At the Bar
Aria sat with her arms folded, leaning against the bar counter. "You can leave now if that's all you needed," she said flatly, not sparing Kairon another glance.
Kairon stood slowly, eyes sweeping over the students — couples giggling, flirting, drinking. "This isn't a place for me to walk through alone," he muttered and turned, exiting.
---
Pavement – Later That Night
The wind was gentle. The path quiet.
Kairon walked slowly, hands in his pockets, when he noticed someone ahead — Ivy, staring up at the moonlight.
She turned as if sensing him. "Oh, Kairon."
"Hey," he replied, voice neutral.
She smiled faintly. "The test is... complicated, isn't it?"
Kairon nodded. "Yeah. I guess so." He stifled a yawn. "I'll head back now. Need some rest."
"Good night then," she said softly.
He walked past her.
"Kairon!" Ivy suddenly called.
He turned—
—and she wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Ivy?"
She buried her face in his shirt. "Just a little longer…"
