(Michelle Lui's POV)
After the café gathering dispersed, our group naturally split into smaller pieces.
Kate, Jeff, and Vince headed toward the parking lot — they were students of University D and didn't need to enroll here.
Meanwhile, Lara, Steven, and I turned toward the registrar building, weaving through campus pathways lined with amber leaves and chatter.
Sem-break air felt different. Lighter. But not entirely free.
Not for me.
We walked in silence for a while until Lara suddenly huffed. "I hate enrollment lines. And group projects. And finals. And boys who don't text back."
I nearly choked.
Steven blinked at her slowly. "That escalated."
Lara shrugged and looped her arm through his. "Just saying."
I smiled faintly. It was nice — almost comforting — watching them bicker in their own rhythm. Familiar, natural.
But behind that, I felt a tightness I didn't want to examine.
We approached the registrar building, where multiple lines snaked around the hallway.
