Outside, the porch light cast a soft amber glow across the steps. Crickets hummed in the silence, the night air cool against the skin. Kaius stood there for a moment, keys still in hand, like he wasn't sure what to do with them anymore.
He glanced sideways at her.
"Want me to drive you home ?" His voice was quieter than usual, casual.
Austin blinked, caught off guard.
"Oh,thanks, but I'm good. I drove myself." She lifted her keys with a small, apologetic smile.
For a split second, something unreadable passed over Kaius's face. Disappointment, maybe. Or regret. But he nodded and stepped back, giving her room.
"Drive safe."
"I will. And… thanks again. Dinner was lovely."
She smiled politely, then turned and walked down the steps. Her heels clicked lightly on the sto
