Chapter 25

Paul adjusted his glasses. “We can never achieve instant results in physics. There’s a certain rhythm and pathway to achieving results. You can’t change that by simply pausing halfway.”

Blake looked sheepish. “I’m just saying…”

They ended things on a sour note. As Paul turned around, Miranda waved at him, smiling. “It’s been a while since we last met, neighbor.”

They walked home side by side. Miranda intentionally avoided discussing what had happened and chatted casually with him. “Thanks for your help last time. I’ve been making good progress with my exercises.”

Paul didn’t take the credit. “You were the one who grasped that knowledge quickly. Have you seen Dr. Young in the last few days?”

With her hands behind her back, Miranda stared at the stones beneath her feet as she walked slowly ahead. “I haven’t. We’ve only spoken on the phone a few times. She’s recovering well and can return to college in a couple of days.”

Paul nodded. “That’s great. Dr. Young has always taken her teaching responsibilities very seriously. She must be eager to return to her job.”

The sky grew darker. Someone was riding a bicycle unsteadily toward them.

Just then, Miranda stepped on an uneven tile and stumbled. She was unable to regain her balance and was about to collide with the oncoming bicycle.

At that instant, Paul reached out and grabbed her slender wrist. With a tug, he pulled her toward him, narrowly avoiding the reckless cyclist.

“Are you alright?” Through Miranda’s sleeve, Paul’s warm hand held her wrist tightly. Summer clothes were thin, and Miranda could feel the warmth radiating from him. Her ears burned bright red.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

They were so close they could feel each other’s breath. Realizing this, Miranda took a step back.

Paul also regained his composure and released her hand. After that, they walked back in silence. When they arrived, they said goodbye and entered their respective apartments.

As Miranda closed the door, the events of the walk replayed in her mind. She couldn’t help but focus on the details—Paul’s warm fingers, his minty breath, and his deep gaze.

Lowering her head, she rubbed her wrist. It felt warm, as if it had been scorched.

Paul, sweaty from the walk back from the lab and the earlier argument, felt uncomfortable. After changing into slippers, he prepared for a bath.

Out of habit, he picked up his phone to order takeout.

Accidentally, he saw a pop-up notification on the app. It was an advertisement for a pair of reddish-brown bear slippers priced at $9.00.

Stunned, he recalled that was the exact pair of slippers Miranda had worn when he’d visited her apartment.

Her toes were small and round, and her feet were fair against the dark-colored slippers.

The earlier scene resurfaced in his mind. He remembered holding her wrist with one hand. And her wrist seemed even fairer than her feet.

Soon, it was Sunday. The sun shone brightly in a clear blue sky dotted with white clouds.

Ingrid chose a simple emerald green frilly dress embellished with yellow flowers. She looked elegant and pure in it. Then, she spent an hour applying meticulous makeup.

Her roommate, from the bunk bed above, teased, “You usually sleep in on weekends. Why are you up so early? You’ve even dressed up! It's like you're going on a date with the campus belle.”

+15 BONUS

The kiss Ingrid and Hansel shared at the college entrance had been discussed on the college forum. Now, everyone at the National University of Technology knew she was dating someone.

Another roommate remarked, “Who else but Mr. Johnson? Ingy, it’s your birthday today. He must have planned a surprise for you, huh?”

Ingrid put on a pair of sunflower stud earrings. She was looking forward to it, too. However, she said, “I’m not sure. He might have, I guess.”

Her roommate was about to ask more questions when Ingrid checked her watch and anxiously picked up her purse. After changing her shoes, she called out, “Let’s talk later. I have to go!”