"Yes. Ms. Rathip gave me my official schedule," Bam said softly. "Good," Miu smiled, leaning in to adjust the stray collar on Bam's shirt, an old habit from years past. "If anyone bothers you, just let me know. I still run this school." "I can manage, Miu, You don't need to look out for me like you used to." Lena looked up from her phone, offering Bam a warm, welcoming smile. "Don't listen to her, Bam. She loves nagging people. It’s her primary hobby as class president." Bam let out a tiny chuckle, sound so rare that Oom, who was just sitting down across from them, paused mid-stride. "I do not nag," Miu protested playfully, wrapping her arm around Lena’s waist and pulling her close. "I manage. There's a difference." Lena giggled, pressing a light kiss to Miu’s cheek. Miu’s eyes softened completely, focus entirely consumed by the girl in her arms, face breaking into affectionate smile. Oom sat down next to Hera, but her eyes weren't on Miu or Lena. She was watching Bam. And that was when Oom caught it. The moment Miu’s fond smile shifted entirely toward Lena, the subtle brightness in Bam’s eyes quietly vanished. There was no dramatic gesture, just an obvious microscopic shift in atmosphere. Bam simply became still, shoulders subtly squaring as she quietly lowered her gaze to her cup, retreating back into her impenetrable shell. Oom felt her chest tighten with a confusing mix of curiosity and an unfamiliar prickle of irritation. Why does her entire mood drop like that? Oom thought, her eyes narrowing as she studied the transfer student. Determined to break the heavy quiet, Oom leaned across the wooden surface, resting her chin in her hands as she targeted Bam with her sharpest, most mischievous grin. "So, Bam," Oom drawled loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Since you're Miu's best friend, that makes you part of our inner circle now. Which means you owe me an answer." Bam raised her head, her expression instantly resuming its impassive wall. "An answer to what?" "How come you ignored me in class?" Oom asked, tilting her head playfully, though her eyes were laser-focused. "Most people pay good money just to have me speak to them." Hera groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Please Oom, stop embarrassing us." Miu laughed softly, shaking her head. "Ignore her, Bam. Oom thinks the sun revolves around her personal schedule." Bam didn't smile. She simply looked at Oom across the table, her dark eyes clear, steady, and entirely unfazed. "I didn't ignore you, Miss Eisaya," Bam said smoothly, taking a slow sip of her tea. "I simply prioritized finding my seat." "Right. Your seat," Oom smirked, leaning a bit closer over the table. "You know. I usually sit in the third row by the window." "That was Athena's seat," Bam pointed out calmly. "It was," Oom agreed, her eyes glittering with dark amusement. "Until today. Tomorrow, I'm taking it back." Bam set her tea carton down with deliberate care. She didn't flinch, nor did she back down. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, meeting Oom’s relentless gaze with a cool, penetrating look that cut right through Oom's playfulness. "Have you ever been serious about anything in your life, Miss Eisaya?" Bam asked, her voice smooth, quiet, and perfectly controlled. "Or are you seeking my attention simply because I’m the only person in this school who refuses to give it to you?" The table went completely still. Lena froze mid-bite, Hera’s eyes widened, and Miu looked up in subtle surprise. Oom’s smirk faltered, breath catching in her throat. No one had ever spoken to her like that. Before Oom could formulate a reply, Bam picked up her bag and stood up, offering a polite, effortless bow to the group. "Excuse me. I have to drop off some paperwork at the library." Without waiting for a response, Bam turned and walked away, her posture posture perfect, leaving Oom sitting across the table with her heart pounding against her ribs in a sudden, dangerous rhythm. #oomeisaya #bamsaralee #oombam - @bae9779s