Half an hour earlier:
Leo stood near the corner of the hallway, tucked in the shadows where no one would notice him. His back pressed against the cold wall, arms folded tightly across his chest. He had put on a cap and mask, covering his face. Only his eyes were visible, wide, sharp, locked on the restroom door ahead of him.
Time dragged. Minutes passed. The hallway stayed quiet, save for the occasional shuffle of footsteps or the distant chatter from the lobby. Then finally, the door creaked open.
Leo's breath caught in his throat.
But the dark-haired boy stepped out, the one he had seen earlier in the hallway.
Leo's eyes filled with disappointment. He had guessed wrong again.
Leo didn't move. He just stood there, frozen, his heartbeat slow and heavy. His lips parted under the mask as if he wanted to sigh but he couldn't even let that out.
Why was he so desperate?
He lowered his head a little, eyes full of frustration.
Then, something shifted.
