We decided to watch the movie in the afternoon, because all of them would rather have some work done too.

That's fine for me, because this way I can get ahead of my homework. Ada looks up from her desk in the living room when I leave the breakfast table, passing by her desk. She cocks an eyebrow, concern swirling somewhere in her eyes.

I give her a soft smile. It's becoming easier to just smile. It doesn't take that much energy anymore, and it's not fake anymore either.

"I'm gonna study a bit," I whisper, because I don't want to disturb Aiden, who's working with his laptop on the couch. But he heard me, because he looks up. "You have two more weeks before normal life begins again. Why don't you read a bit?"

I shrug, the idea only giving me anxiety already. "I like to be ahead of my work." It's the truth. I'm now two weeks ahead, but turning in the assignment for end of March wouldn't hurt, though it's only middle of February.

I mean, why do it two hours before the deadline? This way, I don't have to panic when I can't study for once.

He nods approvingly, then focuses back on his work. I leave Ada to work too and go upstairs. They shouldn't have done so much effort for a room for me—I would've slept on the couch—but I can't deny it reliefs me. It's calm this way.

Math's the next test we have, though it's a month until we have it. But, you know, having a summary ready helps me relax.

I dug in my bag, only to widen my eyes in horror when I don't feel the book.

Hold the fuck on. This is straight up bullshit. What the fuck?

I'm like 99% sure I packed it. But that 1% seems to have me doubting right now.

But I frown. I laid it on my desk to not forget, took a shower and . . . got disturbed by Ezra and Silas.

Of course. I only had he time to snatch my bag before they dragged me along to the bus.

I drag my hand over my face, realizing I can't do shit right now. What am I supposed to do? Remember it?

A knock on my door sounds, making me look up with a sigh. "Yeah?" There's a beat where nothing happens, after which the door opens and reveals Sebastian.

He gives me a small smile. "Hey, Aaron. I just wanted to ask what you'd like to eat tonight. As a snack? I'm going to the store, so anything you'd want I could grab."

I immediately look down, but it doesn't help anything with my blush creeping over my neck and cheeks. "I-I don't know, what are you having?"

I suck at making decisions for myself.

He makes a face. "Ada is having cucumbers and carrots." I shudder. I didn't know she was such a healthy one.

A laugh bursts out of his mouth. "You should've seen your face! I'm kidding, Aaron. We're all going with chips. Doritos. You want anything else?"

Relieved the decision's already made, I shake my head. "No, thank you." He flashes another smile before closing the door and leaving again.

Blinking to myself, I focus back on the desk. The empty desk, because I'm a dumbass.

Wait a minute. Aiden teaches math, doesn't he?

I jump up and practically run downstairs. He's still working on his laptop on the couch, with his book close by. I bite my lip. Maybe he has an extra?

So I slowly approach him. "Mister Whitlock?" I hesitantly ask, because that seems more appropriate right now.

He doesn't even glance at me, but just ignores me. Rude. I clear my throat but again, no reaction.

So I try again, a bit louder. "Mister Whitlock? I have a question. Please?" This time he glances at me, but nope.

My eyes dart over the room, seeing Ada roll her eyes. At Aiden or at me? I wouldn't know. 'You have to say Aiden' she mouths over at me. Oh.

"Aiden?" I softly ask, and he finally looks up. With a stupid smirk.

"Yes. That's my name," he grins and gives me a wink. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Jesus Christ.

"I, ah, was wondering if I could use your math book. I forgot mine," I add in a whisper. His eyes go to the book next to him.

"I would say yes, but I only have one and I'm using it right now. Why don't we share it?" he offers, patting the couch next to him.

I nod, knowing I don't have that much of a choice. So I sit down next to him to see he's on the page I'm supposed to be.

Ada's chair scrapes over the floor before she walks over to us. I glance at her, but since she's staring a hole in between Aiden's eyes, I go on with my own business.

"Aiden, we literally have an attic full off—" "Ada, I would appreciate it if you closed that mouth of yours for once," Aiden cuts her off. My eyes widen while I stare at my paper. Even ruder.

"You have better things to do with it," he adds, chuckling. And I just know my cheeks are blood red.

She gives him a glare. "No, seriously, Aiden. Why would you—" This time, it's the death glare he giver her that shuts Ada up. I know I would.

"Fuck. Off," he grunts and after hesitating a second, she does. Aiden turns to me. Me, who's cringing into the couch to not set him off.

"Hey, you're stealing my book," he whispers to me, his voice kind. I open my mouth and close it again. Nothing useful would get from it anyway.

But he pulls at the book, and because I'm holding it so tight, he's pulling me closer. I look over at him with wide eyes when our sides touch.

He shrugs it off. So, I do the same, and just continue working.

"Can you do the next page, please?" he asks, typing something in his laptop. I bite my lip and quickly write the rest of my sentence before turning it over.

I watch him search something, typ it in again, and then he turns back. I blow out a soft sigh in relief. Thank God, because I wasn't done yet.

I sense him looking at me and when I look back at him, he's faintly smirking. "You could've told me," he says, shaking his head.

I flush and bury my head again, continuing to work. He offers me the other side of his blanket, under which he's laying, and I take it. It's soft.

Not a good plan. I didn't sleep well last night—better than I would have at the cottage, but still not the best—and I think I need a nap.

I fight my closing eyes, but it's becoming harder and harder. Maybe just for a minute?

****

I startle awake.

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. I'm laying down on the couch, covered by the blanket.

With an arm around my waist. A strong, muscular one.

With wide eyes, I hesitantly look over my shoulder to see Aiden, of all people, asleep. Oh my God.

What the fuck happened? Are-are we spooning?

I try to escape the cage of his arms, but he's too strong and even tightens his grip. Goddamn it.

A glance on the clock and I can tell we've been napping for like an hour. To be honest, great nap, but that's not the point.

The sound of someone writing snatches me out of my thoughts. "Ada?" I ask, trying to breathe even though there's not enough space in his grip.

"Yeah?" she hums. I close my eyes, not knowing how the hell I have to explain this. "Could you maybe come here for a second?"

She does, resting her hands on the couch. A chuckle pops out of her mouth. "What . . .?"

I grimace. "I have no idea, but I'm starting to have a lack of oxygen here. Help?" I pout. She chuckles and taps Aiden's cheek.

Great. Awkwardness, here I come.

He groans, frowns, and tucks me even closer to his chest. I groan, too. Ada rolls her eyes.

"I give up," I sigh and pull my math book closer. "I'll just work like this."

She grins. "Good luck, then."