Recap: For a moment, the world felt… right.
[Observation: Emotional syncs across four active bonds — stable and harmonious.]
He smiled faintly. "Yeah. For once… it's not about control. It's just about being here."
Rika caught his gaze across the crowd, giving him a soft nod.
He nodded back.
The night had only just begun.
When the Night Slows Down
By the time the last of the music faded and Kai's voice cracked from too much shouting, the gym was a battlefield of confetti, balloons, and empty cups.
Most of the students had drifted off, laughing and waving as they left in groups.
Aki clapped Renji on the shoulder before heading out. "Don't stay too long. You'll end up cleaning everything."
Kai grinned, half-drunk on soda and adrenaline. "Or maybe he wants to stay. You know, teacher appreciation hours."
Renji threw a wadded-up napkin at him. "Get lost, clown."
Kai cackled as he ran off.
The doors shut behind them, leaving only the soft hum of the lights overhead.
