A tumble of indistinct sounds had compelled him to look up from his textbooks confused and momentarily disoriented. It was a juggle act, certainly, studying for upcoming exams while trying to maintain a meager semblance of a social life. Far from crammed classrooms or after hours research, that was. Sometimes, all he could do remedy this was to scoop up his books, papers, and notes and bring them with him whenever he met up with a friend. This time had been no exception, however much he had secretly hoped it might have been. They hadn’t known each other for long; but Adam calmed down around Rowan. He could leave his tension and stress at the door and step into semi-relaxation without any underlying guilt. She made him laugh.

What he hadn’t been expecting when he meandered into the kitchen, barefooted by way of habit, a question already on his tongue, were curious fingers tracing the rough lines of his features. His eyes widened in surprise, yet not quite shock, his attention entirely transfixed on her. Of course, Adam could have said anything in this very moment. Those words, though, were stuck in his throat - a heavy lump he couldn’t quite shift. Because without forewarning, she was noticeably close, and a part of his brain could only register her nearness as nice, pleasant even, before the strange spell fell apart.

When she spoke, Adam acted instantly. A gentle though firm hand on her forearm led her to the nearest chair. He turned around, then, filled a glass with water, and put it on the table next to her. “Are you okay?” Adam asked, a shiver of vocal concern in his tone. Slowly, he kneeled down in front of her, placing a steadying hand on her knee. “Do you want me to get you to the bathroom?”