The tea's effect dulled when I reached my dorm, and my exhaustion kicked back in. The inside had a similar layout to Maddy’s room but far less furnished and customized besides the kitchenette, sofa, and island table. Paige slept on the couch, while Tiger, Chase, and Kimberly slept on the floor.

I took off my shoes and noticed luggage and several bags scattered around the room. Guess they had their things sent here ahead of time. A middle sliding barn door on the back wall had my name on it. I reached for the handle but heard shuffling behind me.

“Oh, you’re here,” Kimberly said, standing from the table, yawning and rubbing her eyes. “I didn’t hear you come in. We all got worried and waited for you.”

I continued opening the door and walked inside my room.

“Hold on a second. Is everything alright? How are you feeling?” Kimberly asked.

“I’m fine. Just tired. You can wake everyone and tell them I’m here or do whatever. I don’t care.”

“Paige was the most worried, you know. It would be nice if you thanked her in the morning. She’s the one who organized this little campout.”

“Didn’t ask her too. But if it means that much to you, then I will.” I said.

“I thought you were in character when we first in Callixtus, but you seriously are just snobbish, aren’t you?”

“I don’t have the energy to talk to you,” I said, then walked into the room and closed the door.

Unlike my last room, this was about half the size, with a walk-in bathroom, modular desk, bookshelf, and platformed twin-sized bed. A comforter and sheets were folded atop the bed, and a basket of towels, soaps, and other assortments wrapped with pink frills.

I stripped out of my clothes until I was in nothing but undergarments and fell face-first into my bed.

. . .

A disfigured apparition of my mother hovered over me. Her words stung. Her long fingernails scraped at my cheeks. My chest felt heavy. I ran away. In another room, a little boy was hung by his feet upside down in a stone chamber. He called out for me, but blood gushed from his swollen-red mouth.

A fat butcher approached the doorway, looming over me with a cleaver. He wore a necklace of amputated swollen feet and hands. Piss-yellow puss and blackened blood oozed down his lacerated face as he held his hand up. The blood from his cleaver made an arc as it made contact with my head. Pink jelly splattered everywhere.

I woke up in a pool of sweat. My eyes stung and were damp with crusted tears. I went to the bathroom, turned on the light, and glanced in the mirror at my puffy cheeks and messy bed hair.

What was that dream about? I haven’t had nightmares since I was a child. Speaking of children… that one boy…

I gagged and turned on the water to drown out my thoughts. Several cosmetics were laid out on the black granite countertop — dental nano-bots, smart makeup containers, iridescent nail polish, and face masks. I’ve never used any of the techy maquillage they had here. Usually, I just shipped normal toothbrushes and face wash from home. Though I guess I can’t do that anymore. I’ll have to make do with this.

The micro-drones were like slender blue tape that buzzed, foamed paste, cleaned between my teeth, and even got into hard-to-reach places. But once they were done, they got hot, and I spit them out. I didn’t like that.

I took a shower and didn’t know how to work the knob. It was composed of a bunch of lights and panels, and like before, I just got a regular system installed at my old place. I took a cold shower. It woke me up, that’s for sure.

The makeup and skincare products were probably the easiest to apply. I saw some girls wear the Iridescent or holographic nail polish, so I guess it’s popular amongst girls and women here. I think I even saw Maddy with some on.

After applying some clear balm, I looked in the mirror. My face looked much better, but I felt I was extruding a gloomy atmosphere. I tried to smile, but my face wouldn’t budge. Not that I smiled much anyway.

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Clothing wasn't an issue as they provided two extra pairs of uniforms in my closet, equipped with an instant steam deck and folder mechanic. Even though all of this was nice, it felt like someone had something to do with this extravagant “housewarming” gift.

After I fitted on my uniform, I attached a new aiguillette. Unlike my last one, doused in silver, this one had a simple red and white striped design that showed that I was a classroom representative. If I remember correctly, I had a seat at council meetings, but I’d be sitting on the side rows with other reps, advisers, and club presidents. But I’d rather not go there ever again.

I sniffed the air, and a burning smell irritated my nose. I lunged out the door, ready to find a fire, but only saw Paige and Kimberly in the kitchen, frantically dousing a smoldering pan.

“Why did we add so much butter and oil? The food is super burnt now!” Kimberly said while throwing the pan in the sink.

She reached for the nozzle and I ran over and grabbed her hand. “No. Don’t do that. It’ll just flare up.”

I covered the pan with a metal lid on the countertop and walked over to Paige, frantically stirring eggs in a saucer.

“Unless you want to make a half-cooked omelet, that isn’t how to cook scrambled eggs.”

I took the spatula from her and drained the goopy eggs from the pan. Fresh produce filled the pantry doors and fridge. Guess they weren’t kidding when they said we’d be given a week’s provisions’s provisions.

“Uh, good morning… do you need any help?” Paige asked while slowly moving to the side.

“No, thank you. I think I see where everything else is. Do you know if there’s a rice cooker here?”

“I think I saw one that folded outward in that second cabinet there,” Paige said while pointing.

“Okay. Thank you. I got it from here.”

Even though I hadn’t received cooking lessons from him in years, it all came back to me as soon as I touched the pan. They continued to ask if I needed help, but eventually made their way to the table and sat down. After a few minutes, I wiped my cheek and looked at the spread.

Shiny scrambled eggs in a pan sprinkled with salt; Whole-grain bread smeared with peanut butter and bananas; Smoked bacon and bowled fruit. The rice cooker beeped, and I prepared two plates of food and walked over the table.

Tiger and Chase were now there, all gawking as I sat the plates down.

“Wow, that looks great. I didn’t take you for a cook.” Chase said.

“When did you two even get here? I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Oh, Kimberly said she and Paige were making breakfast so we could talk about some club stuff, but you came to save the day,” Tiger said.

“My mom didn’t teach me how to cook… probably because I always burned things, hence the small fire,” Kimberly sighed.

I made two more plates and set the last down in front of Paige. She looked up nervously between the food and me. I looked over at Kimberly, and she nudged her head.

“Right, Paige. Thank you for concerning yourself with my well-being last night. I just got preoccupied at school and lost track of time. Actually, thank all of you for staying here.”

“N-no need to thank me… I was just worried.” Paige said in an indistinct murmur.

“Yeah, no problem. Why didn’t you message one of us and tell us you were running late? We would’ve waited up for you.” Tiger said.

“No need. You all have social lives to attend to now, anyway. It’s good you all made friends or groups on the first day.” I said and sat at the head of the table.

Tiger wanted to say something but scratched his head and nodded. He then ate his eggs and scrambled to deplete his plate.

“This is great! Who knew we had a Michelin-star chef in our midst?” Tiger said.

He and Chase then threw up their plates with low burps. “More!” They said in unison.

I walked over and made them another plate, and sat back down.

“Boys,” Kimberly said while rolling her eyes. “But this is great, Reina. I’m glad to have talked to Maddy about rooming together. It was interesting, though. That trio of girls wanted to know if you had a designated room after I left.”

“Who now?”

Kimberly put a finger on her chin. “Uh, it’s the girl who sat by you in class. I think her name was Isabella.”

The girl who called me a bitch after class wanted me as her roommate? That seemed somewhat troublesome.

“Well, I’m glad you vouched for me. I’ll teach you to cook whenever I can as thanks. Though I’m not sure how much time I’ll have now that I’m a class rep.” I said.

“Speaking of, if you’re a class rep, doesn’t that mean you can remain as our adviser? You’re still associated with the council, as nuanced a situation as it may be,” Chase said.

“Yes, but I won’t be the Vice President anymore.”

Chase raised an eyebrow. “So?”

“So, I won’t be in the same reputable position to help you all. That’s why I prescribed asking someone else that’s higher in the council.”

Tiger set down his fork with a subtle clank and crossed his arms.

“Reina.” He said, his tone lowered and became somewhat startling. “Is that why you tried to brush me off as ‘friends’ the other day? Because you think our relationship has ended just because you relinquished your position?”

“I… guess…” I said while searching the ground.

“I don’t care about what position you hold. I want you a part of our club because you’re genuine, resourceful, and have decent character when you open up.” Tiger said.

My eyes widened, and suddenly, it felt like the gloomy atmosphere dissipated around me.

“Yeah! We’re club mates, even though we just met. And if you prepare food like this every day, then I have no reason to dislike you.” Kimberly said with a smile.

Chase shot a thumbs up, and Paige glanced with a subtle nod.

“If that’s the case… then I’ll continue to work as your adviser for the club. Thank you for having me.” I said.

“Now that that’s cleared up, I also want seconds!” Kimberly said while raising her plate.

“Thirds for us, please!” Chase and Tiger howled.

Even Paige raised her plate slightly. I took them all one by one and turned around.

Despite my earlier struggle, my lips curved upwards into a reluctant smile.