✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

For a fairy who has lived eons long to witness the destruction, creation, fall, and rise of kingdoms, it was no difficult feat for Phoenix Salem to weave amusement, smile, and annoyance on her expression into one. She became quite in verse as well in making these hidden that her standoffish-ness already melted as a second skin and default face. 

The dorm she shared with diverse girls and one cursed beast was lively, lit with colorful lights--for once after arriving there at Night Raven College, their dorm was visited by more people whom she wasn't sure whether she approved of or not. 

The tall slender girl stood next to an open window, holding a hot mug of chocolate and coffee mix whilst her electric blue-magenta eyes regarded the scene before her as if she was watching a tuneless video clip. 

Near the fireplace was the dorm's vice president, Vernie who didn't look too pleased by whatever smooth and pick-up lines Jade was subtly throwing her way. A persistent suitor, he will never stop until he gets her to say yes for sure. Phoenix commented mentally imagining herself some kind of judge of a show. She took a sip from her mug.

Onto the next scene by the staircase, Ink was coming down with Jamil--their hands twined with each other. Her friend was sparkling, not just Ink's amber eyes but literally--Phoenix wasn't sure if it was the dress Jamil bought her from his hometown or it was the chemistry between them. 

She always likes to hold hands with him because she said it's the most effective way to stop the intrusive voices. Phoenix found them too cheesy for her tastebuds, she needed to look away.

It was a mistake.

Mary was in the dining area alone with Riddle and the latter just brought Mary's hand up, placing a kiss on top of her knuckles without breaking eye contact. 

I already listed many reasons why he would not be a proper candidate for the princess. Phoenix had to reign in her temper and they wanted to go there and tell Riddle off, it was hard to break out of habits, you know? Christine asked her to just let Mary do what she wanted but that wasn't easy, it was like asking her to stop vaping and switch to carrot sticks. 

Speaking of which--

Christine was by the corner, talking animatedly with Deuce about arts and more trivial things Phoenix didn't want to eavesdrop on but she could see the bubble around those two. 

"Dude, you're cheating!" 

"I am not!"

"How can you cheat on me in Monopoly?!"

Ace and Grim were on the floor playing a board game; Trey and Cater were in the kitchen with Ruggie. Phoenix mentally palmed her forehead, it was so noisy and too lively. 

A nudge on her shoulder. "You alright, cherie?" 

Phoenix raised a brow, looking up at the hunter. "Don't call me that." 

"How about ma chouchou? It means purple cabbage like your--"

"I don't want and need to know--" 

"This is a perfect moment to bond, we are on Christmas break"

Phoenix found herself being hugged from behind by the tall green-eyed hunter. 

I guess this isn't so bad once in a while...She sighed, letting Rook do what he wanted and surprisingly, she leaned back against his warmth. 

"We're here!!!" Lilia crashed through the window, wearing a Santa costume. "Let's celebrate!" 

✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

Message from the Ramshackle Dorm Members: 

☆ Mary: Happy Holidays! I hope you enjoyed this short extra in between the main chapters! 

☆ Grim: You better say you're having fun or I will burn you all to a crisps! 

☆ Vernie: Calm down, Grim--that's no way to talk to people. *looks at everyone* We made it this far already...

☆ Phoenix: The next chapters will be more intense and...angst so please stay with us until the end, okay?

☆ Ink: But we have more in store for you! Don't let go of our hands just yet!

☆ Christine: We enjoyed each other so I hope you do too! The romantic pairs will be slowly revealed more and soon too!