The ferry's engine hummed to a halt as it docked at Catalyst Academy's private pier. Xavier adjusted his tie, watching the pristine white buildings of the academy come into focus through the morning mist.
"We're here," he announced unnecessarily.
Calypso groaned beside him, her face buried in her hands. "And we're late. Fifteen minutes late, to be exact."
"Which is entirely your fault." Xavier stood, slinging his bag over one shoulder. "If someone hadn't spent twenty minutes deciding which earrings matched her 'student aesthetic'—"
"Oh, please. You're the one who used all the hot water."
"That's not why we're late, and you know it."
The ferry was eerily empty—no other students, just them and the bored-looking operator who kept checking his watch. The last ferry had departed fifteen minutes ago, right when first period started.
Calypso straightened her blazer, pink eyes narrowing. "Maybe if you hadn't spent so much time on your hair—"
