The next day, Giulia arrived at the assembly hall later than usual.
Normally she came too early, pulled out her earbuds, grinned widely and dropped some remark that threw even the teachers off their game.
But today was different.
Her hair was tied in a knot, hands buried deep in her pockets.
She didn't look around, not left, not right.
Only toward Lina.
"We need to talk."
Lina flipped through her notebook, pretending to be surprised.
"About what?"
"Don't act like that." Giulia's voice was quiet but sharp, as if it could cut.
She leaned over Lina's desk, and for a moment, the room fell silent.
"You were with him."
Lina froze.
"You think I wouldn't notice?" Giulia leaned closer, her perfume mixing with cold cigarette smoke.
"You still smell like his world. And believe me, you can smell it."
"I... I just wanted—"
"Wanted what?" Giulia laughed softly, but there was no humor in it. "Just wanted to see? Just wanted to try what it's like hanging out with a broken fighter?"
