Meanwhile, Raul and Talon had already hit it off, their conversation flowing effortlessly, as if they had been best friends for years rather than strangers just moments ago. Their laughter blended into the cafeteria's noisy background, making it clear that they had found a kindred spirit in each other.
Sumaya, however, remained quiet, her focus seemingly on her food—though she barely tasted anything.
Then, the same boy who had questioned Talon earlier shifted his attention to the newest arrivals, his curiosity unyielding.
"So, Marrok, Ulva… are you two dating?"
Sumaya's fingers froze around her fork, her grip tightening instinctively.
Across the table, Marrok didn't respond immediately. Instead, he just stared at the boy who asked, his expression blank, unreadable, his jaw tight.
The silence stretched longer than it should have, teetering on the edge of awkward. Just when it felt unbearable, Ulva, still wearing that polished, unshaken smile, took it upon herself to answer.
