Lucien noticed everything.
Adam leaning close to Nyx.
His lips brushing near her ear.
The way Nyx stiffened.
The way her eyes widened for half a second.
Lucien's jaw tightened.
He didn't realize how hard his fingers curled around Lyra's until she shifted.
Lyra followed his gaze.
Then she spoke, low enough that only he could hear.
"Can't stand seeing her with someone else?"
Lucien blinked once.
"What?"
Lyra tilted her head.
"You heard me."
He kept his voice neutral.
"You're imagining things."
Lyra studied his face carefully.
"Do you like her?"
Lucien hesitated.
Not long.
But long enough.
His throat moved.
"No."
Lyra scoffed quietly.
"Your eyes don't agree."
Lucien looked away.
"They don't say anything."
Lyra folded her arms.
"They're screaming."
He exhaled slowly.
"They've been dead for a long time."
Lyra's voice softened.
"You know Adam's trying to get closer to her, right?"
Lucien stiffened.
Lyra continued.
"They'd make a good pair."
Lucien replied instantly—
"Ella would murder you for saying that."
Lyra shrugged.
"He doesn't look that interested in Ella."
Lucien's gaze flicked back to Nyx.
He didn't reply.
The professor clapped loudly.
"Alright everyone, that's enough for today. Practice is over."
People started dispersing.
I picked up my bag and turned toward the exit.
I was halfway out when someone caught my wrist.
"Where are you going?"
Lucien.
I turned.
He leaned closer.
"Today is your birthday."
I frowned.
"Lower your voice."
Then quietly—
"And even if it is… what exactly am I supposed to do?"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he took my bag.
Then his.
Then my hand.
"We're leaving."
"Lucien—"
"Come."
He didn't give me time to argue.
The lake was quiet.
Moonlight rested on the water.
Cold wind brushed against my arms.
We walked side by side.
He finally spoke.
"It's peaceful here."
"Yes."
He stopped.
So did I.
"You like places like this."
I nodded.
He studied me.
Then suddenly disappeared.
I turned.
"Lucien?"
Seconds later he returned with an ice cream.
He placed it in my hand.
"For you."
I stared at it.
"What are you doing?"
He met my eyes.
"Making sure you don't forget today."
Then softly—
"Happy birthday."
I looked away.
"You already said that."
He shrugged.
"I'll keep saying it until it sinks in."
We sat on a bench.
Neither of us spoke.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was heavy.
Comfortable.
Loaded.
After a while I stood.
"We should go."
He nodded.
"I'll drop you."
As we walked toward his car, I spoke—
"Lucien… Adam wished me today."
He slowed.
"How would he know?"
"I never told him."
Lucien thought.
Then said—
"You avoided the topic in class. He's curious. People like him don't like unanswered questions."
I exhaled.
"Let it go."
He nodded.
Then stopped walking.
So did I.
He turned fully toward me.
"Nyx."
"Yes?"
"If one day you had to choose…"
His voice dropped.
"…yourself… or someone you love…"
He paused.
"Who would it be?"
I stared at him.
The wind moved between us.
I leaned closer.
Barely audible—
"Loved ones."
His eyes flickered.
Before he could respond, he grabbed my hand.
"Run."
"What?"
He started pulling me.
"Why are we running?"
"My car's illegally parked."
I struggled to keep up.
"You're unbelievable."
"Move faster."
We reached the car.
Doors slammed.
Engine started.
Only then did I realize—
he never reacted to my answer.
Either he didn't hear it.
Or he chose not to.
I turned to the window.
Heat rising to my face.
Heart loud in my chest.
His hand still rested on the gear.
Too close.
Too quiet.
Neither of us spoke.
And somehow…
that silence felt heavier than words.