The common area of Class VII's dormitory. The large couches are arranged cozily around a table, giving the space a warm and familiar atmosphere. Sunlight filters in through the windows, highlighting the mix of calm and energy that has returned to Thors after all the chaos of the past few months.

Fie had just come back from the training ground, her school uniform feeling slightly stiff after so long without wearing it. She tugged absently at the tie as she entered the hallway and spotted a familiar group gathered near the couches: Laura, Alisa, Emma, and Millium, chatting comfortably.

Fie hesitated for only a moment before Millium noticed her and waved frantically. "Fie! Over here! Come sit!"

With a small smile, Fie wandered over and found herself sandwiched between Millium, who practically bounced in place, and Laura, whose presence was as steadying as always.

"Good to see you wearing the uniform again, Fie," Laura said with a gentle smile as she scooted over a little to make room. "It suits you."

Emma nodded in agreement, her tone soft and kind as ever. "I think you look lovely. It's been a while since we've all been back in class like this. It's nice seeing everyone in uniform again."

Fie leaned back against the couch, slumping into her usual relaxed posture. "Haven't really missed it," she mumbled. "It still fits exactly the same, anyway. I haven't grown at all. Same height. Same everything."

Millium leaned forward, grinning mischievously. "Same flat chest too!"

"Millium!" Alisa exclaimed, scandalized, her eyes wide as she elbowed the younger girl. "You can't just say that!"

Fie let out a long, suffering sigh, dropping her head back against the couch dramatically. "Ugh. Why me…"

Millium cackled, entirely unrepentant. "What? It's true! We can be on Team Flat Chest together, Fie!"

Fie lifted her head slightly to give Millium a flat look. "Don't lump me into your team."

The group burst into laughter, even Laura, who shook her head with an amused smile as she tried—and failed—to hold back her chuckle.

"Don't mind Millium," Emma said gently, though there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "You look wonderful as you are, Fie."

"Yeah," Alisa agreed, tossing her blonde hair back with a light huff. "Not everyone needs to… fill out to look cute. Some of us are just blessed differently."

"Differently," Fie echoed.

Laura, still smiling, rested a hand lightly on her knee. "You shouldn't worry about such things, Fie. There's nothing wrong with how you are now."

Fie blinked at Laura for a moment, her lips twitching slightly before she slouched further into the couch, her voice low. "Thanks, Laura."

Millium leaned back and threw her hands up in the air dramatically. "Well, I think we're cute! Who cares about height or whatever? You and me, Fie—we're a team!"

"Please stop," Fie muttered, though her lips quirked into a small, reluctant smile.

Emma giggled behind her hand. "It really is nice to relax like this again. It feels so normal."

"Yeah," Alisa agreed, leaning back against the arm of the couch. "After everything that happened, I was starting to think we'd never have these kinds of moments again. Just hanging out, talking about pointless things."

Laura nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It does remind me of when we all first started spending time together. Though I think we've all grown in other ways since then."

"That's true," Emma said softly. "We've all been through so much. But that just makes these moments more precious."

Fie tilted her head slightly, her green eyes glancing at each of her friends before she murmured, "Yeah, I guess it's nice."

Millium grinned brightly. "See? I knew you liked hanging out with us!"

"I didn't say that," Fie shot back immediately, though there was no heat to her tone.

The conversation shifted naturally, flowing from teasing banter to lighter topics. Millium, ever the ball of energy, began ranting about how her uniform always gets dirty when she sneaks into vents, which caused Alisa to groan in horror about "proper school decorum."

Emma mentioned a book she'd been reading about flowers native to the region, which got Laura and Fie talking about the beauty of Legram and Ymir in springtime. Fie described how some flowers had started blooming again near the dormitory, and Laura noted softly that she'd like to see them later with Fie.

Eventually, the topic of Rean came up.

"Rean's been looking a lot better lately," Alisa said with a small smile. "He's really been carrying a lot on his shoulders."

"He always worries about everyone else before himself," Fie added, crossing her arms.

"That's what makes him… him," Emma said warmly.

Laura chuckled. "Rean has been a rock for all of us, hasn't he?"

The conversation carried on, the laughter and chatter filling the space. Fie felt a sense of calm settle over her. Being surrounded by her friends—her family—was something she hadn't realized she'd missed so much until now.