Back to the present situation, after four days of being trapped in the dome and transported to another world, the intelligent monsters outside are still locked in a stalemate, keeping everyone on edge and preventing them from getting enough sleep.
The girls' quarters are separate from the rest for privacy, but due to the tension caused by the monsters, the six teenagers have decided to sleep together for the time being. There is no awkwardness between the men and women in this situation, as if they have all forgotten about societal norms.
In the first few days of their arrival, they had some complaints about the insect food, private quarters, clothing, and hygiene, but they have suppressed their thoughts as there is no use in complaining. Only the twelve of them, who are in a similar situation, would listen, but their pride as scions of respected families prevents them from living poorly or showing weakness. Amelia and Lucy, in particular, have made sure their quarters are spacious and hygienic, while Rayana has gone along with it, enjoying the idea of a comfortable place to rest. The rest of the group has ignored it, giving them the freedom to do as they please. As a result, Ethan, Jake, and Noah have been able to fit in with enough space to move around if they want.
The reason for agreeing to sleep in the girls' quarters is to safeguard them and increase alertness for emergencies, without acknowledging their own fear and the comfort of having more company. They have also discovered that the girls' quarters are more tidy and well-organized, with a touch of modern interior design.
There is a stone table made from debris from one of the walls, with smoothed-out edges, paired with stone chairs. Everyone has managed to find old curtains that have remained well-preserved despite the passage of time. The dome is large, with unexplored areas, allowing the group to find more materials for clothes, tents, and other necessities. They have even found chalices and other ceremonial items, making them more equipped for their daily tasks.
At first, Rayana wasn't bothered by the plan to sleep together, despite not having an initial intimacy with the group. But she soon realized that her patience was being tested. Amelia and the others, despite being well-mannered and clear-headed in desperate situations, are still mischievous students who often engage in playful banter. The five of them have been friends for a while and understand each other well.
"By the Rayana, I was curious why you were in the area when 'that' happened." Lucy's question hung in the air, curiosity evident on the faces of everyone present. They all leaned in, eager to hear Rayana's response. The weekend had brought a sense of calm to the usually bustling school, with only a few students engaged in activities or attending makeup lessons. It was unusual to see Rayana in the area, especially since she wasn't wearing her school uniform.
"I was working," Rayana replied simply, her words eliciting an "oh" reaction from the group. The realization dawned on them that Rayana had been preoccupied with her own responsibilities, explaining her avoidance of the student council and their persistent attempts to engage her.
Noah chuckled, a hint of laughter in his voice as he spoke. "No wonder you kept dodging us, Rayana. You were already swamped with work. We should've taken the hint."
Jake, always the joker of the group, couldn't resist adding his own comment, laced with friendly teasing. "You were quite brave, Rayana. Those monstrous creatures outside are still causing a ruckus, but you don't seem to pay them any mind. Aren't you scared? It's okay if you feel frightened. We're here to protect you, even if you cry or scream."
Jake's words carried a genuine concern for Rayana's well-being. He recognized that Amelia and Lucy were tough individuals, capable of holding their own and even throwing a punch if provoked. However, his understanding of Rayana was limited, as he had only observed her intelligence and introverted nature. Despite his teasing, he wanted to convey that they cared about her comfort and didn't want her to feel obligated to hide her fears or concerns.
Rayana's response was unexpected, her voice calm and resolute. "It's alright. If it finds us, then we die."
Her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the peril they all faced in this dangerous world. Rayana's acceptance of the potential consequences showcased her strength and resilience, a testament to her unwavering determination. The group fell silent, their minds filled with a mixture of admiration and concern for their enigmatic companion. They knew that they were all in this together, bound by a shared fate and the need to protect one another in the face of the unknown.
Throughout the night, due to worry and fear, all five of them kept each other awake, dragging Rayana into their hushed discussions. Rayana made a hard effort to ignore their chatter and try to sleep, but every time she seemed to doze off, one of them would talk to her and ask for her opinion.
"Can you all just shut your mouths and sleep? If you keep talking, it'll be morning soon," Rayana snapped, and everyone fell silent. Max, who was on night watch at the time, heard Rayana and was amused.
The previous night, everyone were jolted awake by the presence of menacing monsters outside, forcing them to stay vigilant throughout the night. Unfortunately, their fears continued to haunt them the following night, depriving them of much-needed rest. Rayana empathized with their struggle and recognized that they couldn't find comfort or peace of mind with the lurking danger outside. Their worries consumed them, making it nearly impossible for them to find restful sleep. In light of this, Rayana decided to give them space, understanding the importance of allowing them to cope with their anxieties in their own way.
However, as the nights wore on, the cumulative lack of sleep began to take its toll on Rayana as well. Finally, last night, Rayana reached their breaking point and snapped. The constant discussions and concerns prevented them from obtaining the necessary rest, exacerbating their own fatigue and frustration. The exhaustion and sleep deprivation had reached a tipping point, leading to Rayana's emotional outburst.
During the day, Rayana would engage in combat training with the rest of the group, dedicating their time to honing their skills. In the afternoon, they would explore the murals, often interrupted by Jack's random questions about anything. Will and the others would take turns providing training in various areas, resulting in constant conversation and physical exertion. Multitasking had never been a challenge for Rayana, except when it came to socializing.
Rayana knows her own capabilities and limitations. "One thing is for sure, I definitely can't sleep while talking to my troubled peers," she thought with a hint of annoyance.