As soon as Brigit clung to Finn and invited me to dinner, I felt a wave of warmth from her happy energy. But as I politely declined, mentioning my plans with my brother, the room erupted with laughter from Finn and Roisin. It caught me off guard, and my eyes widened in surprise. What was so funny?

"Oh, dear Arwen, don't mind these two lunatics," Rhyian said with a smile, trying to ease the moment. Brigit joined in, tapping Finn on the shoulder as they shared in the joke.

Before I could react, Diarmid's voice cut through the laughter. "Shut it, guys." There was an edge to his tone, a quiet annoyance that made the atmosphere shift. I glanced at him, puzzled. He hadn't said much, but it was clear that something had rubbed him the wrong way. He seemed both embarrassed and irritated, but I couldn't understand why.

"Well, I heard your brother's picking you up, right?" Diarmid asked as he stood from his chair, his tall frame towering over me.

"Yeah, he should be on his way," I replied, still a bit flustered. "He studies here, too."

Diarmid nodded and then turned to the group. "I'll keep Arwen company. You guys head out. It's not like I'm riding with you anyway," he said, dismissing his sister and their friends. His voice had a finality to it that made it clear the conversation was over.

"Oh, bad alpha is getting grumpy," Finn teased, still laughing as he guided Brigit out of the room, but Diarmid didn't respond. Rhyian rolled his eyes and waved goodbye.

"Bye, Arwen! See you tomorrow!" Brigit giggled, waving playfully as they all disappeared down the hallway.

As the sound of their voices faded, Diarmid took my bag without asking and began walking with me toward the door. His silence spoke volumes, and though I wasn't sure what was going through his mind, I appreciated the way he stayed close, like he was looking out for me in his own quiet way.

"Don't you need to pick up some stuff from your locker?" he asked after a moment, breaking the stillness between us.

I blinked, grateful for the reminder. "Yeah, thanks. I almost forgot," I said, smiling at him. "I'll call Nick and let him know to meet me by the lockers."

He gave a small nod as we walked. I quickly dialed my brother's number, and after a few rings, he picked up. "Hey, Nick, I'll meet you by the locker area. I need to grab a few things."

After hanging up, I noticed how the quiet between Diarmid and me had settled into something more comfortable. He didn't say much as we walked side by side, but his presence was steady, a silent assurance that made me feel more at ease. There was something calming about how he chose to be here, even though he didn't need to, like he was shielding me from the chaotic energy that had filled the room just moments before.

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As we approached the lockers, I couldn't help but wonder what had caused Diarmid's reaction earlier, but I didn't push it. For now, it was enough just to have him by my side.

After I picked up the last of my books, I gently closed and locked my locker, the soft click echoing in the quiet hallway. I glanced over to where Diarmid was standing, his eyes scanning the surroundings, lost in thought. I tapped his arm gently, and when he turned to me, I smiled and motioned for us to sit on the bench nearby. He followed me wordlessly, taking a seat beside me and studying my face in silence.

After a brief pause, Diarmid finally spoke, his voice lower than usual. "Sorry about earlier. I was just thinking about our family business. That's why I seemed a bit... off." His smile was small and shy, an expression I wasn't used to seeing on him.

"You don't have to explain," I replied softly, meeting his eyes. I appreciated his honesty, but I didn't want him to feel like he owed me anything.

He smiled at me in return, and we fell into a comfortable silence, the kind where no words were needed. It was rare to have moments like this, but with Diarmid, it felt natural. After a few minutes, I spotted Nick walking down the hallway toward us, his long strides purposeful. His expression shifted as soon as he saw I wasn't alone. His eyes narrowed slightly as he sized up Diarmid, his posture straightening in a way that made it clear he was taking measure of the situation.

Well, brother, you can size him up all you want, but Diarmid's just as tall as you, I thought to myself with a small smirk.

"Arwen..." Nick's voice was cautious, his gaze still locked on Diarmid as he approached.

I cleared my throat, trying to ease the tension. "Nick, this is Diarmid, my classmate. Diarmid, this is Nick, my brother. He offered to stay behind and keep me company while I waited for you." I threw Nick a pointed look, silently pleading with him to drop whatever assumptions were swirling in his head.

Diarmid stood and stretched out his hand for a handshake. Nick accepted it, though the firmness of his grip didn't go unnoticed.

"Diarmid... that's an unusual name," Nick said, his tone measured but polite. "Still, thanks for looking after my sister. It's great meeting you."

"It's my pleasure," Diarmid replied smoothly. "I just wanted to make sure Arwen was safe."

Nick nodded, but the protective look in his eyes hadn't faded entirely. "Well, I'll take it from here, Diarmid. Thanks again, and see you around." He extended his hand toward me, asking for my bag without saying a word.

I turned to Diarmid, giving him a warm smile. "Thanks again, Diarmid. See you tomorrow."

He smiled back, a quiet understanding passing between us. "See you tomorrow, Arwen," he said with a slight nod before turning to leave.

As Nick and I walked toward the exit, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder to see Diarmid's tall frame disappearing down the hallway. I had the feeling that whatever tension lingered between us, it was only the beginning of something deeper. But for now, I was grateful for his presence—and for the way he'd been there when I hadn't even realized I needed it.