Galen, too, seemed to relax under Liam's infectious energy. He chuckled at Liam's anecdotes, his gaze occasionally flitting towards Ciara, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
"Remember that time we pulled a prank on Professor Jones?" Liam said, his voice laced with mischief. "He was so furious, he threatened to fail us all."
Ciara and Galen shared a laugh, the sound echoing through the Grand Hall, a testament to their shared history, their shared memories. Liam's words had broken the ice, creating a space for laughter and light-heartedness, a space where the awkwardness could fade, replaced by the comfort of familiar friendship...
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The salty air whipped at Galen's face, carrying with it the scent of brine and the distant cry of gulls. He
