Gage kept his gaze lowered, sure that Asha was somehow trying to catch his eye. Even thought he couldn't know that for sure, just like he couldn't know that Maria was frowning in silence now. And yet he still knew this. "Just go. Don't want to explain you," he muttered, only half forming sentences. It was a strange desire, but one he followed instinctively. He didn't want to show off or explain his new friendship with his parents. He didn't want to explain where he would go at night and who he would meet with. It shouldn't matter, but he still didn't want to share.

After listening to Asha's steps leave, they sat in silence for half a second before Maria spoke. "That was rude. I wanna meet your friend," she pouted.

"Mum and dad are here."

Maria turned her head and sure enough, right after Asha had left them, their parents walked in from the other direction. Gage just signed in relief, glad to keep his secret friend a secret.