The cafeteria emptied gradually as the finalists scattered toward their rooms or claimed practice spaces for last-minute rehearsals.
I lingered beside the dessert table, considering a pastry my stomach had absolutely no room for. In the end, I left it alone.
Outside, the corridor was quieter. Most of the staff had disappeared into preparations for tomorrow's broadcast. I walked past the rehearsal wing, grateful for a few minutes without someone reminding me how much work I had left.
I found Ren near the west stairwell, leaning against the wall with his arms folded. His pink hair caught the overhead light.
"Running away from the emotional speeches?" I asked.
"Needed some air that doesn't smell like sixteen different opinions about tomorrow."
"Sixteen?"
"Seventeen. Jisoo counts for two."
I laughed.
Ren tilted his head toward the far corridor. "Walk with me?"
