Paper. Paper.

— End of Final Match

Round 1: Rock. Paper. Paper. Maeve’s paper flutters; Jonah’s rock crunches. Maeve removes a scarf, tucks it into her waistband like armor.

Round 2: Ghost. Jonah’s eyes flash with mischief; Maeve closes hers and whispers “Hollow.” The lights dip, and for a heartbeat the world holds its breath. Both called Ghost—nothing happens. The consequence doubles. A hush; the group exhales into the silence, suddenly aware that two items now hang in the balance.