The student cafeteria wasn't as crowded as I'd expected.
Maybe it was the high prices, or maybe the staggered class schedules kept the lunch rush from hitting all at once. Either way, I was thankful—fewer people meant fewer eyes on this awkwardly mismatched group.
"You two are roommates? That's kind of rare, isn't it? I heard most early arrivals get scattered across different buildings."
Ryen's voice carried a light, friendly curiosity as he looked between me and Leona.
"Right?" Leona chimed in cheerfully, already halfway through her tray. "We didn't plan it or anything, but it just worked out that way."
As expected, Ryen was easygoing, the type who could spark a conversation with a rock if left alone long enough. He kept the conversation flowing, bouncing between questions about classes, dorm life, and what food was worth trying.
