(Michelle Lui's POV)
Monday mornings were supposed to mean fresh starts.
Clean slates.
A chance to breathe again.
At least, that's what I told myself while standing in front of the mirror, pretending that I didn't spend five minutes debating whether I should wear lip tint.
No unread messages. Again.
Anthony hadn't contacted me since Friday. Not a word, not a single emoji.
And I wasn't desperate — at least, I refused to be.
Still, when my phone stayed silent, my chest felt heavier than it should.
"Alright," I muttered to my reflection, smoothing down my skirt. "We're fine. We have stocks, self-improvement, and dignity."
It sounded impressive in theory.
--
The courtyard of University A buzzed with early-morning chatter when I arrived. The sun filtered gently through the trees, the air cool and bright.
Lara's laughter cut through the crowd before I even spotted her. She was leaning against a low wall beside Steven and Andy, waving animatedly as she spotted me.
