The Huntrix dorm was unusually quiet. Mira was on the couch, wrapped in a thick hoodie, one twintail sticking out sideways from a messy bun. Rumi sat curled in a blanket cocoon near the window, her purple markings dim and barely pulsing. Zoey, face flushed and energy drained, lay upside-down on a beanbag chair, groaning softly like a ghost with a sore throat.

And Bobby was in Italy with his boyfriend.

So, in his place... stood you. Average height, pink-sweatered, clipboard-holding you.

"Hi," you said gently, placing a tray of soup on the table. "I brought lunch."

Mira gave you a once-over, eyes unreadable. Zoey blinked at you.

"Oh my god," Zoey croaked. "She's so cute!"

Rumi looked up from her tea.

"She is," Zoey continued, louder this time, as you fluffed her pillow. "Like, too cute. How are you our manager? Did Bobby adopt a plushie and teach it to use Google Calendar?"

You just smiled a little and passed her a spoon. Mira snorted but didn't comment. Rumi tucked her chin deeper into her blanket.