He stood in front of her, his arms stiff at his sides, his face redder than his uniform.
"You don't have to—" Alina started.
Felix stepped forward and hugged her.
It was quick. Brief. Awkward. His arms barely touched her, and he pulled away almost immediately.
"There," he said, stepping back. "Done."
Alina smiled warmly. "Thank you, Felix."
He nodded and looked away, his ears burning bright red.
Boo floated above them all, his arms crossed dramatically.
"I want a hug too!" he announced.
"You are floating," Alina pointed out.
"I can hug from above!"
"That is not how hugs work."
"It is how ghost hugs work!" Boo insisted. "We have different rules!"
Alina sighed, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Fine. Come here."
Boo floated down and wrapped his translucent arms around her. It felt like being hugged by cool air and gentle pressure, like standing in a warm breeze.
"Very nice," Boo declared, pulling back. "Very warm. Teacher is good at hugs."
"Thank you, Boo."
