Inheritance of the Hidden

Chapter 3

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Well, you wanted to give me the grand tour so badly... I'm just letting you think you're doing me a favor."

Laurance's grin softened into something warmer, his eyes locking onto mine with genuine sincerity.

"Maybe I just like the idea of spending a little more time with you," he said, softer this time, his voice just barely above the hallway noise. A hint of a smile tugged at his lips, not as teasing as before, almost shy.

I froze, blinking at him. The words hit harder than I expected, and for a second, I couldn't think of anything to say. My cheeks flared with warmth, and I looked away, hoping he didn't notice.

He must have, because before I could respond, he cleared his throat and glanced ahead, changing the subject like it never happened.

"Anyway," he said quickly, "We're here. This is your homeroom."

I blinked again, heart still racing a little. I glanced at the classroom door, then back at him.

"Right. Thanks... for showing me."

Laurance smirked, stepping back slightly. "Alright, that's one down. Come on, I'll show you the rest of the school before the bell rings, no getting lost on my watch." He laughed

We walked down the hallway, Laurance pointing out the cafeteria, the library, and the gym. His easy chatter made it feel less overwhelming, but I kept catching myself holding back, like there was a part of me that didn't want to get too comfortable just yet.

"Here's the lockers," he said, stopping by a row. "Everyone's pretty laid-back about decorations and stuff, so don't stress if yours looks plain at first."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, thanks."

He glanced at me, that playful spark still there. "So, what's something you're into? Music? Sports? Gaming?"

I hesitated, then shrugged. "I guess I'm more of a person that likes to play soccer you know?"

Laurance raised an eyebrow, his grin stretching a little wider. "Soccer, huh? You're just now telling me this?"

I laughed. "Well, you never asked."

He blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Alright, fair. Guess I'll have to start asking better questions."

"Are you planning to quiz me now or something?" I glanced over at him, raising a brow.

"Only if there's a prize involved." Laurance smirked.

I rolled my eyes, but the smile stuck. He was annoying, but annoyingly good at keeping me talking.

He walked a few more steps beside me, then glanced over again, a little more curious this time. "So... how long have you been playing?"

I tucked my hands into my sleeves. "Since I was, like, ten? Backyard with my sister, stealing cones from the garage to set up goals."

Laurance nodded. "Yeah? That's how I started too. Nothing super serious, mostly just rec leagues and some pick-up games. I love it, though."

"Anyway, we should probably hurry to class now," Laurance said, glancing at the time on his phone. "It's almost eight."

He turned, already leading the way back toward the first classroom he showed me on this little tour of his. I followed, the weight of the morning settling into something lighter. Something easier. As we walked, he slowed just a little, enough so we were shoulder to shoulder again.