The room felt smaller now. Quieter. Just the faint hum of the old air conditioner and our breathing.
Aria was still pressed against me, her face tucked into my shoulder, hands gripping the back of my shirt like I was the only thing keeping her grounded. I could feel the quick, shallow rise and fall of her chest against mine, the warmth of her body seeping through both our clothes.
"Hey," I said softly, pulling back just enough to look at her. "You're okay. We're okay. He'll be back eventually, or someone will notice the door's locked."
She nodded, but didn't let go. Her eyes were glassy, a little wide, lips slightly parted. "I know. It's just… I hate feeling trapped."
I glanced around the office. There was a small leather sofa against the far wall, probably for waiting parents or tired faculty. Dark brown, worn in just right.
"Come on," I said, gently guiding her with a hand on her lower back. "Let's sit down. Standing like this isn't helping."
