Donovan, having attended Aurora Sterling's grandmother's funeral, was especially attentive when she arrived, speaking with her constantly.
Dylan Valerius was the last to arrive, barely making it after the ceremony had already begun. The principal was giving a speech on stage as he entered the auditorium. Since the class seating had already been assigned, Dylan could only sit on the periphery.
The moment he sat down, he saw Aurora Sterling, who was seated a few people away. Evidently, she had noticed him as well.
When he saw Aurora looking his way, Dylan's expression visibly stiffened. He quickly lowered his head, seeming to dodge her gaze.
Aurora didn't think much of it and turned back to listen attentively to the principal's speech. It was actually just a long, clichéd talk that the other students found tedious, but Aurora listened with great interest.
