~Recap~

The man's expression goes curious as Azura mentions his wife. “Are you sure that your mother would say that?”

Shifting her touch and tone into a lighter one, Azura beams. “She has actually said it. What do you think? You're the only one to whom Mom secretly interacts? Like okay, you are for sure a treasure hunter but don't be so entitled, Mr. Hunter Barnes.” Concludes the lady playfully as both daughter and father begin laughing in unison as the mood and tension lightens up.

Just as Frederick said, Azura could be all silent and bland around others but when she was with him, she was the best motivator and entertainer. And most of all, she was probably the best daughter.

______

There is a short pause of silence as Frederick stares towards her lovely daughter with lavishness. His lips curve slightly while he sings, ”It seems like she doesn't only interact with you, but interacts more and even most with you now to be precise that she doesn't even have time for me.”

Azura shrugs nonchalantly then a sass follows ahead, “I mean, yes but, can she be blamed?” She almost pouts in the end of her sentence as a giggle releases out of the man's mouth.

Shaking his head playfully, Frederick adds, “Not in a million years. Especially when she's got an amazing daughter like you. I myself can't help but just be with you. Every time, everywhere.”

“Vice versa and much more than you, Dad.” The young lady adds while the man cooes at her in awe.

“Oh, by the way. l found these interesting pieces of jewels as I was working and hunting in the godowns. Look!” Frederick beams, motioning towards the pile of shiny stones coming out of his satchel.

“Wow, Dad. They're beautiful.”

The father nods in agreement. “I know, right. They reminded me of a really elegant accessory that Vivian used to wear.”

Just as Frederick mentioned about Vivian, something hits Azura's mind. “Whoa, well, talking about Mom… I also found something interesting in my campus locker today!”

“Oh really, what is it?”

Azura pulls out a group of some dusty photographs and Frederick's eyes go flattened in both glee and surprise. “They're Vivian's old pictures. How did you get them?”

Giggling at her father's reaction, Azura says, “I've got them for so long now. I actually myself didn't remember that I had her pictures secured in my locker only until today!”

“You little foxy. And I've been looking for them ever since.” Exclaims the man as he takes a few pictures from the bundle. “Though, they look a little caught up with dust? Do you not clean your locker?”

An offended gasp appears on Azura's face as she snarls, “Are you being serious? This must be a joke, right? This has to be one.”

Frederick begins chuckling to the latter's act. “Well it is. But now after seeing the dead serious face of yours, it feels otherwise.” He puns as the lady whines childishly.

Though, it doesn't take even a minute for her expression to shift when she continues speaking further. “But anyway, for the photos having dirt and dust.. ” She points to one of the photos. “It's because of some newly transferred fool who just collided into me today.”

“Newly transferred fool or someone so cool because you wouldn't beam to yourself like that at the thought of some fool huh?” Jolts Frederick mischievously.

Azura's face turns red in both embarassment and blush and she doesn't even have an idea as to why the blush part came. Or maybe she does but of course, she isn't going to admit. Not that easily or early. “Dad!” She chimes and Fredrick ruffles her blonde locks.

“Alright, alright. Now, go and get fresh while I settle this up and prepare the lunch. You must be hungry after a the collision, no?”

Azura huffs in denial but obeyed nonetheless as she leaves a laughing Frederick behind.

______

Although Azura has herself declared that she was a responsible and an on time person —which she was with no doubt, of course— she happened to be late after the almighty knew how many days or even years.

All she was wondering if why did this had to happen only after transfer of Theo?

“Oh no, no. I just hope I'll be in on time and there must be some seating left. And of course not next to him. Not next to Cindy as well but oh well… I gotta rush!” The hassled lady almost barges in the class but luckily breaks, realising that she has to ask for the professor's permission as well.

“Miss Azura Barnes, you're late? Is everything alright, dear? You've never been late in this entire semester but today?”

Exactly Azura's thoughts. Just why?

“Umm, I-I actually was preparing for the assessments and submission because of which it just caught me in the moment, Professor.” Which was partially true since Azura was actually preparing. Not just at that very moment. “I apologise, Professor. It won't happen again.”

The teacher sighs and offer a soft smile to the latter. “It's alright. I'm glad that you're already being alert for the assessments which is a really great thing. Come in and have a seat. We're just about to begin new topic.”

The hassled student nods as she steps inside the classroom and searches for an empty seat only to find the only empty spot left and that too exactly next to the person she has been trying to avoid the most.

“It seems like all the seatings are engaged so… Oh there's a spot left next to Theo.” The professor motions towards Theo and why did Azura already expect that?

As for the said man, he seems to be already chiming in accomplishment as if some plan of his worked. Was he behind Azura's time mishap? Who knew? He was abnormal anyway. At least for Azura, he definitely was.

Nodding at the teacher's instruction, Azura replies, “Right, Professor. Thank you so much.”

The lady begins walking where she was directed and her nerves wete already cuddling insids. Not sure if because of nervousness or excitement but either way, it's going to be a hysterical day.