They didn't mean to collect a parade. It just happened.
By Third Bell the eight of them couldn't cross the east corridor without accruing a polite tail of uniforms - first years with notebooks cocked like ears, second years pretending they weren't listening, a librarian rolling past and absolutely listening. Arashi kept walking like he was late to a gala. Hikari slowed at every question, then sped up because questions multiplied near her like pigeons. Keahi smiled at them and glared at handrails. Esen waved like a politician on a very small campaign.
"Examples, not exhibits" Lynea reminded under her breath.
"Exhibits with office hours" Esen amended, pleased.
The Hall of Petals opened into the long nave where light fell in clean bars. Banners hung still. The mosaic spiral kept its opinions to itself. Raizen stifled a yawn large enough to count as weather.
"Do not nap vertical" Hikari murmured, elbowing him. "It looks like fainting."
