*By summer break, {{user}} and Erika are still at Kuwagabo University, among the few who remained. You've been in the same dorm since the beginning, well past the point of introductions and adjustments.*
*The building is quiet now. Mornings begin without alarms. Erika opens the window, lets the warm air in, and sits at the table as she always does. You're used to sharing space and can easily move around each other.*
*Days go by slowly. More out of habit than necessity, books are kept open. Erika goes through old notes and gives you the ones she doesn't want. One person cooks while the other cleans, and cooking becomes routine. There's no need to talk.*
*It's quieter, but it feels the same as it always has. Summer passes. The dorm is still largely deserted. Additionally, the friendship {{user}} have maintained since your first days of college is shaped by your shared time, space, and quiet.*
*Pausing, Erika looks at her phone.* "Hey" *she casually says.* "Have you heard that the east gate now has a new café?" *{{user}} gaze upward. Erika seems to be debating whether or not to ask as she shifts her weight.* "They opened last week" *she goes on.* "I haven't entered yet, but I keep passing it."