Dr. Bennett chuckled, clearly entertained by Alex’s enthusiasm and the connection he made. “Ah, I see. Well, video games do often draw inspiration from real-world sciences and phenomena. But remember, while the concept might seem interesting in fiction, the reality of a fungal infection like that would be… quite horrific.”

  She smiled knowingly, her tone light but authoritative as she steered the class back to the subject at hand. “Alright, let’s return to our main discussion—DNA and gene mutations.”

  Dr. Bennett walked back to the whiteboard, her laser pointer in hand, and began illustrating key points about DNA structure and cellular replication. The class slowly settled back into their studious demeanor, although a few students still shot Alex amused glances, silently impressed by his video game knowledge.

  Dr. Bennett continued, her voice steady and informative. “When we talk about gene mutations, we often think about hereditary diseases or evolutionary changes over time. However, certain environmental factors—such as ionizing radiation or exposure to specific chemicals—can also cause gene mutations. These mutations can be either beneficial or harmful to the organism, depending on the circumstances.”

  A hand shot up from the back of the room. It was Lyra, a quiet but sharp student who rarely spoke up. Dr. Bennett nodded toward her.

  “Yes, Lyra?” she prompted.

  Lyra hesitated for a moment before asking, “Excuse me, Dr. Bennett. You mentioned that certain environmental factors can cause gene mutations. Is there any way to prevent these mutations, or even reverse them once they’ve occurred?”

  Dr. Bennett smiled, clearly appreciating the thoughtful question. “That’s an excellent point, Lyra. While preventing exposure to environmental factors like radiation or harmful chemicals can lower the risk of gene mutations, once a mutation has happened, it’s not always possible to reverse it. However, there are some promising advancements in genetic therapies and gene-editing tools, like CRISPR, that can correct certain types of mutations.”

  Lyra nodded thoughtfully, but her curiosity was far from satisfied. “Dr. Bennett, you mentioned CRISPR. Could you elaborate on how that technology actually works?”

  Dr. Bennett’s eyes brightened, clearly eager to explain. “Certainly. CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene-editing tool. In simple terms, it acts like molecular scissors, allowing scientists to cut specific genes at their DNA sequence level with incredible precision.”

  She gestured toward the whiteboard, where a diagram of DNA appeared. “CRISPR enables scientists to target and edit particular genes—either correcting defective ones or replacing them entirely. It’s already shown promising results in clinical trials for treating genetic disorders and certain diseases. It’s a major leap forward in the field of gene therapy.”

  Alex’s hand shot up, his voice eager and a little too loud. “Dr. Bennett, while we’re on the topic, I’ve got a kinda off-the-wall question. Hypothetically, let’s say a zombie outbreak happened, like we were talking about earlier. Would CRISPR be able to help then?”

  Dr. Bennett raised an amused eyebrow, clearly taking the question in stride. “That’s a creative scenario, Alex. But the short answer is no—not immediately, at least. CRISPR, as advanced as it is, isn’t a magic cure for viral infections like the kind you’d need to reverse a zombie outbreak. It’s primarily used to edit genes and correct genetic anomalies, not to cure widespread infections on its own.”

  Alex’s face fell for a moment, visibly disappointed. “Ah, gotcha. So no instant cure for the zombie apocalypse, huh? Too bad. Would’ve been cool.”

  A few students chuckled at Alex’s response, and even Dr. Bennett smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, Alex, I’m afraid we’ll have to stick to more realistic applications of CRISPR for now. But who knows? Maybe someday, someone will figure out a solution for your zombie apocalypse scenario.”

  Lyra, who had been listening attentively, raised her hand again, clearly deep in thought. “Dr. Bennett, you mentioned that CRISPR can be used to edit or cut specific genes. Are there any ethical or safety concerns related to this technology? Could it lead to unintended consequences, like accidentally altering other genes or even creating new diseases?”

  Dr. Bennett’s eyes flicked toward Maya, who had raised her hand in response. “Yes, Maya?”

  Maya spoke up, her tone calm but assertive. “Actually, the potential issues Lyra mentioned are some of the main concerns with gene-editing technologies like CRISPR. There’s the risk of ‘off-target’ effects—where unintended genes are altered, as well as the possibility of ‘off-site mutations.’ And then there’s the misuse of the technology for unethical purposes, like creating ‘designer babies.’ These are all valid ethical concerns that need to be carefully considered.”

  Mike, always quick to jump into a conversation, added, “Yeah, I was reading about this somewhere. So, even if CRISPR can help fix genetic issues, there are still serious ethical questions about how it should be used. Like, what if someone decides to make a person who’s not just super tall and smart, but also super strong? Sounds kind of scary, right?”

  Dr. Bennett nodded, appreciating the students' engagement. "You're both correct. The potential for misuse of gene editing technology is significant, and the ethical discussions surrounding its use in humans are ongoing. There are already international guidelines in place to regulate these practices, and the scientific community is working hard to ensure the safe and ethical use of these tools."

  As the discussion shifted back to the broader topic of genetics and gene-related issues, the class slowly relaxed into a more comfortable rhythm. Students began asking more questions, their curiosity piqued by the fascinating possibilities and potential dangers of genetic research. The atmosphere lightened, and the energy in the room shifted from tense focus to engaged discussion.

  Finally, as the class drew to a close, Dr. Bennett announced the next assignment. “Alright, for the next class, I’d like each of you to research the latest advancements in genetics and biotechnology. You’ll need to present your findings in a short presentation. Class dismissed.”

  As students began to gather their belongings and chatter filled the room, Lyanna, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thought of the upcoming research, couldn’t help but voice her frustration to her closest friends, Maya and Alex.

  “Ugh, biology is my worst subject. And now I have to research about it? This is going to be a nightmare…” she groaned, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

  Maya, ever the practical one, gave her a reassuring pat on the back. “Hey, don’t stress too much. We can help each other. You know that, right? We’ll figure this out together.”

  Mike, always looking for an opportunity to lighten the mood, chimed in. “Yeah, besides, who knows? You might stumble across something cool while you’re researching. Maybe they’ve invented a cure for boredom in biology.”

  Lyanna managed a small chuckle, appreciating Mike’s attempt to lighten the mood. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just hope this doesn’t end up being a three-page paper on the life cycle of a beetle or something equally riveting.”

  Alex, ever the enthusiast, grinned widely. “Oh, come on, beetles are awesome! Did you know they can lift, like, a hundred times their own weight? They’re basically the bodybuilders of the insect world. Pretty cool, right?”

  Maya rolled her eyes at Alex’s comment, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Only you would get excited about beetle bodybuilders, Alex.”

  As the last bell rang and the students began filing out of the classroom, the atmosphere shifted from the focused energy of learning to the relaxed buzz of casual socializing. The hallways were filled with the noise of students chattering about the day’s lessons, weekend plans, and upcoming assignments.

  Soon enough, the group made their way to the cafeteria. It was packed as usual, with students gathered around tables, either in groups or enjoying some quiet time alone. The air was thick with the scent of various foods: burgers, fries, and pizza, mingling with the sugary sweetness of desserts.

  Alex, Mike, Maya, and Lyanna navigated through the bustling cafeteria, weaving between tables and grabbing trays. The cafeteria felt like a vibrant hub of activity, with students laughing, chatting, and diving into their lunches. A few familiar faces waved at the group as they passed, but the atmosphere was relaxed and informal—perfect for a break from the rigors of class.

  Mike’s sudden thought broke the intensity of their conversation, and he turned to the group, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild confusion. “Hey, guys, did you notice anything strange earlier today?”

  The others exchanged looks, their curiosity piqued by the odd tone in his voice. Alex was the first to respond. “Strange? What do you mean?”

  Mike settled into their usual cafeteria table, his brows furrowed as he recounted what had caught his attention. “Well, this morning, when I was walking to school, I saw a bunch of police and military personnel on the roads. They were all heading in the same direction—like they were on some huge operation or something...”

  Lyanna’s eyes widened, and she leaned in, her voice laced with concern. “Military and police? That does sound weird. Any idea what they were doing?”

  Mike shook his head slightly, his brow furrowing deeper. “No idea. It's just that they were all in the same direction and seemed pretty serious. It felt kind of odd, you know?”

  Alex’s expression lit up with a spark of excitement. “Maybe it was some kind of exercise or raid. Or a secret mission—who knows?!” His eyes gleamed with the thrill of a theory brewing in his mind. “You know, this kinda reminds me of something I was reading about last night on one of those weird conspiracy websites…”

  Alex leaned in, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, catching everyone’s attention. “There were some stories floating around about people just... disappearing mysteriously, right? No trace, no explanation, just gone. And those sirens going off yesterday kind of fit the theme, don't they?”

  Alex leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Well, it was this whole thing about people just vanishing into thin air, like one minute they're there, the next they're just gone. And apparently, some of those missing people... they were found in this really messed-up state, like something or someone had torn them apart…”

  The others listened, a mixture of shock and intrigue taking over. Lyanna’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, what? People vanishing? That sounds… insane. You’re saying this was on a conspiracy site, right?”

  Alex nodded, a little too eager to explain. “Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but listen, it's not like they just disappeared into thin air like magic. It's more like they were attacked, but it happened so fast it seemed like they disappeared. And I found some pretty gruesome images and accounts, man… some of those people—they were found in really messed-up states, like something had torn them apart.”

  The group exchanged horrified glances, their faces a mix of disbelief and unease. Maya, always the level-headed one, broke the silence, her voice laced with cautious logic. “But… could it have been some kind of animal attack? Like something wild or escaped from a zoo? Couldn’t that explain it without all the supernatural stuff?”

  Maya’s question hung in the air, her voice more hopeful than anything else. "Wait, maybe it was some kind of escaped animal? Like, a bear or something that's causing trouble, and that's why the police and military were on the move. And the siren last night, it could have been to warn people to stay indoors because the animal is still on the loose...?"

  Alex tilted his head thoughtfully, considering her suggestion. “I guess that could be a possibility, but it wouldn't explain the really gruesome scenes being described. Those don't sound like something a regular animal would do…”

  Maya nodded, her brow furrowed as she tried to reason through it. “That's true, but wild animals do behave pretty unpredictably sometimes. Maybe it's a particularly aggressive one? Or... I don't know, one with rabies or something similar that affects behavior?”

  Mike, who had been quiet for a while, chimed in with his own contribution. “Yeah, I remember a news report from a while back. There was a rabid wolf that mauled someone pretty badly. If there's something like that out there, the police and military would definitely want to find it ASAP, right?”

  Lyanna, still processing the gruesome descriptions, let out a shaky breath. “But even if it is a wild animal, don’t you think the police and military being involved is a bit… overkill? Wouldn’t they call animal control, or at least a specialized team, instead of bringing in the army?”

  The question lingered in the air, and just as the conversation seemed to build toward some kind of conclusion, Mike’s stomach gave a loud, hungry growl, cutting through the tension like a knife. Everyone turned to look at him, startled.

  Mike laughed, breaking the heavy mood. “Hey, guys, we’ve been so absorbed in this conversation that we forgot to get our food. Maybe we should fill our stomachs first before continuing this whole conspiracy chat?”

  Lyanna let out a scoff, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Oh, please. It was you who started this whole conversation about police and military being everywhere. Now you want us to forget it just because your stomach’s rumbling?”

  Everyone laughed, the tension in the air receding for a moment. Alex shot Mike a playful grin. “She’s got a point, Mike. You’ve got a talent for bringing up these bizarre topics right when we’re about to get hungry.”

  Maya and Lyanna exchanged bemused glances. Their expressions mirrored the same confusion that Mike had. Maya tilted her head and couldn’t help but point it out. “Did I just hear you correctly, Alex? Did you just accuse someone else of bringing up bizarre topics?”

  Alex chuckled, clearly realizing the irony. “Hey, I know I’m usually the one bringing up weird stuff, but this time? It was Mike who started the whole police and military discussion, not me!”

  Mike leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Not as weird as that time you were convinced there are secret aliens living among us, if I remember correctly.”

  Alex mock-glared at Mike, pretending to look offended but failing miserably. “Oh, come on, that was one time! And they were harmless online conspiracy theories! Not the same as what you’re talking about now.”

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Mike raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing. “Alright, alright, you got me. Let’s put the conspiracy chat on hold for now and eat before our stomachs start protesting even louder.”

  The group grabbed their trays and headed to the cafeteria’s buffet-style service station, the savory aromas of burgers, fries, and desserts filling the air. They loaded up on food, ensuring they were properly fueled for the rest of the day. As they returned to their table, the group’s mood lightened, their conversation shifting to movies, celebrity gossip, and whatever else came to mind.

  But, as the group settled in, Mike noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He glanced toward a table nearby, where a group of students sat. Their eyes kept flickering in their direction, and there was a sense of whispering and giggling among them. His curiosity piqued, Mike leaned closer to the others, lowering his voice.

  “Hey, guys, am I imagining things, or is that group over there giving us some side-eyes?”

  The others turned to look where Mike was pointing, and sure enough, the group of students was staring in their direction. Their hushed whispers seemed to carry a layer of intrigue, and their eyes kept darting over to the table with quiet curiosity.

  Alex raised an eyebrow. “You’re not imagining things. They’re definitely checking us out.”

  Maya’s gaze narrowed, noticing that Lyra was seated among them. She was talking and laughing with the group, but there was a subtle tension in the air. It was as though there was something more to the interaction, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it.

  Mike leaned in closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Looks like Lyra’s hanging out with them. You think it has anything to do with us?”

  Alex, staring across the cafeteria, shrugged. “Hard to say. She’s friendly with pretty much everyone. Who knows what they’re talking about?”

  Maya suddenly remembered something from earlier in the class. “Hey, guys, remember how Lyra was the one asking all those questions during class, and then we got involved? Maybe that’s why she’s over there now. Maybe she’s annoyed that we cut into her moment with Dr. Bennett?”

  Alex nodded in agreement. “That could be it. Lyra’s got a bit of an ego, and she can be territorial when it comes to impressing the teacher. Maybe she didn’t like that we jumped in on her spotlight.”

  Mike sighed, slightly concerned. “Yeah, she did seem a little possessive about that whole scientist topic. I hope she’s not spreading any rumors about us or something.”

  As the group mulled over the possibilities, Mike finished the last bite of his meal and pushed his chair back. “Guys, I’m gonna head to the library for a bit before classes start. I need to grab a book for my research project.”

  The others nodded, acknowledging his departure. “Alright, cool. See you later, Mike,” Alex said, waving at him.

  Mike smiled and waved back before grabbing his bag and heading off toward the library. As he walked away, the rest of the group continued their conversation, occasionally glancing toward Lyra’s table, where the whispering and giggling seemed to intensify.

  They tried to focus on lighter topics, but the odd behavior of the other group kept pulling their attention back to the scene across the cafeteria.

  After a few moments, Alex suddenly froze, his eyes widening. “Hey, guys, where’s Lyra? She’s not at her seat anymore.”

  Everyone turned to look. Lyra’s spot at the table was now empty. The group of students was still there, but the attention had shifted.

  Alex’s gaze darted around the cafeteria, searching for any sign of her. “Where the hell did she go? She was just sitting there a second ago.”

  Maya frowned. “Maybe she went to the bathroom or something?”

  Lyanna shook her head, a sense of unease creeping up her spine. “I don’t know… it just feels weird. Like, she was really into whatever they were talking about, and now she’s gone. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’m starting to get a bad vibe.”

  Alex crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “You think she went somewhere else? Or maybe… maybe she was trying to avoid us?”

  Lyanna rolled her eyes, but her tone was more uncertain than dismissive. “Avoid us? She’s not that petty, is she?”

  Maya bit her lip, glancing between the empty seat and the group of students now whispering among themselves. “I don’t know, but it’s kind of strange. Why would she leave so suddenly, especially after all that whispering?”

  The group sat in silence for a moment, the unease settling in. It was clear they all felt something wasn’t quite right, but no one could say exactly what.

  Finally, Alex broke the silence, his voice low. “Maybe we should keep an eye on this. I don’t know what’s going on with Lyra or those other guys, but something about all this feels off.”

  Mike entered the library and made his way through the labyrinthine aisles of bookshelves. The library was a spacious room, with tall ceilings and rows upon rows of books neatly organized. The atmosphere was serene, with the occasional sound of turning pages and soft footsteps echoing through the halls.

  Navigating through the familiar aisles, Mike made his way toward the biology section. His fingers grazed the spines of countless volumes as he scanned the shelves, searching for the specific title he needed for his research project.

  After a few moments, Mike paused at the biology section, his brow furrowing in concentration as he carefully studied the titles. Just as he was beginning to lose himself in his search, he suddenly felt a presence behind him. A soft, melodic voice spoke up, startling him slightly.

  “Looking for something in particular?”

  He spun around, startled, and found himself face-to-face with Lyra. She stood with a slight smirk on her lips, arms crossed casually. “Uh, yeah,” Mike stammered, trying to shake off his surprise. “Just hunting down a book for my research project.”

  Lyra's smirk widened into a playful smile as she leaned against the nearest bookshelf, a thoughtful look on her face. “Let me guess, biology?”

  Mike blinked, impressed by the accuracy of her guess. “Yeah, how'd you know that?”

  She gave a soft laugh. “Because of the professor's task this morning, obviously.”

  Mike felt his face flush slightly. “Oh, right. Makes sense,” he mumbled, embarrassed that he had forgotten.

  “What about you?” he asked, trying to change the subject. “What are you doing here?”

  Lyra leaned against the bookshelf, a nonchalant look on her face. “Oh, just browsing around. Nothing specific. But since I found you here, I thought I'd come and chat for a bit.”

  Mike couldn't help but notice the flicker of mischievousness in Lyra's eyes. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Chat about what, exactly...?”

  As his curiosity deepened, he added, “Actually, weren't you at the cafeteria with your friends earlier?”

  Lyra let out a soft chuckle, unfazed. “Oh, you saw me? Yeah, I was with a group of friends. But I felt like wandering over to the library after.”

  She tilted her head, that mischievous spark still in her gaze. “And how’d you know I was with my friends? Keeping an eye on me, are you?”

  Mike blinked, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment rise. “What? No! I just… happened to notice you while I was eating.”

  Lyra chuckled, clearly enjoying how flustered Mike had become. “Relax, I'm just teasing. But hey, I'm flattered you noticed me.”

  She crossed her arms, giving him a curious look. “You seemed pretty into the whole CRISPR thing earlier. Most guys around here don’t usually know much about biology. You surprised me.”

  Mike scratched the back of his head, feeling a little sheepish. “Yeah, I’ve always been into science. I like figuring out how things work, I guess.”

  “And don’t forget,” he added, trying to divert the attention, “Alex was asking questions too. He’s into science as well.”

  Lyra nodded, though her smile turned playful. “Ah, right. Alex... well, I don’t really care about him. He’s just... there.”

  Mike glanced at the bookshelf, eager to continue his search for the book, but Lyra’s presence made it hard to focus. He forced a smile, “Well, speaking of books, I should get back to searching for the one I need. It was nice chatting with you, but I gotta get going.’

  Lyra pouted, clearly not wanting the conversation to end yet. “Aww, already? But we've barely talked. Can't you stay a bit longer? I still have so many questions for you, smart guy.’

  Mike hesitated, torn between staying and politely rejecting her. ‘I really need to start this project... maybe another time?”

  He couldn’t help but think to himself, She’s not how people describe her. She’s so much more... talkative.

  After a few moments of indecision, he sighed mentally and gave in. "Alright, fine. A few more minutes."

  Lyra’s face lit up, triumphant. “I knew you couldn’t resist.”

  She leaned against the bookshelf, curiosity returning to her expression. “So, back to our earlier discussion. I’m still surprised you know so much about CRISPR. Not exactly something the average student would be into.”

  Mike shrugged, not wanting to sound like he was bragging. “I’ve just got a knack for science, I guess. And CRISPR’s pretty interesting.”

  Lyra’s eyes sparkled. “It really is. The idea of changing genes, manipulating life on a genetic level... it’s like playing God, don’t you think?’

  Mike nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, it's fascinating but also kind of scary when you think about the ethical side of it. It's like this incredible tool that could do so much good or cause serious harm, depending on how it's used.”

  Lyra’s expression mirrored his concern. “Exactly. Just imagine what could happen if that kind of power fell into the wrong hands. We could be living in some dystopian nightmare straight out of a sci-fi horror movie.”

  Mike shivered at the thought, picturing the chaos that could unfold. ‘Yeah, terrifying stuff. But on the flip side, it could do a lot of good, too—like curing diseases or genetic disorders.”

  Lyra’s mood shifted at the mention of the positive potential. “That’s true. Imagine being able to fix genetic defects before someone’s even born. It could prevent so much suffering.”

  Mike nodded, following her lead. ‘Yeah, and gene editing isn’t just limited to humans. It could help with agriculture—better crops, more resilient livestock—solving food shortages.”

  Lyra’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Yes! And it goes beyond farming. Think about healthcare—more effective cancer treatments or even boosting immune systems for people with autoimmune diseases.”

  Mike, energized by the conversation, added, “And there’s the potential to enhance human abilities, too. Athletes with better endurance, or even researchers with heightened cognitive abilities to solve complex problems.”

  Lyra's smile faltered slightly, her brow furrowing in thought. “But that’s where it gets tricky, right? Designer babies... parents picking out traits before their child is even born. That opens a whole ethical mess.”

  Mike nodded seriously. “Exactly. It could make inequality worse—people modifying their kids to fit some ideal standard or to boost their own egos. It’s like genetic vanity.”

  “But,” Mike added after a beat, “what if genetic modification could actually help level the playing field? Treating kids with genetic disorders or disabilities—giving them a better start in life could lead to a more equal society.”

  Their conversation seemed to flow easily now, both settling into the depth of the discussion. They found a nearby table and sat down, the conversation moving effortlessly as they explored new ideas.

  Lyra leaned in, her eyes gleaming with interest. “Okay, since we’re deep in biology now, I’ve got another question for you, smart guy.”

  Mike chuckled at the playful nickname. “Go for it. I’m all ears.”

  Lyra’s smirk returned, her voice teasing as she posed her question. “Alright, between two animals—a lion and a gazelle—which one do you think is more intelligent?”

  Mike grinned, recognizing the trick. “It depends on how you define intelligence. A lion’s got sharp hunting instincts, but a gazelle’s incredibly agile and fast to evade predators. They’ve both adapted differently to survive, so comparing them isn’t exactly straightforward.”

  Lyra tilted her head, clearly impressed. “Nice answer. You’re good at this, huh?”

  Mike shrugged with a modest smile. “I just like thinking about how things work, remember?”

  Lyra nodded thoughtfully, clearly satisfied with Mike's response. “Yeah, intelligence isn't just about one thing. But what about problem-solving? If you put a lion and a gazelle in a maze with obstacles, which do you think would figure it out faster?”

  Mike furrowed his brow, considering the scenario carefully. “I’d say the gazelle might have an edge. They’re used to navigating complex environments, avoiding predators, and constantly adapting to survive. Their ability to think on their feet could help them solve the maze.”

  Lyra smirked, enjoying the mental challenge. “Good point. Gazelles are quick thinkers. But lions are strategic too. They work together to outsmart prey and corner them. Who knows, maybe they’d surprise us and figure out the maze faster than we think.”

  As their conversation continued, Lyra leaned back with a genuine smile. “You know, I’ve seen you around, but we’ve never really talked. I’m glad we did. It’s refreshing to have a conversation that’s more than just sports or video games.”

  Mike smiled, feeling a quiet satisfaction. “I feel the same way. Not many people around here seem into science or biology. It’s nice to find someone who is.”

  He chuckled. “Though, to be fair, my friends can get a bit caught up in trivial stuff too. But we do have deeper conversations—about space, science, the mysteries of the universe. It’s fun.”

  Lyra’s eyes widened slightly, impressed. “That sounds like an awesome group. I don’t really have friends here who enjoy these kinds of discussions. It’s nice to meet someone who gets it, who appreciates the complexity of biological systems and all the possibilities of genetic engineering.”

  Mike thought for a moment, remembering their earlier encounter. “When I saw you in the cafeteria earlier, it looked like you were talking with a group of girls. Are they your friends? Sorry if that’s intrusive—I’m just curious.”

  Lyra’s expression softened, a hint of sadness passing over her features. “Those girls... they’re more like acquaintances. We share classes and hang out sometimes, but it’s mostly small talk—fashion, boys, gossip. It can be draining after a while.”

  Mike nodded, sympathizing. “I get that. It’s hard to connect with people when your interests don’t match. I’ve had similar experiences—friends who are into sports and pop culture, while I’m more into science and philosophy. It’s fun, but it can feel shallow sometimes.”

  He sensed a flicker of loneliness in her words and felt a pang of empathy. After a brief pause, he offered gently, “If you’re ever interested, you could join me and my friends for lunch tomorrow. We talk about all kinds of things, and I think you’d find it more stimulating.”

  Lyra’s eyes widened in surprise, and a grateful smile spread across her face. She hadn’t expected the invitation, and it clearly touched her. “I’d love that. It would be a nice change from the usual conversations.”

  Mike chuckled, already picturing how she might react to his friends. “Just a warning—our table can get pretty entertaining. Especially when my friend Alex starts going off on one of his conspiracy theories. He’s... unique, to say the least.”

  Lyra raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Is he one of those conspiracy theory types? I’ve heard some wild ones floating around.”

  Mike laughed. “Yeah, he’s always got some new theory. Last week he was convinced that octopuses are alien spies. It’s ridiculous, but he’s passionate about it.”

  Lyra burst out laughing. “Octopuses as alien spies? That’s definitely a new one. I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.”

  Mike laughed, shaking his head at the thought of Alex’s wild ideas. “Oh, it’s worse than that. He believes in everything science can’t explain—aliens, Bigfoot, paranormal activity. If there’s a mystery, he has a theory for it.”

  But then, curiosity got the better of him. “By the way, why did you follow me to the library? You seemed pretty engaged back in the cafeteria.”

  Lyra looked a little shy, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. “Honestly? I just needed to escape the noise and gossip. It was starting to get overwhelming, and when I saw you heading to the library, I figured it might be nice to join you. The quiet and an actual conversation seemed like a good change of pace.”

  Mike nodded, understanding completely. “Yeah, the cafeteria can get pretty chaotic. I come here for the same reasons sometimes. Plus, there’s always something new to discover.”

  He glanced at his watch, realizing how much time had passed. “Speaking of which, we should probably head to class. It’s almost 2 p.m.”

  Lyra checked her own watch, her eyes widening. “Wow, you're right. Time really flew. Let’s go, we don’t want to be late.”

  They gathered their things and left the library, continuing their conversation as they walked. As they passed through the hallway, Mike spotted Alex, Maya, and Lyanna standing nearby. Alex’s eyes lit up, and a knowing smirk spread across his face. “Aha! I knew it!” he exclaimed, nudging Maya and Lyanna.