---
Sera's gaze flicked toward the academy gates. Her tone was casual, but her words were not. "I want to come too."
John blinked. It was such a simple statement, and it hit him like a push to the chest.
"You cannot just—" he began, then stopped, because he realized he did not know the rule. He only knew the feeling. "Sera, you are a senior. People will see."
She lifted one shoulder in a small shrug. "People already see. They always see. That does not change if I walk in a different direction. I want to support you. I want to see your shop."
Fizz leaned closer and whispered loudly, "Support means buying things. Buying things means snacks. I approve of this plan."
John cleared his throat. "Sera, you do not need to spend your money."
