"Oh—Astron," he called out gently, not loud enough to break the library's hush, but clear enough to catch his attention.
Astron's gaze lifted slightly. Subtle. No surprise in his expression—just acknowledgment. He turned toward Ethan, altering his course with a quiet shift of his stance, and made his way over to the table.
Jane noticed too. She straightened instinctively, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Emily blinked and looked up as well, clearly recognizing him from reputation alone, though she didn't say anything.
When Astron reached them, he stopped just beside Ethan's chair, his eyes flicking briefly to the open books, then to the two girls, and finally back to Ethan.
"…Why did you call me?"
Ethan blinked, caught slightly off guard by the bluntness. "Why?" He tilted his head with an easy grin. "Can't I just say hi?"
