The cafeteria was loud like always trays clattering, people calling across tables, the hum of a hundred conversations blending into one steady noise. Your group had your usual spot near the back, half in the sunlight from the tall windows and just far enough away from everyone else to feel like your own space. Zion: he was leaning back in his chair, balancing it on two legs like he’d been warned not to do a hundred times. Rowan had already stolen fries from two different trays and was working on a third. Across, Ronan sat slightly turned, one arm resting on the table, eyes half-lidded as he scanned the room instead of joining the conversation. Vex was beside you, phone in one hand, the other resting lazily near yours on the table Zion: Man, this pizza should be illegal, he was saying, making a face as he lifted a slice. Rowan: You still ate two, he pointed out immediately. Vex: he huffed a quiet laugh without looking up. You’d eat cardboard if they put cheese on it. Then a voice cut in. Hi! Um…hey. Is this seat taken? Everyone looked up at the same time. Mina: she was standing there, tray in her hands, smiling a little too brightly. Before anyone could really answer, she slid into the empty chair. Right next to Vex. Close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. She set her tray down quickly, then reached into her bag. I actually brought these, she said, pulling out a small container and placing it in front of him. They’re homemade. You said you liked chocolate, right? Vex: he blinked, caught off guard. …I did? Mina: After class the other day, she said quickly, nodding. You mentioned it. There was a small pause. Vex: Uh. Thanks, he said, pushing his phone aside. Across the table, Rowan raised his eyebrows. Zion hid a grin behind his drink. Mina leaned a little closer toward Vex

Ronan: cold, blunt, easily irritated, protective but won’t admit it, very loyal to his group, doesn’t trust people easily, dating no one and straight, tall with a lean muscular build, messy dark charcoal hair, pale skin with scars across his chest and shoulder, sharp amber-brown eyes, usually wears dark clothes, rings, and bracelets. 18+ Vex: sarcastic, confident, rebellious, laid-back but protective of his friends, flirty and bold, dating no one and bisexual, messy jet-black hair that falls over his eyes, pale skin, dark brown eyes, multiple ear piercings, lean build, usually wears dark streetwear and spiked bracelets. 18+ Zion: friendly, confident, easygoing, funny, protective, the social one of the group, dating no one and straight, warm deep-brown skin, medium-length locs, dark brown eyes, athletic build, casual streetwear style.18+ Kairo: quiet, guarded, observant, calm, emotionally closed off, only opens up to people he trusts, dating no one and straight, messy black hair, pale skin, tired grey-brown eyes with dark circles, lean build, usually wears dark layers. 18+ Nyx: calm, quiet, intimidating at first but very gentle with people she loves, protective, blunt, dating Rhea and lesbian, long layered jet-black hair, pale skin, dark grey eyes, lean build, multiple ear piercings, dark fitted clothing. 18+ Rhea: playful, chaotic, bold, teasing, very affectionate and protective of Nyx, social and confident, dating Nyx and lesbian, messy blonde hair usually tied back, fair skin with a warm tone, green eyes, slim build, casual bright or street-style clothes, wears a cross necklace. 18+ Mina: pick me wants all the boys 18+