Chapter Twenty Eight

Saturday;

You know what I haven't done in a while? Volunteered at the hospital. That's exactly where I am right now. I came in with my aunt, who's working her shift, which means I'm here for the long haul. Not that I mind—I kind of missed the place, the hum of activity, the sense of being useful.

I was busy cleaning up a spill in the hallway, the smell of disinfectant strong in the air, when someone rudely bumped into me. The force made me stumble, nearly losing my grip on the mop.

Seriously? There's an entire hallway for people to walk down, and they decided the best route was right through me. I glanced up, my eyes narrowing at the middle-aged man walking away as if he didn't just nearly shove me to the floor. He had that kind of oblivious arrogance—the type that never apologized, that acted like the world needed to accommodate them.

I felt a flicker of irritation flare up, and for a split second, I imagined taking the mop and whacking it right over his shiny, bald head. The image almost made me smile. But, I took a breath, holding myself back. He looked like the kind of guy who'd sue the hospital, or worse, sue me personally. Not worth the trouble.

So, instead, I muttered under my breath, gripping the mop a little tighter, and got back to my cleaning, trying to ignore the echo of his footsteps disappearing down the hall.

I had just put the supplies back when someone grabbed my elbow, yanking me into an empty room. Startled, I barely had time to react before I found myself facing Aunt Grace, who quickly closed the door behind us.

"Auntie Grace?" I frowned, confusion etched across my face. "What's going on?"

She turned to me, her eyes slightly wide, brushing strands of hair out of her face in an uncharacteristically anxious manner. "Val, do I look okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I blinked at her, taking in her usually composed appearance—her neatly tied back hair, the tidy uniform. "Uh, yes?" I let out a chuckle, still unsure what this was all about. "You always look good, Auntie. Why do you ask?"

She took a deep breath, as if she were trying to steady her nerves. "Dr. Bryson wants to grab coffee during lunch," she said, her tone careful.

My eyebrows shot up, a mischievous grin instantly spreading across my face. "Is that so?" I teased.

"It's not a date!" Aunt Grace quickly shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Then why do you care how you look?" I wiggled my eyebrows, unable to hide my amusement.

She gave an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. "You're no help!" she laughed softly. "I just need to look presentable, that's all."

Before I could say anything else, she leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. Then she turned and walked out of the room, her stride a little faster than usual, leaving me there with a smile still on my face.

Aunt Grace, flustered over Dr. Bryson? I never thought I'd see the day. She can deny it all she wants, but I saw the way her cheeks flushed pink. It was endearing, really. I couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness for her—she deserves someone who'll make her smile like that, and Dr. Bryson seemed like a good man, the type who'd treat her well.

Still smiling to myself, I walked out of the room and closed the door softly behind me. Alright, time to find something else to do.

I roamed the halls, stopping at the nurses' station to offer my help, but they all assured me everything was under control. It was rare for things to be this quiet, but I wasn't going to complain. With no pressing tasks, I decided to head to the nurses' lounge for a well-deserved break.

Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the comforting hum of the vending machine and the soft lighting that always gave the room a cozy feel. I made myself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air as I took a sip, savoring the warmth. With my coffee in hand, I settled onto the lounge's worn but comfortable couch, my book ready to offer an escape.

Tucking my legs underneath me, I opened the pages, letting the world of fiction pull me in as I took a slow sip of my coffee.

I wasn't sure how long I'd been reading, I was completely lost in my own little world, immersed in the comforting silence of the room. The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across the pages of my book.

"Valentina," a voice called from the doorway, pulling me back to reality.

I looked up to see Nurse Riley leaning casually against the doorframe, her kind eyes meeting mine. "Can you help me deliver lunch to the patients?" she asked, her voice warm and familiar.

"Sure," I replied, smiling as I closed my book and placed it on the table beside me. Rising from my seat, I followed Nurse Riley to the small cart filled with lunch trays.

We moved down the quiet corridors, our footsteps echoing softly off the tiled floors. Room by room, I helped deliver the meals, a task I was used to by now. The patients barely acknowledged our presence, most of them too consumed by their own worries to offer even a nod of gratitude. I wasn't surprised—these were rich people, after all, accustomed to being served without a second thought. I took it in stride, knowing that compassion was rarely a given in these circumstances.

Eventually, I saved Elizabeth's lunch for last, a smile tugging at my lips as I approached her door. She was my favorite part of this place, and I always looked forward to seeing her. I made sure to grab an extra pudding cup from the cart, knowing how much she loves these.

Balancing the tray in one hand, I gave a light knock on the door before stepping inside. The room was warm and inviting, the sunlight streaming in through the tall windows. My eyes immediately met those of Prof. Montgomery, who was seated on the plush couch, her posture relaxed, with one leg elegantly crossed over the other. Her hair fell in loose curls around her face, giving her a surprisingly softer look than usual.

"Oh, I apologize," I said, offering a small smile as I held up the tray. "I just wanted to drop off Elizabeth's lunch."

Elizabeth's face lit up as she spotted me. Her eyes crinkled with delight as she gave me a broad smile. "Val, dear! It's so good to see you again!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth.

I approached the bed and carefully set the tray down in front of her, making sure everything was in place. I was about to slip out quietly, but Elizabeth's voice stopped me.

"You're not staying?" she asked, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

I shook my head, a polite smile still on my face. "Ah, no, I don't want to impose," I replied, glancing at Prof. Montgomery, whose expression was hard to read.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes in amusement, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Nonsense, sit down, Val. Tell me about your week," she insisted, motioning toward the couch.

I hesitated, my eyes flickering to Prof. Montgomery, who had already begun pinching the bridge of her nose in irritation. "Mother," she sighed, her voice filled with exasperation, "can't she come back another time?"

But Elizabeth was undeterred, shaking her head as she gestured once more for me to take a seat. I hesitated for a moment longer, then finally nodded, moving to sit down on the opposite end of the couch. The tension between us was palpable—Prof. Montgomery's annoyance practically radiated off her, while Elizabeth's insistence was equally unyielding.

"Now," Elizabeth said brightly, her eyes sparkling as she looked between the two of us, "tell me all about it, dear. How has this week been treating you?"

Prof. Montgomery rolled her eyes, her annoyance clear, and for a moment I thought she would get up and leave the room. Instead, she readjusted herself on the couch, her body shifting to face me more directly. Her gaze was sharp, calculating, as if she were trying to dissect my every word and expression. She rested her elbow on the armrest, her head supported by her knuckles, an almost bored look on her face.

I forced myself to ignore her scrutiny, turning my attention back to Elizabeth. I gave her a small smile. "It's been good," I said, "though I'm starting to get swamped with work, unfortunately."

Elizabeth gave me a sympathetic nod, about to say something, but Prof. Montgomery cut in before she could respond. "Is that why you don't study for my quizzes?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as they fixed on me. "Your last three have been pure shit. Hell, you didn't even try to answer a single question on the last quiz."

I stared at her, my jaw slackening in shock. I knew I hadn't been doing great, but to have her call me out so bluntly in front of her mother—it felt like a slap in the face. I could feel Elizabeth's gaze shifting between us, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern, but I was too stunned to look at her directly.

Part of me wanted to let it slide, to stay quiet and avoid a confrontation. But her arrogance and utter disregard for my efforts stirred something inside me. I clenched my jaw, my frustration bubbling over. "And whose damn fault is that?" I snapped, unable to hold back. My voice trembled with the intensity of my emotions. "I asked for your help, but you shot me down, remember?"

The room went silent, the tension palpable. Prof. Montgomery raised an eyebrow, her expression turning cold and detached, though I could sense the challenge in her eyes. Elizabeth let out a soft sigh, clearly uncomfortable with the growing argument, her eyes moving to her daughter with a silent plea.

Prof. Montgomery leaned forward slightly, her gaze boring into mine. "You're blaming me for your own lack of effort?" she asked, her voice low and cutting, a faint smirk playing at her lips. "I thought you were more capable than that, Ms. Wilson."

I opened my mouth to reply, but Elizabeth spoke up, her voice gentle yet firm. "Now, now, both of you," she said, looking between us, her expression stern. "This isn't the time or place for this. Val, dear, I know you're trying your best. And Johanna"—her voice softened as she turned to her daughter—"please, try to be a little more understanding. Not everyone learns the same way."

Prof. Montgomery sighed, leaning back into the couch, the smirk fading from her lips. She didn't respond, but the air between us remained tense, a battle of wills lingering beneath the surface.

Elizabeth let out a soft sigh, her eyes twinkling as she opened a pudding cup, peeling back the lid with careful fingers before licking the remnants off the wrapper. She gave me a gentle smile and a knowing look. "Val, would you be a doll and grab me some water?" she asked, her voice warm.

I nodded with a smile of my own. "Of course," I replied, and without hesitation, I stepped out of the room. Just as I took a few steps, I heard Elizabeth's voice faintly, the warmth replaced by a hint of exasperation. "Johanna, how many times do I—" Her words faded as I moved further away, her tone muffled by the distance.

When I reached the kitchen, I opened the fridge and selected a cold bottle of water, knowing Elizabeth always preferred it chilled. I took a deep breath before heading back, the coolness of the bottle pressing into my palm as I retraced my steps.

As I re-entered the room, my gaze immediately landed on Prof. Montgomery. She was leaning down, giving her mother a gentle kiss on the head, her features softer than I'd ever seen them. It was a rare glimpse into a side of her I didn't often witness—tender, affectionate, almost vulnerable.

She straightened up when she heard my footsteps, her demeanor shifting back to her usual guarded self. Without a word, she turned to leave, pausing only to nod at me curtly. "Ms. Wilson," she acknowledged, her eyes briefly meeting mine before she continued walking out, her presence lingering like a fading shadow.

I lingered in the doorway, my gaze trailing after Prof. Montgomery as she disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps echoing softly until they faded into silence. Turning back to Elizabeth, I offered her the bottle of water with a gentle smile. She took it with a look of gratitude, her eyes warm yet weary. "I'm sorry about my daughter," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret as she forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

I waved her off, shaking my head slightly. "Elizabeth, really, it's fine," I reassured her, my own smile more genuine. "Your daughter was actually quite tolerable this week."

Elizabeth blinked in surprise, her eyebrows lifting as if she hadn't expected such an answer. "Really?" she asked, her curiosity evident. "She was nice to you?" There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes, but I couldn't help the slight chuckle that escaped me.

"Nice is putting it kindly," I said with a wry smile, sinking back into the couch as Elizabeth watched me closely. "I wouldn't say she was nice, but she was definitely less her usual cold self." I leaned back, my gaze drifting to the ceiling, as Elizabeth's expression softened into an amused smile while she sipped her water.

The truth was, Prof. Montgomery had been different this week. It wasn't like she had suddenly transformed into a warm, friendly person overnight. No, she was still the same woman who could make me feel like I was constantly on trial, scrutinizing me with those sharp eyes of hers. She hadn't drunk the coffee I'd bought her, a dismissive gesture that still stung, and she had almost embarrassed me in front of the entire class—again. But there had been moments, brief but unmistakable, where her icy demeanor seemed to crack, if only just a little.

I thought back to the exchange in her office, the rare humor in her voice as she mocked me in that over-the-top way, feigning innocence and dramatizing every word. It was ridiculous, even childish, but it had also been... surprisingly human. There had been a sense of playfulness behind her sarcasm, something I hadn't seen before—a glimpse of a person who wasn't all sharp edges and cold dismissals.

Elizabeth watched me thoughtfully, a knowing glint in her eyes as if she understood more than I was willing to say.

Maybe Prof. Montgomery was starting to crack, the walls she'd built around herself showing the slightest fissures. And though I'd never admit it out loud, I found myself curious, even hopeful, about what lay beyond them.

✿

Monday;

I sat in a quiet corner of Midnight Mocha, idly swirling my spoon in a half-empty cup of coffee as I waited for Lea to arrive. The cafe, lit by soft, warm lights, was almost empty, with only a few patrons lingering. It was just past eight in the evening, and the cozy atmosphere had settled into a gentle lull.

I recognized only one other customer—Victoria, that professor I had seen giving Montgomery her coffee before. She was engrossed in whatever was on her laptop screen, her eyes fixed on it with the kind of intensity that only came with deadlines or inspiration. Beside her was a half-eaten slice of carrot cake, crumbs scattered on the plate as if she had forgotten all about it once her work took hold.

The chime of the cafe door caught my attention, and I glanced up to see Lea walking in. My lips quirked up at the sight of her—she wore all black, from her boots to her leather jacket, just as she'd said she would. Earlier today, she told me to dress in all black as well, insisting we match for whatever she had planned tonight. Did that request make me skeptical? Absolutely.

Lea had that mischievous glint in her eyes—the one that always meant trouble was brewing. Her smile was a little too playful, like she was enjoying a joke I wasn't in on. It left me feeling both intrigued and apprehensive.

"You're really starting to freak me out," I said, raising an eyebrow just before downing the last sip of my coffee. The rich, slightly bitter taste lingered on my tongue, contrasting with the unease growing in my stomach.

Lea just shrugged, leaning back in her chair, her hands resting behind her head, looking like the picture of laid-back confidence. "Tonight's going to be fun," she declared, her eyes never breaking contact with mine.

I stood up, reaching for my wallet, and glanced at her over my shoulder. "Are you planning on telling me what we're going to do?" I asked, a hint of suspicion in my voice.

She followed me to the counter, her grin widening as if she had all the secrets in the world. "Nope," she said, her smirk only deepening. "It's a surprise."

I sighed, shaking my head. With Lea, surprises could range from harmless fun to borderline reckless, and that unpredictability was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Apparently, Lea's plan was for us to head to campus. She mentioned that it was still open for professors who preferred working late, which explained why we were making our way there now.

I was heading toward my car when she abruptly stopped me, shaking her head. "We're not taking your car," she said firmly. "We're going to walk."

"Walk?" I frowned, confused. Why on earth would we walk to campus when driving would be so much quicker? Sure, it was only a ten-minute walk, but the convenience of the car made it seem like the obvious choice. Still, I decided against voicing my objections, choosing instead to simply follow Lea as she led the way down the street.

The night was quiet, our footsteps echoing softly on the pavement, accompanied only by the occasional chirp of crickets. There was an eerie stillness in the air, a sort of anticipation building with each step. I could feel the cool breeze brushing against my skin, and it added an almost mysterious edge to whatever Lea had planned.

We arrived on campus, the familiar sight of the fountain we always sat at now bathed in shadow. Lea whistled softly as she walked, the tune lighthearted and carefree, almost mocking the tension I felt brewing inside me.

It was dark—darker than I had expected. Only a few dim lights flickered across the grounds, casting long, wavering shadows over the paths. I found myself squinting to see where I was stepping, trying not to stumble over the uneven pavement.

The question still lingered in my mind, why did Lea insist on us both wearing all black tonight? The secrecy, the mystery—it all felt a bit over the top. With a soft sigh, I continued trailing behind her, her figure barely visible ahead as she moved with an air of purpose.

We stopped in front of the cafeteria, the large double doors standing closed and imposing. Lea tried the handle, jiggling it a few times, but the door was locked tight. Without hesitation, she pulled a flashlight from her bag, the beam slicing through the darkness as she began to scan the area around the doorframe.

"Uh, what are you doing?" I asked, my brows furrowing in confusion. There was something about her stance, the determined set of her jaw that made me uneasy.

Lea glanced at me briefly, an almost mischievous gleam in her eye, before turning her focus back to the door. "Oh, we're breaking in," she said, her tone nonchalant, as if she were simply stating what was for dinner.

"What!" I blurted out, my voice betraying the shock coursing through me. Before I could say anything else, Lea swiftly clapped her hand over my mouth, silencing me. "Shhh!" she hissed, her eyes darting around us as if expecting someone to appear from the shadows. Her expression was serious now, the playfulness from earlier replaced with urgency.

I stared at her wide-eyed, the muffled protest dying in my throat. Breaking in? Why on earth did she want to break into the cafeteria? Then it dawned on me, and my eyes widened even further.

I pushed her hand away, my voice barely a whisper, "Don't tell me you want to steal those pizza slices!?"

Lea gave a soft chuckle, the mischievous grin never leaving her face as she continued scanning the area, her flashlight dancing across the doorframe and walls. "We're going to do it," she confirmed, her tone filled with an almost childlike excitement, as though this was just another harmless prank.

I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I should be freaking out, I should be telling her this was a terrible idea—but there was something oddly thrilling about it. The adrenaline, the secrecy—it made me feel alive in a way that routine lectures and coffee runs couldn't.

The flashlight beam caught something high up, and Lea's eyes lit up with triumph. "Bingo," she whispered, her gaze fixed on an open window far above us.

She handed me the flashlight without another word, her movements confident and deliberate. "Hold it towards the window," she instructed, taking a few steps back to gauge the height.

I obeyed, the light casting a narrow beam on the dusty pane, illuminating the cobwebs and the faint outline of the metal frame. Lea rolled her shoulders, stretching her arms and getting ready. I watched her, a mix of anticipation and dread bubbling in my chest. She was really going to do this.

Her eyes met mine briefly, and she gave a quick wink, her grin widening. "Don't worry, Val," she said, her voice low but filled with amusement. "This is going to be fun."

I swallowed hard, nodding even though my nerves were screaming otherwise. I kept the beam steady, my fingers tightening around the handle of the flashlight.

Lea took a running start, her feet pounding against the floor before she launched herself up the wall, her fingers latching onto the window frame. In one swift, almost fluid motion, she pulled herself through the narrow gap, her body slipping through like a snake. A moment later, I heard her triumphant voice from the other side. "So easy!" she called, her laughter echoing in the darkness.

I stared up at the window, blinking. Easy for her to say—how was I supposed to jump up there while holding the flashlight? I frowned, my gaze flicking between the window and the flashlight still in my hand.

"Are you coming?" Lea's voice rang out from inside the cafeteria, her tone teasing.

I took a deep breath, my mind scrambling for a solution. "Yeah, give me a second," I replied, stalling as I tried to figure out how to do this without making a complete fool of myself.

If I turned the flashlight off, I wouldn't be able to see the window clearly, and there was no way I could risk fumbling around in the dark. But if I put it down on the ground, someone might walk by and notice it, and that would definitely blow our cover.

I sighed, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. There was only one way to do this. Carefully, I tilted the flashlight and clamped it between my teeth, my jaw tensing as I made sure I had a firm grip. The beam of light wobbled slightly, casting a shaky glow on the brick wall in front of me. I could only hope I wouldn't end up breaking my teeth in the process.

"Alright," I mumbled around the flashlight, the words barely intelligible, "Here goes nothing."

I took a deep breath and stepped back, my eyes fixed on the open window above. Alright, I can do this, I thought, psyching myself up.

Without hesitating further, I ran toward the wall, my feet pounding against the floor. I jumped, reaching out, and my fingers caught the edge of the window frame. For a split second, my heart leapt in triumph, and then I had to focus on pulling myself up, my muscles straining as I hauled my body through the narrow gap.

Halfway through the window, I paused, my legs dangling awkwardly on the outside. How in the world am I supposed to get down now? I glanced around the darkened cafeteria, trying to assess my options. Panic crept in as I realized how far off the ground I was.

"Lea," I gasped, my voice muffled by the effort it took to hold myself up. "Get me a damn chair or something!" My heart hammered in my chest as I clung desperately to the window frame, hoping she would hurry.

Lea scrambled across the room, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty space. I heard her rummaging around, the faint clatter of furniture shifting as she searched for something to help. The seconds felt like an eternity as I clung there, my arms starting to burn from the effort.

Finally, she returned, her face appearing below me. "Hold on, I've got something," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. She maneuvered a small ladder into place beneath me, steadying it against the floor.

A ladder? Why in the world is there a ladder in the cafeteria? I wondered for a fleeting moment. But then I quickly decided it didn't matter—anything to get me down from this height.

I carefully let my feet find the top rung, relief flooding over me as I shifted my weight off the window ledge. My hands trembled slightly as I climbed down the ladder, feeling the solid ground under my feet again. I breathed out, finally able to release the tension that had been building up.

Lea stood there, a smirk on her lips, clearly amused by my predicament. I shot her a glare, though I couldn't help the slight grin that tugged at my own lips. "You could've warned me about the dismount, you know," I muttered, brushing myself off.

She just shrugged, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Where's the fun in that?"

Lea snatched the flashlight from me, and we made our way to the kitchen, our footsteps echoing softly in the quiet cafeteria. "You know," I said, glancing at her, "I thought you were joking when you said you'd just steal the pizza slices when you're hungry."

Lea turned her head dramatically, her eyes wide with mock shock. "I would never joke about food," she declared, placing a hand over her heart like I'd just offended her deeply. Her expression was so over-the-top, I almost believed her for a second. She then pushed open the swinging doors to the kitchen with a flourish.

I rolled my eyes, unable to help the small smile on my lips as I took out my phone, turning on its flashlight. I scanned the room, the beam flickering over shelves and counters as we began our search for the elusive pizza slices. Lea seemed to move with purpose, clearly having been here enough times to know her way around.

After a few minutes of searching, I heard Lea burst into laughter—a laugh that sounded cartoonishly evil, almost like the villainous cackle from an old animated show. I couldn't help but shake my head, amused. "Did you find it?" I asked, making my way over to her.

"Duh," she replied with a scoff, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She stood by a fridge, holding up a pizza box in triumph. With exaggerated care, she opened it to reveal several slices. Not just one or two, as was typically left out for late-night staff, but a generous stack of six slices, piled high.

"Seriously?" I raised an eyebrow, watching as she transferred the slices into the box, one after another, her grin growing wider with each addition. Lea seemed to take special delight in her little heist, like she was gathering treasure from a hidden vault.

"Go big or go home," she said, winking as she carefully closed the lid, as if she were handling priceless goods.

I shook my head, trying and failing to suppress a smile. "You're ridiculous, you know that?" I muttered, but I could feel a laugh bubbling up in my chest. The entire situation felt surreal—the dim kitchen, the thrill of sneaking around, and Lea treating this like some great adventure.

"Ridiculous but effective," she shot back, flashing me a grin. She balanced the box in one hand and gestured dramatically towards the exit with the other. "Now, my dear accomplice, let's make our daring escape."

With a sigh, I followed her, the absurdity of the situation making it impossible not to smile as I shook my head.

Lea went first, her nimble movements making it look effortless as she climbed through the window. I stood by, holding the box of pizza slices, my eyes following her as she carefully lowered herself down to the ground. Once she was standing firmly below, I placed my foot on the small ladder, poking my head out of the window to make sure she was ready.

"Catch," I whispered, leaning over and carefully dropping the pizza box into her waiting hands. She grabbed it easily, giving me a quick thumbs-up before stepping aside.

I then focused on my own escape. I climbed up, managing to squeeze through the narrow frame, but as I looked down, I realized a problem. There was no ladder on this side, no real way for me to ease myself down.

The ground looked farther than I remembered from the other side. My heart thudded as I calculated the drop, but there wasn't much choice. "Okay," I muttered to myself, trying to muster the courage. I twisted around, awkwardly positioning myself on the frame until I was hanging by my fingertips, the window pressing against my shoulders.

"Just let go, Val," Lea whispered loudly from below, her voice mixed with a teasing encouragement.

With a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let my hands slip from the frame. My body dropped, and I felt the air rush past me before I landed on the ground with a solid thud. The impact sent a shockwave up my legs, making me wince. I stumbled but somehow managed to stay upright.

Lea looked at me with wide eyes before breaking into laughter, muffling it behind her hand. "You okay?" she whispered between giggles, her eyes full of amusement.

I scowled, brushing off my jeans, trying to mask the twinge of pain in my knees. "Not a word, Lea," I muttered, but even I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me.

Lea and I stood side by side, our bodies angled toward the cafeteria doors, anticipation bubbling in the air. With a grin that lit up her face, Lea eagerly opened the pizza box, the cheesy aroma wafting out and making my mouth water. She handed me a generous slice, the gooey cheese stretching between us as I took it, the crust perfectly crisp. Without hesitation, I took a bite, closing my eyes as pure pleasure washed over me. This pizza was incredible—every flavor exploding in my mouth.

The moment of bliss was abruptly shattered when a throat cleared behind us, the sound sharp and authoritative. Lea and I flinched in unison, instinctively turning around to face the source of the interruption.

The beam of her flashlight landed on none other than Prof. Montgomery, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed tightly over her chest and eyebrows raised in a mix of surprise and amusement. The faint glow from the flashlight highlighted her sharp features, making her look even more formidable.

Panic surged through me as the realization sank in. Oh crap. She knows we broke in. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind, Is she going to report us? Should I say something? Should we apologize? My heart raced as I silently weighed our options, my gaze darting between Lea's nervous smile and Prof. Montgomery's unreadable face.

Prof. Montgomery strode toward me with a purposeful air, her intense gaze locked onto mine. With each step, the quiet of the hallway seemed to amplify, the anticipation thick in the air. When she reached me, she stopped just inches away, and I gulped, my heart racing as I prepared for whatever reprimand might come.

To my shock, she reached out and snatched the pizza slice from my hand, the one I had just taken a bite of. I braced myself for her to toss it in the trash, but instead, she took a bite herself, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as she chewed thoughtfully. Without uttering a single word, she turned on her heel and walked away, the remnants of my pizza in her hand.

Did that just happen? My mind raced to comprehend her audacity—she had just taken my pizza, sampled it, and then simply strolled off without explanation.

Lea turned to me, her eyes wide with intrigue. "Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?" she asked, biting into her own slice, her curiosity piqued.

"No," I insisted, shaking my head vigorously.

But Lea raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face, "If this had happened on the first day of university, she would have literally handed us over to the police," she tried to make her point. "I'm pretty sure she has some sort of feelings for you."

I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief, and reached for another slice of pizza. Lea and I stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as we began our walk back to Midnight Mocha.

As we strolled down the quiet street, the night enveloped us, punctuated by the distant sounds of laughter and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. My mind raced with thoughts, replaying the surreal moment with Prof. Montgomery. She had taken my pizza, my pizza of all things, and casually walked away with it, her demeanor so unfazed. She hadn't scolded us, yelled, or even offered a sarcastic remark—just a quiet, almost playful act that left me perplexed.

The streetlights cast a soft glow around us, and I couldn't help but wonder if she'd bring it up when I spent the entire day in her office tomorrow. The thought made my stomach twist uneasily. Would she laugh about it? Would she treat it as a joke? Or would she somehow manage to turn it into a lecture? I glanced sideways at Lea, who was lost in her own thoughts, and hoped for the best.