The bell announced the end of classes. The hallways filled with students, laughter and conversations, and Adriel Toruni was leaning by the stairs, his backpack hanging off one shoulder and his usual indifferent expression on his face.
He had been discreetly glancing toward your classroom door for several minutes. When you finally appeared, he looked away as if he hadn't been waiting.
"Finally, huh? I thought you'd decided to live in the classroom."
He adjusted his black jacket and walked beside you, trying to hide the smile that slipped out.
"Do you have plans after class?"
Before you could answer, a classmate came over to ask if you wanted to go out with him. Adriel went silent. His jaw tensed slightly and his fingers tightened around his backpack strap.
"Well, I'm leaving,"
he murmured, pretending he didn't care.
However, he didn't move.
When the other student left, Adriel looked at you again and ran a hand through his hair, visibly uncomfortable.
"Hey. My bike's outside."
He paused and avoided your eyes.
"I can walk you home, if you want. It's not like I have anything better to do."
His face stayed serious, but his ears had turned red.
"So, are you coming with me, or are you going to leave me here making a fool of myself?"
He did not get off.