Alin went rigid a bit as she hugged him, as he always did, but he smiled a bit. When she asked, he held up the spine of the book for her to see. "It's Lord of the Rings..." He said, not offering much more of exclamation. He wasn't too good at describing things, and he got a little embarrassed, his cheeks reddening. He didn't understand why she would want to be friends with him of all people, but nevertheless he was happy that he had a friend. Alin slid the book back into his bag, as not to be rude. "So has your first day back been okay so far?" He asked Serena softly, looking back up. His gaze was unsteady, as if something was bothering him.