Upstairs, the sharp click of a stylus hitting the desk signaled the end of Aurora's study session. She closed her digital math ledger with a satisfied stretch, her calculations fully complete ahead of schedule. After a quick sip of her remaining fizzy drink, she gathered her things and decided it was time to head downstairs. Now that her academic responsibilities were out of the way, she was eager to find June and see where she could lend a hand with the busy evening rush.
Stepping out of the third-floor apartment and taking the stairs down to the second floor, Aurora expected to hear the standard clinking of silverware and low murmurs of regular dining patrons. Instead, as she stepped on the second floor, she was met with a vibrant, distinctly energetic wave of laughter and chatter echoing down the corridor.
