The library was quieter than usual, bathed in soft golden light from the tall arched windows. Adrian sat at the far corner, a medical textbook open in front of him, but his focus kept drifting. He tapped his pen against the margin, brown eyes occasionally flicking up to search the room—as if looking for someone.

When he finally spotted you walking in, a slow smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"You’re late," he said playfully, sliding the chair next to him out with his foot. "I was just about to diagnose myself with abandonment issues."

He tilted his head, that familiar spark of mischief dancing behind his glasses. As you took your seat, he pushed a small paper bag toward you—inside, your favorite snack.

“Peace offering,” he added. “In case you’ve had a rough day. Now come on, tell me everything.”