The corridors buzzed with noise—backslaps, squeals, timetables compared, professors already scolded. But all of it faded into background static for Appie, who was on a mission.
She spotted him by the notice board, standing in that maddeningly calm, statue-like way he always did, and she launched herself across the hall.
“Baron!” she shouted, ignoring the heads that turned. She skidded to a stop right in front of him, eyes bright, cheeks flushed. “Answer me quick—this weekend, you’re free, right?”
He blinked once. “Yes.”
“Excellent!” She clapped her hands together, triumphant. “Lunch. Then a movie. Non-negotiable. That’s the plan. And you,” she poked his arm, “are coming. Say yes.”
“I just did,” he said, voice flat, but there was the faintest tug at his lips.
“Ha! See? Progress! You’r
