Chapter 221: Darcy’s Internal Fire Drill
Micah and Darcy walked slowly through the campus, talking about the banquet that evening, though neither of them sounded particularly enthusiastic.
"Go rest a bit. I’ll head to the library," Darcy said, tugging his backpack strap higher on his shoulder. He stopped walking, already turning to leave.
Micah grabbed his wrist. "Wait! I changed my mind. Let’s go to my place," he said, quickly.
"Your place? Like... your home?"
"No, no." Micah waved a hand. "I’ve got an apartment near campus. I’m moving out of the dorm once the six-month mandatory dorm thing ends."
Darcy’s heart gave a sudden, unwelcome jolt. He wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or something more dangerous.
"Why...why do you want me to come?" he asked carefully, trying to sound casual, but his voice came out lower than he meant. There was a slight dryness in his throat. Being alone with Micah... it wasn’t the same as before. Back when Micah stayed at their house, Darcy hadn’t fully understood how he felt. Now he did. And being invited to Micah’s apartment... just the two of them, felt different. Too personal. Too risky.
Micah raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, why? Of course, it’s because I’ve got clothes there."
Darcy blinked in confusion. "Huh? Clothes?"
Micah rolled his eyes. "I can’t let you go to my banquet like that!" Micah said, eyeing Darcy’s casual clothing. "Your style is good, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that...this is a formal setting. And I know not everyone at our age has a suit. I don’t want you feeling out of place or awkward. So don’t think I am degrading you or looking down on you!"
Micah rubbed the back of his neck. "I just thought...Well, I have a couple of spare suits and stuff there. So."