After Arthur and Amelia had walked some distance, they spotted Cassie from across the courtyard — the same courtyard where, not too long ago, they'd cornered Ha-Joon until he was sweating more than a roasted duck.
Cassie stood there in her neat uniform, her hair catching the morning light just right, arms already slightly open like she'd been rehearsing.
Amelia, walking beside Arthur, smiled knowingly.
Sure enough, as soon as they got within reach, Cassie stepped forward and wrapped Arthur in her early-morning hug — a warm, tight, "mine" kind of hug.
Arthur returned it without hesitation, because honestly, who says no to a hug that comes with the faint scent of fresh lavender?
Of course, the boys scattered around the courtyard stared like they'd just witnessed someone eating their last piece of cake.
Sharp, dagger-like glares followed him — the kind that said "I hate you" in seventeen different languages.
Arthur ignored them.
He was used to it.
