I was literally building an extraction network. Prioritizing targets by tier and ability value. Running calculations on who to approach next based on optimal point returns.
Belle was Bronze. Naomi was Silver. Aurora was Silver. Hikaru was Gold.
The math was simple. Higher tiers meant more days. More points. Better abilities. Basic resource management.
But Naomi wasn't wrong about Wednesday night mattering either.
"You were the first person at this school who gave a shit about me," I said. "Remember Theory? When I looked like I was dying during that diagnostic? You checked on me. Asked if I was okay. Offered to study together."
Naomi's eyes widened slightly. Like she hadn't expected me to remember that.
"I hadn't done anything for you yet. Hadn't proven I was worth knowing. You just. Decided I was worth your time."
"That's because you seemed lost."
"Everyone was lost. You picked me."
I reached over. Took her hand. Her fingers were cold. Slightly damp from wiping her eyes.
