Alex stepped out of Tisha's office, the warmth of the late afternoon sun hitting his face.
Every step he took toward the campus café felt lighter, yet the weight of responsibility hummed beneath it.
He couldn't shake the sense that he had been entrusted with more than just gratitude... Miranda's favor was a quiet command, a challenge that demanded he live up to her expectations.
By the time he reached the café, Danny and Mike were already there, two familiar faces amid the hum of students. Danny waved, grinning, while Mike sipped a coffee, lost in his own thoughts.
"There he is," Danny said, nudging Mike. "Finally free to go, huh?"
Alex offered a tired smile. "Yeah… just came out of Tisha's office. Everything's… settled for now."
Mike looked up, eyes twinkling. "We're heading to the hospital, but I'll join later. Got something to take care of first."
Danny leaned back in his chair, smirking. "It's Lila, isn't it?"
Mike laughed, raising his coffee cup in mock salute.
