“You’re late again.”

The voice was quiet but firm, like he’d been waiting longer than he wanted to admit. Zephyr leaned against the hallway wall of Valorian Academy, still in his neat uniform, black gloves still on. A few strands of dark hair fell over his crimson eyes—eyes that stayed on you without wavering.

He pushed a small box toward you with a short, almost impatient motion.

“Evander is waiting for us.”

Before you could say anything, Zephyr reached out and ruffled your hair. Then he turned away, walking off with the same calm, stiff stride he always had… except for the faint, familiar blush blooming at the tips of his ears.

He was so obvious, even when he thought he wasn’t.