The day the holiday break began, the dormitory lifted its usual restrictions. Family and friends were allowed upstairs to help students pack and carry luggage.
Hayden came looking for Camilla. "Camilla… want to head home together?"
Her hands, busy folding clothes, paused mid‑air.
Leaning casually against the door frame, he smiled softly. "I managed to get tickets, sleeping car, way more comfortable than seats."
She knew perfectly well he was telling a white lie. There were very few trains running from the city all the way to their remote hometown, and sleeping car tickets were notoriously difficult to secure. He must have stayed up night after night refreshing the booking page just to grab these.
"Thank you," she said gently, "but…"
"Don't say no just yet." He blinked playfully. "Thi
