25.

As the conversation continued, Xavier found himself easing up around Angelina, the tension from earlier finally lifting. They laughed together as she explained different concepts, often sharing inside jokes only they seemed to understand. She gestured animatedly, explaining the psychological theories, while Xavier listened intently, occasionally throwing in a playful comment that had her rolling her eyes with a smile.

“See? It’s actually fascinating once you get past all the big words,” she teased, leaning back on the couch with a grin.

“Oh, so now I’m the one who doesn’t get it?” he shot back, raising an eyebrow. “If I remember correctly, you mixed up physics with psychology earlier.”

She flushed, nudging him with her elbow. “You caught that, huh?”

“Hard to miss,” he chuckled. “But, hey, I’m grateful—at least I get a free psychology lesson out of it.”