Mirabe effortlessly swung her suitcase from the trunk <b>and </b>gently lowered the hatchback a fluid motion that spoke of her independence. She took a deliberate step back, positioning herself a meter away from Nick, and <b>said </b>with a considerate tone. “Nick, you should head back now. It’s gettingte. Thanks for going out of your way today.”
Nick scratched his head–a subconscious gesture–as he observed the <b>space </b>his little sister had ced between them. Usually, he would have found such a distance ufortably close, but for some reason, a vague sense of unease settled in his chest.
“So, I guess I’ll be off then?” Nick’s speech was unhurried, a result of years living abroad that made his English sound drawn out.
“Yeah,” Mirabe simply nodded, showing no sign of wishing him to stay<i>. </i>
After a few moments of hesitation, Nick finally started to walk away. He reached for the driver’s side door of his car and nced back at Mirabe as he ducked inside, feeling an urge to make sure she was alright.
Mirabe offered him a gentle, lip–curled smile–a beautiful, tender gesture that made Nick’s grip on the car door tighten. “I’m really going, okay?”
“Goodnight, Nick,” she called out, even giving a small wave.
“Night,” Nick mumbled, his cheeks unexpectedly warm as he slid into the car.
The engine purred to life, and as the car moved forward, Nick stole onest nce in the rearview mirror. There stood Mirabe, her figure gradually shrinking with the distance until she disappeared from view. Only then did he direct his attention back to the road. Nick couldn’t help but notice that his sistercked that off–putting aura he found so distasteful in others.
Once Nick’s car was out of sight, Mirabe wheeled her suitcase into the hotel. The other students had already arrived and retreated to their rooms. She had barely stepped into the lobby when she spotted Vincent at the front desk. Upon seeing her, he walked over and handed her a room key.
“Thanks,” Mirabe said, taking the key.
Vincent pursed his lips slightly. “You’re wee. Give it your all tomorrow.”
Mirabe nced at the room number on the key card and then headed for the elevator. Her voice sounded even–keeled<b>. </b>“You too, Vincent.”
Vincent watched her go, standing still for a couple of seconds before straightening up and following her, his suitcase in tow. “Do you think you could go over a few more equations with me?”
After pressing the elevator button, Mirabe turned to him with a resigned look and pointed to her watch, her tone serious. “Vincent, do you see the time? If you don’t get a good night’s sleep. you’re asking to be eliminated tomorrow.”