After lunch they broke up and only Havi, Vald and the twins ended up heading back to the college. Havi and Vald led the way since their longer legs made it easier for them to leave the others behind on accident. Liz seemed preoccupied with arguing with Oliver over the proper way of making creamy tomato soup, anyway, so Vald didn't feel bad.

"So you have the new Fantasy Tales game?" Vald asked, continuing the conversation they had during lunch.

Havi nodded. "But I hardly have time to play it, what with work and the other games I've been playing."

"My parents wouldn't let me get it since they didn't think I needed another game station and having the game would be pointless if I don't have the right station."

"You can play it at my place if you want." Havi said it so casually Vald thought it was a joke at first. "If you don't, that's fine too."

"Are you serious? OF COURSE I want to go! Do you have more class today? We can go now if—"

"Aren't we heading home?" Liz interrupted him when she rushed up from behind. "Mom's waiting for us in the parking lot."

"Let him do what he wants," Oliver said.

Vald looked at them and then back at Havi. He hadn't made any real plans with any of his friends that afternoon, and he really wanted to spend time with the white-haired professor. Part of him wanted to just tell her to mind her own business, but he didn't want to be mean or make it seem like he wasn't thankful for their mother always giving him rides.

"You can always come over another time," Havi said with a shrug.

Liz fixed her pleading eyes on Vald. "Can you give me a ride home if I go with you?" Vald asked his professor.

"Of course."

Liz looked like she was going to cry. Oliver rolled his eyes at her.

"I'm going to hang out with him then," Vald told Oliver. "Can you tell your mom I won't need a ride home?"

Oliver nodded while Liz looked away.

"Where's your place?"

"4th and Jackson. It's only a few blocks from campus. Do you want to text your parents?"

Vald frowned. "I'm an adult, I can make my own decisions. Besides, they're not in town, not even in the country."

"Hey, Vald!" Liz interrupted Havi when he was about to speak. "Your parents are bringing home souvenirs, right? Can you make sure they bring some home for me and Olly? It would be so cool!"

"Of course, you know Henry won't let them forget you when they're shopping."

"Thanks!" She turned to Havi and continued. "Vald's parents are the best! Last time they got me a baby rabbit for keeping Vald company for so long."