|

|
Iris worked through her schoolwork as best as she could, but her mind kept wandering. Had she really made the right decision? Of course. But wait, had she really? Yes, yes she had. No use changing her mind now. Would she regret it? Maybe, but hopefully not. . The one thing Iris was sure about was Caden didn't like her back. The only sign he'd given her was that one night in the rain, but maybe she'd been imagining it. Who knew? Iris looked back down at the empty page that was supposed to have her finished and revised lab report and groaned in frustration.
|
|  |
|
|

|
Caden ran a hand down his face, setting his phone on the charger and attempting to drift off to sleep. The journey was rough, Caden eventually claiming it though.
|
|
|
|

|
Finally, after a few more long hours, Iris managed to finish the report. She looked over it one last time, knowing it wouldn't get higher then a B. She sighed, and looked at the clock. That made her sigh again. It read 11:17. Great. Now she wasn't going to get enough sleep to feel her best in the morning. . Iris pre-packed her bag and changed into pajamas, before falling into bed, exhausted. It only took her a few minutes to fall asleep, but the night was troubled by confusing, complicated dreams.
|
|  |
|
|

|
Caden awoke in the middle of the night, tossing on a hoodie and slipping into some slides before heading down to the hotel bar. He ordered a few rounds of shots, the cruel flavor wrapping itself around his tounge and slipping down his throat before settling with a burning sensation in his stomach. The sensation warmed him, yet left goosebumps on his skin. He swallowed another, the same process happening as he opened his phone. Still no texts from Iris. Caden sighed softly, running a hand through his hair as he noticed a woman slide into the stool beside him.
|
|
|
|

|
Iris woke up in a bad mood. She'd only gotten a few hours of good sleep, and it was clearly taking its toll on her. She changed into her signature clothes--T-shirt and jeans-- and considered her options for the day. It was Saturday (I think?? lol), so there wasn't much school-related stuff to distract herself with. She did have a math club at 10:00, but it was only 7:00 right now. She decided it might be nice to hang out at a coffee shop and read a normal book until then.
|
|  |
|
|

|
Caden awoke to the smell of liquor curling into his nostrils, his vision dazing as he sat up. He'd passed out, let his thoughts get to him. The man stood, walking back up to his room and flopping down on the bed. -wyd- Was all he texted Iris, rubbing his tired eyes.
|
|
|
|

|
Iris saw his text once she sat down in a nearby coffee shop. She replied. -Reading. What about you?- She sighed and got a chai latte, then began to read. It was book two of her favorite series, which she was reading through for the fourth time. She hadn't had much time to read the past few weeks, and it was nice to just get lost in the story.
|
|  |
|
|

|
-about to head back to bed- He typed out, yawning as he settled under the covers with his phone in hand.
|
|
|
|

|
Her phone vibrated, and Iris glanced at it, planning on just reading it and then continuing with her book. But it was from Caden, so she replied. -I didn't sleep well either- She picked up her book again, but decided she needed a break from reading. So she sat, holding her phone, and looked around at the coffee shop, waiting for Caden's response.
|
|  |
|
|

|
-lol adjusting to time zones is not fun- Caden texted back, finding himself longing for her reply to it as he propped himself up on an elbow in his dimly lit room. His gaze bounced around, eyeing the light snow begining to fall outside the city.
|
|
|