May I have the honor of a dance

Vespera opened the boxes, flipping through the books inside. Despite having similar titles, they covered a wide range of subjects - design, architecture, and even history. She was at a loss for words. There were so many books she'd never use, but she felt too guilty to sell gifts. Resigned, she picked out a few useful ones for her bookshelf and packed the rest away. Out of sight, out of mind.

This gesture changed Vespera's opinion of Alaric a bit. She'd previously thought of him as an arrogant trust fund kid, especially given what she knew about his history with Elowen. Her dislike for Elowen had unfairly tainted her view of Alaric too.

But now, the guy had hauled three boxes of books to her dorm. While not exactly priceless treasures or replacements for Quinn's gift, it still warmed Vespera's heart. At least he'd shown up like a real man.

After that, Vespera didn't hear from Alaric again. They seemed to have reverted to being mere acquaintances, not bothering each other.

Alaric, for