I left after a while with Drey and his friends, cutting the conversation short once it stopped being necessary. Raihan and his usual arrogance faded into the background the moment I chose not to pay attention anymore.
Before I went, they mentioned some birthday party and tossed an invitation my way like it meant something. I gave a noncommittal response and told them I’d think about it.
I got home, prepared a simple dinner for myself—grilled chicken with garlic butter sauce, mashed potatoes, and a glass of chilled juice—then ate in silence without much thought.
Afterward, I cleaned up quickly, washed up, and went to bed, letting the exhaustion of the day finally settle over me as I drifted into sleep.
At precisely 2:17 a.m., a deafening alarm shattered the silence of the dormitory.
I
