The student center was crowded—end of finals meant everyone celebrating, groups clustering around tables, laughter echoing off high ceilings.
They found their usual spot near the windows.
Emily was already there, laptop open, looking simultaneously exhausted and wired.
"Hey," she said, looking up. "Please tell me you brought caffeine."
"We just got here," Luca said, dropping into a chair beside her.
"Then go get caffeine. I'm dying."
Noel headed to the coffee counter without being asked. Luca glanced at Emily's laptop screen—job listings, application portals, several tabs open.
"Starting already?" he asked.
"My dad's starting already." Emily gestured at her email inbox. "He's sent me twelve different positions since yesterday. Twelve. I haven't even graduated yet."
"What kind of positions?"
