ECHOBURN

The knock came again.

Ren stood and opened the door.

Veyra stood there with a lazy posture, hoodie half-zipped, holding a steaming mug.

"Didn't think you'd be asleep," she said, eyes flicking past him into the near-empty room. "Looks… cozy."

Ren said nothing. He just stepped aside slightly.

She didn't enter, just leaned a shoulder against the doorframe and held out the mug.

"It's just tea. Don't worry, I didn't make it. Kael did. Somehow didn't poison it."

He took it. "Thanks."

Veyra tilted her head, watching him a second longer than necessary.

"You don't talk much, huh."

He gave a half-shrug. "Not much to say."

She smiled faintly. "That's alright. Not everyone's loud."

A beat passed.

Then she said, more softly:

"You're here now. That counts for something."

Ren looked down at the mug, then back at her.

"…Thanks."

Veyra stepped back, turned, and walked off.

"Night, Ren," she called over her shoulder.

He stood there for a long moment before quietly closing the door.

The tea was still hot. He sat on the edge of the bed, mug in both hands, letting the warmth settle into his fingers.

The silence didn't feel as heavy now. It was still there—but it wasn't hollow.

Outside the window, the trees stirred in the breeze. In the distance, the faint sound of laughter carried over from one of the other dorms.

Ren took a sip.

He didn't smile—but something in his chest loosened.

For the first time since waking up in this strange place, he didn't feel completely alone.

He finished the tea, placed the mug on the desk, and lay back on the bed. He didn't expect sleep.

But when it came, it came gently.