On rainy days, no chores were allowed.

They made the rule themselves. No matter what the matrons said, if it rained, they were off-duty.

They’d sneak to the attic and watch the world blur through broken panes.

Akari would sit with Caeli and trace raindrops with his fingers.

Rael would tell stories of places where orphans became kings. Lira would hum to the rhythm of thunder. Corin would fake dramatic falls to make Caeli laugh. Mirae just watched the sky like it had answers.

One such day, Akari whispered:

“Do you think we’ll be together... when we’re not here anymore?”

There was silence.

Then Rael answered:

“We’ll stay. Even if we don’t.”

And that became their second pact.