Zane stepped out of Professor Livia's office.
He hadn't even fully closed the door when Asher stared at him like he'd just watched a man walk out of his own funeral.
"…Wow," Asher said. "You came out alive."
Zane smirked. "Barely."
Then, without warning, he reached into his pockets.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Zane announced dramatically, raising both hands, "we are rich."
He tossed the gold coins into the air.
A small rain of glittering metal came crashing down.
Most of it—unfortunately—landed directly on the girls' heads.
"OW—!"
"Zane!"
"Are you insane?!"
Mira rubbed her head, Luna squeaked and tried to shield herself, and Celeste crossed her arms, glaring like she was debating whether to cast something very unpleasant.
Zane blinked. "…That didn't go as expected."
He looked around.
Coins were everywhere.
On the floor. Near the walls. One had somehow bounced and rolled under a bench.
For a moment, everyone just stared.
Then, almost in sync, they all crouched down.
"Mine," Mira said, snatching one.
"That's not how—" Asher began, then immediately grabbed another. "Actually never mind."
Luna carefully picked one up like it might explode. "These are… really heavy."
Celeste shook her head, smiling despite herself as she gathered a few. "You're unbelievable."
Zane scooped up the last of them, sighing contentedly. "Worth it."
They started walking, naturally drifting toward Zane's dorm.
As always.
Zane noticed immediately.
"…You know," he said, glancing back at them, "you all have your own rooms."
Asher clapped him on the shoulder. "And yet, we're here."
Mira smirked. "Your place has better vibes."
Luna nodded quickly. "A-and it's quieter."
Celeste added calmly, "Also, you complain every time, but you never stop us."
Zane groaned. "One day, I'm installing a lock."
None of them believed him.
Laughing and arguing, pockets clinking with gold, they disappeared down the corridor.