Invisible Strings

Chapter 12: Borrowed

Halfway Through The Semester:

The last of the students filtered out, chattering about exams and weekend plans, until only Hannah remained. Gathering her notes with deliberate slowness.

Isadora didn't miss it.

"You know, Miss Dearing," she said, leaning against her desk with a sly curve of her mouth, "most students can't get out of here fast enough after midterm review."

Hannah's lips twitched. "Maybe I like the peace and quiet in here."

"Or maybe," Isadora countered, stepping closer, "you just like my company."

Hannah gave a small laugh, shaking her head, but she didn't deny it.

Isadora grinned at that, reaching into her pocket as though it were the most casual thing in the world. "Here," she said, holding out a folded scrap of paper. "My number. In case you need... peace, quiet, or, you know, world–class academic supervision. And it's better than having to find you or email."

Hannah blinked, amused. "Or teasing?"

"That too." Isadora's tone softened just slightly. "But only the affectionate kind."

Their fingers brushed when Hannah took the note. A barely–there touch, but enough to leave a hum between them.

"Thank you," Hannah murmured.

"You're welcome," Isadora said, still close enough for Hannah to catch the faint scent of her perfume, cedar, and something floral. Then, quieter, her voice dipped into that low, inviting calm. "Do you want to go somewhere quiet? I'll help you study for next week's exams."

Hannah hesitated. "You'd do that?"

"Of course," Isadora replied, the corner of her mouth lifting. "I can't have my favorite student falling behind."

The favorite student part made Hannah's heart stutter, but she followed. Their footsteps falling in sync as they left the classroom behind.

They ended up in the conservatory, one of the quieter corners of Nevermore. All filtered sunlight and the slow hum of plants breathing. They sat across from each other at a small glass table, books and notes spread out, tea cooling beside them.

At first, they really did study. Isadora corrected a few mistakes on Hannah's essay draft, leaning over her shoulder, her voice smooth and patient. But as the afternoon deepened, the focus began to drift.

Then Hannah pulled out her phone. Isaodra too busy trying to go over the last bit of Hannah's essay.

Then a buzz. Isadora tilted her head, amused, looking down at her phone, seeing a text from Hannah saying, "hi." Isadroa laughed a little under her breath and looked at Hannah, "Are you texting me?"

Hannah didn't look up. "Maybe."

"You realize I'm sitting right here?"

Finally, Hannah met her eyes, a hint of mischief in her expression. "I thought I'd make it more formal. Like your lectures."

Isadora laughed under her breath again, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"i'm bored", her screen read, the little message glowing between them.
"Then maybe you should pay attention.", Isadora texted back, even though her lips were already curving into a smile.

The next message appeared seconds later. "make it more fun then"

For a moment, their eyes met again, and that familiar, unspoken warmth filled the space between them. The sound of the conservatory clock ticking was the only thing grounding them, a reminder that time was still moving even when it felt like it wasn't.