The smartphone vibrated in Nero's hand as he settled into his dorm room. The familiar weight of it, the soft glow of the screen, the simple act of texting—it was normal. Comfortable. A small piece of ordinary life after days of chaos and blood and revelation.
He typed quickly, fingers moving without thought.
What are you doing, babe.
He stared at the screen, waiting. The room was quiet around him, his few belongings neatly stored, the bed waiting. Outside his window, the academy grounds stretched in peaceful darkness.
The phone buzzed. A shower emoji. Simple, cute, perfectly Khione.
Nero grinned. His thumbs moved again.
Want me to join?
He could almost see her reaction—the slight lift of one elegant eyebrow, the faint twitch at the corner of her lips that was her version of a laugh. The phone buzzed again. Rolling eyes emoji.
Hahaha! Well, what are your plans for tomorrow?
A pause. Then:
Training. And you?
Same as well.
