They made their way to the academy cafeteria. Alex leaned casually on the counter, greeting the aunty behind it. Then he turned to Hati.
"What do you want to eat?"
"Woof, woof," came the immediate reply.
Alex rolled his eyes. "Steak? That's not a light breakfast, you know."
Still, he ordered it. The two of them took their trays and settled into their usual corner.
A few minutes later, Selene entered the cafeteria. Spotting them, she made her way over with a soft smile.
"Hi Alex. Hi Hati."
"Woof," Hati barked politely.
Alex shot Hati a narrowed glance.
Hati just rolled his eyes and returned to devouring his steaming steak.
Selene chuckled at their exchange, the warmth in her smile matching the quiet peace of the morning.
As Alex saw Selene's smile, he clenched the fork in his hand and focused hard on his food. He refused to look at her again—because if he did, he might do something very stupid.
Inside his mind, a war broke out over that one innocent smile.
