"Why do you look so dull?" Vanilla asked me as I stepped out of the lecture hall, her brow furrowed with concern.
I hesitated to respond immediately. My classmates were streaming out behind me, and I didn't want to draw attention by talking to thin air. I waited until the crowd thinned, finally turning to Vanilla. "I’m just tired," I replied quietly.
She narrowed her eyes, skepticism etched on her face. "I’ve seen you tired before. You’ve never looked like this." Shaking her head, she pressed on, "Is something wrong? Did that demon harm you—"
"Luke would never harm me, Vanilla," I retorted defensively, a hint of irritation creeping into my voice. "Why are you always suspicious of him? Didn’t you see how many times he’s helped me?" My tone was sharper than I intended.
Vanilla's expressi
