Silence filled the lobby.
Iris and Theo just looked at each other for a few seconds.
"Shall we go?" Theo finally asked.
Iris smiled faintly and nodded.
They both stood up at the same time.
Without another word, they turned and began walking toward the corridor leading to the starting rooms.
Owen watched them go, his usual grin nowhere to be seen for once.
"…Don't go easy on each other," he called out.
Theo raised a hand slightly in response, not looking back.
"We won't."
Iris glanced at him, her smile radiating warmth.
The noise from the lobby slowly faded away behind them as they entered the corridors.
Finally, they came to a halt in front of two different doors opposite each other.
Iris glanced at hers for a moment.
Then back at Theo.
"…Good luck," she said.
Theo nodded once.
"You too."
They fell silent for a moment.
Then Iris turned and pushed her door open, stepping inside without hesitation.
Theo watched it close behind her.
