The tension followed them all the way back to the dorm.
Aiden's hand never let go of Cassian's wrist, not even when Leonel gave that sly little wave and called out, "See you both tomorrow." His voice had been smooth, casual, but his eyes lingered on Cassian, always on Cassian.
Cassian tried not to look back. Tried not to feel the burn of Leonel's gaze drilling into his spine. Tried not to think about how his pulse still hadn't steadied from the way Leonel's fingers had brushed his earlier.
But it was impossible. Every step down the quiet streets felt heavier, louder, as though his own heartbeat was echoing against the pavement.
Aiden said nothing the entire way. Not a word. Just walked briskly, grip firm around Cassian's wrist, dragging him along like Cassian might slip away if he let go. The silence pressed harder than Leonel's teasing had, harder than Cassian's messy thoughts.
