The sun had dipped lower now, casting golden ribbons across the garden walkways.
The breeze was soft, warm, and carried the scent of fresh earth and late-summer blooms.
A few students wandered nearby, sprawled across benches or tucked under trees, but the far end of the garden — their spot — was quiet.
Emily spotted her instantly.
Lina sat with one knee drawn up on the wooden bench, tablet in hand, stylus tapping slowly against the screen.
The light caught her face in soft tones — a quiet concentration there, brows slightly knit, lower lip caught just faintly between her teeth.
Emily's steps slowed, her heart doing that gentle, ridiculous skip.
Lina looked up before she could say anything.
"You're late," Lina said softly, though her smile gave her away.
Emily dropped her bag onto the bench and collapsed beside her. "The world's most chaotic lovebirds held me hostage."
Lina turned to her, amused. "Noel and Luca?"
