Violet hugged Kip's jacket close to her as they walked. Hands in his pockets, he stole a glance towards her and their eyes met. He grazed his arm against hers. She smiled.

When the silence was unbearable, she said, "You're probably wondering why he pushed you."

Kip shrugged but his shoulders stayed tense.

"Boyfriends can get that way when a random guy tries to talk to his girl. I get it."

"I'm not with him."

Kip's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Violet tucked her hair behind her ears.

"He's not. Just a good friend."

Kip scoffed without thinking and then cleared his throat to cover it up.

"I'm sorry. When he pushed you, I couldn't stand for that."

"It's okay. He defended me like that before."

"What do you mean?"

Violet stayed silent for a moment.

"Someone in my dorm tried to...I screamed and Flynn heard me so..."

Kip looked down, trying not to imagine it.

"He's a bit of a jerk at times, but I feel safer around him."

Violet slowed as they arrived at her apartment.

"This is me. Thanks for walking me home...and for listening."

Kip gave her a small crooked smile.

"You're welcome. I hope someday you'll feel safe around me too."