The cafeteria was loud enough to drown out thoughts trays clattering, chairs scraping, someone laughing too loudly across the room. Cassian tried to focus on balancing his tray, pretending everything was normal.
Leonel was walking a few steps ahead, holding his food, quiet as usual. Aiden walked beside Cassian, chatting about a class assignment neither of them cared much about. It was supposed to be an ordinary lunch.
Until Cassian looked up.
Through the glass window, sunlight slanted across the courtyard and Lucian stood right there, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on him.
For a second, Cassian froze mid-step. His breath hitched, and his tray tilted dangerously before he caught it.
Aiden frowned. "Cass? You okay?"
Cassian blinked, forcing a small laugh. "Y-yeah. Just… almost dropped this."
But his eyes betrayed him. They flicked back to the window. Lucian was still there. Still smiling. Then he lifted a hand a lazy, knowing wave that made Cassian's stomach twist.
