The library was quieter than usual. Lina liked it that way.
After the awkward moment yesterday with Ciel, she needed silence — something steady. Something she could understand.
She clutched a book to her chest, heading toward her favorite table in the far corner. But as she turned the aisle, she nearly collided with someone.
"Oh—sorry," she murmured, stepping back quickly.
Renzo.
Of course.
He blinked down at her, expression unreadable as ever. He had one earbud in, a thick book under one arm, and that same distant look he always wore. But for a second — one breath, one blink — something flickered in his eyes.
Surprise? Guilt? She couldn't tell.
"You're here early," he said.
"So are you," she replied, softly.
They stood there for a moment — not awkward exactly, but something like it. Like the silence between people who used to pass each other with ease but suddenly didn't know how.
"Are you avoiding me?" Lina blurted out before she could stop herself.
Renzo's jaw tightened. "No."
"You haven't said a word to me since…" She trailed off, not wanting to say since you saw me with Ciel.
He looked away, then turned to walk past her. "It's not my business who you talk to."
That stung.
Lina didn't even know why it stung — they weren't close. Not really.
But before he walked too far, he stopped.
His voice was quieter now. " You're not… like them."
She blinked. "What?"
He didn't face her. "The ones who want attention. You're different."
Then he ledt — just like that.
Leaving Lina with her heart beating a little too fast and her thoughts spinning.
————
After School — Courtyard
"Lina!" Ciel's voice rang out again, bright and carefree. "You disappeared after class."
He walked up beside her, holding two milk teas. "One's for you. I guessed your favorite."
She stared at the cup in his hand, then looked past his shoulder — down the path where Renzo had just walked moments ago.
And for some reason, the milk tea didn't feel as sweet as it should.