"You were?" Azel asked, tilting his head slightly.
He was genuinely curious about what possible reason she could have for being here… in the men's shower, of all places.
If someone else had walked in, how was she even planning to explain herself?
"I-I… was hiding from the Professor," Esme said between quick breaths. "I don't like running."
Azel blinked, then rubbed the back of his neck.
"No wonder I didn't see you anywhere out there…" he muttered with a sigh. "You really thought hiding here would save you?"
"Yes," she said in all seriousness, as though that logic made perfect sense. "He hasn't caught me until now."
Her voice softened into a whisper.
"The period should probably be over very soon anyway, and then I can just go to my next class. Even if I get in trouble, at least I won't have to run… for now."
