Ned figured it was a big ask to hope that Alice might sit up a little longer with him. He knew she needed her sleep and was fairly serious about those in their friend group getting adequate rest. However, that lingering disappointment decided to appear again, despite a fairly normal laugh that popped out of his mouth. "I promise I won't miss breakfast."

He missed being around her. He had noticed how she'd ceased lingering at breakfast, along with a few of their other friends. She didn't hang back in class, so that they could walk together and complain about how irresponsible the others were being with their studies. Even if they didn't speak of anything and they both just sat reading or working, he would take it. It was her company and friendship he enjoyed the most.

"Goodnight, Alice." He gave her a warm smile and side stepped away to tuck himself into one of the armchairs.