Liora didn't expect to see him waiting outside.
The hallway was nearly empty, soft light spilling through the tall windows. She stopped mid-step, clutching her books tighter when Adrian turned toward her.
"Got a minute?" he asked.
His voice wasn't sharp this time. It was low, rough — almost hesitant.That alone made her suspicious.
"I'm busy," she said flatly.
"Liora."
Something about the way he said her name made her pause.
He stepped closer, hands shoved into his pockets. The usual arrogance in his expression was gone — replaced by something tighter, uncertain.
"Look," he began, his tone clipped. "About the project—"
"You mean the part where you tried to sabotage it?" she cut in.
His jaw clenched. "You don't know that."
"I don't need proof," she said coldly. "I know you, Adrian."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "You think I enjoyed any of this? That I like—"He stopped himself. Looked away. "Forget it."
Liora crossed her arms. "If this is your version of an apology, you're doing it wrong."
His gaze snapped back to hers — stormy, unreadable. "I'm not good at this," he said finally. "At… whatever this is."
"Being a decent person?"
He almost smiled. Almost. "Something like that."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched, heavy but not uncomfortable — strange, given how often their words cut like knives.
He took another step toward her. She didn't move back this time.
"You're not like the others," he said quietly. "They all… fold. You don't."
"I'm not trying to impress you," she said, though her voice softened.
"I know," he murmured. "That's why you do."
Her breath hitched — just slightly.
It was the first time his voice didn't sound like a threat.The first time he looked at her like he actually saw her.
But then, as quickly as it came, the moment shattered.
A voice called from down the hall — Ethan's."Liora! You ready to go?"
Adrian's expression darkened instantly. His jaw tightened, the softness in his eyes vanishing like it had never existed.
"Of course," he said coldly, stepping back. "Ethan's waiting. Wouldn't want to keep your little hero waiting."
Her frown deepened. "You're impossible."
"Good," he muttered. "Keeps things interesting."
He brushed past her, shoulder barely grazing hers — and even that small touch sent a confusing spark racing down her arm.
Liora stood frozen for a second, staring after him. She hated that her heartbeat had quickened. Hated that she'd seen something human in his eyes, even if it was only for a heartbeat.
When Ethan reached her, she forced a smile. "I'm fine," she said before he could ask. "Let's just go."
But as they walked away, she couldn't stop herself from glancing back.
Adrian was gone.Only the echo of his voice lingered in her mind — low, conflicted, and far too real.