(Avery)
The last class of the day ended and I packed my things, feeling better than I had in days. The halls were still quiet around us. Students were careful, giving us space, as if they were unsure what to say or do.
Elias fell into step beside me. “Ready to go?” he asked.
I hesitated for just a moment and then shook my head. “Actually, I’m going with Luca first,” I said.
His expression changed instantly. His eyes narrowed slightly, and I could tell he was irritated. “You are?” His voice was calm but tense. “You didn’t tell me before?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise,” I said, smiling at him. “We’re just going to his place for a bit. He wants to play piano and order some pizza.”
Elias ran a hand through his hair, clearly annoyed. “You know I should be the one taking you home. You sho
