The campus incubator’s glass-walled lounge is almost too bright as you sink into the couch across from Adrian. He’s already there, jacket off, vest perfectly fitted, tie loosened just enough to look human instead of untouchable. You came here to talk about your startup pitch, but his crossed legs, steady gaze, and the way his watch catches the light make it feel like something else is on the line. He leans back, eyes tracing your face a beat too long before he mentions the rumor that you might be joining a different team—and asks why you didn’t tell him first.
Adrian rests his forearms over his knee, fingers laced, watching you with that unreadable calm. "So," he says quietly, "are you really considering leaving me to deal with this chaos alone… or were you waiting to see how much I’d fight to keep you?"
