A week later, I decided to quit my job for good and devote myself to studying for the final presentation. I had fallen behind in my studies not only due to a lack of motivation but also because of Emery. I couldn't concentrate long enough to study properly. Even though I didn't particularly care about my degree, I didn't want to waste all the years I had invested in my education.

Emery sat across from me at the table, taking notes and writing down numbers I couldn't understand. As far as I could tell, he had his own exams—ones that seemed even harder to pass than mine. Unlike me, he dove back into his books as soon as Cornelia brought them to my workplace. I wasn't sure if it was his way of coping with all the changes in his life or if he was simply a hard worker.

I was staring at the pages, unable to fully grasp their meaning, when Emery interrupted me with a question.

"How's it going? Should we get some snacks?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry, yeah, we can." I closed my laptop and stood up from my seat.

Emery watched me for a second before standing up too.

"Are you okay?" He asked, coming closer to me.

"Yeah. I'm just tired from all the studying." I stretched my back to warm up my muscles. Not only that, but I felt stiff after sitting for so long.

"What should we get?" He looked in the direction of the kitchen.

I frowned at the thought of having leftovers or some sandwiches. There wasn't anything we could eat.

"Should we get croissants and coffee?" I asked, to which Emery immediately agreed.

I grabbed my wallet and keys, and we left our flat. We passed a few other doors before stepping out of the building. The weather was fresh and sunny—not too hot, but not too cold either.

"Do you think I should get my own place?" Emery started when we barely moved through the parking, stepping out on the street. I looked back at him, baffled.

"Why?" I asked.

"You sleep on the sofa while I stay in your bedroom. The flat is meant for two people, and my presence is making it feel overcrowded. I appreciate your help, but it’s not fair to either of you."

"Are you ready to move out?" I furrowed my eyebrows. He slowed down, and I matched his pace.

"I don't know. I feel it is the right thing to do."

"You know you are not a bother to any of us. You don't have to leave just because you feel bad." I assured.

"You can say that, but I am making your life harder. That's a fact." He paused. "I'm not in any potential danger now, if the police does their job, and my father is aware that something has happened, even if he is struggling to accept."

"Well, it's your decision in the end. Just know that you don't have to." I told him, and he smiled warmly. He smiled more lately and seemed more relaxed. I was drawn to his growing confidence. "I like to have you around." I admitted.

"I like to be around you." He smiled.

We walked for a while in comfortable silence. His words made me shy, and I needed a moment to gather my thoughts. I had already accepted that what I felt for him went beyond friendship. But it took me a moment to recognize the difference between him and Jasper.

I had never really been interested in anyone. I was fine on my own until Emery stole my attention. But there’s nothing I can do while he’s in such a vulnerable state. Right now, he needs a friend, not someone trying to win his affection.

"We are here." I noticed.

"The smell makes me hungrier." Emery chuckled. I nodded, and opened the door, letting him in first.

"Should we take plain ones, or maybe chocolate?" I asked Emery, who stared at the display.

"Both?" He asked, smiling, and I couldn't do anything but nod, mirroring his smile.

We got croissants in both flavours, plus two lattes.

"Are you not angry with your dad?" I couldn't stop myself from asking him.

"What do you mean?" He asked between sips from his cup.

"He didn't take your side immediately."

"I am not," he sighed. "Rather disappointed, but I know my story sounds crazy to someone who had no idea she was capable of it. I don't blame him."

"I see." I paused. "I hope he will come around. This woman shouldn't be allowed near you again."

"I agree. I can't imagine seeing her now." I looked into his eyes and wanted to beg him to stay with us a little longer. Like, I don't think he should be alone, because he's safe when I'm around.

Once inside, we locked the door and sat down on the sofa, covering our knees with a blanket. Emery put our goodie bag on the coffee table and I reached for the pastry.

"Are you truly okay with living alone? It isn't too early?" I met his troubled eyes. Emery took a minute to think deeply.

"I don't think I want to live alone again, but I know I can't keep imposing on you. I feel terrible every time I see you sleeping here. And I've dragged all this drama over someone who has nothing to do with me or my family. Even though you've helped me so much, I never imagined you would choose to sleep on the sofa for weeks on end—for a stranger."

He wasn’t wrong, and I couldn’t argue with him. My thoughts drifted back to all those times I watched the clock, waiting for him to come back. Was he really just a stranger I had been helping all this time?

"Do you want to come live with me?" I stared at him, stunned.

"I live in a three-bedroom flat, so Jasper can come too if he wants. It doesn't have to be permanent, just for now."

I didn’t know what to say. It made sense. This way, no one would have to sleep on the sofa, and he wouldn’t be alone.

I heard him sigh as he played with his cup. "I’ve already asked so much of you. You can just ignore it. I've put you through enough."

"Don’t say that. You’re not a stranger to me, you’re a friend." I tried to smile, but my mind felt foggy. "I could stay with you for a while if that’s what you want."

His expression softened into the most genuine smile I had seen from him yet, one that reached his eyes. "I would really like that."

"I have to study." I got up, took the rubbish to the kitchen, and tossed it into the bin. But as I sat down with my papers, my mind kept replaying everything that had just happened, making it impossible to focus.