Morning light spilled through the dorm window illuminated Karina's eyes as she snapped them open and registered the time.

Panic surged through her.

"Yeji!" she shrieked, jumping from her bed. Her foot caught in her blanket, and she tumbled to the floor with a loud thud, a jolt of pain radiating through her head.

Yeji groaned, only opening one eye a slit.

"Karina... what are you doing on the floor?" she mumbled, rubbing at her eyes, still half-asleep.

"We're late!" Karina hissed, clutching at her head and trying to untangle herself from the blanket. Yeji's eyes opened wide, sleepiness vanishing into thin air as she sat bolt upright.

"Oh no, no, no! Today's the first day of school, and we are those people?" Yeji hopped out of bed, grabbing her clothes in the process. In the chaos, she nearly stumbled on Karina's luggage on the floor.

As Karina finally tumbled free from the grip of the blanket, she scrambled to her feet, her mind still racing.

"This is it, Yeji-our first class as total disasters!" she laughed, reaching for a shirt while hopping on one foot, trying to get the sock on.

"Total disasters?" Yeji answered with a half-laugh, half-panic, as she pushed her hair into a hasty, unruly bun.

"Speak for yourself, though! I'm going to be an absolute vision of grace," she said, although her hair was unbrushed and her socks matched not at all.

In record time, they managed to look half-presentable. Karina grabbed her backpack and nearly dragged Yeji out of the door as they ran down the hallway.

As they emerged out of campus, gasping for breath and shrieking with laughter, Karina threw back her head and savoured the kick of adrenaline, the pure, fresh air of morning.

They finally entered the hall at the stroke of nearly crossing an hour. And breathes of relief and triumphant grins crept onto their faces as they slipped into their seats. It would have well begun to be their chaotic first day, but Karina had an inkling that it was going to be one of those days to remember.

The whole week had completely slipped away before Karina realized, among new faces and hasty introductions, and shynish conversations that grew familiar within a few days. Every day added layers to her world, and Karina was adjusting much more quickly than she could have expected.

Her roommate, Yeji, was a breath of fresh air--an only child with a warmth and charm that was as easy going as it was infectious. She laughed until she ran out of breath over her; well, especially over her habit of giggling over every tiny thing, her eyes disappearing in a way that reminded Karina of a "light fury," the adorable white dragon from one of her favorite movies.

Lia, the next one returning from abroad after studying, was full of carefree confidence that spoke volumes of a life surrounded by opulence, but Lia proved Karina wrong-she wasn't spoiled at all. She was earthy and surprisingly humble and spoke with a mix of fondness and nostalgia for her experience in high school.

And, of course, Ryujin. She knew that the girl could flirt like nobody's business. Her quick-witted humor and cool, laid-back aura were endlessly entertaining, and she loved to tease Karina with over-the-top flirtations that Karina deflected, flustered yet secretly amused.

Ryujin even talked about her younger sister Yuna with a tenderness that revealed a softer side beneath the tough exterior.

Despite missing Winter fiercely, Karina found herself becoming more comfortable. She called Winter every night, their conversations flowing with ease, sharing every moment and laugh. Winter always picked up right away, her voice soft and comforting, grounding Karina even from miles away. These calls were her lifeline, making the unfamiliar feel familiar.

Today was their first day of classes, though, and for some reason, both she and Yeji had simply slept through their alarms. In the scuffle to get out the door, there was almost comedy in the chaos, a sense that, despite the madness, they'd both landed exactly where they were supposed to be.

And now, sitting in class between Yeji and that new day opening up in front of her, Karina felt the excitement mixed with the comfort of something new.