“How are your classes, Hati?” Teophania asked as they walked around the more populated areas of the campus together. Usually they’d walk in more secluded areas since Teophania stated she was uncomfortable with the other students staring at them. Hati wasn’t about to tell her that he could hear all of their conversations turn to them as well. 

“They’re alright. I’m a little more fluent now, so Arcan language isn’t so hard as it was.”

Teophania chuckled. “Yes, that tends to happen when you’re thrown into a place that only speaks Arcan.” She quipped. “You know that if you need any help with your classes, I’ll tutor you, right?”

“I know.” Hati responded cheerfully. “I might take you up on that with Arcan Literature though.”

“I’m happy to help you with that, but I won’t go easy on you.”

“I didn’t expect you to.”

“Hey, Hati!” Milo’s voice made Hati jump and look around, surprised he hadn’t noticed his friend in the area before he’d said hello. Hati blamed the overwhelming tide of new smells and sounds that he wasn’t quite used to yet. 

Finally though, he spotted Milo, who was waving as he walked up. “Hi, Milo!” Hati greeted cheerfully. “What’s up?”

Milo gave him a happy smile. “Sirena had to cancel our date today for an AP Arcan History project, so my rare on-campus Saturday is considerably freed. Do you want to meet at up and head to my dorm so we can study?”

“Sure!” Hati beamed as Teophania raised a brow. 

“It may not be my place to ask, but…” Teophania gave Milo a slightly curious expression. “Are you sure that’s what Sirena canceled for?”

“That’s what she told me.” Milo confirmed, but still understanding what she was implying. “Why?”

“I take AP Arcan History.” Teophania explained carefully. “We haven’t been assigned any projects yet.” 

“You don’t?” Hati asked curiously. “What about the one you’re working on with Carmen?” 

“That’s for AP Arcan literature.” Teophania answered. 

“Well, I’m sure she had her reasons,” Milo said cheerfully. “I’ll ask her about it though; thank you for telling me about it. I’d rather know about discrepancies that could hurt me instead of people not telling me for the sake of my feelings.”

“Of course; I understand. I’m the same way.”

“Do you want to meet in about an hour? I have a couple things to take care of with Tiff and Atlas, and I want to see Carmen off before her shift.” Hati suggested, changing the heavy subject to something a bit lighter while they finished making plans. Everything in moderation, right?

Milo smiled cheerfully, clearly happy for the change in subject. “Sure. I’ll see you then. Meet at the fountain?”

“Okay!” Hati beamed, waving to his friend as he left towards the academic wing of the main building. 

“Hati,” Teophania said in a warning tone. “Be careful.I know you’re excited to meet people and make friends, but you get attached quickly even compared to other werewolves; some Arcans might get the wrong idea.”

Hati laughed cheerfully. “Don’t worry, Tiff!” He assured with a smile. “We’re just friends, and besides: he’s dating someone else, and I’m sure Sirena isn’t the type of person to be open about my pack traditions.  Point is, we’re just friends.”

“Okay…” Teophania said, her expression and tone saying that she didn’t quite believe him, but was letting it go for her friend’s sake.