** Date: 10.06.1029 PNT // Monday **

** Time: 09:44 // 9:44 AM **

** Location: Ecosystem Mika // Habitat Melissa // District 5 // Sector 5 // Milford Plaza **

** Milford University // Ground Floor // Lecture Hall 2 **

 

 

The hall was crowded with people. Even people who were absent the whole semester were present. Of course, the finals were in another three weeks, and everyone was panicking. In the middle of this chaos was Ellis with his head on the table. Getting the sleep he had missed over the weekend. A sudden thump on the table ripped him out of his deep slumber. It was Joel who had slammed his textbook onto the table.

 

“Wake up, man. How can you be so tired?” Joel smiled. “Are you even remotely ready for anything?”

 

“I have had weird-ass dreams and couldn't sleep properly. Honestly, I don't know.” Ellis let out a big yawn. “I think I'll just gamble, like every semester.” He tilted his head. “Also, what happened to your head?” He pointed at Joel's forehead.

 

“Kinda pisses me off that shit actually works for you.” His face turned a bit serious and skeptical. He sat down and rubbed his bump. “Yeah, I drunkenly walked right into my bedroom doorframe.” He turned towards Ellis again. “Be honest, do you not study at all?”

 

“I do. I just…” The vibration of his phone took his attention away. He saw Joel grinning in the corner of his eye. “I just do panic studying. It just works better for me.”

 

“Well, it might work now, but that will probably end with the state exams.” Joel lightly hit Ellis with his elbow. “And what is this? A text from Rosa?”

 

Ellis could not keep himself from smiling. “Yeah, we have been texting a lot more since Friday.” His smile faded away. “But because of those fucking finals, we won't be able to see each other.”

 

“Yeah, because unlike you, she is hardworking…” Ellis was about to say something, but Joel continued, “...smart, fun, and good-looking.” Joel laughed. “I am kidding, man. Maybe some of that will rub off on you; it might do you some good.”

 

“Ha-ha, very funny.” Ellis sighed. “Hopefully I'll pass. I really don't know what I am doing.”

 

“You never do, but somehow you manage. Don't worry.” Joel's eyes scanned towards the other end of the room. “See that blonde girl? You know, the one with the big butt.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“I am going on a date with her this weekend.” The girl caught his eye. Joel smiled and gave her a nod. She smiled back. “She doesn't know yet, but still.”

 

“Aha…”

 

“You have to manifest your dreams.” Joel was grinning again. “You are going to manifest passing the exams, just like I am going to manifest that big butt.”

 

“Well, I also need to study.”

 

“Yeah, that too.”

 

“Do you not think maybe you should pick a girl,” Ellis continued, “and, you know, keep her? A nice girl.”

 

“Man, I already have a broken head.” His eyes had a sad glimmering in them. “I don't need a broken heart as well.” He forced a smile and laughed. Joel shook Ellis's shoulder. “Oh, before I forget. I thought about something. Maybe after this we should go on a trip. And just for you, I will even accept Vikka's and Imilia's presence.”

 

“What kind of trip, and what do you mean about Vikka and Imilia?”

 

“When you and Rosa were gone, Lua told me she and the girls are planning a trip. I think that's a good idea. We all need some downtime and fun time after this.” He paused and took on a serious face. “And you need to get laid!”

 

“Dude, come on.” Ellis fumbled around with his pen. “I actually really like her.”

 

“Even better, you fuck someone you really like. That's better than just fucking anyone.” Joel sighed. “And honestly, if we don't do this trip, I have the feeling you might fuck it up and there will never be anything between you and Rosa.”

 

“What do you mean? We had a little bit going on-” Ellis was about to say more before he clamped his palms over his mouth.

 

Joel's sad face turned into a cheerful smile. “Was that when you two were gone? What happened? Tell me every little detail, you nasty little slut.”

 

“Look, I…” He blushed. “I don't want to talk about this stuff. But...to put it this way…” Ellis hesitated. “Imilia was a fucking cock-block that night.”

 

“I hate those two so much.”

 

 

** Date: 10.06.1029 PNT // Monday **

** Time: 14:33 // 2:33 PM **

** Location: Ecosystem Mika // Habitat Melissa // District 5 // Sector 5 // Milford Plaza **

** Milford University // Second Floor // Cafeteria **

 

 

The cafeteria, just like the lecture halls, was full of people. But unlike the lecture halls, it was normal for the cafeteria. The food was cheap and edible. Lua, Imilia, and Rosa sat on one of the smaller tables close to the windows. Today's menu was macaroni cheese, a salad, and some fries for just 15 bits.

 

“Are you two ready for the exams?” Lua asked.

 

Imilia was trembling. “READY? I am panicking.” She chugged her energy drink. She did not look up while answering. Her eyes were still glued on her book. Advanced Pharmacology by Dr. Philips Wen Xi. “I really need to fucking ace this.”

 

“Chill, you usually do.” Lua replied, her eyes wide open and kinda scared.

 

“Yeah, but that does not happen with chilling.” Imilia rubbed her eyes. “Look, I don't just want to pass. I want – NO – need to be the best.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because I fucking want to!”

 

“Okay…” Lua was quiet for a little bit. “How about you, Rosa?”

 

“I have not even started yet.” She looked around the room. “It's going to be a cakewalk, honestly. To be fair, I only have one exam for this semester. I did some of the others in earlier ones. After that, the only thing that is left is my bachelor thesis.”

 

“Oh, so you will be finished earlier. That is really impressive.” Lua's eyes had a little glimmer in them, and her mouth was wide open. She felt envy but also admiration. “Do you know what you are going to write about?”

 

“Oh, I am almost finished.” She said with a straight face. Seemingly unimpressed by herself. “It is about Neuro-adaptive Polymer Interfaces for Human–Machine Integration.”

 

Lua blinked twice with her eyes. “Machines? Wait, I thought you were studying chemistry? Also, what does that even mean?”

 

“I am, all of that is chemistry.” Rosa took a sip from her orange juice. “To put it in normal words, I am creating flexible, conductive polymers that mimic nerves or muscle tissue. The synthetic molecules get linked to biological targets, like neuron receptors. Those will adapt to organic tissue, repair, or even self-heal.” Lua stared at her, making it clear to Rosa that she did not understand. “Little robots that react to the chemistry and biology of your body and help to repair it. Imagine the robot version of a lizard that grows its tail back.”

 

“Oh, wow.” Lua fell into her chair.

 

Rosa blushed. “Don't say that.” She covered her face with her hands. “I am working with a lot of research from other people, who had been working on it prior. So it is not all me. So what about you, Lua? You study political science with Vikka, right?”

 

“Yeah, I am not concerned about the finals either. Just…” Lua threw her head on the table. “I have this internship, you know. But I don't know if I am qualified for it. I am scared I might fuck it up.”

 

“Why would they accept you if you were unqualified?” Rosa asked. “What kind of internship is it?”

 

“I did not want to talk about it yet.” She put her head back up. “It is at the District 5 Government Office under Falkenstein.”

 

Now even Imilia snapped back. She was used to Rosa's genius, but this was new to her. “What the fuck?”

 

“Damn, Lua, that is amazing.” Rosa was actually impressed. “Look, don't worry. They would not have given you that internship if they didn't think you deserved it.” She smiled. “You must have impressed them.” Now Lua blushed and fell deeper into her chair. “What about Vikka? Why is she not here?”

 

“She wanted to sit out the exams this semester. She is just going to extend, and I am quoting her: I don't want to be around those gloomy bastards; my sweet Reji is taking me on a trip to the capital,” Imilia answered.

 

“Of course he is.” Rosa replied promptly. “I really don't like him. Such an asshole.”

 

“While we are talking about assholes.” Lua took a segue. “I talked to Joel about our trip.”

 

“Did you invite him, too?” Imilia asked with a soft voice.

 

“Yes, him and Ellis.” She looked over to Rosa with a smile. “Please fix my boy.”

 

“I don't think he needs much fixing.” Rosa fiddled with her spoon.

 

“Yeah, I know he is sweet.” Lua let out a sigh. “But such a lazy fuck. Maybe some of your ambition will rub off onto him.”

 

“Yeah, it might. But what if I ruin him instead?” Rosa asked sarcastically and laughed.

 

“Then I will ruin you.” Lua smirked and put her nose far into the air while pointing towards Rosa.