Chapter 149: Chapter 149: Enrollment, Shifting Lines, Shifting Hearts

(Michelle Lui's POV)

After the café gathering dispersed, our group naturally split into smaller pieces.

Kate, Jeff, and Vince headed toward the parking lot — they were students of University D and didn't need to enroll here.

Meanwhile, Lara, Steven, and I turned toward the registrar building, weaving through campus pathways lined with amber leaves and chatter.

Sem-break air felt different. Lighter. But not entirely free.

Not for me.

We walked in silence for a while until Lara suddenly huffed. "I hate enrollment lines. And group projects. And finals. And boys who don't text back."

I nearly choked.

Steven blinked at her slowly. "That escalated."

Lara shrugged and looped her arm through his. "Just saying."

I smiled faintly. It was nice — almost comforting — watching them bicker in their own rhythm. Familiar, natural.

But behind that, I felt a tightness I didn't want to examine.