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

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, harder to pass than mine. Unlike me, he plunged back into his books as soon as Cornelia brought them to my work. I'm not sure if it was his coping mechanism for all the changes in his life, or if he's just a hard worker.

I was staring at the pages, not quite understanding 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 the keys, and we left our flat. We passed by a few other doors and stepped out of the building. The weather was fresh and sunny. It's not too hot, but not 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 am living in your bedroom. The flat is good for two people, and I am imposing on both of you by making it crowded. I appreciate your help, but it is not fair to any 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 do their job, and my father is aware that something has happened, even if he is struggling to digest that fact."

"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. 

I wasn't really interested in anyone, as I'd always been. I was fine on my own until Emery stole my attention. But there is nothing I can do when he is in such a vulnerable state. He needs a friend now, not someone to woo him. 

"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.

"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 bother you any more. I feel terrible every time I see you sleeping here. And I have dragged all this drama over someone who has nothing to do with me and my family. Even though you helped me, I never thought 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 what he said. My thoughts went back to all those times I watched the clock, expecting him to come anytime soon. Was he only a stranger whom I was helping all this time? 

"Do you want to come live with me?" I stared at him, shocked. "I live in a three bedroom flat, so Jasper also can come if he wants to. It doesn't have to be permanent, just for the time being."

I didn't know what to say to that. It was logical, this way no one would be sleeping on the sofa, and he wouldn't be alone. 

I heard him sigh, playing with the cup. "I asked quite a lot from you now. You can just ignore it. I put you through enough."

"Don't say that. You are not a stranger to me, but a friend." I tried to smile, but my mind was all foggy. "I could stay with you for some time if you want me to."

He gave me the most genuine smile so far, that reflected in his eyes. "I would really like that."

"I have to study." I got up, took the rubbish to the kitchen area and put it in the bin. I started going over everything that had just happened in my head, instead of looking at the papers in front of me.