Yuhyun and I moved toward the cafeteria in silence.
The usual post-announcement chaos swirled around us—trainees arguing positions, debating strategies, forming alliances that would fracture before dinner.
We grabbed our trays.
Jisoo and Jinwook sat at our usual table, but something felt wrong.
Jinwook methodically cut his chicken, gaze fixed on his plate.
Jisoo slouched with his arms crossed, staring at the wall.
They sat beside each other.
They weren't speaking.
Yuhyun slid into the seat across from them.
I followed.
Jisoo's head snapped up.
"Ah, the vocal kings have arrived."
His voice carried forced enthusiasm.
Yuhyun set down his chopsticks.
"And here sits our resident ace."
Jisoo's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Stupid choice, right?"
"Brave choice."
"Same thing."
Jinwook still hadn't looked up.
His knife scraped against the plate with unnecessary force.
Yuhyun glanced between them.
"You two fighting?"
"No."
They spoke simultaneously.
Then silence.
