Ace and Rika step through the door, leaving behind the warmth of the dining hall.
The moment the door clicks shut, the air outside feels heavier, cooler.
It's quieter here, away from the murmuring conversations and the clinking of plates. Only the distant rustle of the wind.
Rika exhales sharply, her shoulders visibly tense. She clasps her hands together, as if steadying herself before she finally turns to face Ace.
Her usual confidence wavers, replaced by something rare, uncertainty.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Ace asks noticing her uneasiness.
She has been panicking since the moment Kieran mentioned that they were going to leave.
"Ace, I know I have no right to ask you this but we really need your help," she says, her voice quieter than before.
Ace narrows his eyes in curiosity. "What's wrong?"
She hesitates, eyes darting toward the floor before locking onto his.