"So this is where you're staying?"
Adam looked around the hotel lobby with raised eyebrows. "Bit fancy for a guy who lives out of a backpack."
Evan chuckled, adjusting the strap of said backpack on his shoulder. "Got a good deal. Plus, the place has character."
He pointed at the old chandelier above them, half the bulbs flickering. "See? Ghost hotel vibes."
Adam laughed. "Right. 'Character.' That's what we're calling overpriced plumbing now."
They both stood in line, waiting to check in. Evan was flipping through his phone when his eyes lifted—
And caught on someone across the room.
His breath hitched, just slightly.
It was her.
Selene.
Walking towards the reception desk, quiet and composed, her hair tied loosely. She looked softer than she did on the train. A little less haunted.
"She's here," Evan murmured under his breath.
Adam followed his gaze. "Wait—Who?—The Book girl ??"
"Looks like she's staying here too," Evan said, already moving toward the desk.
The receptionist smiled politely as Selene stepped forward. "Welcome, miss. Here's your key—room eleven."
Selene nodded a soft thanks, took the key, and turned to leave.
Evan leaned onto the counter, flashing his most charming grin.
"Hi there. Quick question."
The receptionist looked up.
"The room next to that lady—any chance I could get it?" he asked, nodding toward Selene's retreating figure.
The receptionist hesitated. "Sir, do you know her?"
"She's my girlfriend," Evan said quickly, lowering his voice with mock seriousness. "She's mad at me. Long trip. We fought."
Adam, catching on, snorted. "Yeah. She's been ignoring him since breakfast."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really?"
"Yeah," Evan said with a sheepish grin. "I'm trying to win her back. Room next door would help. Just… you know. In case."
The woman gave him a long, suspicious look. "I'm sorry, sir. That's not how we do things. I can't assign you next to a female guest just because you say she's your girlfriend."
Evan glanced back at Adam, who gave him a shrug like, Your move, Romeo.
With a quiet sigh, Evan pulled his backpack off, unzipped it, and took out the worn paperback—the one Selene had left on the train.
He placed it gently on the counter.
"Her name's written inside," he said softly. "Selene. My girlfriend"
The receptionist looked at the book, then at him.
Something shifted in her expression.
"Room twelve," she finally said, sliding a keycard across the counter. "Don't cause any trouble."
Evan grinned, scooping up the card and the book. "You have my word."
As he turned around, Adam shook his head. "You're unbelievable."
"She left something behind," Evan said, "Feels like a reason to stay."
"She's gonna think you're a stalker," Adam said, laughing as they headed to the elevators.
"She already thinks I'm weird," Evan replied, pocketing the keycard. "Might as well earn it."
They both laughed, stepping into the elevator.
And somewhere down the hall, in room eleven, Selene closed the door gently behind her—completely unaware of the boy next door who'd just decided she wasn't a passing face after all.