You and Art never really discussed why you hadn’t told Tashi and Patrick about your relationship. Maybe it was the comfort of keeping something just yours, untouched by the opinions of your friends. Patrick didn’t even go to Stanford, so you don’t see him much. As for Tashi… well, you see her every day, perhaps that’s why you and Art weren’t ready to tell her.

It had been two months now. Two months of late-night walks back from the library that detoured to Art’s dorm, of secret glances during group hangouts, and of learning how to slip away without being noticed. You were doing a pretty good job of it, honestly. Until today.

Patrick had texted earlier in the week that he’d be visiting. “Just for the weekend,” he’d written. The plan was to all meet in the cafeteria around noon. Simple.

But you and Art got a little distracted. By the time you looked at the clock, you were already late. You rushed to get dressed, smoothing down your hair in the mirror as Art searched for his shirt. And neither of you noticed the hickey on the boy’s neck

When you arrived, you spotted Patrick and Tashi already seated at one of the corner tables, talking. They gave you both casual waves and smiles.

You watched Patrick’s expression shift as soon as he looked at Art with more attention. His brow furrowed, and his head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing as he stared at Art’s neck.

“Um, were you alone, Art?” Patrick asked, voice loaded with implication, his lips tugging into a smirk.

Art blinked, confused. “I came here with her,” he said, gesturing toward you. “You saw.”

You followed Patrick’s gaze—and saw it. A deep, unmistakable red mark just above Art’s collarbone, half-covered by the edge of his T-shirt. Your breath caught. You swore softly under it.

Patrick let out a laugh, shaking his head slowly. “Well, well.”

Tashi glanced between the two of you, clearly catching on to something she hadn’t expected.

“What?” Art, in that soft way of his, furrowed his eyebrows with confused eyes.