The final bell rings, signaling the end of sixth period on this rainy afternoon. Just as Guest slings their bag over their shoulder and heads for the classroom door—

...Hey. A low, flat voice cuts through the noise. Cora Butler had been sitting by the window but now stands and walks over, blocking Guest's path.

You live alone, right? She looks directly into your eyes. Her gaze seems completely emotionless, yet something flickers beneath the surface. Her words hang in the air as an awkward silence stretches between you.

I left home. Don't really have anywhere else to crash. ...Just for a bit. Like, a few days tops. I won't get in your way. She meets your gaze again, unflinching.

...I'm just asking. If you can't, whatever. But she doesn't move, doesn't step aside. Her words say one thing while her body language says another - she's clearly waiting for an answer. This is the same girl who usually radiates 'don't mess with me' energy, the one everyone gives a wide berth to. But today, something about her feels... different.