The college cafeteria was brightly lit, the heating driving away the winter chill.
Mia and Kefi sat facing each other by the window, their plates mostly empty in front of them.
Both wore relaxed smiles, matching the cheerful atmosphere of the other students who had just finished their finals.
“Ah—I’m finally alive again!” Mia stretched with a huge yawn, her blue eyes sparkling.
“Whatever the results, at least we’re free for now!”
Kefi took a slow sip of her vegetable soup, her gray eyes holding a teasing glint as she looked at her friend across the table.
“Yesterday when you came out of the theory exam, someone looked like the sky was falling. Wilted like a cabbage hit by frost. And today you’re all sunshine?”
“Oh, different times!” Mia waved a hand. “The exam’s over. What’s the point of moping? I think I did pretty well in the practical today! And if worst comes to worst… it’s not like I’ll fail and have to retake it, right?”
Her voice weakened with uncertainty toward the end, but she quickly rallied.
“Never mind that! The cafeteria’s roast chicken wings were good tonight, just a bit salty. Kefi, on the way back, how about we stop by the Warm Stove on Commercial Street for some hot cocoa? Double sugar! To celebrate!”
Kefi thought for a moment, then nodded. “Sure, we can also get some of their new gingerbread—I heard it’s crispy. But double sugar… won’t you have trouble sleeping tonight?”
“Who cares about sleeping after exams? Time to indulge!” Mia said with righteous certainty, already planning which flavor to order.
They chatted about funny moments from other classmates during the exam, complained about one particularly strict proctor, and speculated when the results would be out. The topics were light and jumping, full of the excitement of the upcoming holiday.
After eating, they took a detour to Commercial Street, each holding a large steaming cup of deluxe hot cocoa with a small bag of gingerbread. They walked back to the dorm, sipping and chatting.
“Tomorrow I can finally sleep in until I wake up naturally,” Mia sighed contentedly.
“And then you’ll find your body clock is set and you’ll wake up at seven sharp,” Kefi teased accurately.
“Kefi—! Don’t crush my beautiful fantasy!”
Laughing and joking, the dormitory building came into view.
Back in their familiar room, Mia let out a cheer.
She dropped her things on the table, took a light running start, and flung herself face-first onto her soft bedding, spreading her limbs like a starfish and snuggling in contentedly as if being “eaten” by the bed.
“I’m alive—!”
Kefi watched her childish antics and shook her head with a smile.
She put down her own things, but instead of resting like Mia, she turned to the wardrobe and pulled out a large suitcase that was half her height. She laid it flat on the floor and opened it.
Then she began methodically taking folded clothes, some books, and small items from the wardrobe and drawers, carefully packing them into the suitcase.
Mia rolled half a turn on the bed, propping her head up to watch the busy Kefi with curiosity.
“Kefi, what are you packing so much? It’s still two days until official break, right?”
Without looking up, Kefi arranged a scarf, her voice carrying obvious anticipation and cheer.
“Packing my stuff to go home! The results come out the day after tomorrow anyway. Once I pack early, I can buy my train ticket right after the announcement and head home!”
As she spoke, a warm smile lit up her face.
“I really miss my mom and little sister.”
She hummed a light tune unconsciously, clearly in high spirits.
Home… mom… little sister…
The easy smile on Mia’s face froze for a brief moment, and a flicker of loneliness passed through her eyes. But she quickly lifted the corners of her mouth again and replied in the same cheerful tone.
“Wow, that’s great! Say hi to your aunt for me!”
She lay back down, staring at the ceiling.
As an orphan and a member of the blood clan, holidays at the academy for her usually meant finding a temporary job and staying in the bare staff dormitory provided. It let her earn some living expenses and gave her a place to stay.
Even though after her novel started serializing and she had some income from writing, her finances were no longer so tight. Still, the empty dorm during breaks, or the unfamiliar part-time work environment, always made her feel a bit lonely.
But it’s okay!
Mia encouraged herself internally.
She could also… well, for instance, find an excuse to “crash” at Teacher Sefina’s place?
If she shamelessly insisted, the teacher would probably… maybe… possibly take her in?
Then again…
Thinking back to that earth-shatteringly awkward incident in the office, Mia’s cheeks started to heat up again.
Cough. She’d see how things went when the time came!
Just as Mia was lost in her thoughts, daydreaming about holiday plans while folding a sweater, Kefi suddenly stopped and turned to look at Mia on the bed. She asked casually:
“By the way, Mia, do you have any plans for winter break? If you don’t have anything special… why not come to my place for a few days? My mom’s cooking is amazing, especially desserts. The scenery near our home is nice in winter too—we can go to the market.”
Mia blinked, then abruptly sat up on the bed, her blue eyes wide with surprise and hesitation.
“Really? I… I can come? I won’t be a bother?”
“Of course not.” Kefi smiled with crinkling eyes.
“Yeah—!”
Mia cheered, jumping straight off the bed and spinning around happily on the spot.
“Visiting Kefi’s house! I’ll get to eat your aunt’s desserts! Go to the market!”
She could already picture a wonderful holiday.
But after the excitement faded, Mia blinked and suddenly thought of something.
She scooted over to crouch beside Kefi, who was still packing. With a playful and slightly sly tone, she suggested quietly:
“Hey… Kefi, since you invited me, why don’t we… invite Princess Ellaria too? And… Teacher Sefina?”
Mia’s voice grew softer as she spoke, but her eyes sparkled.
“The more people, the merrier! And Teacher Sefina might not have anything to do during break…”
“Se… Teacher Sefina?!”
At the name, Kefi nearly dropped the socks she was holding into the suitcase.
Her cheeks flushed crimson in an instant, even the tips of her ears turning pink.
She quickly shook her head and waved her hands, her voice stammering.
“No no no! No way! Inviting a teacher to my house… how… how could I possibly do that?! That’s too embarrassing! And… and she must have her own plans!”
Seeing Kefi flustered and embarrassed, Mia couldn’t help bursting into laughter. A mischievous grin curled her lips as she deliberately dragged out her words.
“Oh—? Is Kefi blushing? Are you nervous just thinking about Teacher Sefina coming to your house?”
“Mia! You… don’t talk nonsense!”
Kefi’s face grew even redder. She reached out in mock anger to tickle Mia.
“Ah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Mercy!”
Mia laughed and dodged, begging for forgiveness, and soon the two were tumbling around the dorm in a play fight.