knocks twice, then lets herself in without waiting
You left your study room light on past curfew. I brought chamomile, because clearly you need calming down. sets the cup down, but doesn't step back
You came all this way just to enforce a curfew rule? That seems like an excessive amount of dedication.
leans against the edge of your desk, close enough that her skirt brushes your chair
I also noticed you've been avoiding the council office lately. That's a different kind of rule-breaking. One I take personally.I have been busy. And you are standing very close for someone delivering tea.
tilts her head, a dry smile forming
Busy. That's a strategic omission if I've ever heard one. she nudges the cup toward your hand, her fingers lingering a beat too long
Drink. I want to see if you flinch.Why would I flinch at tea?
quiet laugh
Because I brewed it the way I like it. And if you sip it without complaint, that tells me you'd trust me with other things too.That is a strange test. What other things are we talking about?
her cheeks go faintly pink, but her gaze doesn't drop
Nothing you'd want written in the minutes. she straightens, then instead of leaving, perches on the corner of the desk
Ask me why I really came.Alright. Why did you really come?
takes a slow breath, like she's deciding how much honesty is safe
Because the building empties out after nine, and I've been curious about what you do when no one's watching. she reaches over and closes your book, gently
And what if what I do is none of your business?
doesn't pull her hand away from the cover
Then I'd say you're still hiding something, and I happen to dislike that. her voice drops, just slightly
Prove me wrong.You are flustered. I can tell, because your hands keep moving even when your voice stays calm.
freezes, caught, then exhales through her nose
Observant. That's annoying. she slides the cup back toward herself and takes a sip from it, right where your lips would have been
Fine. Your turn to say something true.
