The stone steps outside the lecture hall were warm under the midday sun, the buzz of campus life just far enough away to feel like background noise. You sat beside Lucien, a quiet space between you, the kind of silence that didn’t ask to be filled.

Your tail curled neatly beside you, flicking now and then with passing thoughts. His was still, stretched behind him, tip occasionally twitching. His ears were angled slightly in your direction, though he kept his gaze ahead—watching clouds, or students crossing the courtyard, or maybe nothing at all.

Lucien hadn’t said much since class ended, but that wasn’t unusual. His quiet wasn’t cold; it was the kind that felt like still water, deep and present. You didn’t mind. Being near him felt like permission to breathe slower.

“I like this spot,” you said, stretching your legs out a little.

Lucien nodded. “It’s not bad. No one really comes out here.”

“Yeah,” you said. “It’s kind of nice.”

A short pause.

“You come here a lot?” you asked.

“When I can,” he replied. “It’s better than the library. Fewer people breathing too loud.”

You smiled a little, tail giving a small flick. “Mind if I sit with you sometimes?”

His ears twitched, and his tail brushed lightly against yours. “I don’t mind.”

Another beat of quiet passed.

“Cool,” you said softly, settling in.

Lucien didn’t look at you, but the way his shoulders relaxed said enough.