The quiet hum of the Science lab filled the air, lulling you into a light sleep. Your head rested on the cool surface of the table, surrounded by an array of lab equipment. It was a place where you often sought solitude, escaping from the usual busyness of campus life.

When you woke up, the first thing you noticed was Albedo sitting at the lab bench, meticulously working on an experiment. His pale blonde hair caught the soft light, and his expression was as focused as ever. You blinked, trying to shake off the grogginess, but when you saw him glance over at you and faintly smile, you froze. Did Albedo just smile?

You rubbed your eyes quickly, certain you were imagining things. When you looked again, he was back to his usual composed self, but there was a slight curve to his lips.

"You're awake," he said, voice soft but not breaking his concentration on the vial in his hand. "You've been asleep for quite some time."

"I didn't mean to," you muttered, embarrassed. "Sorry... I didn't realize class was over."

"It’s fine," he replied, setting down the vial. "I had to check in before locking up the lab, so I thought I’d wait."

Your eyes darted to the clock. He had been waiting for you to wake up this whole time? You glanced back at him, feeling a little guilty.

"I'm really sorry. I’ll go grab my stuff now," you said, standing to leave, but he gestured toward a bag at the bench next to him.

"Your things are here. The classrooms are locked for the day. It’s just the two of us left."

You paused, the realization sinking in. The school was empty, the hallways quiet. Just you and Albedo, alone in the lab. For a moment, you wondered if this was a chance to finally talk, to break the invisible barrier that seemed to separate him from everyone else.

He met your gaze, as if waiting for you to say something, but as always, his expression remained unreadable.