The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the university courtyard as students poured out of the main building, backpacks slung over shoulders, voices rising in that particular pitch of freedom that came with the end of classes.
Felix pushed through the crowd, adjusting his bag strap, already thinking about the commute home—bus routes, transfer times, the usual routine.
Then he saw the car.
Sleek, black, expensive in that understated way that screamed money without trying.
It was parked directly in front of the main steps, idling smoothly, drawing looks from passing students.
And leaning against the driver's side door, arms crossed, dressed in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than a semester's tuition, was Matteo.
Felix stopped mid-step.
Matteo's hair was loose today, falling past his shoulders in dark waves that caught the light.
