It was ridiculous. Humiliating.
And yet, there was something about him. The way he threw himself into everything as if he had no instinct for self-preservation. Like when he dove in front of Quin’s dodgeball. Like it was his job to protect her.
How could someone be that unguarded? That unafraid of looking like a fool?
“You...” She cleared her throat. “You don’t have class around here.”
Mel’s eyebrows shot up. “Do you have Kian’s schedulememorized?”
“No, I just—” Riya groaned. Shedid, but only because it made avoiding him easier.
Kian’s eyes glinted. “Careful, Riya. If you keep tracking my movements like that, I might get the wrong idea.”
He turned to Mel, who was now eyeing him like he was a weird new bug—unsure whether to squish or study him.
“Hello, Riya’s friend,” he said brightly.
Mel edged behind Riya, doe eyes narrowing.
“Don’t worry,” Kian added with a chuckle. “I’m not here to break anything else of yours.”
Then, softer: “Actually—I never apologized. I was in a rush that day, and I didn’t mean to ruin your Physics project. I’m sorry.”
Mel blinked. “Oh.”
“No, really. See, my dad had a fall at work—I was heading to the hospital. But still. That’s no excuse. I’ll make it up to you.”
Riya stared.
She hadn’t expected that. Any of it.
“You didn’t tell me. I—I hope your dad’s okay,” she said.
Mel fidgeted. “Yeah. Me too. I mean, my Physics gradedidtake a hit....” She shrugged. “But I hope he’s okay.”
Kian smiled. “He is now. Thanks.”
A beat passed. Then Mel rolled her eyes. “...Okay, fine. Apology accepted.”
Riya exhaled. For once, Kian hadn’t made a joke or pulled some over-the-top stunt. He’d simply apologized, earnestly. And it had worked.
“Thanks, Kian,” she said. “For saying that.”
“Sure.” He grinned. “Oh, right—one more thing.”
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a red CD case, holding it out to her.
“The Marías,” Riya read. “Why—?”
“A peace offering,” he replied. “My apology to you. For gym yesterday.”
She looked at him, puzzled.
“You said you liked them. In the car. You looked relaxed when the music was on.” He met her eyes. “So I figured I’d bring the music to you.”
Her fingers hovered over the CD. Accepting might encourage him. Not accepting might crush him. He watched her like the choice mattered.
“You don’t owe me anything,” she muttered.
