Drake, who was half-sprawled on his desk, squinted at him. "What's… respon-shible?"
Lucian's lips curved in the tiniest, polite smile like a tiny adult explaining to a child. "Responsible means… I help. I try to be good. I do what Teacher says."
Boo floated upside down dramatically. "Lucian is tiny old man!" he squeaked.
Lucian looked at him with that serious, patient stare only he could make. "I'm not old. I just listen," he said, correcting Boo like a miniature butler.
Alina's heart melted at his calm, grown-up words. She leaned in a bit closer, brushing a small lock of hair away from his forehead. "Teacher thinks you're very thoughtful too, Lucian. That's a lovely describing word. Quiet, responsible, thoughtful."
Lucian gave a tiny nod, writing each word in his notebook with neat, tiny letters. His handwriting looked like it belonged in a grown-up's diary. When he finished, he folded his hands again, posture perfect, as if he were waiting for the next lesson already.
