"I-I think you're smart," Adeline finally responded in a small voice.
Elias rolled his eyes. "I'm more than smart."
"—and shameless," she finished.
Elias scoffed. She made it sound like a bad thing. What was wrong with being proud of achievements? Being humble was useless.
Regardless of their clashing views, he jutted his chin towards the door. "Follow me. I'll take you to your surprise."
Adeline nodded. She trailed after him, and once they left the room, she forced herself to catch up to him. He was always walking too fast for her to catch up. But she trudged onwards, even if she had to resemble a wadding penguin. Soon, she was beside him, completely unaware of his tender, yet amused smile.
- - - - -
Elias could not believe he was doing this. He rarely made a rash decision, but this was one of the stupidest ones. Everything was calculated, everything went flawlessly. His life was dictated by perfection, for all of his decisions were always right.
