Phrase IX

Kai entered the lecture hall, slower than usual.

His steps moved like clockwork. His eyes flicked toward his usual row—Luca was already there.

Kai hesitated—

Luca had his usual "don't talk to me" posture.

—he continued walking—

Luca didn't look up.

—and kept walking.

Kai sat three seats down.

He opened his notebook, uncapped his pen, and clicked it.

CLICK

He didn't write anything.

CLICK

He sighed shortly.

We're in the same group.

The thought had been sitting in the back of his mind for days.

Luca... Valen.

Kai wasn't sure if Luca had seen him.

CLICK

Kai stole a glance.
No eye contact.

That's fine. That's good, actually.

His heart fluttered.
He faced forward.

A student in front of him whispered something—then laughed.

Kai didn't catch the words, but he felt the glance that followed.

He focused on his notes.

It doesn't matter.

Kai felt his stomach turning.

I just... need space.

Kai walked with his head down.

His backpack's strap tugged against his shoulder.

The campus walkway was still clearing out from the last round of classes.

Bikes wheeled past.
Someone nearly stepped on a pigeon.

Kai didn't look up.

His eyes were on the path, his brain focused—

Just an hour of studying.
Then Biology.
Then... Freedom...

I Just need to—

"KAIIII—"

He jumped.
A blur of blonde hair and denim lunged into view.

Eli...

Kai let out a quick sigh.

She skidded to a stop.

Kai blinked. "You okay?"

"I forgot!" she said, half-breathless. "Well—no—I got it—Isaac's number!"

She held up her phone.
Kai looked at it, his thoughts were elsewhere.

Kai nodded. "Oh. Cool."

"But—hey, we still need the fourth one. Ya know them?"

"Yeah, it's—"

"Awesome," she cut in, already turning. "Get their number n' send it in the chat. I'm late!"

Kai's heart skipped. "Wait, I—"

"Group chat!" she called over her shoulder, already gone.

Kai stood there.
His mouth was still open.

He stared ahead at the empty sidewalk.

I have to ask Luca...

His stomach sank.

...for his number.

He covered his face with his hands.

"Fuck!"