The morning sun streamed through the apartment windows, casting warm stripes across the living room floor. Andrey was already awake, sitting at the dining table with a cup of coffee and his tablet, reviewing the Association's latest gate reports.
Sarah shuffled out of the bedroom, her brown hair a tangled mess, still in her pajamas. She yawned widely, not bothering to cover her mouth. "You're up early."
"Always," Andrey replied without looking up.
Lisa emerged from the kitchen, already dressed in a soft lavender sweater and comfortable pants, a tray of tea in her hands. "I made tea. And there's rice and miso soup if anyone's hungry."
Sein appeared from the hallway, her orange hair damp from a shower, wearing a plain black hoodie and sweatpants. She walked past everyone, grabbed a mug, and poured herself coffee without a word.
They gathered around the table, the morning routine falling into place like well-worn grooves.
