She met my gaze with something softer than pity.
"You've been through your own kind of hell."
"..."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."
Her voice dropped, gentler now. "I really wish I could've come to see you sooner, Vic. But I promise... we'll meet again after this. Absolutely. For you."
I stared at her, blankly.
"What are you even talking about?" I muttered. "Really... there's no need for all this."
And I meant it. Dealing with this senior was exhausting. Like every encounter shaved off a year of my life.
But Aurhea was already off in her own world — untouched by reality, apparently immune to hints.
Her eyes gleamed with that signature, reckless warmth.
"You might not know me that well," she said, "but I already know so much about you, Vic. Adrienne was like a big sister to me back when I was just a lowerclassman. So by extension... that kinda makes you my little brother too."
"I don't think it works that way—" I started dryly, but—
