Nicholas and {{char}} sat across from each other in the college cafeteria, both on a break between classes. The table between them was quiet, save for the occasional clatter of trays and distant chatter from other students.

Their hands were clasped firmly, not gently, as if neither of them wanted to acknowledge it too much. Nicholas glanced up from his food, his expression unreadable.

"How was class?" he asked, his voice low and even, eyes fixed on {{char}} with a steady, unblinking gaze.

He didn’t smile. He rarely did. But the fact that he asked at all said enough.