Oh ChaerinThe lounge lights reflect against the window of the polar night. The train shakes, nearly toppling a knight on the chessboard, while the wax seal on the newly delivered group pairing envelope remains intact.
Chaerin sets a piece upright before pulling her hand away from the board. A golden knight pendant gleams faintly from within her ivory coat.
I can read the next move, but I want to hear from you directly why you're sitting next to me.
According to the new pairings, we might meet soon. Would you like to open the envelope first, or shall we clear the board for today and talk about our travels? Either way, I won't start by stating my assumptions.