Chapter 4 - Aiden (1/2)

Next few days are study time for all students at Tesla University. Exams are approaching and students are gathering in common areas, focused on their laptops and books or engaged in discussions related to topics that will be covered in exams.

Sarah and Vivian decided to meet once a day in the library to study. Sarah doesn't really need a study-buddy, but she enjoys the change of getting out of the room. Two of them are studying different majors, but there is an overlap in courses between them, and Vivian is more than happy to use Sarah's notes which are focusing on important points.

With every next day, Vivian is getting visibly more nervous because of the proximity of exams. Sarah, on the other side, is excited. She never had problems with exam preparations. With her near-photographic memory, fast reading and great analytical skills, preparing for exams is something that comes easy to her. Sarah is aware that her above average intelligence gives her an unfair advantage among academic peers. It's almost like she has a cheat which allows her to cruise effortlessly through her education… so she keeps that to herself.

While sitting in the library next to Vivian, Sarah stares into the books and pretends to study, while thinking about some project she is working on currently or a game dungeon she plans to plunder later in the evening.

Back to present…

It is Saturday afternoon, and first exams are scheduled for Monday morning. Sarah does not want to even pretend anymore to study, it's a waste of time. She decided to look for a job which will keep her busy.

Sarah is in the main building, inspecting ads on the bulletin board. This is where she finds posts from students who need help with their projects.

Sarah focused on the papers pinned on the board when without any warning, man's perfume enveloped her. Sarah's breath hitched. 'Masculine, not too strong, attention grabbing, not headache inducing, very pleasing...' She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, allowing a woody-flowery fragrance to fill her lungs.

After few seconds of enjoying the scent, Sarah opened her eyes and was surprised that a young man is standing next to her. 'Too close!' She stepped to the side to increase distance between them.

He didn't seem to mind her action or notice her presence. His attention was focused on the bulletin board.

Sarah observed him: strong jaw, straight nose, and his perfect profile framed with long black hair, pulled back loosely.

If she paid attention when she was in the café with Vivian last time, she might recognize him as a young man who was sitting at the table behind her.

Sarah decided to wait for him to finish whatever he is doing so that she can go back to look at the posts on the board. Being close to him made her uncomfortable. She is not used to physical contact and prefers to keep an arm's reach distance from people.

After some time, he turned to Sarah.

”Hello”, his deep voice rang in her ears and he smiled.

She was almost staring at him a moment ago, but now that his dark eyes are directed at her, she found it difficult to maintain eye contact. Her eyes moved away from his randomly.

”Hi”, Sarah responded while doing her best not to show that she is getting impatient for him to leave. His gaze made her uncomfortable.

He looked at her for few seconds before speaking. ”It seems that I interrupted you, sorry about that.”

'He does not look like he is sorry' , Sarah frowned lightly. His smile and the way she is looking at her told her that he is enjoying this.

After some contemplating, she decided to shake her head signaling that it's not a problem. If she admits that he interrupted her, that is like an invitation to continue their interaction. This is much… shorter.

Seeing that she responded, his smile widened. ”I see you are looking at the job posts. Are you posting a job or wanting to take on one?”

Her impatience was rising, he was blocking her access to the posts. And she found his remark too nosy. And with every passing moment, she was more confident that he is flirting with her. And it made her uncomfortable.

Sarah frowned. ”Do I look like someone who needs help with completing assignments?”

He narrowed his eyes for a second, noticing her displeasure. 'Aiden, get yourself together! This will be harder than what I thought.'

But he can't back away now. He finally got a chance to talk to her, just the two of them. He composed himself and showed his best smile while deploying his 'Plan B' .

”I need help with my assignment, design of an eCommerce site, are you interested? I can pay well.” His voice was low, like he was trying not to be overheard.

Sarah relaxed instantly and smiled. 'Customer!'

”Yes, sure!” She did her best to sound casual and to suppress her excitement.