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Simon turns towards Dr. Lee with wide eyes.

“You’re spot on. Impressive.”

I feel my cheeks heat. It’s not praise. Not really.

My insides all twist up with warmth despite that. It kinda feels like praise in a weird way.

“I, umm, my sister wanted me to go to nursing school when we were kids,” I say in explanation, giving him a little shrug and looking away. I nervously tug on my braid. “It, umm, wasn’t really for me though.”

The doctor gives me a little smile, nodding his head. “Found your true calling in education. I understand. I’ve seen it happen countless times.” Before I can find the courage to correct him, he’s turning back towards Simon. “Take it easy the next few weeks. No sports or strenuous activities. And don’t even think about mixing alcohol with these meds. I’ve heard whispers of a bonfire happening tomorrow,” he says, raising his brow at Simon.

I can’t stop staring at his face. His beard is perfectly cropped, accentuating his jaw. His eyes are such an interesting color. He’s so handsome it makes me want to fucking cry. Oh gods. I’m being weird!

Look away, Thane! Look away!

“I promise,” Simon says, putting a hand over his heart.

“You’re all set. It was nice meeting you both,” Doctor Lee says, glancing over at me. I feel frozen in those icy gray eyes.

“You too,” I blurt out before turning and walking out of the medical center as quickly as I can without actually running.

Simon follows behind, much slower. You know, like a normal fucking person.

“Let’s head to WraithMart right away to pick up your prescription and then we’re gonna go back to the dorms so you can rest.”

Simon gives a small hum. We walk through the gates of the university and the back of my neck prickles like someone is watching me. I look up at the gates, seeing the gargoyle statues. Ah, hence the feeling.

“Can I ask you something?”

I startle at Simon’s question, turning and looking at him. “Umm, sure?”

“Are you always like this?”

“Like what?”

Simon waves a hand at me. “You know? All mother-hen-like?”

I let out a long sigh. “I’ve been told a time or two.” Or twenty thousand.

He chuckles, nodding his head. “Thought so. When people say ‘I need an adult’ they’re obviously talking about you.” Then he quickly adds, “Not that that’s a bad thing! By the way! I’m just simply saying you’re super mature and you immediately took care of me when I was hurt. It’s kinda nice.”

“Thank you? I think?”

Simon reaches up and squeezes my shoulder. His smile is like a thousand watt light bulb. I don’t know much about my roommate yet, other than he talks way too much, is kinda clumsy, but seems like a genuinely nice guy.

“Can I ask you another question?”

I find the tips of my lips rising into a small smile. “Sure.”

“You seem too old to be a freshman.”

“That wasn’t a question.”

“Right! Sorry. How old are you?”

“I’m thirty.”

Simon whistles. “How are you a freshman?”