They made it to First Bell on time, which felt like a small miracle and a large lie. The Lotus banners were still half asleep, lifting and settling in that almost-breeze the courtyard always had, and the mosaics on the Hall of Petals floor had decided to be kind and not trip anyone. Uniformed students streamed by in tidy slate lines. The eight of them cut across like a rumor: no uniforms, badges glinting, expression ranges from we've slept to we've made peace with staying up all night.
Hikari reached without thinking and straightened the edge of Raizen's collar. He didn't notice until her knuckles brushed his jaw. They both decided the sun was interesting.
"Schedule," Lynea said, like a prayer and a threat. "Advanced Luminite Theory, Combat Kinematics, History of Vanguard & Symbols. Do not get distracted."
