His conversation with Farquois echoing in his mind, he finished the day’s classes, and evening arrived. As planned, he met Katie in the hall. They’d submitted the paperwork the other day, and now they were both stepping into a new field.
“…Welp, today’s the day, Katie.”
“…Mm.”
She nodded, a bit stiff, and Oliver studied her closely. It was their first day as members of the seminar, so it was natural to be stressed—but she seemed a bit more cornered than anything. Wondering if Guy’s separation was behind it, Oliver prodded the point.
“Seems like you’re feeling kind of down. You’re not wearing yourself out, are you? We could go another day…”
“N-no, no need! I am hunky-dory! Thinking about all the new things we can learn has me too worked up for my own good!”
She was waving her arms, insistent. Oliver put a hand to his temple, sighing.
“You’re clearly forcing it. You don’t need to fake it around me. If you don’t want to put it off, let’s at least walk slowly and settle down.”
He reached out and caught her wandering hand. He gave it a tug, prompting her to walk—and a moment later, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
“…Huh? Hands? W-w-we’re gonna hold hands?”
“Yeah, you seemed so unsteady on your feet, I couldn’t help myself. Do you object?”
“No! No objections whatsoever! I’m sorry!”
“Then good. But why the apology?”
Baffled by her reaction, he pulled Katie along. She shot him a sideways glance as she fought off the urge to check a mirror and see if her face was flushed.
“…I feel like…you’re kinda worn-out, too,” she managed.
“Yeah… Physically, no problems, but…kind of a lot’s happened. I’ve sorted it out inside, so no need to worry. At the least, I can act like myself.”
There, he broke off. They’d been about to round a corner, and Rita Appleton came around it the other direction.
“…Oh…”
“……”
All three stopped. An awkward silence followed. Rita’s gaze went to Katie, then Oliver, then their clasped hands. Realizing that, he let go of Katie and broke the silence.
“Hello, Ms. Appleton. You had a rough time of it in the lava tree mold. Any trouble with the penalty President Linton doled out?”
“…No, sorry, I did what I did—don’t let it get to you.”
✦ ✦ ✦
✦ ✦ ✦
“Not at all. I’m sure you’ve had enough lectures for now, so I’m not about to pile on. And I know you were worried about Guy. On that point, I’m rather grateful.”
“…I did nothing to earn that. I just forced my way in at the end and accomplished nothing else.”
Rita shifted her gaze awkwardly. She seemed stiffer than usual, which bothered Oliver. He didn’t know her as well as Guy did, but they’d been friendly for a while. She usually met them in higher spirits. But that cheer had sunk below the surface. He made to speak, hoping further conversation would dig up the cause, but she bowed before he could.
“I’d better get going. I envy your wonderful friendship, Ms. Aalto.”
With that remark, Rita slipped past and headed down the hall. Katie hadn’t said a word; she watched the younger girl go, stunned. Then she doubled over, clutching her head.
“…Augh…”
“Relax, Katie. That was a bit barbed. Guess she’s got thoughts of her own on Guy.”
He figured therein lay the cause. Katie had been thinking along similar lines and was kicking herself.
“I must seem so awful…in her eyes…”
“Because you’re with me while Guy’s gone? Out of context, I can see how it would look bad, but we’ve got our reasons. And they’re not for anyone else to criticize.”
Firm on that point, he held his hand out again. Oliver had let go, imagining how Katie would feel around their junior—but now that Rita was gone, there was no need.
“Come on, Katie,” he urged with a smile. “Guy left you in my care. I take pride in that fact, and there’s nothing we need to feel guilty about. If I can comfort you in his stead, then that’s an honor, and a sign of my respect for him.”
Katie gasped, hung her head, then took his hand without looking up. They walked off that way and did not let go until they reached the seminar room.