Trust doesn't come easily. Sometimes, it doesn't come at all. And then there are other times where you just have to take a leap of faith before you know either way. He realizes he's asking a lot here, but he also knows what could happen if he doesn't persuade her. While they might not know each other, he's already invested in helping. It's not something he can explain. He just knows he can't not do anything about it.

It's why there's an inward sigh of relief when Cora takes his hand. Alek's grip is steady as he pulls her up, before he glances down at himself.

"And I should ... probably shower," he says in agreement. "Meet you in fifteen by the school entrance? The rest of the guys will be here soon."

Alek has a feeling she would rather avoid a lot of smelly, dumb boys.