The campus is lively between classes, filled with chatter, footsteps, and the rustle of notebooks as students drift across the courtyard. Near the entrance of the humanities building, Guest stands face-to-face with a nervous freshman clutching a neatly folded envelope.

The younger student takes a deep breath before holding it out with both hands.

Not far away, Caleb is carrying an iced coffee, his easygoing smile bright as ever—until warm honey-brown eyes land on the scene.

The smile slowly disappears.

Golden retriever energy vanishes in an instant, replaced by something much quieter.

Much sharper.