I ended up talking to him… told him everything."
Felicia leaned forward, intrigued. "Okay, and what did you ask?"
"I challenged him," Tyrone said proudly. "If I land a hit on him—even a scratch—he agreed to train me personally."
Mia scoffed. "You've definitely lost your mind."
Felicia whistled. "That's… some real guts."
Lihanna blinked in disbelief. "You just went straight to the final boss?"
"What other choice do I have?" Tyrone's voice hardened. "I'm alone here. No one's got my back. So I'll do what I must. I'll chase power myself."
Mia, Lihanna, and Felicia all spoke in unison: "What?"
"I'm saying…" Tyrone stood up, casting one last glance at the group. "I won't be part of your little team. I'll be the wildcard. The lone wolf."
Lihanna's voice dropped. "That's… really arrogant of you."
"Then so be it." He turned and walked toward the door. "Later."
The room fell into silence after his footsteps faded.
Mia clicked her tongue. "I hate the way he thinks."
"…But," Lihanna said quietly, eyes on the door, "at least he was honest."