CHAPTER 87: PLANS FOR SUNDAY

{Elira}

~**^**~

Tamryn frowned. "Sounds like they’ve got nothing better to do."

"Power-drunk, the lot of them," Nari said, rolling her eyes. "Jobless tyrants with too much free time and zero soul."

Juniper gave a dry laugh. "Sounds to me like they’re looking for their next plaything."

Cambria stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Well, then they’re looking in the wrong direction."

I looked at her—at all of them.

These girls — who weren’t even my friends when I first arrived — now stood like a wall around me. And something about that made my throat tighten in the best, most fragile way.

"Thanks," I said softly. "Really."

Juniper shrugged. "Just don’t let them rattle you."

"Easier said than done," I muttered.

"But doable," Cambria replied, her eyes warm. "Especially for you."

I gave her a small, genuine smile.

Their support made my chest feel warm and full. I blinked back a sudden rush of gratitude.

Nari, never one to stay quiet too long, narrowed her eyes at me with a teasing grin. "Okay, fine. But let’s get to the real question. What did you bring back for us?"

I raised the two pastel-toned gift bags in my hands and gave her a sly look. "We will see."

I walked over to my bed, set the bags down, and then dropped my backpack on my study chair. The girls gathered around as I opened the gift bags one by one.

Gasps filled the room.

There were nuts, chocolate bars, milk candies, rainbow macarons, soft cookies, fruit tarts, and doughnuts glazed in milk chocolate and white frosting.

"Whoa," Juniper muttered. "That’s a lot. Someone’s clearly loved by her family."

My hands paused on the edge of one of the bags. I looked at the treats again, blinking slowly.

I hadn’t expected this much either. Lennon and Rennon had really gone out of their way.

A small smile tugged at my lips, but I didn’t correct Juniper’s comment. It was better, they thought it was my family. That version of the story was easier to carry.

"I will share everything," I said, and I did exactly that.

I divided the treats evenly into five small portions. Each girl got a mix of everything, and I handed them out one by one.

"Aww, thanks!" Cambria said and hugged me again, this time practically bouncing.

Even Nari hugged me. That was highly unexpected.

I stood there, stiff as a board, not knowing what to do. By the time I made up my mind to return the hug, she had already pulled away and walked off to her own bed with a wild grin.

I shook my head in disbelief and plopped down on my bed. Then I picked up my phone and took a quick snap of my own portion of the snacks.

I sent the photo into the group chat with the brothers, along with a short message:

[Thanks, guys. I shared everything with my roommates and they are all super happy.]

Lennon was the first to reply.

[Just tell us whenever you run out of snacks. We will restock you anytime.]

I grinned. [Thank you, Lennon.]

Then Rennon replied.

[Good that you shared. Kindness shown to the right people always wins you allies.]

Rennon made great sense. My smile softened as I quickly typed back.

[I will remember that. Thank you, Rennon.]

Then I remembered something and quickly texted again.

[Can I stop by the Archive Room after my classes tomorrow?]

He replied a moment later.

[Yes, I will be there. You’re always welcome.]

I set my phone down, the warmth in my chest spreading deeper. Then I reached for a change of clothes from my wardrobe and went to freshen up.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, still towel-drying my hair, the room was quiet.

I munched on a chocolate bar while unpacking my backpack, sorting my books, and organizing the rest of the treats.

The day had been too much, and I needed to rest, so I set an alarm on my phone for 5 PM and slipped under my duvet.

Sleep took me quickly.

---

By the time dinner ended and we returned to the dorm room, Tamryn stood in front of the wall with a sheet of paper in her hand.

"Alright, everyone. Here’s the updated cleaning roster," she announced as she taped the sheet beside the door.

I stepped closer to read it. My name was listed for next Saturday evening, along with Cambria’s.

"Cleaning used to be on Sundays," Tamryn explained. "But we changed it. Everyone agreed Saturdays were better, so Sundays are completely free."

She looked at me directly. "But if you don’t like it, speak up. You weren’t here when we decided."

I shook my head. "It’s fine. I actually prefer it this way. Sundays should be enjoyed in full."

She nodded in approval and returned to her desk.

One by one, we all began to prepare for the evening study session.

I pulled out my notes and textbooks, deciding to write up a summary for Power Channelling and finish some leftover assignments for today.

Together, my roommates and I left for the Study Hall and immediately got settled on the same study desk row.

And soon, the gentle rustle of pages and soft taps of pens filled the room.

---

After the study session ended, we all walked back to our dorm room in comfortable silence.

The moment we stepped inside, Nari kicked off her shoes with a flourish and spun around to face us.

"Alright," she said dramatically, arms raised like she was announcing something monumental. "We need to start planning our Sunday. No excuses. No changing minds last-minute. We’re going somewhere."

I blinked at her, amused.

"We just got through Monday," I said softly, setting my notebook down on my desk.

"Exactly," Nari replied. "Which is why I need something fun to look forward to."

Tamryn, already halfway into folding her blazer, spoke next. "The museum would be a solid idea. The East Wing one — they just added a supernatural artefacts exhibit."

Nari looked intrigued, but she tilted her head. "Okay, not bad..."

Juniper, from her usual spot on the bed with her knees drawn up, added, "We could follow that up with dinner. I heard the rooftop restaurant at Silverlight Square just reopened after renovations. They have live music and actual food, not just snack portions."

"Ooh, that sounds nice," Cambria chimed in, leaning forward on her bed, her eyes sparkling. "Museum first, then dinner? That’s a whole vibe."

"I like it," I said quietly, genuinely surprised by how nice the idea sounded. I hadn’t gone out like that since... since everything changed.

Cambria tapped her chin. "But let’s do this: everyone think about it, maybe look up a few other places if you want. Then on Saturday after lunch, we will finalize the plan. Sound good?"

We all nodded in agreement.

"Cool," Nari said, flopping onto her bed like she’d just accomplished something noble.

"I want to wear something cute. We’d better decide early so I can plan my outfit."

Cambria giggled. Tamryn rolled her eyes, though she was clearly hiding a smile.