"Have all the invitations been sent out?"
Jason's low voice echoed through the second-floor study. He sat on the floor on a cushion, scrolling through Schiller's phone for text messages and writing everyone's replies down on paper.
The study in the new house was not as dim as the one at the manor. Instead, it was bright and gentle. Jason had never seen Schiller so clearly while he was writing at his desk; the hard, cold lines that darkness had concealed now seemed soft and mild.
Schiller sighed softly, straightened up from his desk, and said, "There is one last letter. I'll deliver it myself. What do you think of this hairstyle?"
"It looks great, Professor. I think plenty of people will be happy to see you so relaxed." Jason looked at Schiller and smiled. "Honestly, none of us knew your hair was curly."
"Only a little." Schiller shook his head, lowered it again, and continued writing.
"I'm glad you let us know."
Schiller's hand paused over the pen. His voice was low and unreadable. "What is there to be glad about?"
"We're happy whenever we learn about even the slightest change in a friend." Jason said, "It isn't really about understanding how much that change means to him. What truly makes us happy is that he is willing to show us that change."
"People often say they would be honored to be the first person you think of when you're happy or sad, because only when two people are deeply connected would you immediately feel that I could give you the emotional response you want."
"It's the same with change. If you change and show it to someone right away, it means you want their evaluation and advice. It means you value their evaluation and advice. I'm honored, Professor."