Event Private Finished Starting With an Advantage

Zare, to say the least, did not look his age. More or less no one would look at Zare and think ah, that guy's a high school senior. Most people, if they were being charitable, might decide he was a college student. Less charitably? A fully grown adult, right in that awkward middle period of late twenties and early thirties where guessing someone's age became hard.

"Senior," Zare said, fully expecting the surprise he was likely to get. "I think I've seen you in the halls." He didn't think they actually had any classes in common, but it wasn't that uncommon. After all, the final year of high school was by far the most populated. College was optional, and plenty of people came in midway through their schooling.

If Zare had been the kind of guy who felt bad about things, he might have actually felt bad about that. His gift had been spur of the moment, and yet the kid—who was not, apparently, a kid, but instead someone his own age—was acting like it was a huge, glorious deal.

And Zare was perfectly content to let him do so.

"I'll look you up if I need anything," Zare said, even if he doubted he'd ever actually do so. Not because he didn't want to, but simply because he wasn't in the habit of needing help from others.

"Enjoy the book, though." He collected up his own gift, slinging the rod over his shoulder, and prepared to go. In fact, he was right about to straight up walk away when he remembered he was supposed to say goodbye and halted abruptly, half-turning to eye Alby.

"Goodbye."

Truly eloquent.