Chapter 299

Knowing that Shermaine was working on the twin prime conjecture, Kylie left campus with a new goal in mind–to try solving it herself. But soon enough, she realized how difficult the problem was. She couldn’t even begin to make sense of it. That feeling of losing control frustrated her deeply.

Sarah came to her door, knocked, then walked right in. “Kylie, Joshua’s birthday is coming up. Are you going to get him something?”

“When is it?” Kylie asked.

“The 20th,” Sarah replied.

Kylie checked the calendar. That was the day after tomorrow.

“He’ll be at York residence that night,” Sarah added. “Perfect chance to impress.”

Kylie thought, ‘I’ve shown him I care plenty of times, but he keeps stepping all over it. As long as Shermaine exists, he won’t even look at me. Still, I have to give him something. My consistent sincerity will eventually win his heart.’

That night, in Shermaine’s apartment near campus, scratch paper avalanched across the desk. Shermaine sat cross-legged on the floor with a pen, completely unaware of when Joshua had arrived or when he had sat down beside her. Once she got into her zone, nothing could pull her out.

Joshua didn’t say a word. He wanted to see how long it would take for her, who had been so absorbed in this math problem that she barely noticed him lately, to notice him.

After finishing the last page of notes, Shermaine put her pen down. She could feel she was just one step away from cracking the twin prime conjecture.

She stretched her arms and turned to move to the couch, only to find Joshua sitting there, his eyes fixed on her. Joshua hooked his arms around her waist, lifting her effortlessly.

“How long have you been here?” Shermaine asked, settling onto his lap.

“An hour.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I wanted to see how long my baby would ignore me.” And sure enough, she hadn’t noticed him until her work was done.

Shermaine leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’m paying attention now.”

Joshua chuckled. Truthfully, watching her deep in mathematical thought was mesmerizing, and time flew. “Any progress?”

“I’ll figure it out before leaving for Loang,” Shermaine said confidently.

Pride swelled in his chest. Joshua couldn’t crack this kind of problem. Yet this genius was his. Shermaine shifted, her legs numb from sitting cross-legged.

Noticing her wince, Joshua massaged her calves. “Have you had dinner yet?”

With a playful smile, she said, “Yeah. But I’m craving your midnight snacks.”

Joshua’s hands slowed, turning mischievous. “Mm. But I’ll need payment upfront.”

Shermaine traced his Adam’s apple, then nipped his chin. The kiss that followed left them tangled on the sofa, moonlight painting their silhouettes through the window.

Joshua’s palm slid under her shirt, skimming the dip of her waist while his other hand guided hers lower. “Touch me.”

Shermaine’s fingers trembled. “Why do you love this so much?”

Joshua looked straight into her eyes. “Feels good.”

“That good?”

“Mm.” His voice was rough now.