The wooden door to Hot Pot Haven swung open with a cheerful creak, letting out a puff of spicy steam as the trio stepped back into the cool evening air.
Aestrea let out a sigh of relief, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Hotpot is good and all, but I swear I've lost five pounds in sweat."
"That's the spice detox, bro." Derek grinned, patting his belly.
"Cleanses your soul. And your sinuses."
"You ate half the pot," James snorted, slinging his jacket over his shoulder.
"You're gonna sweat for a week."
"Worth it." Derek raised a peace sign.
"Also, dibs on the leftover broth next time."
Aestrea chuckled softly.
They strolled down the lamp-lit street, past food stalls and small shops, the quiet hum of nightlife giving the academy town a cozy, lived-in feel.
"Oh! Did you hear about the third-year who enchanted his laundry? Accidentally made all his boxers sentient," James said with a grin.
