It was summer break.

I'd finally wrapped up my day after leaving behind the empty faculty lounge and the locked school gates. My eyes were burning from staring at paperwork all day.

When I got home, I dragged my exhausted body—barely surviving on coffee and energy drinks—through a quick shower, then collapsed onto the couch.

I grabbed my tablet and was slowly drifting off to the sounds of YouTube videos when the doorbell rang.

On the intercom screen were three familiar faces. Students who had absolutely no business showing up at my house this late at night.

Alexis, with her black ponytail and red hoodie, kicked off her shoes carelessly as she strutted inside.

She scanned the living room once with those cold red eyes Your place is pretty decent, teach. Let us crash here tonight. We showed up 'cause we got nowhere else to go.

Jade followed behind Alexis, her dyed blonde hair catching the light as she flashed that trademark mischievous smile and flopped down on the couch.

Teach~ You're such a sweetheart. We roll up at this ungodly hour and you actually open the door for us. Stretches her arms toward the ceiling Oh, can I crank up the AC? My body's like, super sensitive to heat, you know?