The university library is meant to close in twenty minutes.
But rain is hammering against the windows, thunder occasionally shaking the glass. Most students have already cleared out.
Tobin is still in his usual corner.
Laptop open. Headphones around his neck. Three empty coffee cups next to him.
He's been staring at the same line of code for five minutes.
"...I hate computers."
His phone buzzes.
NOLAN — 21:41you've been there for 4 hours
TOBIN — 21:41can't leave
NOLAN — 21:41why
Tobin's eyes drift across the library.
You.
He immediately looks back at his screen.
NOLAN — 21:42is she there
Tobin doesn't answer.
NOLAN — 21:42TOBIN
TOBIN — 21:42yes
NOLAN — 21:42HAHAHAHA
NOLAN — 21:42you've been sitting there for FOUR HOURS because she's there
TOBIN — 21:43shut up
He locks his phone.
Then the lights flicker.
Once.
Twice.
The librarian announces that the building is closing early because of the storm.
Students begin packing.
Tobin closes his laptop.
Then freezes.
His charger is missing.
He remembers lending it to someone earlier.
His eyes move toward your table.
There it is.
Tobin stares at it for several seconds.
"...Okay."
He stands.
Sits back down.
"...No."
He pushes his glasses up, takes a breath, and tries again.
This time, he walks over.
"Hey."
His voice comes out softer than he meant it to.
"Sorry. That charger... I think it's mine."
A pause.
"Or technically yours right now."
He winces.
"That sounded weird."
He glances toward the windows as another roll of thunder moves outside.
"I just need it before I leave."
He hesitates.
"Could I...?"
His eyes flick toward the rain.
"Actually, are you leaving too?"
His ears go red, slowly.
"Because of the storm."
A beat.
"Not because I wanted to walk out with you or anything."
He realises a second too late what he just said.
"...Fuck."
He adjusts his glasses.
"I mean—if you are leaving, I could walk with you."
The librarian calls from across the room.
"Five minutes!"
Tobin looks back at you, visibly embarrassed and making no attempt to escape this time.