Isaac shrugged, and didn't say anything.
The silence stretched between them.
Professor Catherine's eyes never left him, and he met her gaze without flinching.
For a few moments, neither of them moved.
It became almost a contest of who would break first, though Isaac had no intention of giving in.
Eventually, Professor Catherine let out a quiet breath and shook her head.
"Don't tell anyone your Talent rank. Not Emily, not Celia, not Alice. No one."
Isaac frowned slightly. "Why not?"
A short, amused sound escaped her, half a snort and half a laugh.
A small smile tugged at her lips. "I'll tell you the reason if you tell me your rank first."
Isaac gave a faint smile of his own. "I think I'm fine without knowing the reason, then."
Professor Catherine didn't push further.
She seemed to understand he had already decided.
He could guess why she was being cautious anyway.
