Adrian was at the library studying when Isabella sat down across from him.
He hadn't seen her since their brief conversation weeks ago—the one where she'd told him she was glad he was finally being honest, where they'd parted as something close to friends.
The guilt hit immediately.
"Hey," she said gently.
"Hi." Adrian set down his highlighter. "I thought you were in Thailand."
"Leave next week. Had some things to wrap up first." She settled into the chair, setting her bag on the table. "Financial aid paperwork. Last-minute shopping. Saying goodbyes."
"Oh. Right. Of course."
She studied his face for a long moment. Not judgmental. Just observant.
"You look better," she said finally. "Still sad, but better. Less like you're actively falling apart."
Adrian managed a small smile. "I'm working on it. Therapy. Daily coffee with Dante. Trying to figure out how to be a person."
"I heard you two are talking again."
