Chapter 14 - I will join you (2/2)

Sarah looked toward him, and their eyes met. She was not sure why, or when it started, but when their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat, and she could find herself getting lost in a daze. It was a new feeling for her, and she could describe it as uncomfortable. Sarah was always in control, rationally thinking about everything. When she was with Aiden, she would say and think things that don't make sense. 'Yes, uncomfortable.' But at the same time, she craved for more time with him.

”My treat”, he added. He raised his eyebrows expecting her answer.

She got herself together, ”OK. I have Data Structures II tomorrow”.

”It's set then. I will find you after class. Keep your phone handy”, he said with a content expression and a charming smile.

Sarah nodded in agreement, returning his smile.

Few times during lecture, Aiden leaned forward towards Sarah, to carefully examine her notes without a word. Whenever he did this, his woody floral fragrance attacked her senses and she was not able to focus on the lecture for few minutes. Towards end of the class, Sarah suspected that he is aware of the impact his scent has on her, and that he is doing it on purpose just to mess with her.

Before she realized, the class ended. Sarah was not sure how much of the lecture she missed because of that fragrant distraction. She was disappointed in herself, 'I was looking forward to this class, and when it finally arrived, I repeatedly spaced out during the lesson. I need more discipline', Sarah reminded herself.

As they were packing their bags, Aiden asked, ”Do you have lunch plans?”

”Yes, I will grab something at cafeteria”, she responded while closing her backpack.

”I will join you”, he informed her.

Sarah smiled as a response and headed out. He followed.

~Tesla University, cafeteria ~

Sarah and Aiden chatted casually during lunch, expanding their talking points to activities outside school. She was pleased to hear that Aiden also plays ”Age of Legends” and they agreed to play together sometimes.

'The more I get to know him, the more I find out that we have a lot in common', Sarah thought.

At some point during lunch Aiden said, ”Two of us have overlap of 4 courses this semester, and each of them is with a practical part. We should work on those projects together.”

”Don't you have someone else to team up?”, Sarah asked without thinking while waving her hand like she is trying to fan away something.

Aiden was surprised, ”Why did you say that?” He was disappointed to see that she does not seem to be interested in partnering with him. 'Doesn't she like me?' Aiden observed that Sara is sometimes dazed when looking at him. But when she rejected him like this, he wondered if she is dazed because of him, or she has something else on her mind.

Sarah responded without missing a beat, ”You have a lot of friends around you, with your knowledge, many should wish to be in your team. Why not pick some of them?”

He thought for few seconds before responding with a serious expression, ”Having a lot of people around does not mean that I have a lot of friends.”.

Sarah thought about that for few seconds before nodding in agreement.

”What do you say, partners?”, he was persistent.

She didn't think much before responding, ”No objections”.

Aiden's could not hide his smile. Now he has Sarah as a partner for four class projects. That means they will spend a lot of time together.