"How come we're this small?" Phoebe asked, eyes scanning the mostly empty lounge.
"Other people are probably coming tomorrow," Brien shrugged.
Theo smirked, leaning back casually. "Why the question? Expecting someone special?"
Phoebe shot him a glare, cheeks already heating.
Blaise leaned forward, hands crossed. "What he's trying to ask… do you have a boyfriend?"
"No… I… ew!!" Phoebe stammered, crimson spreading across her cheeks.
Blaise tilted his head, smirking. "Or… maybe you like girls instead?"
"No! I don't!!" Phoebe squeaked, flustered beyond reason.
Theo grinned, inching closer. "Well, if you do… that'd be a tragedy for us guys. A beautiful girl like you liking girls? Unthinkable."
"What!" Phoebe squealed, nearly falling off the couch.
Amia leaned back, smirking slyly. "All right, perverts, break it up before she combusts… see? She's already tomato-red."
Blaise chuckled, leaning back. "Okay, if you say so."
Phoebe whispered, gaze glued to the floor. "Thank you…"
Erika slammed her hands on her hips. "I'm tired of this shit! I'm starving—can you perverts quit your flirting already?"
Amia smirked. "Says Miss Flat Ass."
"Excuse me, queen of the flat-chested?" Erika snapped.
Blaise muttered under his breath, "But she actually ain't flat…"
"Nobody asked you, mister," Amia and Erika snapped together.
Brien rubbed her stomach, sighing.
"Honestly, I agree with Miss Control Freak here—my stomach's literally crying. So… how do we eat?"
"Who are you calling a control fre—" Erika started, teeth gritted.
Marvin cut in, harsh and blunt: "Could you keep your trap shut for once? Nobody will think you're mute if you just stay quiet."
Theo laughed. "Savage. Absolute savage."
Erika's cheeks flamed red.
Amia rolled her eyes, raising her brows. "Anyway, as I was saying… how are we actually getting food?"
Lea straightened, voice calm but firm. "We're all gonna cook."
Theo frowned. "Excuse me?"
Lea's eyes scanned the room, confident. "Since we're mostly here, we'll make a cooking timetable."
Jessica's voice dripped with disdain. "And who made you the boss for us?"
"The school did. I was first to arrive, so I'm the temporary captain. That's enough," Lea said, cool and unbothered.
Brien smirked. "Fine, as long as I get to eat."
Lea tapped her fingers together. "Here's the deal: until everyone arrives, no timetable. Anyone can volunteer to cook, but it has to be a girl and a boy."
Amia groaned. "Why can't girls work together?"
Lea's smirk turned wicked. "Because we don't want any homo around, duh. And if nobody volunteers, I'll pick someone myself."
Marvin rolled his eyes, voice dripping sarcasm. "Okay, since Captain Lea said someone should volunteer… anyone brave enough?"
The room went silent for a heartbeat—then chaos was about to erupt.