NOAH’S POV

The library smelled like old parchment and freshly brewed coffee from the student café just outside. Tall bookshelves stretched toward the ceiling, casting long shadows across the quiet space. The dim glow of antique-style lamps made it feel cozier than eerie.

Nathan sat across from me, flipping through a book, though his eyes weren’t focused on the words. I noticed it immediately.

He was staring.

I frowned, shifting in my seat. "What?"

Nathan blinked, as if I had caught ...