✓ | FLARE, warren peace

chapter eight

Cassidy let out a frustrated huff as her grandmother walked past her bedroom door once again. She detested the transparent glass doors that marked every entrance in the home, a strange design choice which seemed to be her Nana's way of declaring that privacy was not an option. The only exception of course, were the bathrooms.

Warren, who sat across from her, couldn't help but chuckle at the frustration etched on her face.

"How many times has she walked past now?" he asked, amusement lacing his tone.

"Ten," Cassidy grumbled in response, twisting her pen between her fingers.

"Why did we have to choose my house to study again?" she repeated, her voice laced with annoyance.

"Because you learned your lesson the last time we went to my place," he mumbled. "My mom loves you too much," Warren continued, earning him a playful kick from Cassidy under the table.

"I'm lovable, Peace, face it," Cassidy replied with a confident smirk, a hint of teasing in her voice.

Warren rolled his eyes in response, "Whatever you say, Crane," he countered, but there was a hint of fondness lacing his voice.

Warren imitated her by making faces, only to receive another playful kick in response. He chuckled and resumed his work, determined to complete his homework despite the distractions.

Cassidy was just about to start her own work when something caught her eye, causing her to let out an exasperated huff.

Cassidy's frustrated exclamation filled the room, "Nana!"

Warren spun around in his seat to catch a glimpse of the elder woman. In her hand, he spotted a camera, causing him to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. Turning his gaze back to Cassidy, he waited for her to explain the situation.

Warren had a deadpan expression on his face as he replied, "Perhaps you're right. Maybe my place isn't so bad after all."

Cassidy shot him an unimpressed look and responded dryly, "You think?"

Warren suppressed a sigh as he glanced at his wristwatch, noting the time. For a moment, he held himself back, gathering the courage to ask Cassidy something he had been wanting to do for quite some time now.

"Cassidy," Warren called out, and she looked up at him, sensing a shift in his demeanor. He fidgeted nervously, clenching his hands and struggling to keep his gaze fixed on hers. In response, Cassidy couldn't help but let a playful frown form on her lips, silently deciding to wait patiently for him to muster up the courage to speak.

Just as Warren was about to speak, the sound of knocking on the bedroom door interrupted their conversation. With a slightly frustrated expression, Cassidy rose from her seat and moved to the side to get a better view of whoever was at the door.

"Sorry, my dear. I just had a question," her grandmother spoke, her gaze shifting towards Warren.

Cassidy, recognizing the cue, gently nudged Warren with her foot, a subtle signal for him to acknowledge the elder woman at the door.

"Warren, would you like to stay for dinner?" Cassidy's grandmother offered. However, Warren discreetly suppressed his disappointment. It wasn't because his plans had been foiled, but rather because it now seemed impossible to voice the question he had wanted to ask.

"Sorry, not today. I have work in a couple of hours," he politely declined.

Cassidy's own disappointment was apparent as her face fell. She attempted to conceal it with a forced smile.

Even though Warren had politely declined the offer, Cassidy's grandmother, had noticed the disappointment in both their faces. Her keen observation had not gone unnoticed.

Nana Fiona picked up on their disappointment and responded with a knowing glance, "I see. Well, maybe some other time then," she remarked casually, her eyes flickering between Warren and Cassidy.

Cassidy nervously turned around and began to pack up her books, while Warren continued to sit awkwardly, fidgeting in his chair. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the sound of Cassidy hastily zipping up her bag.