Chapter Seventeen
Always On Time
The dinner ended without too much teasing.
Jack stretched lazily. "You can take the bed. I'll take the floor."
Daniel looked at him. "Don't be dramatic."
Five minutes later, both of them were arguing about blankets.
Eventually, they fell asleep in the same large bed — like when they were children during royal visits.
And because they stayed up longer than expected talking—
They overslept.
"Jack!"
Daniel's voice cut through the room.
Jack sat up suddenly. "What time is it?!"
"Later than it should be."
Chaos followed.
Half-buttoned shirts. Untied shoes. Quick washing. No proper breakfast.
Jack grabbed his bag and ran.
"First day you're here and you're making me late!" he shouted.
Daniel just shook his head. "You overslept too."
At High School
Noah was already seated when Clare entered the classroom.
"Jack isn't here yet?" she asked.
Clare shook her head. "Maybe he's helping Daniel."
Noah leaned forward immediately. "Tell me properly. What was he like yesterday?"
Clare hesitated slightly.
"He's… calmer now," she said softly. "But still the same."
"The same how?" Noah pressed.
Clare smiled faintly. "He still listens more than he talks."
Before Noah could ask more—
The classroom door burst open.
Jack.
Breathing heavily.
Hair slightly messy.
Noah crossed her arms. "Late again?"
Jack dropped into his seat. "Am I inside before the teacher?"
"Yes."
"Then I am always on time."
Clare laughed quietly.
Noah narrowed her eyes. "One day I will lock the door myself."
Jack grinned. "You'd miss me."
Before she could reply, the teacher entered.
Saved again.
Lunch Break
As soon as the bell rang, Clare stood up.
"Noah, come with me."
"Where?"
"University."
Noah blinked. "Now?"
"Yes."
They didn't wait.
They ran.
Bags bouncing. Shoes tapping against stone paths.
The university wasn't too far, but far enough to make them slightly breathless.
When they reached the main courtyard—
Law students were walking between buildings.
Clare slowed down.
She suddenly felt nervous.
Then she spotted him.
Daniel stood near the fountain, speaking to another student.
He noticed her almost immediately.
His expression changed — not dramatic, just softer.
He excused himself and walked toward her.
"You ran here," he observed.
Clare tried to catch her breath. "Lunch break."
Noah stood beside her, watching curiously.
Daniel looked at Clare for a second longer.
Then he smiled slightly.
"Stubborn. Always."
Clare frowned lightly. "I am not stubborn."
"You ran miles just to check if I reached safely."
Noah blinked. "Oh."
Clare quickly defended herself. "We were nearby!"
Daniel didn't argue.
He just looked… quietly pleased.
"You should head back before your classes start again," he said gently.
Noah nudged Clare slightly.
"We will," she replied.
As they turned to leave, Clare glanced back once.
Daniel was still standing there.
Watching them go.
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