The tension under Frida's skin was practically screaming, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out while nearly tripping backward toward Laz, "Laz, this is my study partner, Alex."
She avoided his eyes like they were made of the sun and her retinas were paper.
Her fingers twitched nervously as she pointed toward Alex like she was presenting a contestant on a very awkward game show.
Around them, students milled about the dorm entrance, dragging suitcases up the steps and greeting old roommates with dramatic squeals.
A girl in sweatpants lugging a pink suitcase slowed down mid-step to stare at the scene unfolding, nudging her friend and whispering, "Wait...is that Laziel?"
"Study partner?" Laz repeated, his voice low and gravelly, like a suspicious growl wrapped in chocolate.
He took three slow, heavy steps forward, the concrete underfoot crunching slightly as he moved past scattered leaves from the giant oak nearby.
