Evening dragged its chalk across the academy and left the halls a softer kind of quiet. The last bells forgot to ring on time. The library lights stayed honest - rows of scholars leaning into their books like they could convince time to curve - but the corridors between buildings had that empty echo that turns footsteps into secrets.
They had just finished putting the practice toys back. Sweat was a memory, laughter a low hum in the bones. Kori was writing something fierce and tidy on a clipboard. "Good work today!" She shouted from behind them, as they were heading for the exit. Then, added: "And Esen, thanks for not blowing up the targets again!"
"Yeah, yeah, it's called self-control" Esen replied without turning his back.
"You don't really have a lot of that" Kori wrapped her blade while walking.
