The entire classroom fell into stunned silence. Olive and Rylie sat frozen, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. Rylie's eyes widened as she processed what had just happened - Kolton had walked into their lecture hall with the sole purpose of sitting beside Kimi. Even more surprising was his unusually courteous tone.
Kimi felt her world tilt off its axis at Kolton's unexpected appearance and polite request. She couldn't bring herself to meet his intense gaze. Her fingers found Rylie's sleeve, gripping it tightly as she whispered desperately.
"Don't."
Kolton's eyes tracked the movement of her hand clutching Rylie's fabric. His eyebrow arched slightly, and his voice dropped to a low murmur.
"Perhaps I was too courteous in my request. That seems to be why you're hesitating."
Olive's throat clearing cut through the tension, sending a clear signal to Rylie. Understanding immediately, Rylie sprang to her feet with forced enthusiasm.
