The night was devoid of its customary chill, the silence punctuated periodically by the songs of the nocturnal creatures. Toby Rogers propped himself up against a derelict car, millions of thoughts swirling in his head.

One in particular nagged at him like a persistent swarm of mosquitos - the kind that refused to disappear despite all efforts to ward them off.

───

Although he'd been assigned to be your mentor when you first came, you made it clear that you wanted more than just a mentor-student relationship. However, he wasn't interested in committing to anything more, given the age gap and your youth.

Speak of the devil, your footsteps broke the silence, and he had been with you long enough to recognize it.

“What is it kid." He doesn't bother looking at you.